Your Whitman College Holiday Gift Guide

We’ve put together a one-of-a-kind holiday gift guide—with ideas and recommendations.

Browse for items that are created or cultivated by Whitman College alumni, from across the country and industries. No matter the season, we encourage you to seek out these talented entrepreneurs, creatives and makers.

Wear It Well: Attire & Accessories

Tommy Breeze (Hats & Beanies)

Whittie owner and artist: Tommy Breeze ’16

Tommy Breeze designs small-batch hats featuring his signature landscape-inspired patches. Thoughtful, outdoorsy and handmade in California—his hats or beanies make a stylish gift for anyone who loves original gear. Celebrity spotting: Lady Gaga has been seen sporting one of Breeze’s Serenity patch hats. 

Miscellany Craft (Jewelry)

Whittie owner and artist: Anjuli Martin ’08

Under her brand Miscellany Craft, Anjuli Martin creates unique, handmade jewelry. A lifelong crafter, Martin, who works in the Bay Area as a photo stylist, describes her style as modern eclectic and gives a nod to a Whitman printmaking course as an influence in her work. From delightful to delicate, jewelry from Miscellany Craft makes a thoughtful, artful gift for someone who loves eclectic gifts with style.

Great Reads by Alum Authors

Novel: ‘The Madonnas of Leningrad’

Whittie author: Debra Dean ’80

Here’s a powerful, gift-worthy read for anyone who loves historical fiction. Originally published in 2006, “The Madonnas of Leningrad” was Debra Dean’s debut novel and became a national bestseller. The beautifully written story follows a young woman who survives the siege of Leningrad by preserving the masterpieces of the Hermitage in her memory—a haunting, art-centered story of memory, war and survival. Among other accolades, the book was a Booklist Top Ten Novel and an American Library Association Notable Book of the Year. 

Nonfiction: ‘Kin: The Future of Family’

Whittie author: Sophie Lucido Johnson ’08

Recently featured in Whitman Magazine, Sophie Lucido Johnson’s newest book, “Kin: The Future of Family,” is a thoughtful, uplifting look at how friendships and chosen family can shape our lives. Part memoir, part cultural insight—it makes a great gift for anyone craving deeper connection. A popular blogger, cartoonist and artist, Johnson has her own eclectic shop of delights, including T-shirts, stickers and original art.

For the Kiddos: ‘The Search for Sasquatch’

Whittie author: Laura Krantz ’00

“The Search for Sasquatch” is a fun, science-savvy adventure book that asks: Could Bigfoot be real? Through interviews, reporting and the scientific method, Laura Krantz, a journalist and podcaster, investigates the legend of Sasquatch—something she originally did with her award-winning “Wild Thing” podcast. The book makes a perfect gift for young readers who love mysteries and the natural world. Bonus idea: Purchase it with two other Krantz wild titles—about UFOs and magic—creating a set of big questions for curious minds. 

A Plug for Independent Bookstores 

Before we move on from books, how about ordering your 2026 reading list and other fun stuff from these Whitman-owned independent bookstores with online options? (Or pay them a visit if that’s an option!)

Handmade Works of Art

Seagrove Stoneware Pottery

Whittie owner and artist: David Fernandez ’73
Seagrove, North Carolina

Lovers of handmade ceramics or anyone who values the care and character that goes into artisan pottery, will appreciate the beautiful work of David Fernandez. Each piece is wheel-thrown and individually glazed in Fernandez’s North Carolina studio. Fun fact: Fernandez is the current mayor of Seagrove, North Carolina, which has been called the pottery capitol of the United States. 

Saltstone Ceramics

Whittie owner and artist: Liz Leong ’14
Seattle, Washington

Co-owned by Whitman alum Liz Leong, Saltstone Ceramics, in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, is a bright, inclusive studio plus gallery that sells functional handmade pottery—mugs, bowls, vases and more—along with works from independent artists. Order a Saltstone piece online—or give a gift card for class/pottery session for a creative friend in the Seattle area. A clever aside: This March, Saltstone will host its seventh annual Mug Madness tournament—64 mugs vie for the title (follow along on Instagram). 

Good Stuff for Gift Baskets, Hosts & Foodies

Farm-to-Market Pork & Beef (Smoked Meats)

Whittie owner: Janette Braaten ’74
Kalispell and Missoula, Montana

Along with her family in Kalispell, Montana, Janette Braaten owns and operates Farm to Market Pork and Beef, which specializes in small-farm meats (hormone- and steroid-free)—and ships to the lower 48 states. For a holiday feast, consider one of their smoked turkeys or a gift box for someone who would appreciate ethically raised meats.

The Food in Jars Kitchen (Cookbook)

Whittie author: Marisa McClellan ’01

In her fourth cookbook, “The Food in Jars Kitchen,” food writer Marisa McClellan offers home cooks recipes for using their canned preserves. It’s the ideal book for people who love canning or just want to make the most of homemade preserves or jarred items in their pantry. Just yum: Recipes include Jam-Filled Biscuits, Preserved Lemon Hummus, Strawberry Basil Pizza and Jam-Lacquered Chicken Wings.

KariKari (Garlic Chili Crisp)

Whittie owner: Ruby Sparks ’08

KariKari is a crave-worthy chili crisp co-founded in Seattle by Whitman alum Ruby Sparks. It packs bold flavor and satisfying crunch—think crispy garlic, shallots and peanuts while chilis and spices bring the heat. A punchy gift for a host, home cook or spice lover. As KariKari’s website says, “Warning! Explosively good on everything”—from noodles to fried eggs to ice cream! You can order jars of KariKari online, but it’s also found in many markets nationwide.

Kuli Kuli Foods (Superfoods)

Whittie owner: Lisa Curtis ’10

Kuli Kuli was founded by Whitman alum Lisa Curtis after she discovered the nutritional power of moringa while serving in the Peace Corps. The brand offers moringa-based powders, superfood gummies and latte blends. Giving Kuli Kuli is more than a healthy gift: Curtis works with women-led farming co-ops abroad to sustainably grow moringa while improving farm livelihoods. Superfood, super interesting: Learn more about moringa.

Orta Gardens (Self-Watering Seed Pots)

Whittie owner: Anne Fletcher ’98
Berkeley, California

These handmade terracotta seed pots make starting herbs, vegetables, or flowers both simple and sustainable—without the usual watering guesswork. Just fill the built-in water reservoir about once a week, and the porous clay gently wicks moisture through the walls to keep soil evenly damp, helping seedlings thrive.

Recycled Ideas (Plantable Seed Paper/Favors)

Whittie owner and artist: Holly Nelson ’96

Holly Nelson creates handmade, seed-embedded paper that can be planted to grow flowers, herbs or veggies—turning delightful cards, tags and favors into living gifts. Nelson uses thoughtful, low-waste production methods and non-GMO seeds, and each piece is designed to be both beautiful and biodegradable. It’s a meaningful, made-in-Walla-Walla pick for gardeners, eco-conscious friends or anyone who loves a gift that grows.

Red Truck Bakery (Ready-to-Ship Baked Goods)

Whittie chef and owner: Neal Wavra ’00
Marshall and Warrenton, Virginia

Owned by chef Neal Wavra, Red Truck Bakery ships pies, cakes, cookies and other baked goods nationwide. Making it easy to deliver a sweet treat to someone on your list. Fans of Red Truck include Oprah and Barack Obama—and chef Andrew Zimmern calls the bakery’s granola “the best granola in North America.” A savory aside: Wavra also owns and operates an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant in Marshall, Virginia—Field and Main—and even finds time to blog about it: Notes from Neal.

Cheers! When Only a Bottle Will Do

DW Distilling (Craft Brandy)

Whittie owner: Keith Dahlgren ’78 
Walla Walla, Washington 

DW Distilling has made an art of crafting barrel-aged brandies using top local Walla Walla wines. DW’s brandy was voted the No. 1 Craft Brandy by USA Today (2023). Delivery available in Walla Walla and Seattle.

Analemma Wines

Whittie owner: Kristin Fade ’08 
Mosier, Oregon

On their beautiful location on the hills of the Columbia Gorge, Analemma Wines and its co-founder Kristen Fade, focus on caring for their vineyards and crafting organic wine in the most sustainable way possible. They avoid synthetic chemicals, enrich the soil naturally and heed the seasons. When you shop their label, note the design—it represents an analemma, an astronomy term for a figure-eight pattern formed by plotting the sun’s position at the same time each day over a year. Bonus points: You can drink wine and have a teachable moment with friends and family. 

Balboa Winery

Whittie owners: Chris Duncan ’10 and Becca O’Connor ’12
Walla Walla Valley, Washington

Balboa Winery produces small-batch wines in the Rocks District of the Walla Walla Valley. It’s a hands-on endeavor for the Balboa team, which includes part-owners, Chris Duncan and Becca O’Connor. All the fruit is hand-picked and hand-sorted and then hand-crafted to create exceptional wines if you want to give a wine that’s “true to the terroir.” 

Coeur d’Alene Cellars

Whittie owner: Kimber Gates Travis ’96
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

As a Whitman student, Kimber Gates Travis studied abroad in Besançon, France. At Coeur d’Alene Cellars, that experience continues to inspire her love of travel and, specifically, the Burgundy region and its wines. Each CDA Cellars bottle has another Whitman connection, featuring a beautiful watercolor by Kimber’s mother, Sarah Gates ’70—fun for winelovers who also appreciate a lovely label. 

L’Ecole No. 41

Whittie owners: Megan Ferguson Clubb ’79 and Riley Clubb ’09
Lowden, Walla Walla and Woodinville, Washington

Here’s a winery that is rich in family history—including Whitman history. In 1983, with his wife Jean, alum Baker Ferguson ’39 founded L’Ecole No. 41 as a retirement project. It was only the third commercial winery in the Walla Walla Valley. In 1989, the Fergusons’ daughter, Megan Ferguson Clubb, and her husband, Marty Clubb, took over as L’Ecole’s manager and winemaker respectively. Today, L’Ecole is a third-generation family enterprise co-owned by Megan, Marty and their children, Riley and Rebecca. Browse their wine shop or here’s a richly decadent option: L’Ecole’s Chocolate Merlot Sauce.

Mocel Mezcal (Artisan Spirits)

Whittie owner: Rosalinda Mendoza ’06 

Rosalinda Mendoza, along with her sister, founded Mocel Mezcal, a premium spirit company. Crafted from wild agave in Michoacán, Mexico, the sisters’ Double Gold mezcal delivers a refined spirit with deep cultural roots. Order a bottle (which is a piece of art itself) from their limited batches or contact them for special gifting options or find it at a restaurant near you. 

Revelry Vintners

Whittie owner and winemaker: Jared Burns ’03 
Walla Walla, Washington

A Philosophy major turned winemaker, Jared Burns takes a thoughtful approach to his wine and business—Revelry Vintners—aiming for each new vintage to be better than the last. His attention to his craft has resulted in a diverse selection of flavorful wines, giving you many options. If you’re shopping online, you might start with Burns’ holiday specials. Let the revelry begin!  

Valdemar Estates

Whittie head winemaker: Devyani Isabel Gupta ’15
Walla Walla, Washington

It was Whitman that first brought Devyani Isabel Gupta to Walla Walla. Here, she found a community, passion and career. In 2019, she was hired as a winemaker at Valdemar Estates, which is the Walla Walla brand of a renowned Spanish wine family business. For wine crafted lovingly by Gupta from vineyard to winery, shop Valdemar’s Washington wines. Cheers to this: Gupta was the 2025 Pete Reid Award winner in recognition of her outstanding career and service to others.

Outdoorsy Gifts & Experiences

Big Winds (Watersports Adventures & Gear)

Whittie owner: Jodie Gates ’07 
Hood River, Oregon 

Jodie Gates grew up in a family that went for it when it came to adventure and big winds on the Columbia River Gorge. In 1987, her family opened Big Winds in downtown Hood River. Today, Jodie is the owner and president of the company. You can shop Big Winds online for new and used gear for water adventurers. Or give an experience to someone who can make the trip to the river to catch some wind and waves. Beginning in May, Big Winds will relaunch their lessons on the water, including a Kids Camp.

Ignik Outdoors (Eco-Friendly Hand Warmers & More)

Whittie owner: Graeme Esarey ’92

Founded by Whitman alum Graeme Esarey, Ignik is on a mission to cut backcountry waste. Ignik’s newest rechargeable hand warmers deliver instant and long-lasting heat on the go—perfect for skiers (designed to fit in ski gloves!), hikers, campers or anyone braving the cold. As with all Ignik gear—from compostable warmers (for hands and toes) to refillable propane tanks—Ignik’s warmers combine smart design with a commitment to sustainability. Read about the Esareys’ Arctic sail that inspired this eco-endeavor.

Minam Store Outfitters (Guided Adventures)

Whittie owner and guide: Grant Richie ’03
Minam, Oregon


Minam Store Outfitters, owned and operated by Whitman alum Grant Richie and his wife, Lottie, offers fishing and rafting excursions in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Thanks to the Richies, you can give an incredibly memorable gift (to your family, team or yourself)—maybe that’s whitewater rafting on the Snake or Salmon River, fly fishing on the Grande Ronde, or “glamping” one one of Minam’s Food and Wine on the River trips—think chef-catered meals, prepared and served riverside by your guide and paired with Northwest wines. 

Outwild (Outdoor Retreats)


Whittie owner: Courtney Sanford ’12

Outwild, co-founded by Whitman alum Courtney Sanford, offers immersive and inclusive retreats to help people reset, reconnect with nature, and think more deeply about their lives and values. Guests enjoy outdoor adventures, yoga, workshops, community and more in amazing outdoor settings. In our hectic and digital world, you could give the gift of fresh air, good times and clarity. Check out upcoming 2026 events—and join the Outwild email list so you can learn when tickets go on sale. 

Last, But Not Least: Let’s Rock!

Chastity Belt (New Album: ‘Live Laugh Love’)

Whittie band members: Gretchen Grimm ’12, Lydia Lund ’12, Julia Shapiro ’12 and Annie Truscott ’12

Indie rock band, Chastity Belt, started as four Whitties having fun through music at Whitman—playing campus house shows, winning Battle of the Bands, and ultimately turning a way to blow off steam into a unique, witty, guitar-driven sound with a now global following. Their latest album, “Live Laugh Love” (2024), is a great pick for anyone who loves smart indie rock with heart and a touch of Whitman lore. Shop the band’s merch and previous albums.