If your holiday shopping has been put on hold due to various reasons, worry not! The 2024 Bates Alumni Gift Guide is here to assist you in finding the perfect presents while staying cozy at home. This comprehensive guide is filled with meaningful gifts that will delight everyone in your life, whether it's your little ones, food enthusiasts, or eclectic art collectors. With over 40 products and services offered by alumni from around the world, you're sure to find something special. Discover Unique Gifts from Bates Alumni for the Holidays
From the Retail category: Lewis | Organic Essentials for Baby + Kids
Liz Coulson Libré ’02 and Lizzy Sall Ott ’04 own and operate Lewis, a textile and home goods company named after Bates' home city. They were friends in high school in Pennsylvania and both attended Bates. After moving to New York City as young alumni, they used their distinct artistic skills to launch and grow this widely successful brand.Publications like The New York Times’ Wirecutter, New York Magazine’s The Strategist, HGTV Magazine, and Martha Stewart Living have featured Lewis. Even celebrities like Serena Williams and Amy Schumer have been spotted on Instagram dressing their kids in Lewis' clothing.As Bates students, Libré and Ott fell in love with Lewiston for its rugged beauty, which is a contrast to the typical coastal Maine imagery. The ethos of Lewis reflects their impression of Lewiston as a place where the underdog shines.“All the artwork is done by hand by Liz, giving it a very loose and imperfect look that we adore,” they say. “We believe Lewis and Lewiston share an uncommon beauty factor.”Lewis is renowned for its 100 percent organic cotton baby and kids' clothing and bedding. They are not interested in the typical cookie cutter imagery for kids. Instead, they mostly draw inspiration from nature and things that other brands might not consider beautiful, such as snakes, oysters, and porcupines.
Gifts from Magnify Brewing
Eric Ruta ’14 founded Magnify Brewing in Fairfield, N.J., and Lewiston has had a significant influence on their products. As a Bates student majoring in environmental studies, Ruta interned at Baxter Brewing in Lewiston for two years, which sparked his interest in the craft beer industry.Magnify's hazy IPAs, fruited sours, and sweet stouts are available in 11 Eastern states and at their taproom in Fairfield. The tap list includes an Imperial IPA called “Stocking Stuffer” and a nod to Lewiston with the hazy New England IPA “Maine Event.” Delivery is available throughout New Jersey.Ruta values that his professors gave him academic credit for the internship. He believes that without that experience, he might not have opened Magnify.Check out the full gift guide to find items ranging from novels to shippable cheese to handcrafted ceramics and sustainable furniture made from recycled chopsticks.
