Nov. 17, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
This holiday season, spread Tiger pride with a University of Missouri gift that’s as unique as its recipient.
From tiny works of art to perfectly potted plants, we’ve scoured schools, colleges and shops across campus for creative, under-the-radar finds that will show your family and friends just how well you really know them.
Who’s bringing their A-game on Christmas morning? M-I-Z-Z-O-You.
Here’s your ultimate gift guide, organized for the one-of-a-kind Tigers on your “nice” list.
For the dad who has everything
College of Veterinary Medicine: Symbolically adopt a bird through the Raptor Rehabilitation Project in Dad’s honor. Because what do you get the man who owns four grills and 15 Mizzou polos? A turkey vulture, obviously. Comes with a certificate, a photo and the pride of supporting a rescued raptor.
For your crush who studies livestock
College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources: A single sunflower with sprigs of baby’s breath from Tiger Gardens. Low-key rustic romantic. High-key black and gold.
For the next Sheryl Crow
Mizzou Arts: Tickets to an upcoming University Concert Series production. When she’s Mizzou’s next Grammy-winning performer, she’ll remember the cool friend who treated her to a career-inspiring show. Pro tip: Check out the Black Friday deal.
For the acquaintance you’d like to become a BFF
Student-Made Mizzou: Unique items, 100% Mizzoumade. Support a fellow Tiger and show off your campus cred with a gift they won’t find anywhere else. Because nothing says “future besties” like handmade wall art and a shared love for student entrepreneurship.
For the current Mizzou student on your list
Campus Dining Services: Tiger Cash. This prepaid account is the gift that keeps on giving, usable at dining halls, MizzouRec, vending machines and even on game days. It’s the currency of Mizzou.
For the friend with a baby
The Mizzou Store: “Mizzou Tigers ABCs and 1-2-3s ” by Robbie Haden, BJ ’13. Truman the Tiger takes children on an alphabetized tour of all things Mizzou. Spoiler: A is for Awesome.
For your Tiger-obsessed co-worker whose office could double as a Mizzou recruitment center
The Mizzou Store: A plush pillow shaped like Truman the Tiger’s head. They’ve got the banner, the mug, the desk calendar. Now they can rest their head on school spirit, too.
For your artistic friend
Art-o-Mat (inside the Museum of Art and Archeology at Ellis Library): A mini mixed-media art piece from a repurposed vending machine. Each $5 pull is a mystery, each gift a masterpiece. Tokens are sold at the Museum Store next door, another space filled with one-of-a-kind treasures for art lovers.
For the nature lover
Mizzou Botanic Garden: Friends of the Garden membership. They’ll get exclusive invites, an e-newsletter and bragging rights for supporting campus flora. You’ll get credit for giving them a year of green-themed events and native plant facts.
For the little Tiger in your life
College of Engineering: Sign them up for the Holiday Programmable Robotics Camp. They’ll get their own mBot Neo robot to assemble and program with help from Mizzou engineers — and an introduction to high-tech careers.
For that classmate just trying to get through the semester
Campus Dining Services: A coffee from Panera in the Student Center or holiday latte from Starbucks in Memorial Union. Because sometimes the best gift is caffeine and solidarity.
For your stressed-out boss
Gustin Golf Course: Book a tee time and tell her you’ve got the afternoon covered. She’ll get some fresh air and peace of mind. You’ll get a chance to clear your inbox.
For your friend who wears flip flops in the snow (you know the one)
College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources: Buck’s Ice Cream. Let them chill out with a three-gallon bucket of Tiger Stripe or a seasonal favorite. Forgot the cooler? Grab a gift certificate, and make them choose between classic vanilla and comforting apple cobbler.
For the gardener
MU Extension: Food preservation resources. Let them enjoy the fruits of their labor year-round. Sign them up for a workshop or surprise them with recipes and other resources from Extension experts, and let them can and pickle like a pro.
For your favorite furry friend
The Mizzou Store: Mizzou pet attire. Your dog is part of the family, and they’re welcome at the tailgate. Let them strut in a black and gold onesie like the legend they are.
For your coworker who talks to her plants — her many, many plants
Tiger Garden: A potted spider plant with a handwritten card: “Charlotte needed a friend, and now she has one.” Expect photos. Many, many photos.
For the ultimate Tiger
Mizzou: A donation in their honor. They are legacy Tigers. They never miss Homecoming. They bleed black and gold. Show your appreciation and honor theirs by giving back to the university that shaped their life — and thousands more.
