Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Explore Products Made by Michigan Ross Alums

Whether you’re looking for tasty treats, books, games, winterwear, or wine, Michigan Ross alums have created it all. So, if you’re on the hunt for holiday gifts this year and looking to discover some great new brands and companies while supporting your fellow Ross alums, look no further. 

This list will introduce you to products, services, and businesses that you and your loved ones will continue to enjoy long after the holidays are over.

Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery

Alicia R. Robinette, BBA ’85

Shop Michigan-grown apples and other edible gifts at Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery, a family farm with a history dating back to 1911. Robinette’s ships gift boxes across the country, filled with delicious treats like apples of the most popular varieties, jams, fudge, cheese, and more.

 shop robinette's apple haus and winery

All the Places We Call Home

Patrice (Harduar) Gopo, MBA/MPP ’07

In her first picture book, author Patrice Gopo illuminates how family stories of far-off lands help shape children, form their identity, and connect them with the broader world. Her lyrical language, paired with Jenin Mohammed’s richly textured artwork, creates a beautiful, stirring portrait of a child’s deep ties to cultures and communities beyond where she calls home.

To learn more about Patrice Gopo's work, visit patricegopo.com.

buy all the places we call home

Northern Classics

Kristin Ruud, BBA ’10, and Rachel Heydlauff, MBA ’17

Northern Classics is an elevated line of outerwear and accessories for kids (and women) specializing in technical skiwear, including coats, snowsuits, hats, mittens, and more. Their mission is to help shape curious and confident kids through outdoor play. Founded by a Ross alum and mom of four, Northern Classics is designed to keep kids warm and dry while also being picture-worthy.

Use code “ROSS20” for 20% off at http://www.northernclassics.com. shop northern classics

Sake High!

Joey Labes, BBA ’16, and Brenna Turner, BS ’17

Sake High! is a premium Junmai sake brewed with love in Japan. It’s well-balanced and made with just rice, water, and koji. Sake High! is best enjoyed chilled or in your favorite cocktail.

You can follow Sake High! on Instagram at @drinksakehigh and find recipes and additional information at sakehigh.com. 

shop sake high

YOU’RE THE BOSS: A Kid’s Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Own Business

Brian Weisfeld, BBA ’90

You’re The Boss: A Kid’s Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Own Business is a Penguin-published guide to entrepreneurship that covers everything a kid, tween, or teen needs to know to start their own business, including business ideas, finding customers, pricing products, and building an empire.

buy you're the boss

Equality Vines

Marc Ramos, MBA ’17

Equality Vines is the world’s first cause wine portfolio dedicated to equality for all people. It’s a perfect pairing for label co-founders Matt Grove and Jim Obergefell, a coupling of shared passions for excellent wine and equal rights. Equality Vines presents a collection of limited-release, premium wines to benefit organizations working toward equality for all.

 A portfolio of exceptional wines from California by some of the world’s best winemakers, each bottle tells a story and supports a non-profit organization. Equality Vines has donated more than $250,000 to our partner organizations, one glass at a time.

Use code “GoBlue” at checkout for a 20% discount on your online wine purchase.

shop equality vines

Aja Tea Co.

Kimika Sergeant, MBA ’10

Aja Tea Co. crafts premium bold loose-leaf teas overflowing with feel-good flavors and wellness benefits. The teas come in fruity, floral, spicy, and earthy blends with caffeinated and decaffeinated options. Drink up to find your inner goddess.

Use code “GOBLUE24” at checkout for 10% off your order at www.ajateaco.com. shop aja tea co.

Savorista

Kait Brown, MBA ’14

Savorista crafts delicious decaf and half-caf coffee. They use the highest-quality beans, natural decaffeination methods, and fresh, small-batch roasting.

Use code “ROSS2024” at checkout for 25% off your order at https://savorista.com/. 

shop savorista

Wovenique Hat Co.

Maggie Vasquez, MBA ’18

The Wovenique Hat Company offers handwoven Panama hats made by skilled hat weavers. With a variety of designs for all ages and tastes, Wovenique hats combine fashion, comfort, and durability. Perfect for the holidays, these hats are a unique and timeless gift that blends luxury and practicality.

Use code “WOLVERINE10” at checkout for 10% off your order at www.wovenique.com. 

shop wovenique hat co.

Uplevyl - Future Forward Accelerator

Shubhi Rao, MBA ’98

In the age of AI, give the gift of future-proofing the careers of special women in your life. Uplevyl’s Future Forward Accelerator program is focused on building AI and digital acumen, accelerating women to lead with insight and innovation in spaces where their voice and vision shape the future. Specifically designed for women in influential leadership roles who lead teams within organizations, this program is tailored for those ready to stay relevant and elevate their impact.shop uplevyl