Gifting Goes Orange: Your Holiday Guide
Still searching for that perfect holiday gift? We鈥檝e compiled a list of items with a Syracuse connection, many celebrating the entrepreneurial endeavors of University alumni. Whether you’re shopping for foodies, bookworms, sports fans or anyone in between, these Syracuse-connected businesses offer quality products with an Orange twist.
For Beverage Lovers

For the caffeine fiend on your list, consider scooping up a bag of , a collaboration between Rocket Cup Coffee and the 网爆门 Alumni Association. Another option: , founded by Alyza Bohbot James 鈥08, offering a selection of sustainably sourced specialty coffee.
For the 21-and-over crowd, many cocktail enthusiasts appreciate , created by Eric M. Tecosky ’91. The brand has become a staple for martini lovers and home bartenders looking to elevate their drink game.
Or, you can skip straight to the booze with , co-founded by Giancarlo Franco 鈥21, or the from Mano’s Wine, also a partnership with the Alumni Association.
For Foodies and Sweet Tooths

Syracuse entrepreneurs have conquered the condiment category, too. Consider 鈥斺渁 spicy sauce evolution of ketchup and mayo, each bottle handcrafted to perfection鈥濃攆ounded by Brian Nacht ’09. No Syracuse food lover’s pantry is complete without spicy hot tomato sauce and dipping oil, created by Karyn Korteling 鈥81.
makes shakshuka鈥攖he popular Mediterranean egg dish鈥攕imple enough for busy mornings. Founded by Natasha Brao ’22, G’24, the garlic, cumin and red pepper-spiced tomato sauce has won several innovation and entrepreneurship competitions on campus in recent years.
To reach elite gift-giver status, check out : a specialty retailer that bills itself as “bringing caviar to the people” with reasonable pricing and an accessible product line. It was co-founded by Christine LeMieux 鈥04 and is the first Black and female-owned caviar company with national distribution.
Sweet treats abound from Orange alumni: The Syracuse-based , owned by Ryan Novak ’11, offers whimsical desserts that are as fun to look at as they are to eat. , created by Melissa Ben-Ishay 鈥06, ships bite-sized cupcakes and other tantalizing treats nationwide.
For Neat Freaks

Organization enthusiasts will love , founded by Adam Fazackerley ’96 and his wife Amy, which make packing and cleanup effortless. The couple, who also co-chair the Libraries Advisory Board, have created products that transform how families and travelers stay organized.
Cleaning enthusiasts likely already know about , but they might not know it was created by Aaron Krause ’92. The smiling sponge has become a household name and makes a practical, cheerful gift.
For Fashionistas
Fans can show off their Orange pride with a throwback , available through the NIL Store. Celebrating our beloved mascot鈥檚 name, image and likeness (NIL) deal, signed earlier this year, it’s a fun way for fans to support Athletics and the mascot program. For more apparel ideas and other unique gifts, don鈥檛 forget about the .
For Book Lovers

Writers affiliated with Syracuse’s renowned creative writing program have several recent releases that just might please the readers on your list, including:
- “” by Mona Awad, Esther M. Larsen Faculty Fellow in the Humanities and assistant professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences
- “” by George Saunders G’88, professor of English, now available for pre-order with a Jan. 27 release date鈥攑erfect for someone on your list looking ahead to their first great read of 2026
- 鈥,鈥 a novel by Paula Saunders G’87, released this summer
- “” by Lily King G’95, released this fall
For readers of all ages, check out , co-founded by Carolyn Danckaert G’07 and Aaron Smith G’07. It offers books and products celebrating strong female role models.
Shop With Purpose
The D鈥橝niello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) maintains a featuring military-owned businesses, many of whom are graduates of IVMF programs, offering another avenue to support entrepreneurs with Syracuse connections while honoring those who have served.
Note: To ensure arrival by a specific date, be sure to check individual websites for more information on shipping timeframes.