Last Friday marked the beginning of the holiday shopping season. With Black Friday being the biggest shopping day of the year, shopping can beome a bit hectic. If you decided to stay away from the mall mayhem this season and you also skipped Cyber Monday, you may be disappointed that to have missed out on some bargains. However, if you are looking to shop for the holidays on a budget, there are still many options that can help you save your money.
College students often find it hard to splurge during the holidays. Junior Jessica Ketchel realizes this, “I definitely do less buying for the holidays now that I have my own expenses to pay.” This is most likely true for the majority of students around this time of year. If you want to keep your gifts at a minimum cost, you should check out Pinterest for some creative and useful ideas.
If you are more the do-ityourself kind, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Baking homemade cookies and other various treats is a perfect gift if you accompany it with festive wrapping or even an ornament to tie it all together. You can also let the receiver have all the fun—create jars with cookie or hot chocolate ingredients and add cookie cutters or decorative mugs and recipes. To show off your artistic and personal side, you can make wall art or personal photo frames with your favorite images and pictures. A simple journal and a fun pen can make a great gift too, especially if you add a personal message on the front page.
Junior Tara Esposito enjoys the thought of homemade presents. “I’m an art major, and it is fun for me to make my own Christmas presents because I can get creative while doing something I really like doing, while still making it all personal,” she said.
It is no secret that mostly everyone in today’s world is techobsessed. If you are looking for a way to please a tech-savvy person, you should consider phone cases and e-book reader covers. Amazon.com always has deals on trendy iPhone cases, and they even sell bejeweled button stickers for a couple of dollars. Add a screen protector or a colorful charger and you have got the perfect gift for the cell phone fanatic.
Amazon.com also sells external chargers for fewer than ten dollars, so he or she will never have to travel with a dead battery again. E-book reader cases come in tons of fabrics and patterns, so you are bound to find the perfect one for any taste. Clip on reading lights are inexpensive and ideal for those who like to read at night. If the one you are buying for is more traditional, you can buy them a favorite book set and add a special message on the front page. These options are all unisex, so you can please either gender with these simple solutions.
If you are shopping for a female, you can never go wrong with accessories. Nail polish sets, costume jewelry, and winter accessories like headbands, scarves, and hats are a hit. Lotions, body washes, and other toiletries are always needed and appreciated. Fun eyeshadows and lip glosses can be a perfect present in preparation for New Years celebrations.
Candles are great last minute options as they are always put to good use. Putting a candle in a decorative holder makes a gift that is usable year round and also is ornamental. Places such as Bath and Body Works never fail to provide the perfect present for a woman.
If the female you are looking for enjoys to drink with a touch of class, then a bottle of wine, wine glasses, a corkscrew and a decorative bottle topper in a basket would be a great gift for your wine connoisseur. The possibilities are endless if you get inventive.
Ideas for guys are pretty simple as well. If he is a sports fan, get him some gear to support his favorite team. Scarves, hats, and other winter equipment can help them keep warm during the game.
Sophomore Matthew Buccino likes encourages the idea of sports-related gifts. “I’m a big Giants fan, so I’m always happy to get anything football related,” he said. A tailgate set complete with beer, hand warmers, stadium seat pads, grill utensils, and a cooler is sure to satisfy any sports fan. If you want to let a man know that it is time to shave his ‘no-shave November’ beard, a kit of trimmers, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, body wash, and after-shower spray is an easy choice. Put it all together with a fuzzy robe, towel, and shower caddy, and he will be ready for winter mornings.
There are also many presents available for both genders. A set of DVDs, popcorn, candy, and soda, along with some pajama pants or a blanket is a gift that can be used as a fun movie nightin. Another present for either gender is investing in a big box of ornaments that can go along with any individual’s holiday color scheme. You could even pick out a single ornament which incorporates his favorite character. Lastly, something as simple as a dinner date to a fancy restaurant, or a favorite restaurant, makes a great memory as well as a great present. Remember, you do not have to spend a lot of money to show you care.
The holidays are quickly approaching, and there are plenty of ways to please whoever you are buying for without breaking the bank. Be creative, think of your recipient’s interests and hobbies, and do not be afraid to add a personal touch. If you put effort into your present, it will show. Just remember, no matter what you choose, keep the interests of your recipient in mind.
