UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — December holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re looking for the perfect blue and white gifts for the Penn Staters in your life, the Alumni Association’s most recent member newsletter has identified a variety of great options.
From the Alumni Store to the Penn State Bakery, the selection of items offered by the providers below include gift items sure to please even the most finicky Lion on your list. In addition, they offer exclusive discounts or special options for members of the Alumni Association.
Keepsakes from the Penn State Elms
The Elms Collection offers items fashioned from the wood of Penn State’s historic elm trees — some dating back to the 1890s — that succumbed to elm yellows disease. Items from the Penn State Elms Collection make unique gifts that reflect a special part of Penn State history while also playing a part in preserving its future.
Elm yellows disease keeps nutrients from spreading throughout an afflicted tree but leaves the wood unaffected and preserved. The disease’s spread among Penn State’s elms has begun to stabilize, increasing the likelihood that remaining trees can be preserved.
An Elms Collection gift can provide a lifetime of memories while helping to ensure future Penn Staters enjoy the beauty of the iconic trees gracing University Park. Whether it’s a keepsake box, pen, mantle clock, diploma frame, furniture, or another beautiful piece, a portion of the proceeds from every Elms Collection item helps replant trees on campus.
Penn State Bakery goodies
From extravagant Penn State cakes to classic chocolate chip cookies and everything in between, treats from the Penn State Bakery make great gifts. The bakery’s extensive variety of cookie gift packs, shipped across the country in their trademark blue and white boxes and tins, are perfect for Penn Staters of all ages across the country.
Bakery gifts are made even sweeter by an exclusive 10% discount for Alumni Association members who order directly through the Bakery’s site. Learn more about the Bakery discount for Alumni Association members here.
Penn State books from the Penn State University Press
You can find a perfect gift for any avid reader from the Penn State University Press, which offers an abundance of titles, authors and genres.
The press offers a special collection of titles about Pennsylvania, which include many volumes specifically about Penn State. Great books sure to please any Penn Stater include several fascinating books about Penn State’s early history and leaders authored by former Penn State Alumni Association CEO Roger Williams, as well as "Ice Cream U "by Lee Stout, "The Nittany Lion" by Jackie R. Esposito and Steven L. Herb, and "This Is Penn State" by the Penn State University Press.
The press also offers access to published academic journals, and a world of additional resources.
Alumni Association members receive 30% off from the Penn State University Press.
Alumni Association membership
Alumni Association membership is a gift any Nittany Lion will appreciate all year long. If you have a special Penn Stater in your life who hasn’t joined the alumni community yet, give them access to the benefits and opportunities that come from having an active connection to one of the most powerful alumni networks in the world, including a subscription to the Penn Stater magazine, access to their local Alumni Association chapter, and more. The association's Cyber Monday sale on Nov. 28 even gives you a chance to save up to 50% on life and annual memberships.
The association offers an extensive array of memberships — including joint, family and student options — so you can find the perfect fit for any situation.
Penn State gear
The Nittany Lion fans in your life will certainly appreciate a gift from the Alumni Association Spirit Shop, which offers the latest blue and white clothing, décor and more. The online store features a vast selection of official apparel, from hats to socks and everything in between, so it’s easy to find the perfect item for showing Penn State pride in warm or cold weather. You’ll also find an amazing array of Penn State accessories, from protective phone cases to toys and games, giving you numerous gift options to please even a picky Penn Stater.
Alumni Association members enjoy a 10% discount when they purchase from a Penn State Bookstore location, or a 15% discount on orders of $100 or more placed directly through the Penn State Alumni Association Spirit Shop.
Enjoy a wonderful holiday season filled with friends, family and Penn State pride!