The SMU Shop Holiday Gift Guide
Written by Annastatia Brooks
Thumbnail & Banner Photo by Freestocks on Unsplash
With the holidays right around the corner, it might be time to start picking out gifts for family and friends. Conveniently close to the Residence buildings and your classes, the SMU Shop is the perfect location for all your holiday shopping needs. Below is a guide filled with ideas for what to buy for your loved ones, organized based on personalities and interests!
For the Athlete
Wondering what to get your sport-crazy bestie for Christmas? Saint Mary’s University (SMU) apparel is a must. The SMU Shop carries a variety of athletic gear, such as Bardown performance tees, Nike hats, Columbia brand merch including the Give and Go full zip, Fast Treck Zip, and the Park View quarter zip, as well as these beautifully designed rugby shirts. A SMU golf marker and Taylormade HUSKIES golf balls are a must for weekend golfing. Of course, make sure your athletic loved one stays hydrated with a SMU frosted water bottle.
For the Pet Parent
Do you have a dog lover in your friend circle? SMU has got you covered! Check out the SMU Shop HUSKIES dog bandanna or the SMU dog hoodie so your favorite dogs can sport SMU merch too! Dogs will enjoy the sock monkey toy and the #1 fan toy, and cats will definitely get excited over the SMU cat wand. Don’t forget to throw in a SMU pet tag so everyone knows that the furry little guy has a friend at Saint Mary’s.
For the Homebody
If you know of a loved one who prefers to stay home on the weekends, cuddled up with a good book and cup of tea, here is what the SMU Shop has to offer. A beautiful journal and pen set would be great for journaling or drawing. A sweet Punchkins plushie is the perfect companion for reading or watching cozy movies. These ceramic and cork mugs are not only great for a warm cup of tea, but they can also be taken to go on a walk or to a picnic blanket outside. Wondering what to use for a picnic blanket? This Nova Scotia tartan blanket is a perfect option.
For the Chef
The SMU Shop has lots to offer for the chefs in your life, as well. If they are into coffee and enjoy playing barista, a sturdy Halifax bistro mug would be a wonderful addition to their collection. For your chef to take their cooking on the go, check out SMU’s variety of containers and portable hardware, such as a Reno ceramic tumbler. The SMU Brew coffee is a delicious addition to their gift and a perfect stocking stuffer. After you enjoy your loved one’s cooking, relax with a SMU rocks glass, pub glass, pewter and glass stein, or a set of stemless wine glasses. Top it all off with a Fabrizio wine and bar gift set.
For the Stationary Lover
Do you have a friend or family member obsessed with fancy pens, scrapbooking, or high-quality stationery? The SMU Shop has many options available online, and even more in-store. Check out these SMU sticker sheets so your buddy can decorate their notebooks and show their SMU pride! For something more posh, grab them a leather journal with a pen. If they are more of a studious type, a three-subject notebook along with a SMU action pen is a great option. If your pal plans on going out to cafes to work or journal, or if they need to carry their scrapbooking supplies home from the craft store, they would get great use out of the SMU Hayden zipper tote bag.
For Kids
The SMU Shop carries Squishables products, which include a variety of interesting and huggable plushies that your younger siblings or child-at-heart friends will adore. If they want to show their Huskie pride, opt for a Huskies plushie, especially this husky with a "somebody at SMU loves me" tee. PaperHearts pins are a delightful way for kids to decorate their backpacks, and this custom SMU McNally card is perfect for use as wall decor in a bedroom! This adorable Nova Scotia tartan lobster is a wonderful and silly addition to their holiday gift.
For your Family
Do you have SMU-proud family members who want to show off their SMU pride? The SMU Shop not only has a beautiful Proud SMU Parent quarter zip, but they also carry Proud SMU Parent, Mom, and Dad t-shirt options! If your grandparents want to get in on the fun, grab them a Proud SMU Grandparent mug. Another great gift idea would be this convenient and stylish stainless tumbler with a handle. A SMU logo lapel pin and this pewter crested keychain are perfect for your family to show off their pride in a professional setting, such as at work. Finally, this stone coaster set is a delightful conversation piece for their living room coffee table.
I hope that this list has given you some great ideas on what to grab for your family and friends this holiday season. Whether it be for Christmas, someone’s birthday, a gift for a professor after the end of the semester (once your final grades have been released), or just to show someone that you care, the variety of items at the SMU Shop will no doubt give you a plethora of options this winter. To purchase from the SMU Shop, check out their online website, their Student Center location, and their Loyola location. Happy shopping!