It’s holiday season, so that means it’s shopping season. How does one find the perfect gift for someone without overspending? This is crucial, especially for those broke college students living off the old mac and cheese packets they have stored in their dorms. Monmouth University’s Associate Accounting Professor, Linda J. Flaming, said that “Set a realistic budget for gifts, but allow some flexibility (over AND under) so that you can assure your recipient will enjoy your gift.” To help the cause, here are 20 gift ideas that are perfect for anyone, and are $50 and less!
Sleeping Eye Masks. This is for the friends and family members who love sleep more than anything. World Market has Faux Fur Eye Masks (set of 2) that are super soft. The price is $13.98.
Blankets. To continue the sleep-lover trend, a cozy blanket is essential. Potterybarn has a Faux Fur Cozy Throw Blanket in Ivory or in Charcoal and could be paired with the eye masks above! This is priced at $19.
Hydro Flask. Essential gift for those who are active. Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32 oz. Bottle comes in several colors. This top trending bottle is meant to help keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours! This bottle’s price is $29.96.
Soup. Stuck on what to buy the grandparents? Harry & David has a gourmet soup basket with 3 different soups and crackers. It’s price is $39.99.
Electric Wine Bottle Opener. Mothers and fathers who are wine lovers will need this. Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter is an easy wine bottle opener that will be great at family gatherings and parties. This is $17.99.
Wine Accessory Set. If the electric wine opener was not enough, West Elm has a 5-Piece Wine Bottle Accessory Set that is perfect for family or friends. This set comes with all of the wine necessities while packaged in a wine bottle shaped case. The price of this is $29.
Homesick Candles. Have a friend who is constantly homesick? Well, Homesick Candles can help. These candles are customized to smell like their home state. They can be found on Amazon.com for $29.95.
Coffee Maker. Know an extreme coffee lover? Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is the perfect gift. Timothy Foley, senior Communications Major at Monmouth said, “This is great because it saves you money.” The price of this is $18.99.
Mug. Coffee lovers on the go need a traveler mug. YETI Rambler 24 oz. Mug comes in several colors and will keep coffee hot for hours. Is priced at $29.99.
Planners. Girls who love planning and being organized will need a planner. Lilly Pulitzer has yearly planner notebooks that can help with all the planning needs. They come in at a price of $28.
Makeup Train. Makeup lovers need a carrying case. Ulta Beauty Shine Brighter Makeup Collection is a giant train case that is filled with all Ulta Beauty makeup (such as bronzers, lip glosses, an eyeshadow palette and more) in a traveling case. This will give one a large amount of makeup in a portable case. The price of this is $19.99.
Pura Vida. Have a family member or friend who loves bracelets and saving the planet? Pura Vida bracelets are inexpensive and certain bracelets help fund a certain cause/organization. Some bracelets go for about $20 to as low as $5 on the Pura Vida website.
Neck Pillow. Have a traveling buddy? The Bon Voyage Classic Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow is at a good price and can be found at Macy’s. This pillow helps provide comfort with sleeping during long travels. Comes in Black, Navy, or in Gray and is $30.
Beanie. A stylish beanie hat is always a must-have. Urban Outfitters has a Patagonia Powder Town Beanie that comes in blue or pink multi-color. It’s price is $39.
Letter Board. Have a college friend who loves decorating their room? A framed letter board is something they’ll love. Framed Felt Letter Board can be purchased from Crate&Barrel at $32.
Earrings. Got a special someone? Earrings can make any girl feel special. Nordstrom has Kate Spade Earrings that are the perfect gift. These earrings are priced at $48.
Philosophy. Philosophy has 3-piece gift sets that include a lotion, shower-gel, and a fragrance in different, popular Philosophy scents. This gift-set can be found at Macy’s for $20.
Spa Basket. Who doesn’t love self care treatments? A Spa Gift Basket from GiftTree is something they’ll need. Basket includes several Burt’s Bees products at $34.94!
Eyeshadow. Tarte’s Toasted Eyeshadow Palette has great colors for anyone. Kristen Kane, junior Criminal Justice major at Monmouth said, “Tarte’s colors are very pigmented and pretty.” It’s price is $39.
Apparel. This is simple and can be for either gender and found at the Monmouth bookstore! Spread school spirit with Monmouth Apparel! Can be priced under $50.
Think about the person and what resembles them this holiday season. Make gift giving fun, but try not to break the bank!
