Holiday Gift Guide: Unwrap Innovation, Sustainability, and Style This Season
Forget the cliché scarves and scented candles–this year, it’s all about gifting smart with style, sustainability, and that extra edge. From your minimalist bestie to your trendsetting college cousin and eco-warrior friends, we’ve rounded up gifts that check all your boxes; cool, conscious, and definitely not your average holiday haul. Here’s our ultimate holiday gift guide featuring unique student and alumni ventures that will wow your loved ones–and keep the planet in mind while doing it.
Sustainable Style & Accessories
Banofi Leather (Jinali Mody YSE ’23)
The future of fashion is bananas…literally
For your eco-enthusiast friend, Banofi Leather’s innovative plant-based leather, made from banana crop waste, will make a statement. Finally, a way to wear your fruit and eat it too! Well, maybe not eat it, but you get the idea.
Le Bezel (Wenbo Xiang SOM '25, Patrick Wei SOM '26)
Sustainable sparkle made simple
Nothing says “I love you” quite like a rock that didn’t require displacing half a mountain. Le Bezel creates stunning lab-grown diamonds set in recycled gold. These gems shine bright not only because of their beauty but because they are ethically sourced and oh-so-affordable. Perfect for your eco-conscious yet luxurious giftee.
Tian Hai (Jane Xiang SOM ’25)
Upcycled luxury with a story
Tian Hai takes “one man's trash is another man’s treasure” to a whole new level. They transform discarded high-fashion accessories, partnering with conscious companies and designers, to reduce landfill waste. These one-of-a-kind pieces blend style and sustainability, making them an ideal gift for the conscious fashion enthusiast.
Fashion Forward
Crew Dog (Constantine Polychronopoulos YC ’25)
For the fashion-forward frugal friend
Affordable, fashionable, and perfect for campus life, Crew Dog offers college swag that stands out from your typical hoodie and sweatpants routine. Whether it’s your cousin or a friend who’s all about repping their alma mater in style, these sweatshirts t scream, “Cool, but casual.”
Matcha Scrubs (Michaela Barker SOM ’24, SPH ’24)
For the healthcare hero with hair
Matcha Scrubs is here to prove that not all heroes wear capes–some wear fabulous scrub caps. These satin-lined scrub caps protect hair and celebrate cultural diversity. They combine function and fashion, making them a thoughtful gift for any nurse, doctor, or medical student who’s tired of hair drama during their 12-hour shift.
Self-care Essentials
Aureline (Alley Liang SOM ’21, Amy Gong SOM ’21, Ming Li)
Good for your skin, good for the planet
Say goodbye to harsh cleansers! Aureline’s Most Hydrating Cleansing Bar is formulated with natural, plant-based ingredients that pamper your skin while keeping things sustainable. Ideal for the skin guru in your life, this bar will leave them glowing.
Dalmatian (Alex Holm SOM ’22)
For the acne-prone trendsetter
No one wants a pimple during the holidays, but if one pops up, Dalmatian can fix that. These dermatologist-approved spot patches handle breakouts while keeping them cute. Perfect for anyone who values both their skincare and their aesthetic.
On-the-Go-Essentials
Scoot & Soothe (Nicola Yu SOM ’25)
Commute like a boss
Level up their city commute with a slick electric scooter from Scoot & Soothe. Perfect for zipping to the office, hitting up coffee shops, or weekend cruising, these scooters keep it fast, fresh, and eco-friendly. Let them scoot in style and preserve the planet, one ride at a time.
Verb Energy (Matt Czarnecki YC ’18, Bennett Byerley YC ’19, André Monteiro YC ’18)
The ultimate stocking stuffer
Fuel those busy holiday shopping days with Verb Energy bars. Packed with green tea, these pocket-sized caffeinated powerhouses are great for anyone who needs a quick boost. Slip a few in their stocking or gift a bundle to keep them going throughout the holiday season!
Tasty Treasures
Chirps (Meryl Breidbart SOM ’20, Laura D’Asaro)
For the daring foodie
Chirps is shaking up the snack game with protein-rich treats made from—crickets! From their delectable Chocolate Chirp Cookie Mix to whole roasted crickets and crunchy cricket protein snacks, Chirps serves up sustainable fuel that’s packed with nutrients and a surprisingly tasty twist. Perfect for adventurous eaters who want snacks that do right by both the planet and their taste buds. Bug appétit!
Havenly Treats (Caterina Passoni YC ’18, Matteo Sandrelli YC ’22, Sofia Cianchi YC ’20, Huy Truong ARC ’23, Ben Weiss YC ’20)
For the sweet tooth with a big heart
Want to make a social impact? Havenly Treats offers delicious gift sets with proceeds supporting immigrant and refugee women. You’ll be spreading holiday cheer while backing a powerful mission.
Kelewele (Rachel Laryea PhD ’21)
Flavorful bites with a global twist
Bring the gift of taste exploration with Kelewele’s unique plantain dishes. This Brooklyn-based brand draws on global cuisine to create mouthwatering, healthy treats that are sure to spice up any holiday table. Perfect for the foodie in your life!
Homebody Must-Haves
Wiggle Room (Levi Shaw-Faber ARCH ’22)
Furniture, but make it fun
Gift some joy and personality to your favorite homebody with Wiggle Room’s playful furniture designs. Based in Brooklyn, their quirky, colorful pieces are sure to spark conversation and bring a touch of fun to any space. Because who said adulting can’t include furniture that makes you giggle.
Whether you’re looking for that perfect statement piece, a sustainable alternative, or a thoughtful way to give back, these ventures have something for every person on your list. Happy gifting–and may your holidays be filled with innovation and a little extra sparkle!