'Tis the season for stressful trips to the way too crowded mall, that often end in tears of frustration and can't be called anything other than disappointing and unsuccessful. Don't worry; we've all been there, discouraged by our own lack of creativity and lack of money. No matter what holiday you celebrate, buying gifts for others can be the worst part of this season. This list is here to make that part of your life just a little bit easier.
For Family Members
1. My number one go-to gift idea for family members is anything from the campus bookstore. Every single one of your family members is proud of you for attending college and would love to receive a gift that can help them express their pride. This is also a good option because there are a variety of products that are under $25, a very good option for our wallets.
Examples: wine glass, bumper sticker, key chain, T-shirt, etc.
2. Handmade gifts are also great for family members because they will feel special for receiving something so sentimental. Although you are an adult now, something handmade can remind them of a simpler time when you were just a child and gave them macaroni necklaces for every Christmas. Another benefit of handmade gifts is the low price.
Examples: picture frames, ornaments, etc.
For Friends
1. Socks. This may sound super lame, but there are a wide variety of really cool socks out there. They're stylish, practical, not too personal if you can't exactly remember what your friend's favorite things are, and often pretty inexpensive!
Examples: Stance socks, Hot Sox, etc.
2. Another great choice for friends is food or gift cards for food because (1) who doesn't love food? And (2) your friends are probably as broke as you and would appreciate more money to spend on food. Not a very creative option, but reliable and potentially meaningful if you have some sort of inside joke or connection to a certain restaurant.
Examples: Taco Bell, In-N-Out, Chik-fil-A, Starbucks, etc.
For Other Halves
1. A not-so-sentimental option (for those who are just in the beginning stages of your relationship) should also be something practical and not super cliche, like a CD by their favorite artist, a pair of shoes that you know they've been eyeing for a while now, or a pillow pet because it's way cooler than just a plain old stuffed animal.
2. For those who are more mushy-gushy, try something original, like something that is related to an inside joke. Stay away from the typical jewelry and other basic gifts. It's also a good idea to make a scrapbook or photo album because it shows your actual feelings and that you aren't just spending large amounts of money to try to show how much you care.
For Anyone
1. A basket! Well not just a basket, but a basket with goodies inside. It can be really fun to make a themed "basket." Think about some of your person's favorite things and throw them all into a container in a cute way and boom, you've got a great gift. Who wouldn't want a big box of all of their favorite things?!
Examples: Spice It Up Basket (flaming hot cheetos, Fireball, Sriracha), etc. (be creative!)
2. Just ask them what they want and if it's not too expensive, buy it. The easiest and most boring option.
Go forth and give great gifts!
