Graduation gifts, made the Spartan way

Looking for a meaningful graduation gift for your Spartan? Start with Student-Made Michigan State, where every product, from art and apparel to accessories and sweet treats, is created by MSU students and alumni who have turned their creativity into thriving small businesses. In partnership with the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Student-Made provides a professional online storefront that brings these unique, student-led brands to life.

From cozy, MSU-inspired apparel to handmade jewelry, playful accessories and one-of-a-kind keepsakes, these gifts go beyond the ordinary. Each piece reflects the passion, creativity and Spartan spirit your grad has experienced during their time in East Lansing. Read on to discover standout shops and find something that helps your grad carry a piece of MSU into what comes next.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to share that with others, and I hope my creations can bring others happiness.”-Truelove

If your grad appreciates handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts, Designs by Erika offers thoughtful pieces with personality. Created by Erika Truelove, an advertising creative sophomore, this collection includes crochet hats, plushies, keychains, stickers and even custom clay photo stands.

“I design and create everything myself,” Truelove said. “It’s so rewarding to be able to share that with others, and I hope my creations can bring others happiness.”

Whether it’s a keepsake to remember their time at MSU or a fun addition to their new space, these handcrafted items add a personal, creative touch your grad will love.

“I want my jewelry to be something that people feel beautiful in.”-Cole

Help your grad celebrate their individuality with handmade jewelry from Cherry Loops. Featuring colorful, beaded earrings and necklaces, including subtle Spartan-inspired designs, these pieces are perfect for grads stepping into a new phase with confidence and style. Designed by Katelyn Cole, an interior design junior, each accessory adds a playful yet meaningful touch, making it a great gift for grads who love to stand out while staying connected to MSU.

“I hope my products help people to be more colorful and feel confident in themselves,” Cole said. “I want my jewelry to be something that people feel beautiful in.”

Celebrate your grad’s Spartan pride with accessories from Spartan Ribbons.

Celebrate your grad’s Spartan pride with accessories from Spartan Ribbons. These pieces are perfect for adding a subtle MSU touch to everyday life, whether it’s a keepsake to remember their college experience or something they can carry into their next adventure. It’s a simple, thoughtful way to honor where they’ve been and where they’re going.

Founder Anna Wiltzer, a kinesiology junior, said, “I had originally created these bows for myself and a few friends to wear because I really wanted to have as much Spartan gear as I could. I got some compliments and decided I wanted everyone to be able to wear my product and be as excited as I was for every game!”

“Macaronza! was established after spending years perfecting macarons. Now we offer fun and unique flavors to enjoy for any occasion.” -Pulavarthi

Looking for a gift that’s both beautiful and delicious? Macaronza! offers handcrafted, gluten-free macarons made with natural flavors, perfect for celebrating your grad in style. These colorful, aesthetic treats are ideal for parties, care packages or a sweet surprise that feels just a little more special.

“Macaronza! Hopes to make macarons more affordable and delicious. All of our desserts are gluten-free and fully customizable,” said founder Yuktha Pulavarthi, a marketing senior. “Macaronza! was established after spending years perfecting macarons. Now we offer fun and unique flavors to enjoy for any occasion.”

“Baking by Jade was started out of my longtime passion for baking,” said McLellan. “I think that when a business is backed by love and care, the product turns out the best!”

Celebrate your grad with something as sweet as the moment itself. Baking by Jade creates custom cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Founded by Jade McLellan, a management junior, each batch is made from scratch with care, perfect for graduation parties, personalized gifts or a thoughtful treat to mark this milestone. It’s a heartfelt way to add a little extra joy to your grad’s big moment.

“Baking by Jade was started out of my longtime passion for baking,” said McLellan. “I think that when a business is backed by love and care, the product turns out the best!”

Bluthreads & Co.: Cozy, Spartan-inspired embroidered apparel with meaning

From cozy sweatshirts to minimalist pieces, each item blends style with sentiment.

Give your grad something that feels as meaningful as their time at MSU. Bluthreads & Co., founded by alum Megan Timmerman (MSW ’24), offers embroidered apparel and accessories designed to feel personal, comforting and uniquely theirs. From cozy sweatshirts to minimalist pieces featuring “East Lansing, Michigan” or uplifting phrases like “One Day at a Time,” each item blends style with sentiment. Inspired by memory, comfort and connection, these pieces are perfect for grads who want to carry a piece of MSU, and a little warmth, into their next chapter.

“My biggest hope for those who buy from Bluthreads is that they feel comfort, like they’re wearing something that loves them back,” Timmerman said.

Stuck on You Design Co.: Bright, playful accessories for everyday Spartan life  

These cheerful designs are an easy way for your grad to express their style and bring a pop of MSU spirit wherever life takes them next.

For grads who love color, personality and a little fun in their everyday essentials, Stuck on You Design Co. delivers. Founded by alum Ella Lynch (B.A. Political Science ’24), this shop features bright, playful keychains, waterproof stickers and koozies that are perfect for laptops, water bottles or first apartments. These cheerful designs are an easy way for your grad to express their style and bring a pop of MSU spirit wherever life takes them next.

“Nothing makes me happier than knowing people are incorporating my designs and products into their daily lives. It’s the ultimate compliment,” Lynch said.

Support a current Spartan while celebrating a new alumnus and shop Student-Made Michigan State this graduation season. To view the entire collection of items, including products

Help create success for a current Spartan while celebrating a new alumnus and shop Student-Made Michigan State this graduation season. To view the entire collection of items, including items not included in this guide, visit the Student-Made Michigan State Products page. To learn more about the student entrepreneurs at Student-Made, visit Student-Made’s Meet the Creators page.