This holiday season, shop with intention, and a little Lumberjack pride. From Flagstaff boutiques to award-winning eateries, these alumni-owned businesses and NAU favorites make it easy to give gifts that spread True Blue pride and give back to our community.

  1. Canyon Coolers: Founded in Flagstaff by Jason Costello, ’96, Canyon Coolers has been building ultra-durable, high-performance coolers for extreme adventures since 2011. Whether you’re floating through the Grand Canyon or tailgating for the Jacks, these award-winning coolers are built for the good times. 
  1. KJ’s Smokehouse: Alumnus KJ Crouch, ’19, left the corporate world to do what he loves, and Flagstaff is better for it. His Kansas City-style barbecue has already made its way to NAU Homecoming, and you can follow his socials to catch his food truck at its next stop. 
  1. Rainbow’s End: NAU alumna and Flagstaff Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet, ’99, has been curating magic in historic downtown Flagstaff since 1999, and Rainbow’s End just celebrated 25 years in business this past September. Shop local and find something special at this long-standing Flagstaff gem. 
  1. Bright Side Bookshop: Alumna Annette Avery, ’91, and co-owner Lisa Lamberson have created more than just a bookshop, Bright Side is a community gathering space in the heart of Flagstaff with thousands of carefully curated titles for every kind of reader. Pick up a gift (or three) for the book lover on your list. 
  1. Kvell Bakery: Kvell is a Yiddish word meaning deep pride and joy—and it’s the perfect name for the Phoenix bakery built by NAU alumna Samantha Bayer, ’18, with five years of craft, community, and intention behind it. This holiday season, treat someone to a little sweetness from one of the Valley’s most heartfelt bakeries. 
  1. NiMarco’s Pizza: NAU alum Dave Ledbetter, ’98, and his wife Angie have been serving Flagstaff’s favorite homemade pizza since 2000, carrying on a local tradition that dates back to 1979. With three convenient locations and fresh dough, sauce, and cheese made daily, NiMarco’s is the kind of place that never gets old. 
  1. Urban Pine Eatery & Juice Pub & Eatery: New NAU grad and already running two award-winning restaurants in historic downtown Flagstaff, Christa Freeman, ’25, is making her mark on the local food scene. Check out Urban Pine Eatery—voted Flagstaff’s Best New Restaurant in 2025—and the three-time Best Juice & Smoothie winner, Juice Pub & Eatery. 
  1. Someburros: NAU alum Johnny Beerling, ’10, leads one of Arizona’s most beloved Mexican food chains, and if you haven’t tried Someburros yet, the famous hot sauce alone is worth the trip. With 16 locations across the Phoenix valley and made-from-scratch recipes that keep generations coming back, it’s an Arizona staple worth celebrating. 
  1. Flagstaff General Store: NAU alumna Christie Kinkade, ’94, has curated the ultimate Flagstaff shopping experience at her boutique in downtown Flagstaff. From locally sourced goods and unique home decor to jewelry, candles, and Flagstaff keepsakes, it’s the perfect stop for anyone who wants to bring a piece of the mountain home. 
  1. HuppyBar: What started as a homemade snack bar crafted in the heart of the Grand Canyon has grown into a beloved brand fueling adventures across Arizona and the West, all thanks to founder and NAU alumna Lyndsay Hupp, ’04. Stock up for the holidays and share a taste of the outdoors with everyone on your list. 
  1. NAU Bookstore: Shop True Blue this holiday season with alumni merch from the official NAU Bookstore. From cozy Lumberjack gear to NAU favorites, it’s the perfect place to find gifts for the Lumberjack in your life. 
  1. Make a gift: This holiday season, give a gift that lasts long after the wrapping paper is gone. Honor someone special by giving to NAU in their name, a meaningful way to celebrate the people who matter most while investing in the next generation of Lumberjacks.