Looking for unique holiday gifts? We’ve got you! From handmade products by local artisans to experience-based gifts, there's something for everyone on your list in this gift guide.
Whether you’d like to take someone to a show as part of your holiday celebrations or gift them tickets to enjoy next year, Pioneer Theater Company has a variety of options. Find a complete list of shows and season ticket packages here.
All University of Utah employees can purchase tickets at a 50% discount from the PTC box office, located in the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre. Tickets must be purchased in person with a valid UCard.
Events:
Museum Store Sunday at the Gift Shop | Dec. 1
9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Save 10% on gift shop purchases.
Holiday Open House & Art Fair | Dec. 7-8
Garden & Gift Shop | 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Glass Art Show | 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Art Fair in the Orangerie | 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Enjoy free garden admission all weekend thanks to Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks.
Join us for three holiday shopping experiences in one—and take a relaxing wintertime stroll in the Garden.
The Art Fair in the Orangerie is an incredible shopping experience featuring handmade treasures created by 18 local makers. Find one-of-a-kind jewelry, ceramics, fiber art, wall art, and more.
At the Gift Shop Holiday Sale save 10% (members save an additional 10%) on botanic-inspired gifts including wind chimes, fairy garden supplies, books, designer bags, sun hats, fine jewelry, home and holiday décor, and more. The "Grow A Tree" kits are a favorite gift shop offering of Preston Summers, the garden’s retail supervisor.
“These cool little cans include everything you need to grow a tree from a seed," Summers said. "Plus, all the species are found in the garden—perfect gifts for the budding plant lover in your life.”
The popular Glass Art Show will feature hundreds of large and small pieces including garden art, decorative boxes, plates, trays, bowls, sculptural works and jewelry. Items at the exhibit are available for purchase.
Cocoa & Cookies with Mrs. Claus | Dec. 14
1-2:30 p.m.
Ho ho ho! Who’s ready for some Christmas cheer? Enjoy seasonal stories with the first lady of Christmas herself, decorate a one-of-a-kind Christmas ornament, write a letter to Santa, and more. Don’t miss out on a magical afternoon of holiday fun with the one and only Mrs. Claus! Register here.
Winter Solstice Celebration | Dec. 21, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Discover the traditions behind the solstice, create winter-themed crafts, enjoy games, and make your solstice wishes to usher in and welcome the new year. Join us for a festive and meaningful gathering. Register here.
Memberships
Interested in a gift that keeps on giving? Consider a garden membership.
“One of the most thoughtful gifts you can give is the gift of the garden," said Kate Randall, the garden’s marketing and communications specialist. "A membership to Red Butte Garden and Arboretum offers year-round free admission, exclusive access to member-only events, discounts on classes, and a chance to experience the beauty of nature every day in a stunning botanical setting.”
If you're shopping for a live music fan, gift them a Garden-flex membership level or above, so they can buy tickets first, and at a discount, to Red Butte's legendary summer Outdoor Concert Series.
Events
Faculty & Staff Sale | Dec. 1- 24
All University of Utah faculty and staff will receive a 20% discount at the museum store when they show their valid UCard. The gift shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Wednesdays, it is open until 9 p.m.
Family Seasonal Science: Winter Solstice | Dec. 21
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Celebrate the Winter Solstice at the museum. Join in the festivities by creating sun catchers and intricate paper snowflakes. We'll also explore the magic of polymers by making Insta-Snow, adding a fun, scientific twist to our celebration. Register here.
Memberships
A gift museum membership gives the gift of experience with year-round free admission to the museum and all its special exhibitions and events, such as DinoFest in January. Members also enjoy discounts at the museum store and café and on all museum programming, like our award-winning Summer Camps for kids.
Museum Store
The store is renowned for stocking uniquely Utah gifts as well as gifts for dinosaur enthusiasts and anyone who loves natural history and science. The shop carries handmade indigenous jewelry and art, a broad selection of natural history books, fun t-shirts, the best dinosaur toys and games in town, and NHMU branded apparel.
A favorite product of Suzanne Ruhlman, museum store manager, is a pair of Christmas-themed dinosaur socks.
"Everyone loves cool, crazy socks and what’s cooler than Raptor Claus?" she said. "Shop the NHMU store for a great assortment of uniquely Utah gifts for everyone on your list."
Currently there is a wonderful selection of orcas merchandise, in coordination with the museum's current exhibit.
Events
We Appreciate U: Student, staff and faculty appreciation day ︱ Dec. 6
7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy holiday shopping with an exclusive 30% discount. More details here.
Campus Store Favorites
$449 - $749
Perfect for tech lovers who are always on the go. The iPad Mini 7 is easy to carry in a backpack or bag, but still powerful enough to not sacrifice on performance. With its A17 chip, enjoy multitasking on an 8.3” Liquid Retina display while taking notes or letting your creative juices flow while drawing with the Apple Pencil as the perfect accessory.
Under Armour 2024 Throwback Jersey
$139.99
A touchdown gift for the Ute Fan! Crafted by Under Armour, this is designed to provide you with a durable, lightweight addition to your jersey collection. The heat-sealed Utah Utes graphics and colors will have you ready to run out onto the gridiron yourself.
$81.99
For the fashionista, level up their Utah fan wardrobe with our Utah Serena Top! Its luxurious, structured, but soft fabric will have them looking and feeling like a champ; plus, the embroidered Utah logo will have them showing their spirit in style.
“Albion is one of my favorite U Alumni brands!" said Bridget Miller, campus store marketing manager. "I love how easily this sweater can go from game day to an in-the-office look depending on how I style it.”
Josten’s Meridian Diploma Frame
$264.99
An amazing gift for alumni and soon to be alum, let their diploma maintain the spotlight with the Meridian college diploma frame that provides a perfectly subtle presentation.
Uscape Old Fashioned Vintage Hoodie
$84.99
Description: A timeless classic with reimagined with unbeatable quality. This hoodie exudes vintage charm while offering modern comfort. Featuring the team name on the front and the park building on the back you can your Utah Utes pride with style!
Tommy Bahama U of U Health Camp Shirt
$147.99
These camp shirts wick away moisture to help you feel cool while feeling just like silk without any of the care restrictions.
$129.99
Built with lightweight proprietary performance fabric, the Canal Polo is soft and comfortable for all-day wear. The flattering relaxed modern fit has a low-profile collar, tapered sleeves for freedom of movement, an under-button collar system, and a split hem for extra mobility. The Canal Polo features a tropical leaf print and contrast collar/placket pieces for an elevated style.
Colosseum Toddler’s Hockey Jersey
$49.99
Gear up for game days with the Colosseum Toddler's Interlocking U Hockey Jersey! Super stylish for everyday wear or just at those school games.
Events
Holiday Market︱Dec. 7-8
9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
The annual UMFA Holiday Market features local and handmade creations in jewelry, textiles, candles, paintings, ceramics, prints, artisan toffee, handbound books, fiber art, soaps, and so much more. Find a complete list of vendors here. Market admission and parking are free.
Third Saturday for Families: Family Portrait Bunting︱Dec. 21
1- 4 p.m.
Explore the rich textile art of salt 16 artist Arleene Correa Valencia, who includes portraits of her family in her artwork. Make family portraits on muslin squares to portray your unique family. String the flags together to create a bunting to hang in your home. This event is free.
Memberships
UMFA Memberships make great gifts! Though different membership levels are available, all UMFA members enjoy unlimited admission to the museum, a 10% discount at the museum store and café and a complimentary subscription to the UMFA member publication quarterly.
Museum Store
Art-inspired gifts are available in the museum store all season long. From calendars to pens to local to handmade jewelry and ceramics, we have what you need from stocking stuffers to one-of-a-kind showstopper gifts.
A favorite item of Carol Bigelow, store supervisor, is the pop-up festive trees.
“They’re really nice because you can mail them!" she said. "They’re fun and cute and great for folks with small spaces or who just want a fun little craft to put together!" 