An Owlidays’ Gift Guide
Here are some unique alumni-related gift ideas.
Fall 2024
By Tracey Rhoades
Holiday season is fast approaching, and we’re excited to share some ideas from several Rice alumni-owned businesses. There’s something for family, friends and, of course, your four-legged companions. This first-ever gift guide features items that are unique, challenging, celebratory, supportive and educational.
The Cause Urban Winery is a Houston-based company providing a variety of high-quality Texas wines. Every bottle sold benefits a local charity, including the Houston Food Bank, the Memorial Park Conservancy, and the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Owned and operated by Jennifer Richards Rossi ’14, the Cause offers wines for pickup, delivery and shipping, as well as e-gift cards. See causeurbanwinery.com.
For the cooks on your holiday list, Well Done Cooking Classes — owned by Darrell Morris ’18 and his wife, Michelle, an executive chef — offers over 80 classes, from mastering soufflés and crêpes to Saturday afternoon classes for kids. Gift certificates and annual memberships are available. To see the robust class schedule, visit welldonecc.com.
Inspired by Gracie, a tail-wagging furry friend, Three Dog Bakery has been making wholesome, tasty dog treats since 1989. Co-owner Carin Giga ’10 and her business partner create fresh, imaginative and handcrafted treats. Their locations in Rice Village and the Heights are family friendly and feature an assortment of pet accessories. To see all that is available, including the next “yappy hour,” go to threedogbakeryhtx.com.
Want to support active duty military members, veterans and first responders? The nonprofit organization Hives for Heroes, led by founder Steve Jimenez ’22, is dedicated to sustainability and conservation while providing an environment for veterans and first responders to explore beekeeping as a therapeutic and community-building experience. An array of Hives for Heroes products from tumblers to clothing to raw American honey help support the Houston-based operations and organization opportunities across the U.S. Check out hivesforheroes.org.
Looking for something unique? Artifact Puzzles, artisanal wooden jigsaw puzzles, will charm and challenge anyone on your list. Founded by Maya Gupta ’97 in 2009, the company offers over 500 artist-designed puzzles with themes ranging from Monet to monsters. Shipping and gift certificates are available. To see the impressive collection, visit artifactpuzzles.com.