Because Science Gift Shop

Because Science is a Washington, DC storefront and online shop offering smart, creative gifts for science lovers—think jewelry, art, stationery, and home goods. Founded by Amanda Preske ’12MS, ’16 PhD, we celebrate curiosity, inclusion and sustainability through the products we handcraft and curate.

Bikes Not Bombs

Bikes Not Bombs is Boston’s non-profit, mission driven, community bike shop where we offer full-service professional bike repairs, new and refurbished bicycles, parts and accessories, and even electric bikes. Browse our inventory online, then come visit the shop and try some bikes for a test ride. Submitted by Jonathan Allen ’78.

CTopCeramics

Owned by Caitlin Topkis ’15, CTopCeramics provides quality ceramic goods, from custom ornaments to plates to napkin rings and everything in between.

Empowered Living Inc

Founded by Julie Reisler ’97, Empowered Living Inc. helps people live with greater mindfulness, alignment, and authentic confidence. Through coaching programs, online courses, and tools for self-reflection—including Julie’s book Get a PhD in YOU and the You-est You® Intention Cards—the company supports individuals in building clarity, resilience, calm, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Julie also hosts The You-est You® Podcast, where she interviews thought leaders and luminaries on topics such as mindset, well-being, spirituality, and personal growth.

Eureka! Puzzles & Games

Eureka! is a store overflowing with treasures. We’ve got products ranging from artful jigsaws to diabolically mind-bending mechanical puzzles, from the simplest party games to the most complex strategic Euro-style games, and from fidget toys to the ancient art of puzzle boxes. And of course, gifts for everyone!

Our goal is to provide a collection of items which stimulates the mind, is playful to the spirit, and has lasting value. Use discount code Rochester2025 for 5% off your order this holiday season! Submitted by Rafi Benjamin ’01.

Furever Yours Decor

All designs at Furever Yours Decor feature our favorite furry friends….cats and dogs! A great selection of handmade products for the pet lovers in your life. Submitted by Brianna Vespone ’15W (MS), ’24W (EdD). UofR community members can get 15% off their purchase with code FUREVER15

Jerramy Fine books

Jerramy Fine ’99 writes non-fiction books that cover the intersection between princesses and feminism plus very popular children’s book about golden retriever puppies. All would make great holiday gifts!

KMS Designs

Eco-Friendly, MADE IN USA, glove dryer that dries and your wet, winter gear with zero added electricity. Our cool invention uses only the forced air in your home or school the dry wet gear from the inside out. No more stinky, wet gloves for kiddos who play in the snow and cold! Great for homes, schools and travel! Invented by a Karen Smoots. Kids and teachers approve!

Leah’s Tails & Scales, Etc.

Leah Root creates unique animal themed items out of polymer clay, including figurines, jewelry, ornaments, accessories, snow globes, and nativity sets. She specializes in custom made-to-order dog breed items. If you are looking for a unique gift that looks just like your dog, you have come to the right place!

Le Silo Bleu

Le Silo Bleu blends botanical skincare, restorative haircare and artisan home scents into a holistic philosophy of slow living. Candles, handmade soaps and other bath and body products are carefully crafted by Renee Iseson PP’25 in small batches with intention to nurture balance, calm and beauty in everyday life.

PianoMart

Rick Basehore ’72, PP’98 & Diane Basehore ’73 create a safe & easy place online for buyers & sellers of pianos to meet each other. With around 2,000 pianos listed, every prospective buyer can find their next piano on PianoMart! Our sellers are located around the world, but primarily in the U.S. We offer a free escrow service that ensures neither the buyer nor the seller fall victim to a scam; and when you call PianoMart you speak with one of the owners, not an overseas or automated call center. If you already have the piano of your dreams, check out our selection of music cabinets, piano lamps, and other accessories. Give the gift of music in the home this Holiday season or any time of the year with PianoMart!

Purely Present Health

Purely Present Health is a telehealth integrative and functional nursing practice founded by Beverly Mazza ’03, BSN, RN, NC-BC, a board-certified nurse coach specializing in metabolic health and weight management for women in midlife. Beverly uses a functional health and root-cause approach to help clients improve blood sugar control, optimize weight health, and restore metabolic balance through personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies. She is licensed to work with clients in New York and Massachusetts.

Recipes for Community

Founded by Megan Lovely, Recipes for Community is a community-engaged arts practice grounded on the premise that each of us has something to bring to the table: our stories. From Story Markets to storytelling workshops to dinner gatherings, each iteration of Recipes for Community invites us into a deeper relationship with the people and places we call home. Investing in the local economy is key to Recipes for Community. As of November 2025, more than $9,537 has gone to support local businesses, artists, farmers, non-profits, and community members.

Ronald G. Shapiro, PhD, LLC

Founded by Ronald G. Shapiro ’75, PhD, LLC, Education By Entertainment TV is designed to show people more about how they think so they can be safer, more productive and better communicators, teachers, students, team leaders, team members, etc.

Self-published author

Journey through the past and present as they collide in this dual timeline tale of past lives, present challenges, and future potential. Written by Sarah Heixmer ’05, The Harbinger, A Triquetra Chronicle, a dual-timeline historical mystery, is meant to be the first installment in a series focused on learning about the mysticism in life while exploring female friendships and chosen families.

Shail Rajan, Author

Shail Rajan ’92 writes women’s fiction about love, resilience, and the emotional turning points that shape our lives.

Sheep on the Rainbow

Tegan Leach offers a colorful selection of hand dyed yarns and spinning fibers. Yarn comes in worsted, sport, and fingering weights with solids and multicolored yarns to choose from. Classes are available for those looking to learn how to knit, crochet, spin, or dye yarn/ spinning fiber.

Tastefully Simple, Inc.

Tastefully Simple is a brand that specializes in clean-label foods and meal kits, focusing on simplicity and flavor. Founded in 1995, we offer a variety of products, including seasonings, sauces, and baking mixes, all made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Our brand emphasizes convenience and quality, allowing customers to prepare meals with minimal effort while enjoying delicious results. Patricia Bardeen is happy to connect!

The Shrewd Closet

Gift the special woman in your life this season with an item from Shrewd Closet. An e-commerce store, owned by Raven Hudson ’18S (MBA), dedicated to providing quality clothing and accessories for women that enjoy making a statement with their everyday wardrobe from work to happy hour. Check out our unique outerwear – perfect for the holidays. Use promo code uofr10 at checkout.

True Colors by Sarah

This is a collection of fun and pithy shirts with commons sayings turned on their head…so you can wear your “true colors” on your sleeve! Owned by Sarah Heixmer ’05.

Victory Books

Victory Books is a women- and queer-owned pop-up and online contemporary bookstore operating out of Rochester, NY by Jordan Oatman ’20W (MS). We offer a curated selection of used, new, and overstock contemporary books that focus on stories written by and about women, and the LGBTQ community. Our mission is to create and support a vibrant reading community in Rochester and the surrounding areas in a sustainable, affordable, and accessible way!

Wei of Chocolate / LOTUSWEI

Founded by Lisa Reinhardt ’85, after returning from an 11-year odyssey in the Himalayas, Wei of Chocolate urges you to let the luscious dark chocolate melt in your mouth as you rest in the present moment. The method is a game changer, together with the addition of flower essences, a mystical ingredient that works via the acupuncture meridians to release the causes of stress, and bring out your best qualities. Discover more online, and take the Flower Quiz to see what you need most today..

Witz Jewelry Design, LLC

Witz Jewelry Design specializes in handcrafted, custom, and statement fine jewelry. We offer designs that are high-impact, uniquely personal, and built to last, never mass-produced. Celebrating 10 years in business, we stand by our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and social responsibility. Proudly woman owned and operated by Amanda Towle ’14.

Yesterday’s Muse Books

We sell new, used, rare, and collectible books in a variety of genres, and offer book search services, insurance appraisals, and book repair and preservation services. Jonathan Smalter offers a brick-and-mortar shop in Webster, and also ship books worldwide through our own website and various affiliates.

ZenFox Solutions LLC

ZenFox Solutions offers transformational leadership and professional development coaching that helps individuals discover their authentic leadership presence and navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. Founded by Cara Fox ’99, a seasoned leadership development consultant with 25+ years of experience, ZenFox takes a personalized, strengths-based approach that goes beyond traditional coaching. By integrating evidence-based tools like the VIA Character Strengths assessment and DiSC personality profiling, each coaching engagement is tailored to the individual’s unique communication style, values, and goals. Whether you’re stepping into a new leadership role, pivoting your career, or seeking to lead with greater impact, ZenFox provides the supportive guidance and practical strategies to help you thrive.