Exam period is tough. Balancing studying for exams and shopping for Christmas gifts is even tougher. No need to fret—the team at Her Campus McGill has put together the ultimate holiday gift guide. No matter what you are shopping for, we’ve got it covered!
Happy Holidays and Happy studying from all of us at Her Campus McGill!
Lydia Mullen, Copy Editor
Tim Hortons Gift Card (any amount)
Earlier this year I received a Tim Hortons gift card from my grandmother. What a GLORIOUS idea! Over my four years at university, it has become very obvious that nothing sucks money from my budget than coffee! Coffee and a donut, coffee and a bagel, coffee with a coffee chaser: the common denominator is that beautiful brew. So this Christmas, I’ll be hoping (and asking and lobbying my mother) for another instalment on that oh-so-thoughtful, yet practical piece of plastic. It’s the perfect gift for me. A Tim card is the gift that keeps on giving (my motivation to stay in the library). And what’s not to love about an over-caffeinated, high-achieving university student? Right, Mom? Consider this my official Christmas list! The Tim Hortons gift card can be purchased online or in store, in denominations of as little as $2.
Muriel Delille, Fashion Blogger
Nail Polish
For the girl who always takes the time to do her nails because she claims they always have to be perfect, even during exams, since she is going to be writing all day long! If she loves bright colors or all that glimmers, she will want something that makes a statement. Impress her with this six-piece mini nail color set called “Glimmer Wonderland” from Sephora ($18-22) that will definitely add some sparkle to her style!
Vanessa Page, Copy Editor and Financial Blogger
Piggy Bank
Of course my gift is money-related! Here’s a neat piggy bank from the Neatoshop (one of my favourite sites ever! Seriously, go check out all the awesome things they have, plus they offer free shipping over $75). At only $19.95, this gift is a must have this season for anyone trying to save money. The piggy bank comes with two compartments and the plinko-drop style decides whether you should spend your savings on new shoes or college tuition. The compartment names are fully customizable.
Katherine Rushby, Copy Editor
Swag from the McGill Bookstore
As much as it might sound like a joke, don’t rule out your campus store as a potential source of presents with a personal touch this Christmas! When it comes to clothing bearing your university’s insignia or name, friends and family especially appreciate this gesture as something specific to your life that you want them to be a part of. I should also mention (from experience) that anything bearing the title “McGill Mom/Dad” is sure to be a hit with those deserving adults who are so proud of us, and miss us more than we realize. Plus, proudly gifting your school’s swag can be a fun—and comfortable—way of spreading your school spirit!
Emanuela Orsini, Feature Writer
Christmas Albums
“The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear” – Buddy from Elf.
The best way to get into the Christmas spirit is by listening to good old Christmas music. There have been so many remakes of classic songs, but great new pop Christmas songs have also gained popularity. Here are my favorite Christmas albums:
1. Michael Buble- Christmas (brand new from this year!)
2. Christina Aguilera – My Kind of Christmas
3. Glee- The Music- The Christmas Album
They’re all available at HMV or online on iTunes for $12.99 (however it may be nicer to give an actual album that you can wrap!).
Stacey Zammit, Feature Writer
Clinique Lip Gloss
The holidays, a time for awkward family gatherings, lots of awesome food, and most importantly for us fashion mavens, a time for glitz and glamour. With a reasonable price tag ($17.50), and something we could all use more of during the holiday season, this practical and portable gloss from Clinique will get your pout luscious and holiday ready in no time. Get ready to kiss under the mistletoe, collegiettes™!
Sofia Mazzamauro, Editor-in-Chief
Lady Gaga x Terry Richardson Book
I want this. If any of my friends and family members are reading this article, take note! Everyone has that one friend who can’t get enough of Lady Gaga. In my group of friends, it’s me. This book includes never before seen photos from intimate shots of Gaga in her hotel room, to behind the scenes photos of her Monster Ball tour. It is a great gift for that friend who goes gaga for Gaga, and it’s the perfect coffee-table book to spice up a drab room. You can find it at Chapters/Indigo and Amazon online for a discounted price ($34.50).
Check out Part 2 of our holiday gift guide!