2025
Holiday Gift Guide
Finding the perfect gift isn’t always easy, but our annual gift guide makes it simple. Discover standout selections that bring warmth, style, and joy to the season while supporting fellow Lehigh alumni. From sips to self-care to space upgrades, we’ve got your wish list covered.
Bevs
Sip, sip, hooray! Whether you’re a fan of spirits or mocktails, we have options for drink lovers of all kinds. So raise a glass to good taste — and even better drinks.
“If you’re curious about non-alcoholic craft beer, our variety pack is the way to go. You get four phenomenal choices with different styles and tastes across the board, plus it’s great to share with friends,” says owner Robin C. Lapoint ’91 G’96 of 1820 Brewing Co., which she runs with husband Alan Lapoint ’91. “Otherwise, All That Razz is a gluten-free, tart beer we make with a taste and mouthfeel so accurate, you wouldn’t even know it was non-alcoholic.”
Fun fact: The Lapoints met at Lehigh and got married at Packer Memorial Church.
Other Alumni-Owned Bevs
Offline Wine (Sarah Mack ’14)
Root Crafted Cocktail Mixers (Trish Lauden ’93)
Bella Grace Vineyards (Charlie Havill ’74)
Durham Distillery (Lee Katrincic MS'06))
Self-Care
Treat yourself — or someone else who deserves a little TLC. Help your loved ones reach their goals, whether that’s getting stronger, taking time to recharge, or finally booking that weekend getaway.
“Our hair serum is 100% clean, non-toxic, and great for all hair types,” says Christine Martey-Ochola Ph.D.’01, CEO of Nuele. “It’s a moisturizer and a heat protectant that works across all seasons, but it’s especially effective for fighting frizz in the winter. It’s really versatile and perfect for men and women!”
Fun fact: When Martey-Ochola was at Lehigh, she studied how toxic impacts on cells could lead to cancer. She later channeled that research into creating Nuele — safe, effective hair care rooted in science.
More Alumni-Owned Self-Care
Zwift (Kurt Beidler ‘92)
The Forward Bar (Emily Ferrara ’21)
Fabled Retreats (Judy Chow ’91)
Eco-friendly
From handmade jewelry to ethically made apparel and books focused on the natural beauty of the world, these businesses show that shopping sustainably doesn’t mean compromising on quality.
“My most recent book, Let’s Explore Manatees, is perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to engage everyone to be more environmentally aware,” says Michael Patrick O'Neill ’88. “If you like Florida, underwater photography, or care about animal welfare, this is the book for you. It’s even printed on sustainable paper to help protect our environment.”
Fun fact: O’Neill has had his award-winning photography showcased in National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Wildlife, and other leading publications.
More Eco-Friendly Alumni-Owned Products
Modern Picnic (Ali Kaminetsky ’16)
Yū|Mono Design (Keiko Akamine ’13)
RenewBluSurf (Kathryn “Kit” Keating ’26)
Samsara Sari (Namita Penugonda Reddy ’94)
Wardrobe Refresh
A style refresh is always in season. These fashion finds range from cozy to trendy, and they’re perfect for anyone looking to add something new to their wardrobe.
“All of our prints are intended to be nostalgic and comforting, and our Après Ski pajamas really capture a cozy, winter vibe without being holiday specific,” says Eliza Emery Ferrel ’08, founder of Joy Street. “All of our pajamas are made from 100% soft, Pima cotton to make them extra soft. They’re hypoallergenic, too!”
Fun fact: Every print on Joy Street’s pajamas starts as a hand-drawn design by Ferrel herself!
More Alumni-Owned Ways to Refresh Your Wardrobe
PRINCE + BROOME (Georgia Dontas ’08)
Tees by Tina (Tina Goldfield ’88)
Alissa B Custom Jewelry (Alissa Bennett ’01)
Curate Your Space
For the ones who love a good home glow-up! Refresh your space with stylish accents that are as unique as you are.
“There’s something really special about upgrading your master closet, and it’s something I recommend to everyone,” says Rebecca Merola ’06, co-owner of The Designery with husband Ted Fisher ’04. “Oftentimes, closets are an overlooked space. You don’t realize how much time you spend in your closet and how much investing in it can improve your day-to-day. You save time, overbuy less, and your day starts off with far less stress.”
Fun fact: Merola graduated with a double major in electrical engineering and music performance. After 16 years in the corporate world, she decided to take a chance on The Designery, which she sees as the perfect blend of engineering and art.
Explore Other Alumni-Owned Ways to Curate Your Space
Erin Talgo Trading (Erin Talgo ’14)
Pop O’ Color (Katie Fitzgerald Corrigan ’83)
Functional Solutions
The right tools make all the difference. These picks prove that practicality and great design can go hand in hand.
“The greatest way to show love is to protect someone’s well-being,” says Olivia Abrams ’21, creator of TiCK MiTT. “Tick protection is for everyone — from hikers and pet parents to Boy Scouts and backyard explorers!”
Fun fact: Abrams pitched TiCK MiTT on Shark Tank.
Valvetronic (Scott Gruninger ’20 and Austin Huffman ’21)
OcuTrap (Brian Quispe ’20 MS’23 and Graham Patterson ’20)
Fun for the Fam
These experiences get the whole family involved and create memories that last far beyond the holidays.
“This is pickleball in a way that it’s never been played before,” says Canaan Kimball ’26, creator of Deal and Dink. “It embraces the social side of pickleball, taking a break from the competitiveness and allowing people of any age or skill level to have fun. This game started as one I made up with my own family, so it’s really a gift from my family to yours.”
Fun fact: Kimball is studying mechanical engineering and integrated business and engineering (IBE).
Explore Other Alumni-Owned Fun for the Fam
HangDog Outdoor Adventure (Michael McCreary ’07)
Lehigh Valley Grand Prix (Michael McCreary ’07)
TickPick (Brett Goldberg ’07 and Chris O’Brien ’07)
Looking for more inspiration?
Be sure to check out our previous gift guides for other alumni-owned inspirations.
Get Involved
Want to be featured in next year’s guide?
Alumni business owners can submit their information for consideration.
