2024 Tulane Alumni
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Holiday gift giving can be overwhelming. Thankfully, we have you covered with our Tulane Alumni Gift Guide! Get in the Green Wave spirit and support some of the Tulane alumni-affiliated businesses below. From craft olive oil to fine jewelry to handmade pottery and glassware, there is something for everyone on your list.
Did we miss anyone? We are always hoping to profile outstanding alumni. If you know of an alumni retailer that we have not featured here, please let us know at alumni@tulane.edu or in our social channels for consideration for a future profile or inclusion in next year’s gift guide.
From Magazine Street to the World
DERBY POTTERY
Artisan Mark Donald Derby (UC ’00) and his wife Ann Marie own Derby Pottery, a beloved staple of Magazine Street since 2000. Their shop handcrafts premium pottery and tiles, each infused with the unmistakable charm of New Orleans. They are known for their renowned reproduction of the iconic blue and white tile letters and numbers that adorn the streets of New Orleans. These tiles are meticulously handcrafted, making Derby Pottery a go-to destination for those looking to bring an authentic piece of the Crescent City into their homes.
HAZELNUT
Fine gift and home furnishings shop Hazelnut is co-owned by actor Bryan Batt (A&S ’85) and writer Katy Danos (A&S ’85), along with Batt’s partner Tom Cianfichi. Hazelnut is the perfect place to purchase something with some flair. According to the store’s website, Batt divides his time between the Garden District and the Upper East Side: “This blend of the ‘Big Apple’ and the ‘Big Easy’ has created a cross-pollination of design styles that he brings to Hazelnut, creating its unique sensibility of chic, mixed with old world charm.”
MIGNON FAGET
The city of New Orleans is the primary inspiration for the collections at Mignon Faget, named after its owner, Mignon Faget (NC ’55). Each exquisite and distinctive piece is designed on historic Magazine Street, according to the website: “Drawing from her fine arts training, Mignon Faget’s designs are anchored in natural and architectural concepts, which come to life in timeless sculptural forms.” Check out the double old-fashioned glasses from her Collegiate Collection, which feature a Tulane-inspired design. Discover sophisticated gifts for everyone at the Mignon Faget holiday gift guide.
STONEY CLOVER LANE
This colorful and customizable line of bags and accessories was founded in 2009 and grew in dorm rooms at Tulane. Stoney Clover Lane was founded by sisters Kendall Glazer (SLA ’13) and Libby Glazer (SLA ’15) and has been featured in numerous fashion magazines and worn by top celebrities. After opening its first brick-and-mortar store in Palm Beach in 2018, the company opened a total of seven stores, including the New Orleans store on Magazine that opened in 2021. Explore Stoney Clover Lane’s enchanting new holiday gift guide, featuring a spellbinding assortment of merchandise inspired by the magic of Wicked!
New Orleans Eats
Experience the magic of New Orleans food with gifts from some of the city’s best restaurants, proudly owned by Tulane alumni.
COMMANDER’S PALACE
From the legendary Commander’s Palace, co-proprietor Adelaide (Ti) W. Martin (B *84), comes the Commander’s Collection which captures the spirit of this iconic New Orleans restaurant. Commander’s has curated a selection of gifts perfect for every foodie or entertainer on your list. Whether you’re stocking the bar, delighting a chef, treating a host, filling the pantry or setting a stunning table, these gifts bring a touch of Commander’s renowned excellence into your home.
RALPH BRENNAN RESTAURANT GROUP
Looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves New Orleans cuisine? Treat them to a gift card from one of the iconic restaurants in the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, owned by Ralph Owen Brennan (A&S ’73, B ’75). Or explore the unique gift guides from some of the celebrated Brennan family establishments, like the historic Napoleon House, serving New Orleans since 1914. Sip their signature drink from a commemorative Pimm’s Cup glass or shop for Napoleon House ornaments, clothing and magnets. Celebrate the delicious flavors of Brennan’s with their bananas Foster candle, cookbook, coffee and more. These gifts bring the charm and flavor of New Orleans straight to your holiday.
ST. JAMES CHEESE COMPANY
Richard Mohler Sutton (TC ’94) and Danielle Moreton Sutton (NC ’95) met at Tulane and later found their calling as cheese mongers in London. There, both Danielle and Richard trained at Paxton & Whitfield, a renowned 200-year-old cheese shop and supplier to the royal household and Parliament. In 2006, the couple returned to New Orleans to share their passion for fine cheeses. Now, with two locations in uptown and downtown New Orleans, St. James Cheese Company offers a wide variety of artisanal and farmhouse cheeses, charcuterie, specialty foods, gifts and accessories. Even if you’re not in New Orleans, you can still experience their incredible selection by ordering from afar, bringing a taste of their expertise straight to your table. There is a Tulane Alumni discount for free shipping for orders over $100 through Dec. 20. The discount code to use on the website is TU-ALUM.
Tulane Entrepreneurs Make Their Mark
54 THRONES
Christina Tegbe (B ’07) left a career in corporate consulting in 2015 to launch 54 Thrones, an African beauty brand. The line, which includes body butter, body oil and cleansing bars, is named after Africa’s 54 countries. Christina travels to Africa to source key ingredients and meet with the artisans who handcraft the rich ingredients that make up the brand. 54 Thrones is carried by major retailers including, Sephora, Nordstrom and Credo stores, and in 2020 was named to Oprah Winfrey’s annual list of “Favorite Things.” In 2021, the company got another big boost when Tegbe competed on “Shark Tank” and attracted two investors. The impressive product line, perfect for holiday gifting, is available on the company’s website and in stores.
AMY A JEWELRY
Amy A. Wilderson (NC ’85) is the artist behind Amy A Jewelry. Using metalsmithing, wire-working and knotting techniques, Wilderson transforms forgotten treasures — like orphan earrings or vintage glass Mardi Gras beads — alongside reclaimed materials such as computer elements, bra underwires and broken dishes, to give new life to the discarded. She pairs these unique elements with gemstones associated with myth, power and healing to craft “wearable, living stories.” Discover Amy A Jewelry’s distinctive creations and find the perfect gift for that special someone.
ANDIE’S EATS
Andie Regan (B ’20), now the proud owner of a bakery in New York City, began her journey with Andie’s Eats right on Tulane’s campus as a student. Watch this inspiring video to learn how she turned her passion into a thriving business. Andie’s delicious cake scraps can be shipped from her storefront on Bleeker Street in Greenwich Village to anywhere in the nation, and you can also shop her merchandise to support this entrepreneurial success story! Use the promo code CAKESCRAPS15 to save on your holiday purchase.
ECO WONDER CLOTH
If you’re looking for a practical and thoughtful gift this holiday season, the ECO Wonder Cloth is a great choice. Created by entrepreneur Shelley Thomas (B *84), this patented cleaning cloth works on all floor types, is reversible and reusable and can be used for both wet and dry cleaning. Plus, it fits the original Swiffer Sweeper floor mop, offering an eco-friendly alternative to disposable cleaning pads. The ECO Wonder Cloth is available for purchase on Thomas’s website and on Amazon, making it easy to grab a gift that’s both useful and thoughtful for the eco-conscious person on your list. Receive 10 percent off a single cloth with the discount code “tulane” (all lowercase).
GLASSBLOWER BEN
Benjamin Dombey (SLA ’08) honed his artistry in glassblowing while earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Tulane. He has traveled the globe working with the world’s top glassblowers. Now based in New Orleans, he and his wife Allyson run the GlassblowerBen studio. There, they create distinctive glassware that elevates everyday moments. Give a truly memorable gift this holiday with his handcrafted glassware — every piece is a “one-of-a-kind work of art.”
GRAZA
Interested in fresh, single-origin, affordable extra-virgin olive oil that can be used every day? Allen Dushi (B ’09) is co-founder of Graza, a popular EVOO startup that launched in 2022. Beloved by top chefs and top home chefs alike, Graza’s single-varietal oil is sourced from a farm in southern Spain and comes in a distinctive opaque green plastic squeeze bottle. You can purchase directly through the website or can pick up a bottle at thousands of stores across the United States. Make the holidays extra magical — order now to ensure this perfect gift arrives just in time.
HATRIMONY HAT CO.
During Jordan Sullen’s childhood in New Orleans, to his days as a Tulane football star and then as an NFL player, Jordan has always recognized the power of a well-chosen hat. Hatrimony was founded by Jordan Sullen (SLA ’14) and wife Ariel Anderson-Sullen in the Atlanta metro area. Hatrimony is inspired by Jordan’s lifelong connection to hats — from the cherished fedora he received at 14 to the innovative designs that now define his brand. This holiday season, find the perfect gift at Hatrimony and share a touch of style and tradition with someone special. Use the exclusive code “TU4L” to enjoy 20 percent off your purchase between now and January 1, 2025.
KYLE CAVAN
For a bespoke way to show your Tulane spirit, look no further than jewelry from Kyle Cavan. Co-founded by Elizabeth I. Garcia (B ’15), the company specializes in unique, collegiate-inspired pieces that blend timeless style with meaningful design. Kyle Cavan offers a stunning Tulane collection featuring elegant pieces that celebrate the Green Wave. Perfect for graduates or as a keepsake, these designs beautifully honor your time at Tulane. Use the code TULANEHOLIDAY for 20 percent off.
TULANE GIFTS
FINE GIFTS AT M. LAHART & CO.
Interested in a pair of cufflinks, glassware or even a TAG Heuer watch? M. LaHart & Co. sells all this and more, and all showcasing the Tulane logo. You can even add a personal touch with custom engraving, making each item as unique as its recipient.
TULANE UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL BOOKSTORE
Start your day with coffee in a Tulane mug, fly a Green Wave banner at your house or bring the game spirit to your table tennis matches with balls marked with the Tulane logo. The Tulane University Bookstore has an apparel and spirit shop that is sure to satisfy even the biggest Tulane fan.
GRADUATE POSTERS
Since 2016, Tulane Alumni have sent graduates off with a specially commissioned art poster designed by a local New Orleans artist. The posters are given to graduating students, so they always have a reminder of Tulane and New Orleans to take with them wherever they go. Now, alumni can purchase these posters while supplies last.