With the holiday season quickly wrapping its arms around us, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, love, and the smell of pine trees. In fact, most of us would probably rather ignore the extremely long list of people we're supposed to buy gifts for, from parents to best friends to coworkers to the dreaded boyfriend. My list usually lands somewhere within the 10 to 15 people range, but on a college salary, that can easily equal my grocery budget for the next two months. As I sat in my dorm room freaking out about the money I was about to spend, I decided to do what I do best -- save money! Here are my top 11 gifts for under $11 that I'll be buying for my friends this holiday season... so let's try to keep this just between us.
1. Baked Treats
Honestly, who doesn't love holiday treats? From slice-and-bake to made-from-scratch cookies, homemade Rice Krispy treats to cake pops, the possibilities are endless. My personal favorite is Taylor Swift's chai cookies with cinnamon eggnog icing. They're easy to make and taste like Christmas in a cookie. What more could you want? Check out the recipe here.
2. Hot Chocolate Ornaments
One of my favorite things to do on a cold night is curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and watch ridiculous romance movies on Hallmark. These adorable ornaments make the process of making hot chocolate even more fun -- plus, they can be hung on the tree afterward! All you need is hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, and toppings ranging from crushed candy canes to sprinkles!
3. Manicure Set + Nail Polish
Perfect for your best friend, roommate, or mom, this adorable manicure set is only $4.99! That leaves enough room in your budget to buy a cute Essie polish to wrap with it. Be sure to pick this up next time you run to Target!
4. Coffee Mug
This coffee mug is perfect for the dog lover in your life! Fill it with peppermint Hershey Kisses to really show that special someone how much you love them. You can get this from Forever21 for only $8.90!
5. Beanie
Nothing screams "I love you and winter" quite like this cable knit beanie. Plus, your best friend will be thanking you every time she has to trek across campus in the freezing cold weather to make it to her 8 a.m. class.
6. Picture Frame
One of my all time favorite gifts to give is a framed photo of me and whoever I'm giving the gift to. It's so easy for everyone to incorporate a picture frame into wherever they live, plus it's a constant reminder of an awesome memory that you two share! Give it a personal touch by writing a note about that day with a Sharpie on the back of the frame. This gold frame can be found at TJ Maxx for just $7.99!
7. Mini Candles
Everyone's apartment, dorm, kitchen, and bedroom could use a little holiday-scented boost. Bath & Body Works without a doubt has the best holiday scents around. Their mini candles are only $4.50 each, meaning you can buy that special someone two candles so they can keep the holiday spirit alive for months to come. Don't worry, Bath & Body Works also sells candles geared towards men, so this gift works for anyone.
8. Coloring Book
No, they aren't just for kids anymore (though you can certainly get one for that special little one in your life). Coloring is used as a therapeutic activity, so adult coloring books have started springing up all over the place. Give the gift of relaxation and stress relief to someone you know could use it (for me, that will 100% be my mom). This coloring book from Urban Outfitters is full of adorable photos to color.
9. Patterned Socks
When all else fails, get the men you love some patterned socks. It's been my go-to gift for my dad and brother for the past three years and it's still a hit. Trust me on this one. Check these out for only $8.
10. Notebooks
For the writer in your life, these pocket sized notebooks are a must. Rifle Paper Company makes my favorite notebooks, and these are perfect for on the go. Even though they're $10, it'd be worth the splurge to buy a cheap pack of colored pens that you could wrap up in a ribbon, but this would be just as good on its own!
11. Personality Ornament
What are the holidays without adorable ornaments? Target has a great selection of cheap ornaments that can fit everyone's personality. My personal favorite this year is this gold glittery crown. I'll be giving this to my suite mates for sure -- they definitely think they're queens!
