Alumni Christmas Gift Guide 2021

Published on

Send a special gift this year and support your fellow alumni (photograph credit: McCoy Wynne)

Throughout another challenging year, our alumni and supporters have pulled together to support the next generation of students and our world-leading research projects. The University is incredibly proud of what has been achieved collectively, and we want to thank our alumni in return.

To this end, we have once again compiled the ultimate gift guide (in alphabetical order) to shine a spotlight on our alumni-owned businesses. This Christmas, why not gift a loved one a special and unique present from one of your talented fellow alumni?

If you know of any other University of Liverpool graduates who could be included here, let us know and we would love to support them via social media or include them on next year’s list.

Aruna Seth
Alumna Aruna Seth wearing a sparkly blue pair of her heels

Photograph: arunaseth.com

Founded in 2009, Aruna Seth (Combined Honours, 2003) has revolutionised the industry with her collection of elegant shoes which combine unique, feminine designs and comfort. Worn by royalty and celebrities alike, Aruna Seth has established global acclaim as one of the finest luxury shoe brands in the world.

Shop now


Bido Lito
Two images of Bido Lito front covers from previous months

Photograph: Bido Lito

Chris Torpey (BSc Physics, 2007) is co-founder of Bido Lito, Liverpool's monthly music magazine which covers all news about the Merseyside musicians, artists, makers and creative minds that make up the region’s incredible independent scene. You can sign up to be a supporter and receive the magazine to your door every month, or gift it forward as a nice gift for champions of the local music scene. They also have an online shop featuring Bido Lito merchandise.

Become a member


The Goodwash Company
Box of goods from The Goodwash Company

Photograph: goodwash.co.uk

The Goodwash Company is a social enterprise which aims to help improve lives of animals and people in local communities without having to compromise on quality. Co-founded by Kelly Davies (Football Industries MBA, 2008) in Barri, Wales in 2018, The Goodwash Company cover a range of products including luxury skincare, cosy throws and ethical lifestyle items.

Shop now


Helen Chatterton TextilesThree women look out to sea wearing Helen Chatterton scarves

Photograph: helenchattertontextiles.co.uk

Following her passion for all aspects of fabrics and yarns at a young age, Helen Chatterton (BA Classical Studies, 1983) began to make her unique tweed and velvet scarves in 2007. Following their success, Helen moved onto her skinny scarves in 2009/10, and has gradually built up the business, now selling her work the length and breadth of the country in high quality shops and galleries.

Shop now

Hannah ArhinfulPortrait works by Hannah Arhinful

Photograph: hannaharhinful.com

Art has been a big part of Hannah Arhinful’s (MSc Research Methods In Psychology, 2018) life and a passion for many years. From drawing inspiration from people and nature, Hannah developed a unique art style using watercolours and gouache to create vibrant figures and portraits. Aside from the artwork available on her online shop, Hannah is available for commission work.

Shop now

 

Kaneo Crackers

Photograph: kaneo.co.uk

Founder of sustainable Christmas cracker business, Lucy Ewles (Graduates Into Employment 2006) set up Kaneo Crackers as she wanted to reduce waste and have a greener Christmas without compromising on style. Lucy has a very special 10% discount for alumni on their gift boxes, use the code LIVALUMNI10 at the checkout.

Shop here


24 Kitchen Street
Crowd of people at 24 Kitchen Street. Photo credit Samantha Milligan.

Photograph: Samantha Milligan

Founded by Ioan Roberts (MA Music Industry Studies, 2011 & BA Popular Music, 2007), 24 Kitchen Street is one of Liverpool’s leading multi-purpose music and arts spaces based in the city’s buzzing Baltic Triangle. The venue has a variety of events lined up over the coming months, perfect for live music and art lovers.

Gift tickets 


Liverpool University Press
Student standing in front of bookcase

Liverpool University Press is the UK’s third oldest university press, with a distinguished history of publishing exceptional research since 1899, including the work of Nobel prize winners. LUP’s mission is to disseminate high quality scholarly research and to promote learning and culture through the publication of books and journals.

Shop now

 

Make ThreadSarah and Katie founders of Make Thread

A community platform that connects design, social media and e-commerce in one place. Established in 2019 by graduates Katie Roche (BA Business Studies with a Year in Industry, 2014 & MBA, 2018) and Sarah O'Brien (MBA, 2018). They nurture emerging designers and provide a risk-free route to market via their social commerce platform. You can shop a wide range of typography t-shirts on their website.

Shop now


Name a Seat
Impression of Tung Auditorium

Set to open to the public in spring 2022, the University of Liverpool’s new Yoko Ono Lennon Centre has alumni at its heart. From essential support from The Tung Foundation, Dr Paul Brett (BA Hons Geography 1965, Hon LLD 2017) and many Name a Seat supporting alumni, to its practical delivery by architecture firm Ellis Williams where Project Architect for the Centre is alumna Jade Meeks (BA Hons 2015, MArch 2015). Alumni and friends of the University of Liverpool are invited to name a seat in the concert hall which calls the Centre its home, The Tung Auditorium.

Whether you choose to name your seat for yourself, your family or for someone special who always sits beside you, you will be supporting the University’s mission to bring this wonderful new facility to the University and the city, and to support the next generation of students in accessing world-class facilities. To find out about receiving a free Christmas gift certificate, please contact giving@liverpool.ac.uk. There's less than 20 seats left so be quick!

Buy now


Paul Curtis Artwork
Paul Curtis in front of his Baltic Triangle street art piece.

Photograph: paulcurtisartwork.com

Paul Curtis (BSc Hons Geology & Physical Geography, 2020) is a Liverpool-based artist specialising in street art and large murals. In the 3 years he has been active as an artist, Paul has created more than 150 public pieces in various locations across the UK, but largely in Liverpool and Wirral. You can purchase framed prints, baby grows and t-shirts featuring the iconic For all of Liverpool’s Liver Birds (pictured), along with a 2021 calendar featuring his other work.

Shop now


The Singh Twins Artwork
The Singh Twins in face masks which feature their artwork.

Photograph: @thesinghtwins_art

Internationally renowned, contemporary British artists The Singh Twins are known for their award-winning work which explores important issues of social, political and cultural debate and re-defines narrow Eurocentric perceptions of art, heritage and identity. Available through The Singh Twins shop are a collection of their artwork posters, prints, books and tote bags, along with one of their recent works NHS v Covid-19: Fighting on Two Fronts fashioned on cushion covers, aprons, and facemasks.

Shop now


The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke by Caroline Smailes
Front cover of The Unwrapping Of Theodora Quirke next to photograph of author Caroline Smailes

Photograph: carolinesmailes.co.uk

Caroline Smailes’ (BA English Literature, 1996) acclaimed debut novel, In Search of Adam, was published in 2007 (The Friday Project/HarperCollins). The Big Issue North declared the book 'an engrossing and touching read from a new talent'. Since then Caroline has written six additional novels including international bestseller Like Bees To Honey, an experimental digital novel with eleven endings 99 Reasons Why and modern-day fairy tale The Drowning of Arthur Braxton which has recently been made into a feature film. Caroline published her gritty yet heart-warming festive read, The Unwrapping of Theodora Quirke, last Christmas.

Buy now 


Wicker Wings
Model wears mint green Wicker Wings bag

Photograph: wickerwings.com

Along with his sister, James Yu (BA Hons Business Economics, 2013) is the Founder of Wicker Wings, a luxury handbag brand that uses traditional handwoven methods and sustainable materials inspired by their grandmother who made wicker baskets for a living in China. Wicker Wings has been featured in a long list of publications, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and The Times.

Shop now