With the holidays approaching, the Alumni Association has an early gift for you: savings on everything from trips to Disney World to food baskets from Zingerman’s. Peruse this gift guide to see just a sampling of offers through the Association’s Go Blue Rewards program, from hotel and car rental deals and discounted tickets to musicals, sporting events, and concerts. Nonmembers, join today to receive these benefits.
Graduate to The Graduate
A stay at The Graduate hotel is unlike any other for U-M alumni. Mere steps from campus on the corner of Huron and State streets, the hotel boasts a library table in the lobby, Maize and Blue décor in the rooms, and a view of the city. The collegial atmosphere makes you feel like a student all over again (though this time in luxury).
Discount: 10 percent off when you show your membership card at check-in.
Make Your Fridge Zing
When your house is full of relatives, why not fill the fridge with Zingerman’s treats? Stock up via Zing’s mail order site on everything from napoleon cheese wrapped in a chestnut leaf to a Turkey Rescue Kit (complete with all you need to turn leftovers into sandwiches, including cranberry mustard.) If you are in Ann Arbor, get some sweet deals at the Candy Manufactory. Chocolate-covered peanut brittle anyone?
Discount: 10 percent off all Zingerman’s online mail order items as well as in-store purchases at the Candy Manufactory.
Entertaining Deals
If you fancy taking the family to see “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Elf The Musical,” or a Detroit Red Wings game this holiday, look no further. Whether it’s a family outing or date night, the Alumni Association has discounts to sporting events, performances, concerts, and musicals, thanks to Olympia Entertainment in Detroit. Olympia’s venues include the Fox Theatre, Little Caesars Arena, and City Theatre. The possibilities for entertainment are endless.
Discount: Varies depending on the event and venue.
Vacation for Less
If you’re traveling this holiday season—or any other time of year—you can save at more than 6,500 participating Choice Hotels worldwide, from Paris to Peoria. The same goes for rental cars, whether you are looking to drive a passenger van through the mountains of Vermont, a convertible along the Mediterranean coast, or a Zipcar to a cider mill.
Discount: 15 percent off all Choice Hotel rooms, 25 percent off rental cars, and Zipcar deals starting at $15.
Artful Memories
Inspired by her love for U-M, Meghann Powell, ’01, illustrates colorful Maize and Blue scenes around campus and Ann Arbor and then digitally prints them onto high-quality, glossy paper. Even more fun and festive, you can send her photos of your favorite U-M people (and pets) and she will bring them to life in commissioned portraits.
Roll With Us
Get ready for the ride of your life. As an Alumni Association member, you can saving on tickets at a number of theme parks, from SeaWorld to Legoland. What better time of year than now to make merry with Mickey at Disney World?
Discount: Through Working Advantage, electronic tickets at a variety of reduced prices are available.
Covered in Love
Go to bed each night smothered in the smiles of your family and friends, courtesy of Collage.com, which turns your favorite photos into fleece blankets. This is the perfect present for a student’s dorm room so they can still see the encouraging faces of family every morning and night. Parents missing a child who has flown the nest might also appreciate this gift.
Discount: 70 percent off all photo blankets.
Tiptoe Through Time
Take a day during the holidays and go back in time in Dearborn, Michigan. Visit The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where you can step inside the bus where Rosa Parks took her seat in the civil rights movement and take a ride in a Model T around Greenfield Village. Make history come to life for the whole family.
