With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’ll be no time until we are in the full swing of holiday cheer and festivities. For the average college student, holiday shopping can be overwhelming, especially when trying to stay on budget and finding the perfect gift for that very specific person. With this gift guide, you can ring in the season with unique gifts for every person in your life, all $20 or less.
For the Serial Hobbyist
Button Stickers ($9 from Martina’s Tiny Store) — These stickers are so cute, from mixed media influencer and memory-collector, Martina Calvi. Each sticker is scanned from her own personal button collection, and is perfect for the sticker hoarder in your life!
Soft Colors Posca Paint Markers ($13 from Blick) — Posca markers are the perfect gift for anyone who loves to doodle. Paint markers are super versatile and can be used on a multitude of surfaces. The Posca selection of pastel colors is super cute and opens the door to limitless creative ideas.
Squishmallow Crochet Kit ($15 from Amazon) — For anyone wanting to learn how to crochet, using this kit is the perfect way to get started. You have the option to choose from three adorable Squishmallow designs: Bebe the Bluebird, Omar the Bear, or Wendy the Frog. The kit includes a pre-started project, crochet hook and yarn needle, and step-by-step video instructions!
Linocut Kit ($19 from Amazon) — Linocut is the practice of creating stamps for block printing, and it is the perfect hobby for anyone who enjoys creating their own, unique art! This kit includes everything you need, from the rubber blocks, printing ink, brayer, and a linoleum cutter with interchangeable attachments.
For the Pragmatist
Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream ($5 from Trader Joe’s) — This winter, soothe dry skin using this nourishing hand cream from Trader Joe’s. This little hand cream—made with coconut oil, hemp seed oil, 20% pure shea butter, and vitamins C and E—is perfect for tossing in your bag when on the go!
Apple Carabiner ($18 from Strawberry Western) — For that one friend who seems like they have a key for everything, get them this funky carabiner! The apple design is both charming and functional, and is sure to turn heads and keep everything where it needs to be.
Silk Pillowcase ($14 from Kitsch) — Silk pillowcases are a must-have for anyone who has ever complained about bedhead. These pillowcases not only keep your hair from frizz, but they also protect hair from breakage, allow the skin to breathe, and keep you cool at night. Kitsch is just one of many brands, but it has a plethora of adorable designs and colors to choose from, including several limited-edition fan designs, from Hello Kitty to BT21.
Razor Starter Kit ($10 from Billie) — For anyone who likes to keep it smooth, the Billie Razor Starter Kit is the perfect gift, both sleek and practical. The kit includes their signature five-blade razor with aloe moisturizer, two blades, and a magnetic holder that can be attached to your shower wall. Billie has several colors to choose from for its ergonomic handle, making it the perfect colorful addition to any bathroom!
For the Cool Girl
Sardine Trinket Box ($20 from Urban Outfitters) — This trinket box is great for catching sparkling jewelry or little treasures, with a design inspired by classic sardine fish tins. This unique piece is a whimsical addition to any side table or dresser.
The Illuminated Tarot ($18 from Amazon) — This tarot deck includes card illustrations by artist Caitlin Keegan, complete with a companion guidebook. Whether they’re an experienced mystic or just getting started with self-knowledge, this deck is a perfect gift for the spiritual person in your life.
Flower Boy Lighter ($15 from The Peach Fuzz) — This unique square lighter is embellished with a charming original design by San Francisco-based artist Elizabeth Hudy. Not only is the lighter refillable, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional disposable lighters, but 10% of the purchase is donated to community organizations—making it a gift with a good cause!
Mystery Crystal Ring ($12 from Scorpio Sun Crystals) — For anyone who wants to take a chance, this mystery crystal ring is the perfect addition to an already eclectic jewelry collection. No need to worry about ring size, this silver ring is adjustable! Also, you can leave a note with some options you would like to have, or leave your giftee’s astrological sign in the notes for an intuitive selection.
For the Trinket Collector
Calico Critter Keychain ($14 from Urban Outfitters) — These Calico Critter keychains are the perfect dose of nostalgia. Not only are the two options incredibly adorable—choose between a dapper black cat dressed in green clothing or a dainty bunny in a blue frilly dress—but they make any bag a statement piece.
Smiski Living Series ($12 from Sonny Angel Store) — Smiskis are curious creatures that make for charming decor that glows in the dark. While there are many series to choose from, the Living Series blind box offers a range of dynamic poses—from a sleepy naptime pose to daydreaming with a cat friend—that are sure to leave you satisfied regardless of whatever figure you pull.
Antique Trinket Dish ($11 from Amazon) — For the person who is constantly collecting trinkets, this luxurious trinket dish has an air of elegance that is useful for putting everything in one place. With its gold metallic accents, it is a must-have for anyone with refined tastes and a habit for collecting.
Artist Enamel Pin ($10 from MoMA Design Store) — From the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, this enamel pin features several different paintings from famous artists, including Yoshimoto Nara, Van Gogh, and Frida Kahlo. On a tote bag or stuck onto a corkboard of a growing pin collection, this trinket is perfect for art-lovers.
For the Old Soul
City Matches ($10 from Anthropologie) — These matches have a classic kind of charm with three different vintage-style designs featuring three major cities—London, Paris, or New York City. This matchbook has a touch of nostalgia that will have your giftee feeling like a world-class traveler every time they light a candle.
Engraved Flower Locket ($10 from Amazon) — This vintage-style pendant locket has a whimsical floral engraving that looks thrifted without the effort. The interior of the locket is empty, making it perfect for including a photo of a cherished memory.
Vintage Cats Desk Calendar ($15 from Etsy) — For that person with cozy grandmother sensibilities, this cat calendar from Cavallini and Co. includes 12 months of vintage cat illustrations. This gift is great for cat-lovers and vintage lovers alike!
Letterpress Stamp Set ($20 from Barnes and Noble) — For anyone who prefers the more analog method of sending messages, this letterpress stamp set is a whimsical vintage type reminiscent of old-school letterpresses. The wooden box set makes it perfect for gift giving!
For the Hostess
Cocktail Charms ($16 from Anthropologie) — This set of two glass cocktail charms, featuring sparkling enamel designs of traditional cocktail garnishes, is the perfect gift for any hostess with the mostest. Grab two glasses and sit back and relax with these refined additions to your giftee’s bar cart.
Martini Glasses ($19 from MoMA Design Store) — These colorful martini glasses are both chic and versatile. Not only are they lightweight and artsy, these glasses are also freezer and dishwasher-safe.
Pocket Domino Set ($10 from Amazon) — For anyone who enjoys a good board game night, this pocket domino set is great for on-the-go play or in the comfort of the living room. The colorful pink-and-yellow design makes it a chic addition to any home, and it arrives in a sturdy paper box with a ribbon, making it ready to gift.
Scented Candle Tin Trio ($10 from Trader Joe’s) — Trader Joe’s offers a trio of scented candles, which change depending on the season. For the hostess that wants to bring a little bit of holiday cheer to their home, these tinned candles make a great, aromatic centerpiece!
For the Homebody
Satin Pillow Eye Mask ($13 from Kitsch) — Give the gift of some uninterrupted shut-eye with this satin pillow eye mask from Kitsch. The satin fabric provides a cooling experience, while the pillowy cushion makes rest comfortable.
Plush Slippers ($10 from Target) — These plush slippers are the perfect combination of household comfort and holiday charm, with several warm-toned colors to choose from and a quaint ribbon bow accent.
5pc Water Gel Mask Sheet ($15 from Round Lab) — Korean skincare is all the buzz, and for the right reasons. This set of five sheet masks from Round Lab is infused with a thin water gel derived from deep-sea water and nourishing hyaluronic acid. These sheet masks are also unscented, making them suitable for all skin types.
Cozy Knit Socks ($15 from Urban Outfitters) — Who said gifting socks for the holidays was lame? These cozy knit socks will leave anyone smiling, with four enchanting, Fair Isle-inspired patterns and color variations to choose from. The soft, mid-weight knit blend provides plenty of warmth and style to any outfit.
For the Audiophile
Record Cleaning Kit ($15 from Amazon) — Perfect for vinyl record collectors, the Vinyl Styl deep-cleaning kit includes a cleaning pad and case, mini brush, and record cleaning fluid to give their collection the care it needs. The fluid gently removes dirt and dust from the grooves, ensuring top audio quality every time.
Mini Karaoke Machine ($16 from Amazon) — For anyone that likes to sing, this mini karaoke machine is perfect! It has Bluetooth connectivity,two wireless microphones, a handle for on-the-go use, and voice-changing capabilities.
Vinyl Hair Clip ($12 from Colette Bernard) — Show off your love for music with the vinyl record-inspired hair clip from Louisiana-based artist Colette Bernard. This hair clip is made of bioacetate, a strong and eco-friendly bioplastic, and is cleverly designed with several musical details!
Music Playing Cards ($13 from Uncommon Goods) — This deck of playing cards is perfect for any music-lover, featuring music stars’ illustrated portraits, with each of the four suits representing a different musical genre. Have fun with these unique cards, all while showing off your superior music taste at the same time!
Regardless of who you are shopping for, I hope this list helps you find that perfect gift for that perfect person.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’ll be no time until we are in the full swing of holiday cheer and festivities. For the average college student, holiday shopping can be overwhelming, especially when trying to stay on budget and finding the perfect gift for that very specific person. With this gift guide, you can ring in the season with unique gifts for every person in your life, all $20 or less.