Christmas is almost here! And if you’re anything like me you have only just begun to brainstorm of gifts to get your loved ones and barely thought about what you want yourself. Buying gifts on a college budget is always hard, but these gift ideas are useful and last for a while! You might even see something you’d like for yourself in here too!

For the guys out there! I always hear the classic “I don’t know” when it comes to getting feedback about what gifts they’d like, but here are a few that might help spur their ideas.

1. Speakers

Everyone loves a good speaker to jam out to every once in a while. Speakers that are preferably wireless and Bluetooth are ideal for today’s era. Some good ones too look into include: JBL Flip 3, and any Bose are good because of their reputable brand. A more expensive but totally worthwhile option if you’re looking for one good gift would be the UltimateEars speakers. Although these run expensive they are long lasting and worth the money.

2. Watch

From fitbits, to the apple watch there are a wide variety of watches to choose from depending on what it is that you guy’s like/are into. Some good brands to look at are: Fossil, MVMT, and GUESS. The place to check for good sales on items like these is definitely Macy’s or really any department store.

3. Headphones

Just like speakers, headphones can be a really good idea for the guys out there that love to bring their music everywhere, but not necessarily play it out loud. There are of course the big name brands like Bose and Beats, but there are many other cool alternatives out there like JBL!

4. Wallet/Money clip

Whether you need a wallet or not, getting a new one is always nice. Use the old one you have for going out and one nice one for using on important dates or interviews. My personal favorite is Tommy Hilfiger because of the clean simplicity, but a close second would be Fossil. The easiest kind to carry around are by far money clips, but I wouldn’t invest in one of those unless you know the gift receiver won't end up leaving it in the pocket of his jeans and wash it in the common area washing machines.

5. Loungewear

SWEATS and HOODIES! Every college goers wake up and roll out of bed attire! You can never go wrong with these nor can you have too many. L.L. Bean is the best for comfortable and trendy loungewear.

And now for the ladies! I’ve never understood it myself but females are so much easier (for me at least) to brainstorm and gift shop for and it has stayed true. Some ideas on my personal list and what people I asked said they would love to give or receive include:

1. A Polaroid camera!

These, although not new to technology, have made a real serious comeback. Whether you are someone that likes to adventure or just hangout with friends at home over break, Polaroid cameras are a great way to document your memories and share them with a friend right away! I have the Fiji Instax myself but I know there are different types like ones that print horizontally and vertically.

2. Cold gear

Hats are great come wintertime, especially those fuzzy, cute ones with pom poms. A brand that I love and fully endorse is Love Your Melon. They are adorable and work with children with cancer so they also support a good cause! Their new Pom hats are among my favorite.

3. Reusable travel cups

Travel mugs are also something beyond useful for the cold months and year round. Depending if you or your gift receiver is a Starbucks or Dunkin girl buying mugs from these places is beneficial toward recycling because they are refillable at any time.

4. Loungewear

If you couldn’t tell yet I am sticking with the theme of comfortable and easy. Lounge clothes can be perfect for anyone guys or girls. But be careful when purchasing clothes for a female I highly advise against is unless you are sure they will like them (but things are easily exchanged). Two great brands for comfy clothes are Patagonia and Victoria’s Secret!

5. New unmentionables

And last but not least gift cards to get new bras and underwear are always the best. Hopefully your gift giver knows what your favorite stores are, but if not you can always drop some hints!

Some extra ideas if none of the above were of any interest to you could be:

Games: Jenga/Cards Against Humanity

Blankets: Electric blankets always win

Winter boots: L.L. Bean/Sorel/Hunter (depending on where you live)

Gift cards: Grocery store cards are always the best to come back to school with

Electronics: Portable charger/Laptop accessories