2022 EMG Holiday Gift Guide

The cold winter season is upon us, and it’s time to get into the holiday spirit.

The season of thanks continues into the upcoming month of December and it’s time for all things festive! This year we wanted to keep it eco-friendly with some DIY decor that can be reused year after year, a guide to local and affordable places to buy gifts, and some sustainable ways to wrap your holiday presents.

We also took to campus to ask students what their favorite holiday traditions are! For all my dessert lovers out there we’ve got a twist on a classic cheesecake recipe that you won’t want to miss.

As we wrap up this term and start looking towards the new year, it’s important to reflect on 2022 and all that we have accomplished. Keep up the good work Ducks and happy holidays!

DIY

Written by Kelsie Heffernan, Illustrations by Mia Lee

Sock Gnomes (as seen on TikTok)

You’ll Need:

Colored sock (ideally red or green, and fluffy) Hot glue gun Felt Fir

Optional: bells, glitter, glue, beads

How To:

Use any white sock and fill it with rice to the desired size of your gnome, and then tie the top and cut the excess material. Take a small grape-sized portion from the middle of the gnome, wrap it into a ball, and secure it with a hair tie to create the nose. Put the other sock on the gnome and keep an opening where the nose is, cut the excess fabric from the top and leave the nose exposed. Glue down the sock. Use felt and fir to add a beard or eyebrows or create a festive hat. To create a hat, wrap the felt into a cone shape and glue it. Stuff with extra leftover sock fabric or more felt so it stays upright. The hat can then be glued just above the nose.

Festive Clay Mushroom Ornaments

You’ll Need:

Colored crafting clay

Twine

How To:

Craft mushrooms by using red modeling clay and shaping them into a ball and cutting off the bottom half and slightly flattening. Use brown or nude clay to create thin stems and add white dots to the red portion. Poke a hole for the twine and bake in the oven as directed on the clay packaging. Optional: paint with a clear glaze for a glossy finish.

Scented Garland

Festive blankets: Buy two pieces of fabric, of a soft material like fleece, of the desired blanket size (keep in mind blanket size will shrink after tying). Stack the fabric pieces on top of each other and cut 2-3 inch strips through both pieces around the entire edges. Double knot the bottom and top strips together around the whole blanket.

Cheesecake Cookies

Written by Calista Espino Illustrations by Kenna Pendergraft

This tradition of baking cheesecake cookies started in 2016, 6 years ago. My brother asked a life-changing question, “Don’t you think people get tired of the same cookies, year after year?” And ever since, we’ve decided to change our cookies for Santa Claus and Los Reyes Magos.

As the season of winter approaches, it calls for warm cups of hot chocolate and pastries. I would like to share my family’s secret recipe for delicious cheesecake cookies—a winter gift from my family to yours.

During winter holidays many people cook and bake traditional foods that have been passed down through generations. Within my own family, we have a recipe for cheesecake cookies that we make every year and leave for Santa Claus and Los Reyes Magos, which is a religious holiday that is celebrated by many Latin American and Spanish-speaking countries.

Ingredients:

-8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (room temp) -1/2 cup butter (room temp) -1 1/4 cups granulated sugar - 2 eggs

-1 tsp vanilla extract -2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour -2 tsp baking powder -1/2 tsp salt -powdered sugar

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Mix butter and cream cheese together for about a minute, until fluffy and smooth Add sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture and continue mixing for another minute, until fluffy

Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt

Slowly add dry the ingredients into the butter and cream cheese mixture

Put batter into the fridge for about 10-20 mins

Place batter in rounded shapes (you can use a spoon or ice cream scooper) on baking sheets

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-11 mins (light color NOT brown, depending on oven) Let cookies cool and then sprinkle powdered sugar on top

Last, serve and enjoy! :)

gifts to bring Home

The holiday season is upon us, which means many will find themselves wondering what they might pick up as a gift for a friend or family member. There’s only one place to go that will have everything you need: The Duck Store! From candles to t-shirts, it has something for everybody on your list.

Coming home from the holidays means a reunion with those closest to you. With both UO and Eugene-inspired gifts, you can bring a piece of the Pacific Northwest home to them. Even for locals, there are plenty of items that will remind people why they’re proud to be Duck fans!

Oregon Golf Crew Neck

This soft pullover is sure to keep anyone warm. In a cozy fall beige color, this would make an amazing gift for those in your life who live for comfort.

White Neil Tapestry Licensed Julia Gash Blanket

This blanket features all the things that make UO home! It’s a sweet & memorable gift for your people that want to have a look into what your campus life is all about, and will also keep them warm this winter!

Landmark

Fine Goods 4oz Candle, Eugene Scented

Usher in the scent of the rainy west coast with this Eugene-scented candle. It is a perfect gift for a friend to remind them of your new cityand practically begs them to come visit!

Green & Yellow Youth Jersey

Do you have any future ducks in your life? This tiny jersey is fitting for a fun-sized football fan or parents who can’t wait to bring their little one to a game.

White Spirit 16.9oz

Stoneware

Bamboo Lid Black Dog Paw & Bone & Oregon Ducks Jar

Canister

With this jar, even your pup can be proud of you and your university! Perfect to store your pet’s treats (or to hide holiday sweets in).

Written by reilly norgren Images provided by

gifts for friends

This time of year always reminds us of how grateful we are for our friends, no matter how near or far they are. Great gifts for friends are things that will make them laugh or something that shows just how well you know them.

Oregon Grey Mug 16oz

With the classic Oregon O, this mug is a perfect addition to your mug collection. It has a pop-top lid so they can bring their coffee on the go!

El Arroyo “Margaritas cuz no great stories start with salad’ puzzle

Whether it’ll just cause a laugh or reminds you of an old story, this puzzle would be a hit as a silly gift for your best friend.

Yellow Strideline Justin Herbert Socks

If your friend is passionate about Duck football, these socks will elevate them to super-fan status. These might even become their lucky gameday socks!

Green Heather McKenzie Oregon T-shirt

Bring some green and yellow for your friends back home with this t-shirt. Cute to wear out and for being snuggled up in blankets!

Trucker Hat

These hats are so on trend right now, you can pick one up for your friend who loves hats, or is willing to try a new style. And, they’ll be repping the Eugene!

gIfts for goofballs Ifts

Quirky gifts are really great for the people you know that are creative or have an eccentric side. These items will completely match their vibe! Every single one is displayworthy so that they can bring that fun side into their home.

Kikkerland Unicornhole Game

Modeled after the classic yard game, this game has a twist. It’s desk-sized, and played with ‘unicorn horns’ instead of bean bags. For your friend who might get bored in the office, or want something funny to put on their living room table, this makes a great gift!.

Kikkerland Daisy the Dachshund Planter

For those who love plants, this planter will look so great in their home! Succulents and cacti will look adorable in this little dog planter, so this is amazing for dog lovers too!

Cavallini Christmas Vintage Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzles are a beloved brain teaser that make a great gift for anyone. With this retro, holiday-themed puzzle you can appeal to that person who loves vintage style. Puzzles are also so fun to do as a group, so it’s perfect for your friend who loves hosting.

Stranger Things Cassette Kitchen Sponges

Pop-culture lovers would adore this Stranger Things-inspired kitchen item, especially if it’s a favorite show of theirs. While they wait for the next season to come out, there will never be dirty dishes in the sink!

Wood & Metal Oregon Cocktail Tool

With this classic wood-and-metal look, this tool is so useful but also has a little UO flair with the green logo across the handle. Great for anyone who loves to make fun cocktails at home, or anyone who loves to play bartender at holiday parties.

Meaningful and inspirational to the most casual or dedicated track fan, “Hayward Field: Legends and Legacy” is a keepsake book for the community to embrace, enjoy

Former Register-Guard sports columnist Austin Meek and former Daily Emerald reporter Bryce Dole provide colorful and compelling stories covering the early years of Hayward Field to the record-breaking moments of the modern era. To

Foreword written by Andrew Wheating

‘Tis the Season for Sustainability

Written by Lizzy Lee Illustrations by Julia Faria Photo by Violet Turner

Gift wrapping is something we’ve grown accustomed to during the holiday season, but it can be wasteful. Colorful and sparkly gift wrap usually ends up in landfills. There’s a misconception that you have to buy new gift wrapping, bags, or boxes. I’m here to debunk this myth. You don’t have to sacrifice style and gift presentation. Sustainability doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive. There’s a multitude of options for those looking for a more eco-friendly way of wrapping presents. This doesn’t just concern the winter holidays. Take these ideas and use them for future birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Newspaper wrapping

We’ve entered the digital age where newspapers have rapidly become rare, but that doesn’t mean they’re extinct. If you’re like my parents, you have newspapers lying around everywhere. Newspapers can mimic gift wrapping, and it’s a perfect way to reuse old materials. If you are someone who gets your news online, you can also extend this to other paper materials laying around, like magazines or posters. There’s a certain aesthetic that comes with newspaper print that you can play off. It creates a classic and vintage vibe. Tie the present with some twine or ribbon, and you’ve got a pretty package.

Furoshiki wrapping

Also known as Japanese fabric wrapping, cloth wrapping dates back centuries. You can use bandanas, scarves, fabric scraps, and more. A variety of fabric materials work, and they can change the presentation of your gift. Silk wrapping can give a luxurious vibe or use a playful print for a fun gift. Many websites and videos show tutorials on how to properly wrap your presents and what techniques to use for certain gift shapes. The presentation can be just as pretty and clean as conventional gift wrapping. The receiver of your gift can also reuse the fabric to make a Furoshiki fabric wrapping closed loop.

Eco-Friendly wrapping

If you still want to buy new gift wrapping, then there are still eco-friendly options. Recycled or biodegradable wrapping paper are two options to choose from. I put this as the last option because you would still need to buy new materials. This is still a better option than gift wrap that can’t be recycled. Buying new gift wrap does give you more options in terms of style and aesthetics. Just make sure that the company is truly eco-friendly and not greenwashing.

Reusing gift bags and boxes

This is my go-to as both an eco-friendly and cheap person. I personally find gift bags and boxes the easiest. You just drop your gift in them with some tissue. Gift bags and boxes are perfect for oddly shaped gifts. It’s also a great choice for those who just can’t get gift wrapping down or are short on time. This option really only works when you also receive gift bags and boxes. This is a great way to cut down on new materials. Newspaper or magazine pages can be used as tissue paper or just opt out of tissue paper to reduce materials.

These gift wrapping suggestions are versatile and can be used for any holidays or special occasions where gift swapping occurs. You don’t have to sacrifice style. Just be creative and have fun with it. Try these out and see which one works for you. With the end of the year coming up, it’s never too late to think of New Year resolutions to cut back on your carbon footprint.

Local, Affordable, and Fun: Where to Buy Gifts this Season

The holiday season brings warmth to the cold air. After all, it’s the season of giving. This wonderful season does have a flip side. The Grinch’s heart may have grown three sizes too large, but your wallet may not. Between friends and family, it is easy to get stressed about getting everyone the perfect gift. Luckily, Eugene has a wide range of local stores to find the perfect gift on a budget.

Written by Isabella Albin, Photos by Henry Cohen and Sneha Chopra

Tsunami Books

It’s hard to miss Tsunami Books, a mural covering the street facing side of the building, and it is aptly of a tsunami. This book store offers a mix of new and used books. The beauty of a used book store is that there are like-new books that are reasonably priced. If you are not sure what book to buy, all of the books at Tsunami are easily categorized, so you can find anything with ease. If you are looking for a laugh, buy one of David Sedaris’s many books. For the foodie in your life, “Kitchen Confidential” is a great read by Anthony Bourdain. If you are looking for a heartfelt book, Walk Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” is a beautiful entryway into poetry. When in doubt, Tsunami also sells gift cards!

2585 Willamette St

House of Records

For the music lover in your life, you can’t miss Eugene’s House of Records. Since it opened in 1971, House of Records has been every audiophile’s dream. There are stacks of records from almost every genre imaginable. While records can become pricey, House of Records has affordable used records and other nicknacks that are typically under $25. Older records from niche artists will often be more affordable. Take a risk and you might find a new favorite artist! On your way out, don’t miss the $1 poster bin!

Another great spot to find unique gifts for an affordable price is Bhumi. This refillery and boutique offers sustainable, fair-trade, and eco-friendly options. From towels, to crystals there are several gift ideas in this shop. Here are three ideas for under $10.

Murray & Lanman Florida Water ($6.50) – Florida water has several uses, but it’s citrusy and subtly spicy smell lends itself as a gender neutral scent.

Wood Incense Burner Holder Ash

Catcher for Sticks 10” ($6) – With gold detailing, these wood incense holders are a simple item that will add to any room.

Bhumi

Simple Bag ($10) – Whether this bag is for produce or an afternoon in the park, it has both function and style. The tan cotton mesh will match with anything!

At the end of the day, the season of giving is an opportunity to show your love. While it can be overwhelming to find the perfect gift and not break the bank, the city of Eugene has several local shops where you can find a unique gift.

1801 Willamette St

Whether you’re counting down to the holidays or savoring the final weeks of fall, The Duck Store is here to help make your season a little brighter.

Plus, mark your calendars for Thursday, Dec. 1 when we show our UO community how much we love and appreciate you with 20% OFF * most items in the store!

Whether you’re looking for great gifts for Oregon fans or fans of Oregon, We’ve Got You Covered.

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Street Talk

Written by Sydney Johnson Photos by Gustavo Del Real Figueroa Illustrations by Mia Lee

“My dad has so many Christmas playlists that are constantly playing. He always has the rock versions of all these Christmas songs. When I was a kid that was how I got into rock music listening to the Weezer Christmas album.” - Kyle

“I’ve cooked Thanksgiving dinner for my family for the last 10 years. We do a deep fried turkey every year and then after the turkey we fry some potatoes in that same oil. Those potatoes are the star of the show.” - Daniel

“I go back home to Southern California for Christmas time and every year my friends and I get a block of ice and ride it down a hill.” - Sam

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

“I come from a very Indian family so we don’t really celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Honestly, my favorite holiday tradition is getting time off school. Probably going to spend it playing video games - there’s a new Pokemon game coming out.” - Comet

“My birthday is Christmas. It’s pretty good for me, not great for everyone. I get double the presents.” - Maja

“I’m vegan so Thanksgiving is really hard for me. I’ve gotten really creative the last couple years. I just have to make some slight alterations and use vegan butter.” - Isabella