2021 UM-Dearborn Holiday Gift Guide

Goodies so good, they’ll wow your loved ones and support your fellow Dearborn Wolverines while they’re at it!

University of Michigan-Dearborn is a birthplace of big ideas. It’s on our campus where Dearborn Wolverines plant the seeds for their wildest dreams and successful businesses. Whether they launch their endeavors while enrolled in UM-Dearborn, or they leverage the education, experiences and resources gleaned during their time at the university, our graduates go on to create businesses and products that make a difference in southeast Michigan and beyond. 

This holiday season, shop for gifts that give back to our alumni entrepreneurs and professionals who make the Michigan family what it is today — a wonderful network of leaders and best! Go Blue — Go Dearborn!

Dearborn Wolverines love to show their Michigan pride! Rashid Faisal, ’20 Ed.D. helps make that easy with 313 MVarsity, a line of maize and blue fan-wear inspired by his love for the university. “UM-Dearborn provided me with numerous opportunities to engage with the history and culture of the U-M system,” Faisal says. In addition to a range of 70 products — from gameday shirts for adults and children alike, to outerwear and more — 313MVarsity also offers a culturally relevant capsule collection that commemorates Michigan’s Black athletes. 

Available: 313MVarsity

Give the gift of wellness this holiday season. Whether its an individual coaching session or a fun "Girls Night In" event, College of Business 2000 alumna Lameika (Toney) Armstead — who has a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology — offers a variety of ways that extend the conversation of work/life balance and empowers people to be more proactive in attaining it. Armstead will work with you to create the right gifted wellness experience.

Available at: Balancing The Life

Cinema Detroit was founded by Paula and Tim Guthat, ‘93 B.A. They’re lifelong Detroiters who met in Professor Emeritus Sidney Bolkosky’s film class. Through their independent theater, they deliver an eclectic, quirky and quality mix of contemporary, indie, cult, genre and classic movies in the heart of the city. Detroit Metro Times Readers’ Choice Best of Detroit list named them “Best Place to See An Indie Film” in 2021. Established in 2013, Cinema Detroit is located at 4126 Third Street – the former Weber Furniture Store – and they have freshly made popcorn, Faygo pop and other locally-made treats. They offer gift memberships and gift cards.

Available at: Cinema Detroit

Know a creative spirit with style? Give them the gift of art that they can wear wherever they go. College of Business student Noura Rabah-Nasr hand paints shoes customizable to what you want — so there won’t be two pairs that are the same. Her work has taken inspiration from anime, cartoon characters, album art and more. So take your Nike Air Force 1s, slip-on Vans or even Crocs to the next level and have Noura transform your kicks into an artist’s canvas. 

Available at: Customsbynoura on Instagram

If you’re shopping for a pop culture fan whose tastes lean cult/geek/sci-fi, we’re not sure we could come up with a more original recommendation than some merch from Gulo Gulo Geeks. Owned by 2007 CASL grad Phillip Nulph and his wife, their Etsy shop specializes in traditional work shirts sporting arm and name badges suggestive of their favorite movies and TV shows. It’s about as insider as it gets, and sure to surprise even die-hard fans. Use coupon code NOOB15 to get 15% off.

Available at: Gulo Gulo Geeks

Huda Beauty is one of the worlds fastest growing beauty brands and is the perfect gift for the cosmetics lover on your list. Founded by married couple Huda Kattan, ’07 B.B.A., and Christopher Goncalo, '08 M.S. Fin., Huda Beauty grew from Kattan’s background as a makeup artist turned superstar blogger and YouTuber. At its core, Huda Beauty is focused on giving their customers what they need, from new products to beauty advice. There are 30+ gift sets available for the holiday season and is the perfect place to find stocking stuffers and luxurious sets. Check out the holiday gift guide to treat someone special...or yourself!

Available: House of Huda

2012 College of Business grad Jacob Zuppke has delivered a slice of the future that is arguably just as worthwhile as any smart technology out there. His company has been making an automatic, self-cleaning, Wi-Fi-enabled litter box for a few years now, and while that may sound too good to be true, more than 9,000+, 5-star reviews paint a pretty convincing picture of the Litter-Robot’s effectiveness. You never have to wield a scoop again, your cat always has a clean bed of litter — we’re not sure if this one is a gift for you, the cat lover in your life, or the cat itself. Either way, the world thanks you, Mr. Zuppke.

Available at: Litter Robot

In an increasingly crowded field of quality craft spirits, psychology alum Rich Lockwood (‘98 B.A.) is serving up something that stands out. At his Royal Oak-based distillery, Lockwood is constantly experimenting with adventurous whiskeys that blend new and traditional styles, with grain from Michigan farmers. We also think it’s pretty cool that they recently began growing their own grain at their southeast Michigan farm, including many heirloom varieties long-forgotten by the big distillers. You can order bottles of their current craft offerings online and pickup at their tasting room and distillery at 325 E. 4th St. They also have gift cards. 

Available at: Motor City Gas

Holiday hosting is back! For anyone in need of some extra help, Prime Party is here to entertain. Created by Paul Grekowicz Grey, ’70 B.B.A., Prime Party offers holiday gifts and party supplies covering everything from Bob Ross to Rainbows & Unicorns. Decorate your yard with outdoor signage, or recreate the classic party scene from Home Alone with your own set of cardboard cutouts. You’ll enjoy browsing the nostalgic party themes as you plan your holiday events and beyond!

Available: Prime Party

Practical gifts may not make traditional lists of hot holiday gift ideas, but we’re all for them. And something like insurance, whether it be for cars, home, or businesses, can make a real difference in someone’s life. Richard Mackie, a 1991 CASL grad, can help you and your family with all of the above and more, so you’re heading into uncertain times with more peace of mind.

Available at: Richard Mackie.com

Bring authentic flavors from around the world to your own table. Teta Foods, started by Tarek Abouljoud, ‘93 B.S.A. is a manufacturer of Middle Eastern and other ethnic salad dressings and marinades, such as Mexican and Indian sauce. The products are made with high quality ingredients and no preservatives, making it easy to cook gourmet meals in your own kitchen. Right now, nine varieties are available, including Fattoush Salad Dressing, Tahini Dressing, Shawarma Marinade, Shish Tawook Marinade, Garlic Spread, Shish Tawook Hot Sauce, Al Pastor Simmer Sauce, Tandoori Marinade, and Amba Sauce.

Available: Teta Foods

Both the young and young at heart love the magic of Disney. And there’s an illustrated children’s book by Christopher Tremblay, '14 Ed.D. — The ABCs of Walt (2018) — that gives the gift of learning. Amid your holiday celebrations, take time to read and relax with the book that covers everything from A to Z about Walt Disney and his inspiring life. 

Available: ABCs Walt by Dr-Christopher Tremblay on Amazon

If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas for fellow Dearborn Wolverines, why not a UM-Dearborn tumbler? The Department of Athletics & Recreation along with the Alumni Engagement Office offers UM-Dearborn tumblers, water bottles, and mugs. Personalize drinkware with your loved one’s name, graduation year, or a special message to sentimental touch. Proceeds from sales of the drinkware will benefit UM-Dearborn Athletics or the Alumni Engagement Office for Alumni-specific items. 

Need More Gift Inspiration?

Many University of Michigan-Dearborn alumni and students submitted their business information to be included in this Gift Guide and we compiled this list as a service. Inclusion in this Gift Guide should not be considered an endorsement by the University for these products or services.