2022 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 that 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 and student entrepreneurs who make the Michigan family what it is today — a wonderful network of leaders and best! Go Blue — Go Dearborn!
If you’re shopping for a diehard Michigan fan — the one who already has all the gear — try hitting up 313 MVarsity. The web shop run by ‘05 and ‘20 CEHHS alum Rashid Faisal features fan apparel ranging from traditional hate-on-Ohio-State T-shirts and hoodies; to self-deprecating designs that make fun of Michigan’s reputation (maize is just a “bold, arrogant shade of yellow,” don’t you know?); to coffee mugs that celebrate Black Americans’ contributions to the institution.
Available at: 313 MVarsity
Take a stocking stuffer to the next level with a multiple-compartment — and playable — holographic box. Give fun tokens of kindness to colleagues (just add some candy). Or put an engagement ring in an origami rose that’s your partner’s favorite color. Asha’s Immortals gift boxes are stunning and they add interest to any gift.
Owned by College of Engineering & Computer Science senior and student veteran Frank Carter, the Dearborn-based business crafts origami storage boxes that are flexible, durable and customizable. Take a look — they are the visual equivalent of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). Depending on what you’re looking for, the containers can move like a Rubix's cube, stack or spin. Of course it feels good to give a gift, but Asha’s Immortals makes watching someone open it a treat too.
Available: Ashasimmortals.com
Give your holiday celebrations a nostalgic 1950s vibe with some “new vintage” creations from BlueRaspberryCharms. College of Business senior Emma Herman’s Etsy shop sells seasonal home and party decor that’s inspired by vintage graphics. The Christmas gift tags, made from mid-century holiday cards, are super cute — as are the wooden ornaments and mantel flag garlands. Herman also makes custom cards for special events and retro Easter mini flower planters — if you’re planning ahead.
Available at: BlueRaspberryCharms
Instead of a physical gift, consider giving the gift of time and take a loved one out to lunch. Or order a meal in for your team as a holiday-time thank you. Here’s a local deli that has amazing Yelp reviews — the words "fresh," "delicious," "fast," and "friendly" were used multiple times — and offers both catering and dine-in lunch options that include soups, salads and sandwiches. And, best of all, it’s owned by a Dearborn Wolverine.
Bill Fricke, a 1981 CASL graduate, started the deli more than 30 years ago. He offers catered continental breakfast options, boxed lunches and party trays — delivery is free with business accounts — in addition to customer favorites like the Rueben or Italian sub. His business has grown over the past three decades, but the hard-working Wolverine can still be found behind the counter with a smile. So, if you call to place an order or stop in, tell Bill hello.
Available: Farmington Deli, 34453 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, Michigan
When it comes to holiday giving, Hawthorne Vineyards' tasting room offers spectacular northern Michigan views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays for people looking to gift a getaway. Or, for people looking to stay at home, you can bring the taste of a Traverse City vacation to you through a Hawthorne Vineyards gift card or a membership. Winery memberships (there are different options to choose from) include shipments of seasonal wines, an invitation for a VIP winery tour, a future wine tasting for four and more.
Owned by 1971 College of Business alum Bruce Hawthorne, who has northern Michigan roots, Hawthorne Vineyards offers friendly service and finely crafted small-batch wines — Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and more — made from the fruit grown on the 80-acre site. Before you raise a glass this holiday season, fill it with wine from Hawthorne Vineyards.
Available: Hawthorne Vineyards
As Wolverines, there are a few things we all know to be true about the cold, wintery months. They are as follows: the weather will be a hot topic of conversation, sweatshirts become a wardrobe staple and your weekends will be monopolized by college football. Kiloh + Co (named after the owner’s furry friend), is a woman-owned apparel brand that understands these seasonal truths and provides a perfect solution. Kiloh + Co, started by UM-Dearborn alum Amanda Adamcheck, ‘07 COB, is an Etsy shop turned boutique specializing in all things game day and local love with cozy Ts, sweatshirts and gift items! So get ahead of the winter season with some comfortable apparel and a whole lot of state pride!
Available at: kilohandco.com
Like many 6-year-olds, Jasmine doesn't like the music her parents listen to, so her parents decided it was time she learned her musical roots. "Mama Got Rhythm and Daddy Got Rhyme," written by Robin Wilson, '18 B.A., takes readers on a journey to discover how jazz influenced R&B music. The book tells the story of jazz through the eyes of a child. The book’s heroine, Jasmine, does not like jazz and does not understand why her parents love it so much. Read a new classic about a journey through jazz history that ends at the Jazz Hall of Fame in New York City.
Available at: Barnes & Noble
The holiday season is the perfect time for rest, relaxation and a healthy dose of self-care. Neno’s Naturals, a CBD wellness brand created by UM-Dearborn alum Narmin Jarrous, '18 CASL, is on a mission to help people feel great in their bodies and work towards real and sustainable good in the world. This Michigan-based company also donates a portion of all proceeds to nonprofits around the state to advance social and racial equity. So whether it's a CBD cream or all-natural CBD gummies, Neno’s naturals has something for the self-care lover on your list.
Available at: nenosnaturalscbd.com
Allen Attee, 2001 College of Arts, Sciences, & Letters alum, grew up working in his parents' deli. The Dearborn Wolverine followed in his parents' footsteps and opened his own restaurant business. With gift card options and catering services, Picasso Restaurant Group — which has 20 locations, including eateries in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint, Brighton and Novi — offers options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and pick-me-up snacks.
You can treat a friend to a meal or make life a little easier and consider having your holiday party catered. If you are feeling a little nostalgic for your maize and blue roots, Allen has a cafe right on UM-Dearborn's campus where you can relax in a James C. Renick University Center booth while you enjoy lunch. We recommend the chicken quesadilla.
Plan on doing the cooking this year? Allen has a Sesame Chicken Pea Pod Wrap recipe that will be the talk of the party. Watch the cooking demonstration.
Available: Picasso Restaurant Group
The last few years have definitely felt like a time warp — especially when it comes to having face time with loved ones. If it's been a while since you've updated the family album, consider booking some time with 2018 College of Arts, Sciences, & Letters grad Rachel Leonard. Her 60-minute "Memory Making Sessions" are an easy and affordable way to capture authentic moments from graduation parties, birthday celebrations, family reunions or any occasion where you're gathering with your people.
Available at: Rachel Leonard Photography
UM-Dearborn alum Edward Stencel, ‘88 CASL, is not only the owner of Oak Park’s Unexpected Craft Brewing Company but the head brewer as well. Unexpected Craft Brewing Company is a craft brewery and winery that is truly unexpected. Using Michigan ingredients to make quality craft beverages, this local brewery was named one of the most amazing nanobreweries in the U.S. by Food & Wine magazine for 2015. They’ve also concocted a Peanut Butter Chocolate Stencel stout that should be on everyone’s must-try list this holiday season. You can pick up one of their original creations at their tasting room located at 14401 W. Eleven Mile Road.
Available at: unexpectedcraft.com
Love Walt Disney? Christopher W. Tremblay, '14 Ed.D., has written the perfect gift in "Walt’s Pilgrimage," an original place-based comprehensive biographical travel guidebook of Walt Disney's life story. Part history, part adventure, "Walt’s Pilgrimage" features more than 70 chapters and highlights 275-plus sites throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Learn about significant places like Disneyland, various Walt Disney museums - and even ideas that never came to fruition, such as Mineral King and St. Louis’ proposed Riverfront Square. It’s a must-have for Disney fans.
Available at: waltspilgrimage.com
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.