In 1895, a group of students who were unhappy with the limited selection and high prices of Ithaca\u2019s places of purveyance opened a store in the basement of Morrill Hall\u2014initially selling from a counter made of wood planks laid across a pair of barrels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jump ahead a century and a quarter, and the Cornell Store<\/a> is a bustling retail operation offering upwards of 25,000 products. A self-funded enterprise run by the University, it supports Cornell programs through its sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to its flagship location at the heart of campus (in a semi-underground building that opened in 1970), it boasts outlets on the Ithaca Commons, in the Statler Hotel, and at Weill Cornell Medicine\u2014plus a thriving online trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only a center of commerce on campus, the store is a go-to destination for alumni returning for Homecoming and Reunion\u2014the place to snag a dizzying variety of Cornell swag (for themselves, their families, and even their pets) so they can display their Big Red pride worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, for the 2022 holiday season, Cornellians<\/em> rounded up a modest selection of some of the store\u2019s more unusual offerings\u2014and this year, we’re following up with an expanded version! <\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re items that you may never have imagined would be Cornell themed … but which you just might need to wrap up and put a bow on this festive season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though you won\u2019t hear \u201cFar Above Cayuga\u2019s Waters\u201d chiming out of it, you can keep McGraw Tower close to your heart with this gold-plated necklace<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The charm, measuring more than an inch tall, hangs on a 17-inch chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (No word, however, on whether there are 161 tiny steps inside.)<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The nation’s fastest growing sport, pickleball (essentially a combo of tennis, Ping-Pong, and badminton) is all the rage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And now you can up your game by wielding Cornell’s beloved mascot on the court!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring a fellow alum along, because this set<\/a> comes with two Big Red paddles, each bear<\/em>-ing a snarling Touchdown and a Cornell \u201cC,\u201d plus two balls.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Made of stainless steel, the company\u2019s products are shatter resistant and keep beverages hot or cold for hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This 20-oz. tumbler<\/a> is dishwasher safe and cupholder compatible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It comes in black, red, or white, and sports the Cornell seal or a block-letter \u201cC.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n (Yeti can koozies, bottles, and mugs are also available.)<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The jigsaw fan on your list can hunker down this winter with a 500-piece puzzle<\/a> of Sage Chapel\u2019s stunning interior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The intricately detailed image was painted by NYC-based artist Andrea Strongwater \u201970.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The store also offers other puzzles, towels, and postcards that feature her work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The store carries a slew of wine-related gifts\u2014no surprise given the popularity of the Intro to Wines course, as well as the CALS majors in oenology and viticulture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It sells numerous glasses (both stemmed and stemless), bearing designs inspired by the Hill, Ithaca, and the Finger Lakes region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The many offerings include this one<\/a>, emblazoned with Touchdown and the classic \u201cC.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n With this teensy bowtie<\/a>, your furry friend can get fancy while repping the Big Red. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Adorned with cheery red “C”s, it fastens to a standard-sized collar with a velcro strap.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Did you know that 10 Cornellians have won the Nobel Prize in chemistry? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether or not you have fond memories of Chem 101, you can celebrate the Hill\u2019s rich history in that scientific field with this red-and-white 16-oz. mug<\/a>, which spells \u201calumni\u201d via abbreviations of four elements on the periodic table.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a gourmet foodie tour of Ithaca from the comfort of home: this sweet-and-savory specialty food box<\/a> includes Cornell-produced cheese, peanut butter, honey, and maple syrup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For dessert, dig into Cornellian caramel corn and the Cornell Mighty Milk bar from Ithaca-area purveyors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Celebrate one of Cornell\u2019s most beloved traditions\u2014the Lynah Faithful<\/a>\u2014with this classic wooden toy, a charming gift for hockey fans of all ages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Measuring about 7 inches long and 3 inches tall, this wee ice resurfacer<\/a> (commonly known as a Zamboni) is perfect for play and display alike.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This glossy tile<\/a>\u2014depicting a snowy view of campus and Cayuga Lake and mounted on a cork backing\u2014makes an ideal surface for hot pots and dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But its vibrant design, featuring a sumptuous watercolor by an Ithaca artist, may inspire you to hang it on your wall instead.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bearing a Cornell “C,” this stately oak wood whiskey box<\/a> measures over a foot high and wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It includes two heavy-bottom lowball glasses (each also emblazoned with a “C”), two soapstone coasters, and six soapstone whiskey stones to cool your adult beverage without watering it down.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This pillow<\/a> packs more than a dozen Big Red-inspired designs onto its 16-by-20-inch backdrop. They celebrate everything from events\u2014like Dragon Day and Slope Day\u2014to cherished locations, sports, and other Cornellian traditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A specialized embroidery machine is used to create these intricate pictures, and each pillow takes about 10 hours to stitch.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It may be the holiday season\u2014but if the Cornellian on your gift list is already dreaming of beach picnics and tailgating at Homecoming, you can plan ahead with an insulating six-pack beverage carrier<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The black neoprene holder sports two slots for ice packs and accommodates a range of bottle and can sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And best of all: there’s a very angry Touchdown to safeguard your drinks.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Magna-Tiles line of building toys have won kudos from many reviewers, including the New York Times<\/em>\u2019s Wirecutter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now there’s a Cornell-themed version of these magnetic tiles<\/a>, which can be arranged into all sorts of 3D structures, from castles to skyscrapers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The set features 13 scratch-resistant, double-sided tiles.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Sold in a two-pound wheel or half-pound wedge, Big Red Cheddar<\/a> is hand-crafted and made with milk from the University\u2019s dairy farm and aged for six months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A portion of the proceeds from sales of the delectable white cheddar supports CALS\u2019 food science program.<\/p>\n<\/div> This soft and snuggly animal pillow<\/a>, filled with a memory foam-like stuffing, is designed as a friendly, ovoid Big Red bear sporting a \u201cC\u201d on its chest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, stuffed bears are available in numerous other designs\u2014including a pom-pom wielding cheerleader and a Weill Cornell Medicine version wearing surgical scrubs\u2014plus dogs, horses, cows, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Did you know that Cornell has its own research program dedicated to this sweet elixir? The store sells maple syrup<\/a>\u2014sourced from nearby Arnot Forest, one of the University\u2019s research and education sites\u2014in containers of various sizes. <\/p>\n<\/div> Part of the proceeds support maple research and the forest\u2019s sustainable management. (And once you’ve gifted your special someone with a supply of Big Red syrup, point them to our recent story on the maple program’s trove of recipes<\/a>!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Missing those snowy winters on the Hill, and those freezing trudges up Libe Slope? <\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re just a shake away with this deluxe snow globe<\/a> featuring McGraw Tower and Uris Library, on a heavy black base with “Cornell University” on a red plaque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (For additional winter nostalgia, check out our feature story<\/a> on memorable Ithaca winter blizzards of years past!)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Can\u2019t decide whether you want your swag emblazoned with the Cornell \u201cC,\u201d the University seal, or Touchdown the bear? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Have them all with this quilt-like blanket<\/a> made of cotton T-shirt material. Comprising 12 squares, it measures 62 x 80 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The store also sells myriad other blankets, in such designs as a giant University seal and a photo of the clocktower and Uris Library, as well as numerous incarnations of the bear and the Cornell \u201cC.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div> This soft, casual bucket hat<\/a>, featuring some of the Hill\u2019s most iconic spots and faces, is part of a collection of Big Red swag<\/a> by British artist Julia Gash. Made exclusively for the Cornell Store, Gash\u2019s playful illustrations\u2014highlighting Touchdown, Ezra, and beloved campus locales like the Dairy Bar, Beebe Lake, and Sage Chapel\u2014grace notebooks, lanyards, tote bags, mugs, towels, stickers, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n While the top is black with an unobtrusive Cornell seal, a peek underneath this umbrella<\/a> reveals an eye-popping red-and-white McGraw Tower pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s just one of about a dozen umbrellas the store offers, in a variety of designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After all, if you have to endure the rain, you might as well have some bright Cornelliana to look at while staying dry.<\/p>\n<\/div> Cornell is the rare American university to have its own official tartan<\/a>, registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It was created by Jessie Fair Bloom \u201909, then a senior majoring in fiber science and apparel design, and unveiled at the annual Cornell Design League Fashion Show\u2014to the tune of the \u201cAlma Mater\u201d played on bagpipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to pjs (available for men, women, and youth), the store sells the tartan<\/a> on shorts, a necktie, a Pendleton wool throw blanket, and even a baseball cap.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In a partnership with family-owned Finger Lakes Chocolates, the store stocks Cornell-branded bars<\/a> in a wide variety of milk, white, and dark flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They include unusual offerings like maple, raspberry crunch, toasted coconut, and strawberry shortcake.<\/p>\n<\/div> The store also carries the company\u2019s truffle and caramel assortments, and the sales of a milk chocolate bar benefit the local United Way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Made of walnut and cherry and designed by a local artist (retired Cornell researcher Bruce Calnek DVM \u201955, MS \u201956), the clock<\/a> commemorates the infamous Halloween prank of 1997\u2014when a pumpkin mysteriously appeared atop the McGraw Tower spire. (The store also sells a version of the clock sans pumpkin.)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the mood to rock your inner Magnum P.I.? The store has shirts by Tommy Bahama<\/a>, featuring a white design of tropical leaves on a multi-hued red background, with a small \u201cCornell\u201d and \u201cC.\u201d They\u2019re available in sizes from small to XL. <\/p>\n<\/div> Another tropical Tommy option: a gray-toned floral shirt<\/a> with a small red Cornell logo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you can even show your Big Red pride while keeping your tootsies warm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cornell seal is featured prominently on shearling-lined leather slippers<\/a> for men and women\u2014including slip-ons and moccasins, some with indoor-outdoor treads.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Touchdown and the Cornell \u201cC\u201d appear in hand-stitched needlepoint<\/a> on a variety of items, some with leather trim. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They include a belt, cufflinks, a key fob, coasters, a golf club cover, a bottle opener, a baseball cap, a credit card wallet, a valet tray, and a can koozie.<\/p>\n<\/div> Is your pooch ready to play for the Big Red? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Start their training with this stick-shaped toy<\/a>, which features a double squeaker and nontoxic stuffing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially ideal for the Lynah Faithful, it\u2019s one of numerous dog toys and accessories the store carries\u2014from collars and leashes to bandanas, bows, and even a wee cheerleader costume.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Looking for treats and trinkets under $20 to stuff the stockings of your Cornellian loved ones? The store offers myriad options including playing cards<\/a> featuring the Cornell seal, a soft and squeezable Dairy Bar cow<\/a> stress reliever (at right), a bandana<\/a> with a repeating Touchdown pattern, an engraved wooden wine bottle opener<\/a>\u2014and even a tiny replica of Lynah Rink<\/a> on a keychain.<\/p>\n<\/div> All images provided, unless otherwise indicated.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Published November 22, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our second annual Cornell Store holiday gift guide showcases a tempting trove of Big Red swag<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":28965,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"alumni_hub_syml_posts":[8405,13742,14157],"footnotes":""},"categories":[224],"tags":[],"cornell_year_post":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-29275","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cornelliana"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/1143_13_094-A-1024x576.jpg\")
Clocktower necklace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"product](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/clocktower_necklace.jpeg?ver=1700514475\")
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\n\n\n\nPickleball set<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nYeti tumbler<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\""Cornell"](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/yeti-tumbler-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nSage Chapel puzzle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"product](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/sage_chapel_puzzle-1024x771.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nStemless wine glass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\""Cornell"-branded](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/stemless_wine_glass-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nPet bowtie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\""C"](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/pet_bowtie-1-1024x683.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nPeriodic table mug<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Product](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/periodic_table_mug-1-1024x819.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nA Taste of Cornell gift box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"product](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/specialty_food_box-1024x819.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nWooden \u2018ice resurfacer\u2019 toy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\""Cornell](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/toy_ice_resurfacer-1-1024x819.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nTrivet tile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cornell](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/trivet_tile-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nWhiskey box gift set<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\""Cornell"-branded](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/whiskey_box-1.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nEmbroidered pillow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\""Cornell](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/embroidered_pillow-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nSix-pack carrier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\""Cornell"](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/six-pack_carrier-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nMagna-Tiles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cornell](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/magna_tiles-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nCheddar cheese<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cornell](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/Big-Red-Cheddar-A-1024x681.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nSquishy pillow<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/Squishy-Pillow-A-1024x1024.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nMaple syrup<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Four](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/maple-syrup-A-1024x576.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nSnow globe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cornell-themed](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/1466002_media-02-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\n\u2018T-shirt\u2019 blanket<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/Tee-Blanket-A-821x1024.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
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\n\n\n\nBucket cap<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\""Cornell"](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/bucket_hat-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nUmbrella<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\""Cornell"](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/umbrella-1024x1024.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nCornell tartan<\/strong> swag<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Male](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/tartan-pjs-A-683x1024.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nChocolate bar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cornell-branded](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/FL-chocolate-A-1024x576.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nClocktower clock\u2014with pumpkin!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/pumpkin-clock-A-1024x683.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nHawaiian shirt<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/hawaiian-shirt-A-1024x576.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nShearling slippers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Four](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/slippers-A-1024x576.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nNeedlepointed accessories<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Needlepointed](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/needlepoint-A-1024x576.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nHockey stick dog toy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/12\/hockey-dog-toy-A-1024x1024.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nStocking stuffers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"squishy](\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/dairy_bar_cow-1024x662.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s your favorite thing you\u2019ve bought at the Cornell Store?<\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"