Holiday Gift Guide 2022: Spreading Saint Joseph’s Cheer This Year!

Anyone who says money doesn’t buy happiness clearly doesn’t know where to shop! This year, the best way to spread Saint Joseph’s cheer is to peruse our curated Hawk-inspired holiday gift guide. From beer crafted by alumni to trendy University apparel, we’ve got you covered with the best gifts to treat yo’self (and your loved ones) this holiday season!

1. Dript Coffee Co. 

Born in the city and inspired by the shore, Dript Coffee Co. operates with one mantra in mind: “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats.” Founder and owner of Dript Blaise Connor '17 seeks to be that tide by lifting up customers and improving communities, one coffee at a time. Dript Coffee Co. donates a percentage of proprietary coffee sales to a local nonprofit that exemplifies Dript’s values of service, community and quality. They proudly serve the city, the shore and beyond.

Buy from Dript Coffee Co. and use promo code SJU for 10% off your order.

2. Two Locals Brewing Company

After purchasing a one-gallon homebrew kit from Northern Brewer in 2016, Richard Koiler '14 and his brother Mengistu began their long journey of brewing their own beer. After getting the stamp of approval by their friends, family and even strangers at their many pop-up sampling events around the city, these brothers knew what they had to do: become the first black-owned brewery in Philadelphia. And that’s exactly what they did! Two Locals Brewing Co. hopes to open in University City Square in summer/fall 2023. For now, you can purchase Two Locals' first two beers for pick up on their website or you can drop in and purchase beer at Craft Hall at 901 N. Delaware Avenue, Wednesday-Friday, 4-7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 2-6 p.m. 

3. Saint Joseph’s University Hawk Shop

'Tis the season for holiday shopping at the Saint Joseph’s bookstore! Find the perfect gift for your Hawk (or future Hawk *wink*) on the apparel and spirit online shop today. The Hawk Will Never Die and neither will the coziness of these crewnecks!

Buy from Saint Joseph’s University’s Spirit Shop

4. Forman Design Co.

Raise your hand if you are in need of a unique gift idea for all the creative, little Hawks in your life! Forman Design Co., founded by Megan (Pippet) Forman ’06, has you covered with their signature Paint & Peel Canvas Kits. Everyone can be an artist with their all-age, all-ability projects that are one-of-a-kind, fun and foolproof! With more than 100 designs from which to choose, and the ability to personalize, their kits make perfect birthday and holiday presents, rainy day projects and activities for special events of all kinds. 

5. The Revivalist Spirits

Revivalist Gins and Resurgent Whiskeys are distilled and bottled at Brandywine Branch Distillers, a small-batch distillery in Elverson, Pennsylvania, located in historic Chester County. Founders Don ’83, ’92 and Scott ’97 Avellino grew up locally, helping their father run the family tire and auto company. After the business sold, Don and Scott continued working together, finding their own success as business owners. Driven by their entrepreneurial upbringing and love for craftsmanship, the brothers teamed up again in 2014 to start their second venture together as The Revivalist Spirits.

6. Knockout Lettering

Knockout Lettering by Katie Oleksiak ’11 of Brewerytown, Philadelphia, specializes in day-of signage for weddings and events and offers hand-lettered custom gifts and home decor. This one-of-a-kind mug is perfect for the Philly lover on your list, etched with the Philly skyline and Oleksiak’s hand-lettering underneath. Pour in your favorite warm holiday drink, cozy up with a Birds game and enjoy. Available for $40 at knockoutlettering.etsy.com. 

7. Gifts to Saint Joseph’s University

Want to make a gift that doesn’t get wrapped in tissue paper? Be a #HawkWithAndForOthers by making a donation to help fuel Saint Joseph’s crowdfunding initiative! For nearly 200 years, Saint Joseph’s has been helping its students become equipped with the tools to succeed and help those around them. Hawks understand the immense power of a Saint Joseph’s University education and the exponential impact Hawks make on others. Give back and help the next generation of Hawks today! 

To find more gift ideas or to promote your own small business, check out Saint Joseph’s Hawk-Owned Alumni Business Directory.