Holiday time of year is always the hardest for me because it is filled with mass amounts of shopping. Yes, I do love my shopping, but shopping for others is hard. So, over the years I learned the easiest ways to shop. I put together my own guide and I thought I would share it with you, in hopes that you will use it well. The number one goal of this guide is obviously to have fun, but always just remember the Holiday time of year is not just about gift giving, but love, family and friendship.
Now on to shopping: If you are in a secret Santa exchange and you do not know the person here are some tips:
1. Try your best to find things out abut them. Talk to their friends and or someone else in the group without giving it away.
2. No one said you have to spend a lot of money. So, something heart felt or home made like a decorative corkboard always works.
3. If they are sporty then a shirt from their favorite sports team is always a winner.
4. Lastly, (this one always works for me) stuff a stocking full of candy and a ton of little things like nail polish, bubbles and etc.
Now if you are in a secret Santa where you get someone you absolutely love here are some tips:
1. Now we went over that the holiday season isn’t all about giving gifts, but just being with the people you love. So, you don’t have to go out and clear your bank account for one gift exchange. Again get them something from the heart like bejewel a wine class and or get something they may have mentioned to you they wanted.
2. If they are one of you close friends then they aren’t going to worry about what the price tag says. They will be just happy you had them.
3. You don’t want to make everyone else in the gift exchange feel weird if you bring an elaborate gift because you will instantly make everyone else feel as if their gift is not good enough compared to yours. So go small not necessarily cheap but try to stay within the price limit if there is one.
4. Lastly, don’t overthink your gift. If they are your friend, then they aren’t going to judge you especially if you’re a poor college student like myself and don’t have a ton of money to spend.
Gift guide for poor college students. Want to know how to make a great gift without spending a fortune?
1. Bejewel a wine class. Art supplies: $10. Wine glass: .97cents. Time: A few hours. Expression: Excitement and love.
2. Decorate a corkboard and fill it with pictures. Art supplies: $10. Corkboard: $5. Time: A few hours. Expression: Amazement and happiness.
3. Ornament full with memories. Ornament: $2. Scrap of paper: nothing. Art supplies for ornament: $3. Time: an hour. Expression: Happiness and love.
4. Wine glass vase. Art supplies: $5. Wine bottle: free from one of your friends or parents. Time: a few hours. Expression: Amazement.
With a little creativity your few dollars can go a long way. You don’t necessarily have to put them something extravagant like a new car sound system. Something heart felt is something that will last and forever be in their hearts.
For my shopping guide for boys, boyfriends and significant others will be coming next week because they can either be the easiest or the hardest to shop for. Mostly people including myself shop for my friends first, and then my family then I try to conquer my boyfriend’s wish list. Which if he or your significant other has one that’s always a plus because it helps your narrow down what you could possibly get them.
Just remember, the holiday season is about spending time with those around you, so don’t stress too much about what you are going to get and how much you are going to spend. Just have fun with this holiday shopping and stay safe!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at RIT chapter.