12 Holiday Gift Ideas from Duke for 2023

From lemur ornaments to pickle ball gear, check out a wide array of fun items and experiences

Gift ideas such as an ornament, shirt, pants, bag and pickle ball set.
Find gift ideas such as, from right to left, ornaments, shirts, pants, bags and a pickle ball set from sources around Duke. Submitted photos.

Being part of the Duke community has plenty of perks. And during the holiday season, when it can be challenging to find something unique for the special people in your life, it’s helpful to remember that there’s a range of fun gift options for everyone on your list available at Duke.

Whether a Duke-themed keepsake or a guided stroll through nature, we found some neat gift ideas from the Nasher Museum of Art, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Duke Lemur Center and Duke University Stores.

Check out our list below. And if you're looking for more Duke gift ideas, mark your calendars for December 11-17 when Duke students and employees can get 20% off of clothing and gifts at the University Store, the Duke Team Store and the Medical Center Bookstore.

A FUN CHALLENGE

These 550-piece jigsaw puzzles offer a Duke-inspired challenge. Images courtesy of Duke University Stores.

Enjoy signature Duke scenes while taking on a satisfying challenge with 550-piece jigsaw puzzles featuring pictures of Duke's campus. The 18-by-14 inch puzzles depict Cameron Indoor Stadium or a collection of scenes, including Duke University Chapel.

And from framed photos, to bobbleheads and ornaments, find more Duke-themed collectibles through Duke University Stores.

GET IN THE GAME

Show Duke pride at your next pickleball match with these paddles. Images courtesy of Duke University Stores.

In recent years, the game of pickleball has grown in popularity, especially on Duke’s campus. You can enjoy the game and show your Duke pride with this pickleball set featuring a pair of paddles and balls.

FOR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

Give your furry companions a soft place to rest with this plush pet bed. Image courtesy of Duke University Stores.

Give your furry companion a soft place to rest with this Duke Basketball pet bed. The 20-by-30 inch plush bed is the perfect spot for your dog or cat to relax and dream about Duke hardwood heroics.

And whether it’s pet clothing, leashes or bowls, there are plenty more gift ideas that will delight pets this holiday season.

GET COMFY

Flannel shorts and pants can keep the Duke fans in your life warm this winter. Images courtesy of Duke University Stores.

Show your Duke pride and stay warm and comfortable all winter long with some Duke flannel clothes and pajamas from Duke University Stores. There are soft flannel shorts for women, as well as flannel pants in pink and neon colors. There are flannel shorts for men, too.

Duke University Stores also has Duke sleep sets for men and women.

CELEBRATE HOOPS SEASON

Duke University Stores has loaded of items for the Duke basketball fans in your life. Images courtesy of Duke University Stores.

Basketball season has arrived, so help the hoops fans in your life celebrate with these fun items. Keep track of the men’s basketball team’s schedule with the 2023-24 official team poster. You can also show off your Duke fandom with a Cameron Crazies T-shirt or replica shorts for adults and kids. And for the youngest fans, check out this Duke basketball infant romper.

DUKE BLUE HOLIDAYS

Bring some Duke blue to your holiday decorations with this newest ornament from Duke University Stores' collection. Image courtesy of Duke University Stores.

Add to your Duke ornament collection with this new slate gift tag holiday ornament.

Duke University Stores has a wealth of holiday items available online, including a series of hand-painted glass ornaments showing beloved campus scenes.

SHOWCASE THE CHARACTER OF DUKE

Artist Julia Gash created Duke-inspired drawings for these items and many more. Image courtesy of Duke University Stores.

Artist Julia Gash created a series of fun illustrations showing signature Duke places and experiences. These works can be yours to show off on several items such as water bottles, tote bags, posters and much more.

CLASSIC DUKE STYLE

A perennially popular gift for Duke fans is this classic sweatshirt. Image courtesy of Duke University Stores.

Some things don’t go out of style. That includes classic Duke crew neck sweatshirts, which are available from Duke University Stores for adults, kids and toddlers.

And for something a little lighter, check out the soft tri-blend long sleeve shirts which combine classic designs with modern comfort.

LEMUR LOVE

Money from purchases of this hand-crafted ornament from Madagascar help anti-poverty initiatives in the only country where lemurs exist in the wild. Image courtesy of the Duke Lemur Center.

Handcrafted by artisans in Madagascar, these ring-tailed lemur ornaments available through the Duke Lemur Center are made of sustainably farmed natural silk and are fair trade certified. Some of the proceeds from the sale of these ornaments supports conservation, reforestation, childhood education and poverty alleviation in Madagascar.

These ornaments, and others from Madagascar, are available at the Duke Lemur Center gift shop and, soon, will be available online through Duke University Stores.

THE ART OF COOL

The richly illustrated catalog of the 2008 Barkley Hendricks exhibition at the Nasher Museum of Art has been reissued by Duke University Press. Image courtesy of the Nasher Museum of Art.

The Nasher Museum recently reissued the exhibition catalogue of Barkley Hendricks: Birth of the Cool. The book celebrates the occasion of the artist’s 2008 painting retrospective. The richly illustrated book was edited by curator Trevor Schoonmaker, who wrote the introductory essay, and includes contributions from art historians including Duke’s Richard Powell. The cloth-bound version of the catalogue is distributed by Duke University Press.

THE GIFT OF NATURE

Gift certificates for guided tours are now being offered by Duke Gardens. Image courtesy of Duke Gardens.

Share the beauty of the Sarah P. Duke Gardens with friends and family on a guided tour. Tours will show visitors seasonal highlights and opportunities to learn about the plants, history and ecology of Duke Gardens.

Gift certificates are available for a walking tour for up to 10 people for $80. Gift certificates for trolley tours for up to five people are available for $60. Gift certificates can be purchased until December 31. The tours, which are available Tuesdays through Fridays, can be arranged for any available openings between March 19, 2024 and August 31, 2024. Head here to learn more, including how to purchase your gift certificates.

And for year-round enjoyment, including discounts to special events, consider giving loved ones a Duke Gardens membership.

MORE GIFT IDEAS FROM DUKE INNOVATORS

Find products created by companies founded by Duke alumni in the Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship gift guide. Image courtesy of Duke I&E.

For more gift ideas, check out the guide from Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Duke I&E recently put together a list of gift ideas from companies founded by Duke alumni. So whether it's specialty coffee, hair care products, educational toys or fashionable luggage, you can find plenty of cool items which are the result of bright Duke minds.

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