Terp Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Spice up your holiday season with some of Pancibus’ “chalsa”—a unique mix of mango chutney and salsa—by Tommy Penaherrera ’14, great for tacos, toast and even Maryland crab cakes. For something sweeter, try ooey-gooey cookies stuffed with Oreos, Nutella or rainbow sprinkles from Cookies by Drew, made by Drew Haas ’24, alongside her mom and grandma. Trying to cut down on sugar? Grab a D’Vash Organics date energy bar by David Czinn ’10, naturally sweetened snacks made sustainably to decrease impact on the environment.

Don’t forget celebratory libations: Grab a six-pack of Terrapin Premium Lager—and plenty of other delicious beers—from Union Craft Brewing, co-founded by Adam Benesch '98. (Bonus: A portion of Terrapin Premium Lager proceeds support Terp student-athletes.) Or try a local wine from Loew Vineyards in Mt. Airy, Md., where Rachel Loew-Lipman ’15 serves as winemaker and vineyard manager, continuing her family legacy from the 1870s.

Books

Pick up the latest bestseller from MacArthur “Genius Grant” winner Jason Reynolds ’05, “24 Seconds From Now,” about two Black teens falling in love, the newest edition of the “Wimpy Kid” series from Jeff Kinney ’93 or “Owning Up,” a collection of four novellas from acclaimed crime writer George Pelecanos ’80.

Terp authors have written plenty of nonfiction too. Trailblazing television anchor Connie Chung ’69 released a frank and funny self-titled memoir, “Connie,” about battling her way to the pinnacle of the evening news, while fellow journalist Todd Ehrlich ’86 recounts “The 20 Greatest Moments in New York Sports History.” Or get a little meta with “The Bookshop” by Evan Friss ’02, all about the history of bookstores.

Games and Knicknacks

Bring family and friends together this winter by playing Fluxx, the ever-evolving card game created by Andy ’86 and Kristin ’88 Looney. There’s a version for everyone, from Winnie the Pooh fans to “Doctor Who” devotees and nature or camping enthusiasts. Pick out some feel-good stickers, stationery and more from Soul Full of Sun by Jaanavi Selvaraj ’22, featuring motivational quotes like “Don’t quit your daydream” and “Be kind to your mind.” Can’t get enough of winter citrus? Order some dried orange, kiwi or dragon fruit charms, earrings and necklaces from Kamryn Brandt ’24, who also sells her Harvester’s Daughter wares at the UMD Farmers Market.

Never leave the couch again with a cozy throw blanket from Ph.D. student Micah Morgan through her brand Fish Beauty, whose designs include blue crabs, dragonflies and terrapins. Reimagine a living space with tips from “The African Décor Edit” by Nasozi Kakembo ’05—also a coffee table book with gorgeous photos—featuring baskets, textiles, furniture and art from her African heritage. And make your yard the talk of the neighborhood with a custom wood carving from Colin Vale ’13, who uses chainsaws to create massive works of art.

Traditional products not doing the trick? Try Filterbaby by Xin Ma ’10 and Lynn Ma ’18, who were named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list last year. The product attaches to faucets to remove irritants like chlorine and rust, which can dry out skin.

Pamper every part of the body with gifts like lip glosses or lashes from Chery Cosmetics by Aiyana Chery ’22; M’Elyon Organics hair care products, developed by Adewunmi Agagu ’25, who sought better solutions for her Afro-textured type 4 hair; and scrubs and body butters from Body Essentials by Abiara, which Mathea Abiara ’28 created as a high school student.

Transform a car full of dropped Cheerios and fall’s leafy remnants into a pristine ride with Dawson’s Detailing, run by James Dawson ’24, one of the winners of this year’s Pitch Dingman competition. Upgrade your wardrobe—or a friend’s!—with in-person or virtual styling from former model and fashion expert Aliya Thomas ’97, who runs Elevated Style by Aliya. Want to get a jump on New Year’s resolutions? Grab a class pack or membership to OpenBarre Studios in College Park, owned by Lauren Filocco ’12 (discounts are available for UMD alums, employees and students).