Whether your friends are near or far we have you covered in the first edition of our Gift Guide. We know it’s hard to shop for your friends especially on a college budget so we have a few ideas for you.
The first is to organize a big Secret Santa with a bunch of your friends. This way you’re not hurting anyone’s feelings by only buying some friends presents and you only need to actually buy one present! Make it a fun event by making it an ugly sweater party and serving cheap wine and cookies and don’t forget to set a maximum price.
If you have a few friends that you want to buy gifts for, keep it themed. Choose one thing, like earrings, and personalize by choosing different styles. For your friends at school, think of giving winter accessories such as headbands, hats, and mittens to help brave the cold this winter. Your friends at home, on the other hand, may not be so lucky to go to school in the arctic so give phone cases, bangles, or earrings.
Friends at school – Headbands and Mittens
For Your Glamorous Friend: These leopard print fingerless gloves are the perfect gift for your friend that values style over comfort. While not the warmest winter accessory, these arm warmers are bound to turn heads. $38 Betsey Johnson
For Your Cozy Friend: We love this black bow headband because not only does it keep your ears warm, but you can wear it inside and out! This is perfect for your friend that likes to be comfortable without compromising style. $25.16 ASOS
For Your Loud Friend: You’ll see your friend from across campus in this bright red headband with contrasting black pom pom. It’s perfect for your friend who likes attention because you can’t be missed in this! Not to mention this headband is sure to keep the ears warm. Around $15 ASOS
SPLURGE: For your friend who may have her birthday around the holidays or is just someone you want to spoil, these elaborate furry gloves are the perfect gift! $198 Anthropologie
Friends at home – Jewels and Accessories
For Your Fun Friend: These metallic iPhone cases are a great accessory! Another great thing about this present is that it will easily slide into the back pocket of jeans and stand out at the bottom of a handbag. Marc Jacobs $25 Neiman Marcus
For Your Friend Group: Pick and choose different earrings for your group of friends at home. Think feathers, dangles, sparkly studs, or woven earrings depending on your friend’s styles. On a budget? Buy a pack of earrings and individually wrap the pairs of earrings; it’s the thought that counts! Check out the earrings above ranging from $8-$25, while this pack of earrings are only around $10 all from ASOS
For Your Best Friend: A simple, but cute, bangle is always a great gift for a friend. This Kate Spade bangle in particular is a good addition to any girl’s wrist! $88 Kate Spade
In addition to these gifts, some other great ideas for your friends are gift certificates to either Starbucks, The Spa at Colby, or even Lululemon! Want to make your gift more personal? Try a small bottle of perfume, a decorative coffee mug, or a deliciously smelling lotion. If you’re on a budget, bake up some cookies and brownies and frost them with your friend!
What are your favorite gifts for your friends? What will you be wishing for this holiday season? And check back next week for Gift Guide 2011: How To…Shop For Family!
Picture Sources:
www.asos.com
www.betseyjohnson.com
www.anthropologie.com
www.neimanmarcus.com
www.katespade.com