It’s been tough for Tar Heels to pivot their tailgating to homegating -- not to mention being subjected to game calling by Bill Walton. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t cheer on the teams safely and ensure all the Carolina fans on our list get a Tar Heel-themed gift.
Deck the halls with inspiration from the Heels
It’s important that while we’re staying safe inside that our living (or virtual) spaces give us joy and reflect the fans we are. Trim your tree with Carolina-themed ornaments from the UNC General Alumni Association and put out holiday appetizers on this chic tray, an exclusive from the GAA. And every coffee table needs The Carolina Book, a beautiful tome of iconic images of life at our beloved institution.
Support Carolina institutions that you love
As for all cultural and tourist attractions, 2020 has dealt a hard blow. Carolina’s museums, gardens, and arts organizations have done an incredible job providing virtual experiences and gifts. Both the North Carolina Botanical Garden and the Ackland Art Museum have brought their gift shops online so you can peruse in your PJs—the 2021 Botanical Art and Illustration calendar and Kusama greeting cards would be perfect for that colleague you miss seeing day to day. For your young ones, the Botanical Garden has a wide selection of educational toys and the newly-renovated Morehead Planetarium has a new children's picture book, Tony Jenzano, Astronaut Trainer: The Man Who Made the Stars Shine. PlayMakers Repertory Company recommends a mini-pass for the drama king and queen in your life and we can’t think of a better way to get in the holiday spirit than watching the inimitable Ray Dooley perform a virtual version of A Christmas Carol!
Support our students …
There’s been an outpouring of support for our students who will be living with the impact of the pandemic long after they graduate from Carolina. We have some incredibly innovative individuals who have started enterprises while in school. heck out the Entrepreneurship Center’s gift guide and shop student products online. And did you know that every time you shop at UNC Student Stores, you’re supporting student scholarships? Check out their gift guide and get 20% off your next purchase. ;)
… And our local businesses
We hope you continue to safely walk Franklin Street, but even if you’re not ready to venture downtown, our local retailers have [licensed] Carolina gear for everyone on your list. Get a gift certificate or pick out your favorite shirt, mask, or homegating gear from Johnny T-Shirt, Chapel Hill Sportswear, Shrunken Head and Alumni Hall—and use Underground Printing for custom shirts for your team. Want to look like Coach Williams? Stop by Julian’s and stay safe and ready with their beautiful argyle masks and a true blue wireless charger for your WFH desk.
Wishing you and all the other Carolina alumni and fans in your life a very happy Heelidays.
(Top photo courtesy Johnny T-Shirt)
