I adore the holidays. There’s nothing like coming home after finals and cuddling on the couch in front of a roaring fire, mug of eggnog and Jude Law (obviously this means I’m watching The Holiday). However, if you’re anything like me, after two weeks of nonstop exams, not only is your bank account practically nonexistent as a result of numerous caffeine fixes from Starbucks, but you have neglected to do your holiday shopping. So before you throw your duffle into the trunk of your car and squeeze the last of your dirty laundry into your hamper, you hit up the school store where you buy more pencils, coffee mugs and t-shirts bearing your school’s name than your dorm owns combined.
But have no fear, because this year is going to be different (yes, you are still broke and no, I don’t have money to give you). From your big brother to the guy you’re hooking up with, Her Campus has already done the shopping for you. Not only can all these gifts be purchased without leaving the library, but they are affordable and won’t leave your family looking like a school mascot.
The little sister
Save:
Juicy Couture Heiress Locker Kit: $17 neimanmarcus.com
Splurge:
The Twilight Saga Collection Box Set (Hardcover):$35.50 amazon.com
With the Juicy Couture locker kit, your sister is going to be the coolest tween next to Miley Cyrus and will have the chicest locker in the eighth grade. But if you’d rather stimulate her brain cells and give her something to savor over winter break, then the Twilight Saga Collection Box Set is perfect. Whether she’s Team Edward or Team Jacob, this gift is a win either way.
The big brother
Save:
Men’s Convertible Mitten-Flap Gloves: $12.50 oldnavy.com
Splurge:
Marshmallow Shooter in Blue & Red: $23.95 amazon.com
These convertible mitten-flap gloves will keep his fingers from freezing when he’s driving to school or shoveling snow. Available in several colors, the gloves are masculine, but still give your bro some style. But if you want to get the Sister of the Year Award and are willing to cough up a little more cash, the Marshmallow Shooter will be a tough gift to top. Bonus: it will keep him out of your hair and entertained with his friends for hours. Note: these gifts should also work for little brothers.
Mom
Save:
Redbook’s Sudoku: Grids To Go!: $6 barnesandnoble.com
Splurge:
Himalayan Glow: $32 aveda.com
Redbook’s Sudoku book is a great stocking stuffer as not only is it more than affordable, but it can conveniently fit in Mom’s purse so she can do it while waiting at the bank or sitting at the dentist’s office. We all know how hard our moms work for us, so treat her to a Himalayan Glow aroma candle from Aveda. Let her enjoy the vanilla and cinnamon aroma while soaking in a bathtub and her stress will melt away.
Dad
Save:
Men’s Plaid Flannel Slippers: $19.50 oldnavy.com
Splurge:
Ice Cream Ball, Pint: $29.95 llbean.com
Dads are usually pretty easy to please, so a pair of plaid flannel slippers will definitely be appreciated when he’s walking down the driveway to get the newspaper in the morning. If you really want to see him smile, consider the Ice Cream Ball from L.L. Bean. Forget Dairy Queen—Dad can impress the whole family by whipping up a bowl of homemade ice cream in 20 minutes. By adding ingredients to one end of the ball and rock salt and ice to the other, all that’s left to do is shake, roll and toss. This innovative gift will likely take him back to his Cub Scout days, so don’t be surprised if he suggests camping out in the backyard too. Note: agreeing to this exempts you from holiday gifts for him for the next two years.
The roommate
Save:
Love Actually DVD: $7.49 amazon.com
Splurge:
Furry Earmuffs: $29.50 victoriassecret.com
Love Actually should have a place in every girl’s DVD collection, right between Sixteen Candles and Dirty Dancing. Show your roomie some love this season by surprising her with this romantic comedy and start a new tradition by watching this classic together. If she’s more of a fashionista, she’ll definitely appreciate these furry earmuffs from Victoria’s Secret as they’ll keep her ears toasty on the slopes and walking to class.
The Boyfriend
Save:
Skullcandy Recruit Headphones: $25 evogear.com
Splurge:
Burberry The Beat For Men: $57 macys.com
Enhance your BF’s music experience with these awesome Skullcandy earphones. He’ll love how clear the sound is and how lightweight they are while he’s rocking out to his favorite tunes. But if you really want to appeal to his senses (as well as yours), Burberry The Beat For Men is a gift you’ll both enjoy. With fresh cedrat, spicy black pepper and refreshing violet, this sensual cologne is both woodsy and addictive. Warning: you may not be able to keep your hands off him.
The hook-up
Save:
Self-adhesive Mustaches: $10 fredflare.com
Splurge:
Zobmondo!! Would You Rather Boardgame (Classic Version): $22.99 target.com
The hook-up department can get tricky. Because you’re not officially in the Facebook relationship status category, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you get him something too expensive or sentimental, you might scare him off, so stick to gifts that are silly (like these funny self-adhesive mustaches) or represent an inside joke. However, if you want to perhaps take things to the next level, get to know each other better by unleashing your inner 12-year-old while doing something together. You’ll get a few laughs in when you ask each other, “Would you rather shave your head once and get a tattoo on your entire scalp OR shave your eyebrows off permanently?” Next question, please.