With the holiday season and the end of the semester upon us, this next week is going to be absolutely crazy for everyone. My tip is to make great use of study breaks by going holiday shopping around the area. Check out these great stores to find one of a kind presents that your friends and family will be gushing over:
1. The University Store
The UStore is full of great gift options for any budget. Whether it’s something as inexpensive as a keychain or as expensive as an Under Amour sweatshirt with the UMass logo on it, there are presents for all of your family members and friends. Your loved ones are proud of your accomplishments, and they will be stoked to represent you and your school. Best part about it? The UStore is conveniently located in the Campus Center, so you don’t have to worry about taking a bus to get there!
Food for Thought is one of the many wonderful small businesses in Amherst that every UMass student should take advantage of; they can really use your help. This store has been around for 37 years and they are on the verge of closing. It’s located right in Amherst Center, and they have plenty of neat books and other small gifts for any book lover.
3. Faces
Faces is a great one stop shop to buy presents for everyone on your list. This store is an essential shop in Northampton stocked with both funky and gag gifts. You can choose between trendy clothing, shoes and accessories, beautiful home décor and posters, toys for any age, along with a bunch of other great finds. If you’re struggling to think of holiday present ideas, Faces is the perfect first stop because they offer such a variety of gifts. Being in Northampton it’s a little bit further away than most of the other stores, but all you need to do is hop on the B43 bus.
4. The Toy Box
If you need to buy any presents for little kids, you need to check out The Toy Box. Located in Amherst Center right near Glazed Doughnut Shop (yum!), this adorable little store has gifts for any younger family members you need to buy for, from delicate dolls to musical instruments to funky arts and crafts projects.
5. Thornes Marketplace
If you don’t have much time to shop, Thornes is a great place to check out because there are several different stores under one roof; whether you’re looking for a clothing store, a bookstore, a home décor store, a jewelry store, a chocolatier, etc., you are guaranteed to find every present you’ll need for this holiday season. Thornes is located in Northampton, right across the street from Faces, and it is conveniently located on the B43 bus route.
6. Street Vendors
The various street vendors in Amherst Center have the perfect one of a kind presents that will wow your family and friends. The best part about buying from the street vendors is that the gift comes with a story behind it; many of the vendors sell items that have been handcrafted all over the world.
7. Amherst Restaurants
If you’re looking for a present for your UMass friends, why not do something together instead of exchanging gifts? There are tons of great restaurants in Amherst; you and your friends can have a nice girls night out before you go home for the holidays. My suggestion? If you’re an off-campus student with a YCMP meal plan and have a bunch of extra swipes, use them at the University Club. There isn’t going to be any bulk sales at the end of the semester, so it’s the perfect alternative to getting the most out of your meal plan.
Where will you be buying your holiday presents this season? Let us know! And happy holidays from all of the writers of Her Campus UMass!