The Daniels College of Business boasts a network of more than 40,000 alumni—many of whom provide products and services worthy of any holiday shopping list. Step into our crimson-and-gold mini-mall for gift ideas for friends, family or yourself.
1. McTavish Shortbread
You deserve a really good cookie, Peter Wood (BSME 1995, MBA 1995) says on his LinkedIn. His McTavish Shortbread company is eager to provide. The tasty, “Portland-style” treats are made from hand-selected, all-natural, often locally sourced ingredients and come in flavors like lemon lavender, chocolate espresso, hazelnut and blueberry. When ordering from the online store, keep in mind: Products take up to seven business days to leave the bakery.
2. Locke + Co.
The rye and bourbon distilled by Owen Locke (MBA 2009) and Rick Talley (MBA 2009) is a true slice of Colorado. Their whiskeys are aged for two years in 30-gallon oak barrels, and then float discs of aspen wood in it for an additional three months. Order online or catch them at one of their many tasting events across the Denver metro area.
3. Prio Golf
It became clear Sammy (Berger) Diniz (BSBA 2015, MBA 2016) and Tara Collins (BSBA 2016) during the COVID-19 pandemic: Most of the women’s golf clothes on the market weren’t practical. There weren’t many pockets. Skirts or skorts were either too short or too long. Some of the prints were too loud and too kitschy. Even popular athleisure brands, like Lululemon, focused on sports like tennis and had an upside-down pocket for tennis balls, not for golf balls. Prio’s products, named for a head-turning female golfer, are meant to be versatile enough for the golf course, brunch or errands.
4. GoodLove Foods
The mark of a delicious gluten-free biscuit? It doesn’t taste gluten-free. Chennelle Diong’s (MBA 2022) GoodLove Foods makes Celiac-friendly treats that “are better than [customers] remember baked goods could be.” Diong grew her business with help from Entrepreneurship@DU’s BASE Camp summer accelerator; now it offers biscuits, cinnamon rolls and puff pastry that are also devoid of nuts, soy, eggs and GMOs. Find GoodLove in select Denver stores, or order online and ship across the U.S.! (Keep your eye out for a pre-order drop, just in time for Christmas.)
5. Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club
One of Denver’s hottest spots for foodies is also one of its coolest locales for live music. A night at Nicole Mattson’s (MBA 2006, JD 2017) Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club always comes with performances in an intimate atmosphere, but it’s hard not to tack on a three-course meal with wine pairings. There’s an extensive cocktail menu too. Make a reservation for a night out or buy a gift card online!
6. Bruz Beers
Bruz is Denver’s little slice of Belgium. The beers in Ryan Evans’s (MBA 2011) taproom run the gamut from traditional Belgian-style beers to more innovative creations, inspired by a backpacking trip through Europe. Pick up a four pack, crowler or bottle (the company ships outside of Denver too) or join its Belgian Beer Club.
Register your business in our alumni directory
Whether you’re a founder, owner or part of a family-run business, Daniels wants to celebrate your entrepreneurial spirit and the impact you’re making in your community and beyond. Register for our exclusive alumni business directory to increase visibility, foster networking and create new opportunities.