Gifts that give back

This holiday season, give gifts that stand out — and support the Sun Devil community — from these W. P. Carey alum-owned and SMB Lab-supported organizations.

Looking for the perfect gift that sparks holiday cheer and supports your local community? This year, we're highlighting businesses owned and operated by W. P. Carey alums, as well as by participants in W. P. Carey's SMB (small and medium-sized businesses) Lab, an initiative that helps SMBs thrive. Whether you're shopping for a pet-lover, fashionista, coffee connoisseur, or impossible-to-buy-for loved one, our list of Sun Devil-approved gifts has something for everyone!

1. Give your furry friends the Rescue Retriever, a silent, portable, battery-powered strobe light that helps firefighters locate pets in an emergency. Founded by brothers on a mission to reduce the number of pets lost to housefires, Rescue Retriever provides peace of mind for pet parents.
2. Treat friends, family, or colleagues to the gift of breakfast — or brunch, lunch, coffee, or cocktails — at the New Penny Cafe. This fast-casual, Avondale, Arizona-based restaurant also features small, locally sourced gifts, such as jewelry, soaps, and cards. It's the second collaboration between founders Brittany Salazar and Deni Banach, the innovators behind Goodyear's Enroute Coffee.
3. For the trendsetter in your life, consider a classic or painted pochette from Soul Carrier, a luxury accessories brand that Jennifer Boonlorn (BS Marketing '01) hopes will aid customers in authentically chasing the things they love. And for the fashionable ASU lover, the brand's newest collection is the Sun Devil Signature Collection, a reimagined collegiate luxury line that includes 18 accessories in ASU colors.
4. Treat your loved one — or yourself — to a haircut or color service at Olivine Salon. Located in Goodyear, the salon features a team of experienced hair professionals dedicated to helping customers feel their best.
5. For the person who has it all, donate to a good cause in their name. Move for Hunger is a national nonprofit committed to reducing food insecurity in communities in need. Founded by Adam Lowy (BS Marketing '08), the organization is celebrating 15 years of serving 47 million people across the nation who face hunger every day.
6. Consider giving a doggy daycare or boarding service to a pet lover. Dogs 24/7, founded by Stephen Biles (BS General Business '91), has six Arizona locations and is dedicated to giving dogs a cage-free boarding experience.
7. Catch up with friends and family this holiday season over a Hooligans Coffeehouse specialty latte, tea, or pastry. Co-founded by Brinton Colburn (BS Business Administration '09) and Adam Holliefield (BS Supply Chain Management '19), Hooligans is on a mission to cultivate community — and brew great coffee — in Mesa, Arizona.
8. Searching for the perfect gift for a foodie in your life? Chef Elliette Dudley (BA Business Communication '18) started in the supply chain industry before pursuing a career in the culinary arts, and through her business Eat Ette, offers private cooking classes, cheffing for special events, and in-home meal prep.

We hope this list of locally owned and led businesses inspires some truly special holiday gift giving!