This holiday season, discover something special for everyone on your list, all while supporting businesses owned by your fellow alumni! From luxury treats for your furry royalty, to pedal-powered experiences that blend fun with fitness – we know you’ll find something for everyone on your list below.
1. Treat your pets like royalty with King of Paws
Luxury pet lifestyle products
Alumna Dialla Merie’s King of Paws brings style and care to every aspect of pet life – from premium grooming products and luxury accessories to stylish apparel, fragrances, and even pet-friendly events. What began as a small boutique pet store has grown into an international brand with a loyal community of pet lovers and a dedicated education arm, KOP Academy, which supports the next generation of pet industry entrepreneurs through education and mentorship. Every part of King of Paws celebrates the special bond between pets and their people.
"My time at La Trobe was honestly amazing, it felt like my home away from home. The environment was vibrant, the people were welcoming, and the facilities made studying something to look forward to. La Trobe wasn’t just a place to study, it was a community where I met incredible people, built great friendships, and enjoyed being part of something bigger."
You can use the discount code LATROBE30 online or in-store during November and December for 30 per cent off storewide. (One use per person, per transaction.)
Dialla holds a Bachelor of Business (Event Management & Marketing, 2015).
2. Wear your passion with LudoCherry
Board game-inspired sustainable fashion
La Trobe alumnus Mark Harris co-founded LudoCherry, an independent fashion label blending vintage style with tabletop gaming culture. Their collections feature original textile designs inspired by board games and tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), crafted into versatile, sustainable apparel for fans who want to wear their passion. Every piece is ethically made and certified as environmentally and socially sustainable.
"La Trobe gave me more than a degree; through participating in Student Theatre, running the Short Flicks film festival, and writing for Rabelais and Upstart, I enjoyed a diverse set of experiences that allowed me to CREATE! These skills were invaluable in shaping my journey with LudoCherry."
Use discount code LTUCHRISSY for 15 per cent off online orders, valid until 1 January 2026.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Media Studies (2013).
3. Blend fun and fitness with Bike n Blend
Fun, healthy pop-up events
La Trobe alumna Leena Van Raay founded Bike n Blend, a pop-up events company promoting health and wellbeing with Australian-made blender bikes. Both kids and adults can hop on and pedal for just 30 seconds to power the blender, creating a delicious smoothie through their own energy. Bike n Blend brings fun, connection, and joy to workplaces, schools, and community events – sparking positive changes toward a healthier, happier world, one smoothie at a time.
"Studying science at La Trobe University taught me to think critically, stay curious, and understand the ‘why’ behind human behaviour and wellbeing. That foundation in evidence-based thinking and experimentation inspired me to work as a Medical Research Assistant, then create a business that blends fun, education, and health in an engaging way – Bike n Blend."
Leena holds a Bachelor of Science (2003).
4. Raise a glass to craftsmanship with Millsheds Distillery
Award-winning spirits and liqueurs
Alumnus Nathan Ponder founded Millsheds Distillery in the Southern Highlands to create hand-crafted spirits and liqueurs that surprise and delight. Visitors can touch, smell, and taste the process – even peek inside the 600L still – before sampling highlights like the award-winning Salted Caramel Liqueur and Signature Floral Highland Gin.
"My time at La Trobe inspired me to build hospitality ventures that go beyond great products and service to create spaces that spark creativity, excitement and connection."
La Trobe alumni can enjoy 10 per cent off all orders in November and December using the code LATROBE10.
Nathan holds a Bachelor of Business (Tourism & Hospitality, 2008).
Toast the holidays with flavours worth celebrating.
5. Simplicity meets sustainability with MNML Laundry
Sustainable laundry capsules
Co-founded by alumnus Jarryd Burns, MNML Laundry is redefining clean with minimalist, sustainable laundry capsules that deliver powerful results without plastic waste. Grounded in science, MNML’s formulas are also crafted to be gentle on skin and support better sleep. Thoughtfully designed for modern living, MNML makes everyday laundry simpler, cleaner, and kinder to the planet – proving that small changes can make a big difference.
"My time at La Trobe University was instrumental in launching the businesses I’ve built. The timeless business principles I learned there have proven invaluable across many industries. Equally influential was the campus’s stunning natural setting, which has shaped my recent ventures; each designed with a strong focus on eco-friendly products. We all have a role to play in building a sustainable future!"
La Trobe alumni can use the discount code LATROBE for 15 per cent off their first order.
Jarryd holds a Bachelor of Business (2010).
