We all know that the holidays are the best and most beautiful time of year, but they can also be SUPER stressful, especially when you're on a budget.
You need to buy gifts for your parents, your siblings, your friends from back home, your new friends at school, your significant other, that aunt you never talked to, your mailman, and –– OH NO! Your roommate! If you're struggling, here are some thoughtful, inexpensive gift ideas that won't break the bank.
1. Something you know they'll need.
This can be literally anything. For example, a new set of towels, a new shower caddy, a new box of fancy pencils or pens, a new hair straightener, or anything they frequently use. Things that have a practical use, always make better gifts, and they'll definitely thank you later.
2. Something to decorate their space.
Everyone loves having a cute, decorated room that reflects the things that they love. Whether it be a tapestry, some posters of their favorite bands, some string lights, or photos of your adventures so far this year, I'm sure they'll love to throw it up on the wall next to their bed.
3. Something that they're always borrowing.
This could be anything, too! A favorite t-shirt or hoodie, your rain boots, your hair dryer, your scrunchies, or your makeup that they really like to use. Now they can have one of their own and you don't always have to wonder where your stuff is.
4. Something from their favorite show.
You know that show that they're always watching? The one they binge over and over again? The one that they watch when they're definitely not procrastinating their homework? Yeah, that one. Grab something neat that has to do with that show, like a t-shirt, a mug, or a poster. Get creative with it!
5. Something from the bookstore.
Let's be honest. We all have quite a bit of school spirit gear, but it's never enough! If you're completely scrapped for ideas, go out and get them something cute from the bookstore, like a new long-sleeved shirt, a stuffed animal, a phone wallet, or a coffee mug. They're guaranteed to love it because, hey, they go there, too!
6. Their favorite personal products.
Does your roommate always wear the same scent of cologne/perfume? Do they always use the same type of lotion or hand soap? Do they have a favorite brand of flip-flops or nail polish? Just grab a few, throw them in a decorative box or bag, and BAM! Instant Christmas present!
7. A book by their favorite author.
For the everyday bookworm, there are a million different books you could get them as a gift. But chances are, they have a favorite author! If this author has just recently released a new book that they haven't read yet, snag a copy and wrap it up real nice. Or you could even go with a genre that they really like. Who knows? Maybe you'll get them hooked on a new series.
8. A gift card to their favorite restaurant.
This is always a win, especially for college students. No matter where you get the gift card from (a fast food place, a coffee shop, a fancy restaurant) they're guaranteed to LOVE it. I mean, who doesn't love free food?
9. A makeup bag.
If your roommate is a makeup enthusiast, chances are they can never have too many makeup bags. As they keep buying more and more stuff "just to try it out", they tend to run out of space quickly, leaving their area a little cluttered. Save the day with a cute personalized makeup bag that they're sure to appreciate.
10. A personalized wine glass.
This is a personal favorite for me. If you and your roommate(s) enjoy getting together and having a nice glass of wine after a long day, a personalized wine glass is a PERFECT gift. You could even get matching ones for yourself and your other roommates if you have any. It's cute, personal, and they'll be reminded of it every time they pick up the glass.
11. Fuzzy socks. Always.
Do I even need to explain? Fuzzy socks are always a good gift. They're cute, comfortable, and save a lot of bickering about the temperature of the room.
12. A soft, oversized blanket.
A great gift, especially for that roommate that's always cold. Soft, comfy throws aren't terribly expensive, and they work great for when your roommate wants to turn the heat up AGAIN. Instead, they can jump in their bed and snuggle up with their new blanket.
13. Headphones/Earbuds.
College students go through headphones faster than their weekly pay stub! Bite the bullet and get a good, more expensive pair, or go to Five Below and grab a few different pairs so they're prepared for finals week and everything coming up ahead.
14. A cute planner for the new year.
2018 is right around the corner, which means some yearly agendas will be running out of pages soon. Pick out a cute one before they can think about it, or even grab a blank journal and some colorful pens so they can FINALLY start that bullet journal they've been meaning to do for so long. There's no time like the present!
15. Snacks/candy.
This is a pretty safe gift, too. Go to your local grocery store and pick out a variety of different snacks and candies that your roommate loves and make a decorative goodie bag for them. You can make it up to them for all those Pringles and Kit Kats that you stole over the semester!