All seven sororities on campus each welcomed a huge pledge class of Tulane’s finest babies in early January. The sophomores spent their Happy Hours, date parties, and mixers searching for that perfect new addition to their family: a little to call their own. Now that Mardi Gras celebrations are sadly over, the next big thing in the Greek community is quickly approaching: Big Little week.
Though the bigs may have a few old shirts here and there to spare, breaking the bank on crafting or customization is just not practical. But spoiling your little does not have to mean emptying your wallets. Here are a few quick fixes that will be sure to win your little over without spending insane amounts of cash:
1) Wooden letters. Pick up your little’s initials or your sorority’s Greek letters for only a couple of dollars a piece from any craft store, like the Michael’s in Harahan (only 4 miles from campus). While you’re at it, pick out a couple of paint tubes, glitter glues, or gems that you can cover the wood with. That’s one adorable decoration down the drain that will look like you spent a million dollars on—well, almost.
2) Posterboard. This is easily the cheapest and quickest way to create the illusion that you gave your little more than you actually did. Buy two or three pieces of colorful posterboard for each day of your Big Little week, and some paint or glitter pens to doodle with. Decorate with the typical “Love my Little!” or “Welcome to the Family,” or write lines from your sorority’s favorite cheer. It’s an easy way to make your little even more excited to become a part of a great sisterhood and welcome her into the lineage.
3) Christmas lights. I remember so vividly browsing through the Facebook pictures of my pledge class’ decorated rooms during my Big Little week. There was one picture from the span of the entire week that stood out. It looked as if her big had spent hundreds of dollars, and tons of hours decorating for just this one day, even if she only actually left her a couple of t-shirts and little trinkets. The couple strands of Christmas lights that her big draped across her bed totally transformed the space into a luxurious scene. I recently picked up five strands from the dollar store that I will surely put to use. Definitely a real bang for your buck.
4) Plasticware. Garbage cans, waterbottles, coolers…you name it. This seems to be a go-to for every Tulane big sis. Whether it’s the classic “Get Trashed with ___” painted onto a garbage can, or “Drink For Your Sisters” written on a waterbottle, it’s easy, cheap, quick, and something you can bet your little will put to use.
5) Food. I know that I am personally going to compensate for my lack of lavish Comfort Colors sweatshirts and Spirit Jerseys with an insane amount of treats, candy, and baked goods. As a little, I can affirm that twenty sprinkled cupcakes are more enticing than one t-shirt. And I admit, I am definitely going to stock up on chips, soda liters, and candy bars from MacMart and charge it to Accounts Receivable! Another cute idea is to pick up some plastic jars from Walmart or the dollar store, pack them full with candy, and decorate them with a cute message, your sorority’s letters, or your little’s name, for a touch of personalization.
6) Frat boys. We know that all you freshmen girls are still wooing over the shirtless, singing hotties from Serenade Day. That’s why most big sisters will gather some cute pledges to serenade, and in some cases feed Boot Pizza to, their little sisters. It’s priceless, in every essence of the word.
Happy crafting!