Hi there. My name is Emily Sharp and I love giving gifts during the holiday season. It's one of the little things in life I look forward to: the reaction on a friend or family members' face when they open your gift and you know it was a good one.
I have been at every stage of the college budget, and have used this knowledge to compile a list of painless and personal gifts fit for you.
“I’m dead broke.”
This is the perfect time to get heartfelt and crafty. Break out your markers and put on your thinking cap.
- Make your friend a playlist of songs that mean a lot to them, you, or your friendship. It’s sentimental and thoughtful, and also free.
- Make your parents a memory box: scavenge around for some photos and some note cards. Write down good memories on the cards, and describe the context of the pictures on the back of them. Place all your memories in a box, and tie it with some ribbon you stole from their holiday wrapping bin (I guarantee you, they have one somewhere; just look). Then get ready for the water works.
“I can maybe find a $10 bill somewhere.”
Godspeed! Here’s the game-plan: find the money, head over to your favorite supermarket, and make some of these bad boys. Double or triple the recipe, steal a bunch of Ziploc bags from your kitchen, and just hand them out to everyone you know.
- For everyone on your list: Peppermint Chocolate Crackle Cookies (These are tried, true, and incredible cookies.)
- For the best friend who deserves the world: Double Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
- For your one vegan friend: The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
“I have about $20 to my name.”
You and I are very similar, friend. Luckily for you, I’ve bought this gift in the recent past and can confirm it will earn a laugh, as well as some stares. Especially if you use it in the library during finals week.
- Joe Biden’s friendship bracelet kit, $9.99 at Target
“I have some cash.”
That's not helpful, theoretical reader. But nevertheless, I got you.
- Make your friends cookies or friendship bracelets, then use the rest of that cash to treat yo’ self. I am here to validate that burning desire to buy yourself an Apple Watch because you know no one else thinks you’re going to take good enough care of it. Do it. Chase your dreams.
“I have a paying job.”
Power to you!! Save that money and spend lightly (literally everyone will respect you for that).
- Go to Bath and Body Works and buy everyone in your life either lotion or soap. That’s a working person gift. #respect
- Go to Yankee Candle and buy your mom a candle. #respect
- Go buy your dad some olive oil. Ask him to toast a lil' bread and throw a bruschetta dish together. #RESPECT
“My parents gave me their credit card.”
You bless’d child. You use this power for good: head down to your college’s bookstore, and buy everyone you know and love school apparel.
- Fun Idea: throw in a baseball hat with every gift! This is your Oprah moment!!! If you get flack for big spending, remind your parents that it is the giving season, then hand them their brand new hats.
In the spirit of the season, it's time to get real: whatever you get your family and friends, they're still going to love you. Just make sure you get them the perfect gift, though. The people you love will only love you so much after you make them homemade petroleum jelly lip gloss (I've been there, too).
