optiMize Holiday Gift Guide
A Short List on opti-Gifts
The holiday season is once again upon us, and no matter what traditions you practice at this time of year, we all share a common thread; the joy of giving thoughtful gifts! With a global pandemic keeping you inside, you may be finding it difficult to buy gifts for your loved ones. Well, we are here to tell you that buying from local, student-led businesses right from your couch has never been easier! Here are a few products, all from teams funded by optiMize over the last three years, that will take the stress out of gift-shopping and leave even the most eager of wrapping-paper-rippers smiling.
TERRY LU NATURALS
COHORT VI
If you’re tired of low-quality, chemical filled products that damage your natural hair, look no further than Terry Lu Naturals, started in 2017 by then U-M student Hunter Phelps. Terry Lu Naturals is an all natural hair product line for wavy, kinky, and curly hair types. Their go-to product is ‘Blessed Butter,’ which can be used on your hair or your skin to heal and hydrate. Need further proof? All 76 reviews of Blessed Butter are 5/5 stars. Other great gift options include hair-growth oil, a nourishing mask, shampoo bars, and custom apparel!
Available on their website.
GONANAS
COHORT VI
GoNanas is a female-owned and operated Banana Bread company that aims to make healthy living more delicious than ever. The GoNanas Variety Pack comes with their original, crunchy, and chocolate chip varieties of Banana Bread. Not only are their breads more affordable than traditional loaves, but they also encourage portion control as they are single size. Oh, and they’re vegan and gluten free...not that you’d ever be able to notice.
Available on their website.
OSHKI
COHORT VII
Want to help protect the Great Lakes and other U.S Waterways and look stylish while you’re at it? Oshki recycles 6 plastic water bottles into each shirt, so you can look good and feel good about what you’re wearing, too. On top of that, 5% of all proceeds will be donated to nonprofits working to preserve the Great Lakes. Oshki hopes to inspire other companies to use US plastic waste in their supply chains by taking charge as a leader in the industry and inspiring customers to live more sustainably. An Oshki shirt is the perfect stylish and sustainble holiday gift.
Available on their website.
Ur Internet Friends
COHORT VIII
As the only holiday-themed item on this list, the third rendition of Ur Internet Friends printed Zine series is a no-brainer. Alongside celebrating and giving a platform to marginalized creatives, Ur Internet Friends issue 003 touches on making the winter holidays more accessible, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali, plus more. With the hope of all artists seeing themselves represented in media, Ur Internet Friends is the perfect way to support young creatives and their beautiful art. On top of all that, shipping is free! And while you’re at it, get caught up on Issue 002: We’re Online, as well.
Available on their website.
Revolin Sports
COHORT VIII
Whether you’re shopping for a pickleball pro or intend to introduce somebody to the game, we recommend the Revolin Sports Equinox Paddle. Sustainably sourced with a plant-based face and 100% built in the USA, with this paddle you can up your game and reduce your carbon footprint simultaneously. This is the perfect gift for friends and family that love sports and sustainability!
Available on their website