Forever Buffs 2025 holiday gift guide
Looking for the perfect holiday gifts for the Forever Buffs in your life? Make gift-giving even more meaningful with our curated holiday gift guide. From stylish CU Boulder gear to unique finds from Forever Buffs-owned businesses, we’ve got something for every Buff on your list.
The Sports Buff
CU Athletics tickets
Give the gift every sports Buff will love — tickets to a sporting event at CU Boulder! You can choose from single ticket options, multiple game packages or season tickets. Share your CU Boulder pride and celebrate the Buffs this holiday season.
CU Book Store
What’s better for a Buffs fan than CU Boulder gear? The CU Book Store has everything a sports fan needs for game day. Whether you need a foam finger or a Buffs jersey, you’ll find the perfect option. Not only that, but CU Boulder alumni receive a 20% discount on one full-priced CU logo item, either in-store or online — just use code “Alumni” at checkout.
Ashton Jewelry
Have the sports Buff in your life shine their way through every Buffs game day. Ashton Jewelry handcrafts golden buffalo pendants that are sure to stun in the stands. Each piece is made from ethically sourced and recycled metals in a local Colorado studio, making this a sustainable and luxurious gift to show off one’s Buff spirit.
The Foodie Buff
FlyteCO Tower
Take off this holiday with a trip to FlyteCO Tower. CU alumni Eric Seani (AeroEngr’11; MA’11) and Jason Slingsby (ChemEngr’11) founded the aviation-themed brewery after studying aerospace engineering together. Now, your favorite foodie Buffs can sip on draft brews, chow down on classic bar food and tee up in state-of-the-art golf and sports simulators.
Cafe Aion
Book a reservation at Cafe Aion to give your foodie Buffs taste buds a trip around the world, while staying right on The Hill. Chef and owner (and CU Boulder alum!) Dakota Soifer (EnvDes’03) fuses Mediterranean and French cuisines to bring global flavor to Boulder. Menus change seasonally to reflect seasonal, fresh ingredients, so there is always an opportunity for Forever Buffs to try something new.
Sauce Leopard
Find this year’s hot gift from Sauce Leopard, a Denver-based hot sauce company created by CU Boulder alum Shaun Goodwin (Mktg’13) and featured on Season 18 of the popular YouTube series Hot Ones. Order the official CU Buffs Mango Habanero Sauce to spice up your favorite foodie Buffs’ lives. They will love a gift that supports a fellow Forever Buff and sets their taste buds on fire.
The Beauty Buff
Syll Botanics
Give the gift of glowing skin with safe and sustainable skincare serums from Syll Botanics. CEO, founder and CU alum Hilary Nalven (MBA’15) creates effective personal care products designed to make mothers feel beautiful in the simplest way possible. Forever Buffs enjoy $20 off full size products and $10 off travel sizes between Nov. 25 and Dec. 7, 2025.
Highland Essentials
Ensure your beauty Buff never has a bad hair day with Highland Essentials. Boulder natives and CU Boulder alumni Boone Whiteside (StComm’18) and Ben Medalie (StComm’18) started the award-winning Highland brand to create earth-conscious haircare products that improve scalp and hair health.
Haven Boulder
Located in the heart of Pearl Street, Haven Boutique offers anything a beauty Buff could possibly desire. From designer clothing to makeup and home decor, local owner Michelle DeHaven effortlessly curates chic and stylish collections, which will always keep your Forever Buff looking their best.
The Cozy Buff
Ozo Coffee
Keep the Boulder buzz alive with a subscription to Ozo’s locally roasted coffee. With four shops located in Boulder, Ozo Coffee perfectly encapsulates the energy of your cozy Buff’s favorite college town.
Hug Your Friendz
Warm up your cozy Buff with a comfy sweatset from Hug Your Friendz. After struggling with his mental health during his freshman year of college, current CU Boulder senior Chris Magee founded Hug Your Friendz to encourage people to check in with their loved ones and chase their ambitions. Cozy Buffs will lounge in style while spreading a positive message.
Books by CU Buffs
Choose books by a CU Boulder alum to give to your favorite Buffs this holiday season. Explore books for every age and interest, from research topics to heartwarming fiction. Check out our list below, then purchase books from your favorite bookseller.
The Adventure Buff
Roaming Buffs
Elevate your gift-giving with a Roaming Buffs trip. You can share your love for adventure by booking a trip for the new year. From domestic travel to special events, like The Masters or The Kentucky Derby, to international explorations across the globe, you can choose from a wide selection of trips at different activity levels.
Cooking Studio Taos
Let your Adventure Buff eat around the world with Cooking Studio Taos. CU alum Valerie Maher (Bus’94) and her husband, Chris, invite students and Forever Buffs to join them for food and cultural immersion in countries like Greece, Morocco and France.
Hilton Hotels
Revisit your favorite college town with a relaxing stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Boulder and Embassy Suites by Boulder. At the Hilton Garden, wind down at the spa after hiking the Flatirons and savor late-night room service after a night on Pearl Street. Stay active at the Embassy with a year-round rooftop pool and two-story fitness center. Forever Buffs receive 15% off their stay.
The Office Buff
Bluebird Gift Collective
Celebrate your office team with custom merchandise made by Bluebird Gift Collective to promote community and show off your brand. CU alum Hannah Vuoto (PolSci’12) co-founded Bluebird to make corporate gifting a form of strategic appreciation. Forever Buffs receive 10% off their first orders.
Out Of Office Events
Host an unforgettable corporate holiday party with Out Of Office Events. Founded in Denver by Logan Lakos (Comm’19), a CU alum, Out Of Office Events plans fun and unique team bonding events your team is sure to love. Choose from culinary and drinking tours, team-building Olympics and an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt. Forever Buffs get $100 off their private events.
Footers Catering
Show your appreciation for your office team with a delicious catering event. Footers Catering is award-winning, Denver-based and led by CU alum Colbért Callen (Jour’05). Their exceptional service and fresh ingredients elevate corporate event meals, which will leave your team feeling delighted and appreciated.
The Community Buff
Fiske Planetarium
Celebrate the space Buffs in your life with a gift membership to Fiske Planetarium. Members receive discounted event tickets, free admission to member-only events and other perks. Memberships are good for one year, with options for students, individuals, families and extended families.
CU Presents
Give the gift of a live performance on the CU Boulder campus with a CU Presents gift certificate. You can purchase the gift certificate online, and it will be sent directly to the recipient’s email address. The recipient can choose from musical, theater or dance performances.
Forever Buffs Wall Calendar
Ensure your community Buff never misses a CU Boulder event with the 2026 Forever Buffs Wall Calendar. Flip through fun CU throwback photos, learn CU history facts and stay up to date on alumni events with special QR code features. Forever Buffs also gain access to exclusive discounts for events like Homecoming and Alumni Weekend.
The Last-Minute Buff
Denver Pub Crawl
Plan a private pub crawl for a special Buff in your life. Co-created by CU Boulder alum Logan Lakos (Comm‘19), the Denver Pub Crawl is the first and only international-style pub crawl company. Your Buff will receive a private host, complimentary drinks and discounted drink specials, VIP access to each venue, waived covers and skip-the-line benefits — giving your Forever Buff the perfect night out. Forever Buffs also receive a 10% discount on all bookings.
Chipotle Gift Card
It is Christmas Eve, and you still don’t have a gift for your favorite Buff? Don’t fret! You can never go wrong with giving the classic gift of a Chipotle gift card. Plus, Chipotle’s CEO and founder Steve Ells (Art’88) is a CU alum.
The Forever Buffs Network connects Buff-owned businesses to the Buffs community. Whether you own a business or want to support fellow alumni, join today!