Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends
For the Home
Featured Gift Ideas
Authenticity50
You’ll feel like you’re living at a 5-star hotel. The sumptuous line of finely crafted bedding and home goods sold at Authenticity50, co-founded by Stephanie (Fodor) MacDonald ’04, has been featured on ABC World News, the New York Times’ Wirecutter website and Martha Stewart Weddings. Made seed-to-stitch® 100% in the USA, prices range from $19 for a set of washcloths, $59 for a pillow and $199 for their best-selling sheets.
Candles by OPG
The business founded by longtime DIY crafters Bria Price, Heller MPP’19, and her mother sells their unique scented soy candles in upcycled teacups. Operating under the slogan “Handmade by Our Mom for You,” this Black-owned enterprise celebrates and recognizes the impact that strong women have on each generation. New scents are being rolled out for the holiday season. Starting at $20.
Living Threads Co.
Shop here for one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly throws, table linens and scarves, handcrafted by women artisans from underprivileged communities. Amanda Zehner, Heller MA’11, founded the company to help women around the globe earn an independent income; each item comes with a story about — and a photo of — the artisan who made it. From $20 for a woven face mask, $45 for a clutch and $70 for a bamboo silk scarf. (Use BRANDEISGIFTING for 10% off, plus free shipping and returns.)
Press Interiors
These days, you’re probably spending more time than ever inside your four walls. If you’re working from home — or simply craving a mood-lifting refresh — make sure your space still works for you with the help of interior designer Jennifer Press ’09, who can offer start-to-finish ideas for a much-needed domicile transformation. $175 for an e-consultation and $300 for an in-person appointment (must live within the Greater New York City area). (Mention Brandeis for 20% off.)
Project Repat
Co-founded by Ross Lohr, Heller MBA’16, Project Repat gives new life to old threads by upcycling your favorite T-shirts into a one-of-a-kind patchwork quilt. The blankets are stitched at factories in Texas or North Carolina by workers who are paid a fair living wage. Each T-shirt quilt, made with minimal carbon impact, helps bring textile jobs back to the U.S. as it wraps you in lasting memories. From $75.
More Gift Ideas for the Home
From hand towels and needle minders to hand-embroidered wall decor, these handmade gifts have been thoughtfully designed and handmade by founder Stacy Chauviere ’99. She also incorporates Japanese fabric and mixed media into her handbags, cufflinks, earrings and paperweights. Under $60.
Shop stylish, one-of-a-kind home decor, gifts and accessories from owner/designer/photographer Rachel Boyer Shuman ’00 to help you stay connected with friends and family, especially during this time of social distancing. Their best-selling mugs were featured by Oprah Magazine two years in a row as a perfect "Galentine's Day" gift idea. A portion of the proceeds benefits social and environmental causes. Prices vary.
These unique lamps and jewelry, artistically handcrafted in the US by co-owner and founder Caryn Kinzig ’75 are sure to become treasured family heirlooms. Lamps feature vibrant blown-glass and uniquely shaped shades covered in beautiful silks and distinctive fabrics. Jewelry incorporates semi-precious stones, pearls and inlays set into silver and bi-metal earrings, brooches, bracelets and necklaces. Jewelry from $80; table lamps average $850, and floor lamps, $1,550. (Use Brandeis2020 for 10% off.)
In his second-grade art class, young entrepreneur Max added a basketball hoop onto a mug so he could toss marshmallows into hot cocoa. With the help of his parents, Ronald Ash ’91 and Jennifer Brenner Ash ’91, Max turned that idea into a business that helps kids like him who have dyslexia. They’ve sold more than 120,000 mugs throughout the world with a multi-sport product line that includes basketball, baseball, football, hockey and soccer. Oversized mugs are high-quality stoneware, dishwasher and microwave safe. $25.