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The HC BC Gift Guide: What to Get Your Parents!

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Julianne Wojno Student Contributor, Boston College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Our parents are pretty great.   I mean look where we go to school, and take a peak at that price tag… ouch.  It’s time we at least attempt to pay them back for all those rides to soccer practice, for the all the homemade dinners, all the family vacations, the clothes, and the love they showered us with even through our teenage angst.  So without futher ado, here are some gift ideas for Ma and Pa.

Gifts Good for Both:

1.  Kindles/Nooks
Last Christmas my brother proposed the fantastic idea of gifting our parents with electronic readers.  I can honestly say that we have never given them better presents.  Those readers are with them constantly!  Well worth the price tag, these devices start as inexpensive as $79.

2.  BC Bookstore Swag
I am proud to say that whenever I go home, my dad sports a BC sweatshirt 90 percent of the time.  It’s spectacular.  He and my mom always love wearing their BC gear, so treat your parents with something maroon and gold this Christmas.  They love bragging to their friends that their kids go to Boston College.

Just for Mom:

1.  A Homemade Cookbook
My mom used to have this old book filled to the brim with ancient recipes.  So, one Mother’s Day, I decided to type up all her recipes (there were HUNDREDS), mount them on nice paper, and put them in a binder with page protectors.  Let me  tell you, it was a HIT.  She still uses the book today, and loved that it was not only a practical gift, but thoughtful as well (score).

2.  A Gift Certificate for a Spa Day
What woman doesn’t love a day at the spa?  Stop by her favorite salon and grab a gift card for a massage, manicure, pedicure, or whichever is her favorite!  If you’re feeling extra generous, pair it with her favorite salon product, too.

Just for Dad:

1. ESPN’s 30-for-30
Ok, so I told you to buy this for your boyfriend… but hey, if your dad is like my dad, who loves spending quality time watching golf and football, this will be a winner of a gift for Pops, too. 

2.  Grill Kits
Grace your dad, master of the grill, with some new grill tools.  Bobby Flay has a kit for about $60 that you can even find at Kohls!  Impress him by adding in some grill spices from your favorite gourmet grocery store.  Steak, anyone? 


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Julianne is an Ohio native studying communication at Boston College with a concentration in journalism. She got involved with Her Campus BC when the chapter launched in December 2010. She began as an editor and contributing writer, and since has moved up the ranks to Campus Correspondent. Aside from working for Her Campus, Julianne is a certified personal trainer at Boston College's Flynn Recreational Complex and teaches group fitness as well. During her sophomore year, Julianne was a part of the Arrupe Program at BC and traveled to Guatemala, learning about the culture, political, social, economic, and religious issues of the country. Her goals post graduation include writing for a health and fitness magazine or working in communications for college or professional athletics. As for now, however, she is enjoying life at the University she loves so much! An avid hockey and football fan, one can always find Julianne in the stands rooting on BC and the Boston Bruins! Other hobbies include running, yoga, cooking, baking, and photography.