The holiday season is here and it's time for gift-giving, gift-getting and re-gifting those bad gifts you got. A personal favorite holiday festivity of mine is the yankee swap/white elephant gift exchange. I know, I know, there are some clear differences between the two, but in short this kind of gift exchange is where each participant brings a wrapped gift and then the participants draw numbers to choose gifts. Each new participant has the opportunity to steal a gift from any person who has already opened theirs. It's a ton of fun, whether the gifts are goofy or actually desirable. Here are 16 gifts for your next low-budget gift exchange:
1. Fuzzy blanket
Amazon, $10
2. Disney Movies
Perfect for kids and adults and teenagers and everyone. Load up on as many as you can get for $5 at Walmart to share with your friends.
3. Movie tickets
Getting off-campus becomes a special occasion, best to make a whole day out of it. Two general admission tickets to a movie (complete with candy and popcorn) is just the thing.
Amazon/Fandango, $ whatever you so desire.
4. Chocolate
In the form of truffle, bar, kiss, M & M, and--of course--fountain. Sure to be loved by all.
5. Bacon everything and anything
Oh dear friends, there is nothing like the gift of bacon. Giving actual greasy bacon is wonderful (obviously) but try one of these other great bacon products:
Bacon Lip Balm -- delicious bacon taste all day long, $6 on Amazon.
Bacon bandages -- to bind up those broken hearts. Over missed bacon opportunities. $8 on Amazon.
Bacon soda. Obviously.
6. Silly socks
Fun socks are great for all, whether they be fashion forward or funky. Check out the optional below:
I might just buy these for myself....
For the super friend in your life.
7. Unique game
Try one of these new card or board games! When giving it to a friend group, you're sure to be included to play with it, too:
Writing on your friends without them complaining? Sign me up.
We know awkward moments. Relieve some good ones with this game.
8. Mugs
Errebody loves mugs. I have 10,000 in my room and always feel like I need more. A mug (complete with Starbucks or Dunkin gift card) is a great gift for anyone. Pick up a cheap and loved one at Goodwill, or check out Etsy for some you can personalize.
9. Puzzle
Get your grandma on and load up on puzzles to give out at gift exchanges. Is it silly? Is it serious? Either way, it's a great gift for all ages.
10. New hobby
The gift of a new hobby is great and too often overlooked. With the power of the Internet, instructions are available for everything, everywhere. So share the gift of knitting (yarn and needles), art (sketch pad and art pencils), or baking (ingredients in a mason jar) to help get your friends crafty during this holiday season--they just may give their finished product back to you!
11. Coffee table books
One can never have too many fairly useless books. Here are a few of my favorites:
12. Inflatable Unicorn Horn
The best freaking thing that has happened to mankind.
Now for your kitty, too. The future is now.
13. Tea Infuser and Tea
Finals are stressful. Holidays are stressful. Life is stressful. What better way to unwind than with some tea? Grace your gift exchange with the joy of tea and an adorable tea infuser like one of these:
Mr. Tea looks relaxed, just like you will be!
Tell me a "manaTEA" is not the darn cutest thing you've seen all day!
And here's something a little more classic, but just as charming.
14. Dashboard Jesus
At a Christian school, I can guarantee at least one member of the gift exchange will halfheartedly mention the possible sacrilegiousness of this gift, but he or she will be drowned out by the mob rushing to claim Dashboard Jesus for their own.
15. Fish
Beta, goldfish, all kinds! It's almost like a pet. Except it won't play with you and you have to give it regular care. But still fun!
16. Pet Rock
Probably fun in some cases. Likely more fun than a fish. Don't take it for "granite," these gifts really "rock."
Whatever gifts you bring to your exchange, remember the spirit of the season--and fight hard for the best present there.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, Odyssey may earn a portion of qualifying sales.
