2024 Triton Holiday Gift Guide

Birch Aquarium Membership

Give the gift of ocean discovery with a yearlong membership to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Members enjoy exclusive perks, including discounts on behind-the-scenes tours, the gift shop and the cafe. Plus, exciting things await at the aquarium, which is currently undergoing its largest renovation yet as the Hall of Fishes transforms into Living Seas.

Hang Gliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport

Gift an unforgettable adventure with a gift card to Torrey Pines Gliderport. Soar above breathtaking ocean views with a certified tandem instructor and take in a bird’s-eye perspective of San Diego’s coastline, including Scripps Pier and the UC San Diego campus.

Arts and Entertainment

La Jolla Playhouse Performance

Surprise a loved one with tickets to a show at the La Jolla Playhouse, located in UC San Diego’s Theatre District Living and Learning Neighborhood. This holiday season, enjoy “Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again”—a laugh-out-loud and heartfelt production perfect for theater enthusiasts and holiday fans alike. Performances run through Dec. 15.

Epstein Family Amphitheater Offerings

Celebrate the season with a performance at the Epstein Family Amphitheater, UC San Diego’s premier state-of-the-art venue. On Dec. 7, experience “Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico” with Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande, blending beloved Mexican traditions into a magical holiday event. On Dec. 8, join “Choir! Choir! Choir!” for a fully interactive, sing-along experience of holiday classics.

Triton Athletics Game

Score big with the sports lovers by taking them to cheer on the university’s Division I athletes at a home game. Whether it’s basketball or volleyball, the Tritons are already bringing the energy this season.

Foodie Finds from Alumni Entrepreneurs

An’s Dry Cleaning Ice Cream 

Treat someone to a sweet adventure at An’s Dry Cleaning, named the best ice cream shop in America by USA Today. This shop scoops up unique gelato flavors and is co-owned by alumni Kris Warren ’06, who studied sociology, and Travis Bailey ’06, who studied political science. 

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters – Coffee for a Cause

For the coffee lover in your life, give this special blend from Bird Rock Coffee Roasters. With flavor notes of marshmallows, dried figs and chocolate malt, a portion of proceeds from the blend supports Birch Aquarium. You can also find Bird Rock Coffee Roasters at two campus locations—near the Epstein Family Amphitheater and at 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive.

Solana Sumptuous Cookies

Alum Marlena Roldan '03 is the founder of this gourmet cookie shop. Solana Sumptuous cookies are a thoughtful indulgence for the person with a sweet tooth on your list. With 18 flavors available and beautiful gift packaging, these cookies are hand crafted with local ingredients and baked fresh in small batches daily.

Stylish Alumni-Owned Brands

Seager

Founded by alumni Mattson Smith ‘16 and Elliott Shaw ‘16, Seager is a lifestyle apparel brand inspired by the grit and ruggedness of the Old West. Both Smith and Shaw majored in International Studies Sociology from Eleanor Roosevelt College and became friends after both being recruited to the Men’s volleyball team. Shop items online ranging from western hats and beanies to swim trunks and shirts.

Rusty Surfboards

Surprise someone with an iconic surfboard designed by alum Rusty Preisendorfer ‘78, perfect for wave enthusiasts or those wanting a piece of San Diego surf culture. The San Diego local is a master surfboard shaper, inducted into the San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame in 2022.

Creative and Custom Gifts

Triton Outfitters Apparel

Since 2010, Triton Outfitters has been offering stylish UC San Diego apparel designed by students, for students. Shop online or stop by Price Center to explore a wide selection of sweatshirts, shirts and unique gifts—including a stuffed animal version of Fluffy, the cute cousin of the Sun God statue.

Holiday Craft Fair

Discover handmade treasures or unleash your creativity at the Holiday Craft Fair, happening Dec. 6 and 7 at the Craft Center. Shop handcrafted gifts made by the university’s talented instructors and community artists. You can also purchase a handmade ceramic bowl or mug, which comes with a serving of scratch-made soup from the Craft Center kitchen! All bowl and mug proceeds support local food insecurity programs.

Give Back This Holiday Season

Embrace the spirit of giving by supporting the UC San Diego community during this holiday season. Contributions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, helping to ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive academically and personally. There are several impactful ways to give back, such as volunteering at the Hub Basic Needs Center or donating to the Triton Food Pantry.