So we all know that we as college students have minimal cash that we can throw on Christmas presents. That being said, there are probably people in your life whom you genuinely care about. Christmas is a great time to remind them that you care about and thus you want to get a Christmas gift. Also, they may have got you something and now you have to get them something. Whatever. Either way: here are 13 absolutely, unquestionably terrific Christmas gifts for poor college students to give.
1. Re-gift (Price: $0)
People have re-gifting since the dawn of time. It's a really great way to get rid of something you don't want and give it to someone else to cover your butt if this person got you something. Bonus: If the present is still in some sort of wrapping or is still sealed. Pro tips: do NOT re-gift to someone who knows the original giver; this could end disastrously.
2. Coupon Clippings (Price: $0.06 per paper)
Like those really stupid hand-made ones? They can say something like "good for 1 free hug" or "good for 1 made bed" These are really lame and no one wants them. We all know this. But you made it yourself and it's sweet and cute so they have to like it. This gift is recommended for significant others and parents.
3. A Framed Photo (Price: $5 frame, $0.06 paper, and ink fee)
Find a cute memory of you and your gift-receiver and print that sucker out. A frame can be purchased at your nearest dollar store, 99 cents store, or wherever. It's super cute because this is something that the gift-receiver can always look at and think of you. So much better than them looking at those shoes they wanted and thinking of you, right?
4. A Framed Google Images Photo (Price: $5 frame, $0.06 paper, and ink fee)
It sounds really stupid and it possibly is but I actually did this to my Dad once and he loved it. It had meaning behind it so if you can find something someone likes or something they talked to you about they will probably appreciate it. Honestly if someone gave me a framed picture of Andy Biersack I'd be pretty thrilled.
5. Good Grades (Price: crippling anxiety and stress)
This what they said they wanted anyway so it's what they deserve, probably.
6. Heart-felt Letter (not recommended) (Price: $0.06 paper)
This is great because it's from you and your "heart" so they have to like it. Although it's not recommended because odds are you probably forgot how to write during winter break so this gift might come with some difficulty.
7. Hand-drawn Picture (also not recommended) (Price: $0.06 paper and $3.99 24-pack of crayons)
Again, they have to like it because it's from you and you put thought into it. But unless you are a really good drawer or a five-year-old, whatever you draw will probably not be impressive...or cute.
8. Perform a Song (Price: a couple hundred views on YouTube)
You really can't go wrong here. If you're talented this could be really nice and everyone will enjoy it. If you're untalented it will be hilarious and on the Internet.
9. A Mug ($3.95-$10.50)
This is a more pricey option on our list but it's perfect for that special someone who you have absolutely no idea what to get them. When they open you can say something like "you can put things in there" or "for coffee" so they know how useful this present is.
10. A Yankee Candle (Price: $6.59-$27.99)
I know I wrote $27.99 but let's be real: unless you actually like these Yankee Candle, no one is spending that kind of dough on this thing. However they have some really nice ones at a better price. The holiday scented ones are particularly for the occasion. FYI: if you ever receive a candle and you're not a teacher or a grandma then know that you are hard to shop for and the giver does not care to find out what you actually would like.
11. Something that Can Be Purchased on Your Meal Card (Price: possibly an actual meal)
Some college meal cards work at various locations. I know my sister's lets her purchase toiletries. You could buy someone something on your meal card, unless you actually spent all your money which is super likely. My meal card works at Starbucks where I've gone ahead and bought my loved ones some- you guessed it- mugs. (see 9)
12. Inside Joke Gift (Price: Under $10)
This works because there was thought involved. If you and your friends have inside jokes about striped socks ( I don't know why you would but-) you can buy your whole crew some cheap striped socks. It's thoughtful, everyone will laugh, and your wallet won't cry.
13. Promise to Spend Time with Them More (or Less) (Priceless)
Whether you go away to college or not, you're undoubtedly busy and see your loved ones less and less as time goes on. When you come home for break, everyone just really wants to see you. Time spent with your loved ones (especially as you get older) in invaluable. No matter how cheap or how pricey the gift you get them is, getting to see you is probably everyone's favorite gift.
Also, if you're like me and you're super annoying you can reward your loved ones by leaving them alone. Giving them peace and quiet from your constant banter is a great gift after years of putting up with you and all that comes with you.
Sorry last week's article was more serious. I decided to have fun this week. But thanks for making it to the end of this article and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
