Share your love for Mercer University this holiday season by giving a gift created by a Mercerian. Whether you’re buying presents for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or just because, The Den’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide is sure to have something your friends and family will love.
Doink Disc Golf digital card game
Pump up the fun factor during your next game of disc golf by playing with Doink Disc Golf digital cards. Mercer alumnus Brandon Hancock created the web-based game after he and his friends wanted some new challenges and started making up their own rules while playing disc golf together. Doink Disc Golf has a collection of over 100 challenge cards, which can be used to make the game easier on yourself or more difficult for your friends. Doink Disc Golf also allows you to track your score in the game. Buy online at doinkdiscgolf.com.
‘Help Me to Pray’ children’s book
Teach the littlest ones on your gift list how to connect with God when you give “Help Me to Pray: A Book of Beginning Prayers for Children.” Mercer alumna Taronda Hall wrote the book to help teach children the importance of talking to God. Colorful illustrations and simple prayers help children build a foundation for lifelong prayer and encourage children to start praying as soon as they can speak. This would also be a good gift for a new or expectant parent. The book is available at a variety of online booksellers, including Amazon.
Home decor by Tribe
Brighten up a room by giving a colorful statement piece with international flair from Tribe. Mercer alumna Sonal Patel-Cochran founded the Atlanta-based business to help people create inspired spaces that embrace the spirit of cultures around the world. Tribe sells handmade and vintage items, including baskets, blankets, pillows, art, pottery, rugs, dishes, handbags, ottomans, floor poufs and accessories, and Patel-Cochran works directly with local and international artisans on the designs. Buy online at tribebysonal.com.
Phoenix Roasters coffee
When you give the gift of Phoenix Roasters coffee, more than just the recipient benefits. Mercer alumnus Brian Holland founded Phoenix Roasters as a way to pay for the overhead costs of his Phoenix Community of Atlanta ministry. With a mission to create local and global change, Phoenix Roasters has direct trade partnerships with farmers around the world and pays them 10 times more than fair trade wages for their crop. Buy the coffee online at phoenixroasters.coffee or visit The Roastery in Duluth or other partner locations.
‘Scaring the Bears’ poetry book
Nature lovers will relate to “Scaring the Bears,” a book of poems released early this year. Mercer’s Dr. Gordon Johnson, professor of English, authored the collection of poetry, which centers on his relationship with the natural world and weaves in stories about wider life experiences. “Scaring the Bears” is available from Mercer University Press. Mercer faculty, staff, students and alumni receive 40% off by calling (478) 301-2880 and purchasing by phone. Everyone else may order online at mupress.org.
The Braid Aid precision hair tool
For the friend or family member who braids hair often, The Braid Aid is an affordable gift that promises to reduce styling time by 35%. Created by Mercer alumna Amber Byrd, The Braid Aid is an adjustable hair parting tool that is worn on a finger to assist with braiding. The tool can be used for box and stitch braids, as well as other parting styles. Byrd’s invention won second place in the Mercer Innovation Center’s Next Big Idea competition and is the first product of her company AB Glitz. Buy online at abglitz.com.
Vegan treats from VTasteCakes
Dessert aficionados will fall in love with the gorgeous cakes made by VTasteCakes, a vegan bake shop in metro Atlanta. Mercer alumna Aneesha Reddicks and her sister, Jasmyn Reddicks, run the bakery, whose mission is to create high-quality, flavorful vegan cakes and cupcakes infused with vegetables. In addition, VTasteCakes offers muffins and soy-free and gluten-free options. Flavors range from double chocolate and vanilla to key lime and coconut. Pre-ordering online at vtastecakes.com is required, and cakes may be picked up in Tucker.
Need more suggestions? Check out The Den’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide for even more gifts made by Mercerians.
This story features just a sampling of businesses run and products created by Mercerians. Many of the businesses and products shown here have been featured in The Den’s “Mercer Made” series in which we write about notable people, businesses, products and inventions connected to Mercer. If you have a business you’d like us to consider, please email den@mercer.edu and put “Mercer Made” in the subject line.
