Bringing you gifting ideas from alumni-owned businesses and members of the Lafayette community
By Shannon Sigafoos
The holidays are close at hand
And as such, there’s much demand
For shopping in store, for shopping online
To find gifts that impress! sparkle! shine!
So, don’t despair—we have a list!
So no one on your list gets missed!
Our alums and community members
Can make it easy this December
It’s easy—they’re local!—and on the web, too
So hurry, if you’ve got some shopping to do!
We’re looking to spread holiday cheer by encouraging the Lafayette community to support alumni-owned and Lafayette community-linked local businesses. Here’s a quick rundown of where to buy and whom to buy from. And remember, if you already have holiday shopping wrapped up, you can support these amazing businesses all year long!
Overseen by Jared Mast ’04, executive director of the Greater Easton Development Partnership, Easton Public Market is a food lover’s paradise and offers gift cards in a variety of denominations. Vendors have everything from fancy chocolates and flowers to craft spirits and farm-fresh food. Check the website for holiday hours.
You also can give the gift of a Downtown Easton Gift Card, featuring the most loved restaurants, shops, and attractions in downtown Easton.
If you want to enjoy high-quality craft beer in a friendly, comfortable environment, then Invertase Brewing is the perfect place. Operated by Steve Zolnay Jr. ’15 and family, Phillipsburg-based Invertase offers e-gift cards, online ordering, takeout of their alcoholic and nonalcoholic brews, and a unique atmosphere to host a holiday gathering.
Pearly Baker’s, co-owned by Jonathan Davis ’93, is a favorite Centre Square restaurant that strives to be a better neighbor to the community. Its chef works with local farmers to bring fresh and local ingredients to the table. The restaurant, a staple in downtown for 2.5 decades, is serving Easton locals with a smile, and offers gift cards and to-go orders.
Porters’ Pub is a relaxed, casual, and intimate space that will satisfy your craving for the cozy comfort of the quintessential “old world pub.” Owned by Jeff Porter, father of Jacob Porter ’23, the restaurant is now 31 years young and remains a local favorite. Lunch, dinner, late night snacks, and Sunday brunch are always made fresh and prepared to order. Call 610-250-6561 to inquire about gift cards as well as to place an order to go.
Convinced people should have access to high-quality, well-designed cast iron at a reasonable price, Peter Huntley ’08 set out to build something totally new to cast iron. Co-founded with Luke Trovato ’10 and Dan Stefan ’10, Stargazer offers skillets in three sizes, as well as gift cards.
Jenn Bell McAtee ’11, flower farmer and LaFarm co-founder, brings beauty to Easton Farmers’ Market with sustainably grown blooms. Jenn and her husband, Bryan McAttee ‘11, run Holy Cow Farm full time, and their variety of flowers and products changes throughout the season, so there’s always something new. “We have stopped selling for the winter, and won’t have product again until next summer. But, our sustainably grown local flower bouquets are available every Saturday at the Easton Farmers’ Market June through October,” says Jenn McAtee. “We love it when Lafayette folks come and shop at the farmers market!”
Spray your way to better health! Award-winning oral sprays for better sleep and focus are at the heart of Rejuvia, operated by Kristen Williams ’84 (her business partner is son and soon-to-be college grad RC Williams). By activating your body’s endocannabinoid system and using biology to your advantage, CBD can help to ease discomfort, help you find a better sense of mental clarity, work to regulate stress and anxiety, and help you catch up on sleep. Owned and operated out of Berwyn, PA, Rejuvia products are available through their website and in select pharmacies and stores. Have a question about a product? Contact Kristen at hi@rejuvia.co.