Freeman Graduation Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful gift to celebrate your Tulane grad? Look no further—the Freeman School has you covered!

Our gift guide features products created by Freeman alum and affiliates who have turned classroom concepts into real-world business success stories. From gourmet treats to trendy accessories and insightful books, our gift guide is packed with thoughtfully curated gifts to celebrate our alums and inspire our 2025 grads. 

Check out our guide below to see our top graduation gift picks. 

Food and Drink

Strawberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce, $9.99 from Louisiana Pepper Exchange

For the foodie in your life, try a gift from Louisiana Pepper Exchange, a New Orleans-based company specializing in pepper-focused sauces. Founded in 2010 by Zach Foster (MBA ’17), the Exchange offers a variety of purees and sauces, like its limited release Strawberry Chipotle BBQ sauce. A tantalizing blend of sweet strawberries and smoky chipotle peppers, this BBQ sauce is a versatile addition to your grad’s kitchen. Whether they’re glazing grilled meats, drizzling it over roasted veggies, or spicing up their favorite dip, this BBQ sauce adds a gourmet twist to everyday meals. 

Limited Release Barrel-Aged Rum, $49.99 from Marsh House Rum 

Raise a glass to your grad with a celebratory drink made from Marsh House Rum. Co-founded by Chris Puckett (MBA ’04), Marsh House Rum has been serving up its signature libations since 2019. The company’s limited Release Barrell-Aged Rum was named “Best in Category” at the 2022 Tales of the Cocktail, and for good reason. This selection is aged for two years and features notes of caramel, cola, and citrus—it’s a sophisticated way to mark a major milestone.  

Funfetti Cake Scraps, $12.00 from Andie’s Eats

Your grad can have their cake and eat it too with Funfetti Cake Scraps from Andie’s Eats. Andie Regan (BSM ’20) founded her company in 2020, turning her love of baking into a booming business. The company’s Funfetti Cake Scraps is a scrumptious mix of Funfetti cake, vanilla buttercream, and a dash of colorful sprinkles. There’s no sweeter way to celebrate graduation. 

Tequila Bundle, $87.98 from De Nada Tequila

A tequila bundle from Adam Millman’s (BSM ’19) De Nada Tequilia lets your graduate savor their success—and toast new beginnings. Start with a bottle of Blanco, an ultra-smooth, agave-forward spirit with notes of vanilla and lime. Then graduate to the Reposado for a richer profile of vanilla, caramel and oak. 

The “Drizz & Dip” Olive Oil Set from Graza

Cook up something good with the Sizzle, Drizzle and Frizzle Olive Oil Set from Graza, an olive oil company co-founded by Allen Dushi (BSM ’09). This set features oils for roasting, toasting, sautéing, and finishing dishes of all kind—ideal for a kitchen pro or a grad who’s just starting out.  

Apparel and Accessories 

Water Meter Dad Hat, $25 from Urban South 

Founded by Jacob Landry (MBA ’13), Urban South Brewery has been spreading the “gospel of good beer” since 2016. Your graduate can rep a staple in the New Orleans craft beer scene with this laid-back branded hat. It’s a gift equally great for beer lovers or anyone who just wants to stay cool under the NOLA sun. 

Classic Leather Duffle Bag, $325 from Auld Wyld 

For a grad going places, consider the Classic Leather Duffle from Auld Wyld. Founded by Harlan Schwartz (BSM ’08), Auld Wyld is a New Orlean-based sporting goods company dedicated to creating durable, high-quality gear for the most intrepid adventurers. The company’s leather duffle features handcrafted full-grain leather and easy-access pockets for stashing gear on the go. With options for monograming, Auld Wyld’s duffle is a bespoke gift that will last a lifetime. 

Tulane Mardi Gras Tree Necklace, $85 from Kyle Cavan  

For a reminder of Mardi Gras magic at Tulane, give your grad the Tulane Mardi Gras Tree Necklace from Kyle Cavan, a jewelry company founded by Elizabeth Garcia (BSM ’15). The necklace plays homage to one of Tulane’s best-loved traditions: tossing carnival beads onto the “Bead Tree.” With this keepsake, your grad will carry a piece of Tulane with them forever.  

Blue Floral Short Sleeve Tiered Dress, $110 from Cabana Life 

Celebrate graduation and sun-soaked adventures ahead with a Blue Floral Short Sleeve Tiered Dress from Cabana Life. Founded by Melissa Marks (BSM ’96), Cabana Life specializes in sun-protective clothing. Made with UPF 50+ fabric, this flowy dress offers serious sun protection without sacrificing style.

Other Goodies 

The Venture Alchemists: How Big Tech Turned Profits into Power, $33.90 by Rob Lalka 

Written by Albert Lepage Professor in Business and professor of practice Rob Lalka, The Venture Alchemists is a must-read for grads looking for a culturally relevant, thought-provoking perspective on tech today. A deep dive into the origin stories of Silicon Valley’s most powerful empires, Lalka’s book shows how bold ambition, good intentions and serious abuses gave us the Internet as we know it. Perfect for grads heading into tech, policy, and finance—or those asking big questions about the world they’re stepping into.

The Science of Personal Power, $22.68 by Chris Lipp

With professor of practice Chris Lipp’s book The Science of Personal Power, your grad can step into their next chapter with confidence. Through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge research, Lipp offers strategies for improving communication, boosting physical and mental health, and driving positive change. It’s an inspiring read for grads as they take on their next adventure.

Barrier Repair Cloud Cream, $36 from 54 Thrones

After finals and farewells, it’s time for a little self-care. The Barrier Repair Cloud Cream from Christina Funke Tegbe's (BSM ’07) 54 Thrones is there for the grad who’s given school their all. The award-winning, ultra-hydrating formula is available in three luxurious scents: Egyptian Lavender and Moroccan Mint, Ugandan Vanilla and Ethiopian Honey, and Kenyan Hibiscus and Moroccan Rose. 

Local Art, price varies from Where Y’Art

Help your grad fill their new space with beautiful art—and reminders of where they’ve been. Founded by Collin Ferguson (BSM ’04), Where Y’Art connects local artists to art lovers. The company offers a curated selection of original artworks, from vibrant paintings to striking photographs, all created by local talent. It’s the perfect way to add personality to any space while supporting the artists and community that shaped your grad’s journey.