Having trouble finding that perfect gift this year? Don’t know how to deal with the stress of gift shopping in addition to your collegiate life? Have no fear! You’ll be fine with any of these Northwestern-centric gifts, ideal for every family member and friend.
For the No. 1 fan: While it’s sometimes easy to forget that we go to a Division I school, we do. We therefore have an insane amount of gear for all the spirit-inclined, with everything from the typical “Northwestern parent” T-shirts and jerseys to more quirky tutus, leis, lawn flamingos or even team gnomes (the latter two are perfect for your purple-blooded grandma). If your family truly rocks that purple pride, go to Beck's and browse these items.
T-Shirts and sweatshirts: $14.99 to $54.99; jerseys: $69.99; tutus: $14.99; kukui nut leis: $16.99; flamingo fans: $19.99; team gnomes: $22.99
For the cousin who still thinks you go to school in Washington: We all know the feeling when we say to go to Northwestern and get “Oh, you’ll love the West Coast!” or “Oh, you’ll love those good old Christian values!” Attempts at communicating otherwise quickly prove futile, and annoyed acceptance comes soon afterwards. For that last-ditch attempt to remind your relatives that you go here, try out the creative “Pubs of Evanston” poster from Beck's. A simple collage of Northwestern monuments and famed eateries such as Clarke’s and the Keg could be that much-needed lesson on where and what Northwestern actually is. Though considering this person doesn’t even know where you go to school, you could realistically get by with just sending him or her a postcard.
Poster: $19.99
For the young-uns: Northwestern makes some pretty awesome gear for kids, perfect for your little brother or sister. Lil' Teammates can be found at Beck's for boys with stadium aspirations, and the Northwestern Express is perfect for the train-track obsessed. For girls, a stuffed animal or a Northwestern piggy bank could definitely do the trick!
Lil' Teammates: $8.99; Northwestern Express: $19.99; stuffed monkey: $16.99; Northwestern Hello Kitty: $19.99; piggy bank: $5.99.
For the fun friend or older sibling: Beck's offers the gamut of shot glasses, cocktail glasses, wine glasses, champagne glasses and pint glasses all embossed with the Northwestern logo. Whether you want to mix and match or buy a set, if you’re looking for this person’s type of gift, you’re pretty much set.
Shot glasses: $4.99 to $7.99; pint glasses: $8.99; mugs: $16.99
For the elitist and/or prep: Head over to Norris and check out their Ralph Lauren collection of sweaters, polos and sweater vests, all decked out in white and purple. Beck's also offers Vineyard Vines silk ties in purple and lavender. They’ll undoubtedly love it, while you can laugh at how ironic and witty you’re being. It’s a perfect combination.
Half- or full-zip sweater: $95; sweater vest: $69.98; tie: $65.00
For the Christmas-lover: Beck's offers a Wille the Wildcat ornament, Campus Gear offers Santa Hats and Norris offers a set of two ornaments. Spread that holiday cheer Nortwestern style.
Willie the Wildcat: $39.99; Santa hats: $19.99; ornament set: $14.99
For those who you just don’t know what to get: Beck's offers these pretty nifty birdhouses. Perfect for the bird-watcher, environmentally conscious or anyone who simply likes birds, it’s at least unique enough to be worthwhile. You could also try out a motion-sensing automotive decal, because who doesn’t need a helping hand every once in a while when backing out of the garage? Or if you really don’t know what to get, a Northwestern Snuggie is bound to be a good bet.
Birdhouse: $36.99; MSAD: $24.95; Snuggie: $24.99