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UCF | Life > Experiences

‘Parks and Recreation’: A Friend Gift Guide

Karla Grimes Student Contributor, University of Central Florida
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

What’s better than Galentine’s Day? Leslie Knope would probably say Christmas, as she sits down in JJ’s Diner and eats another plate of waffles. We all know that Christmas is about spending time with family and drinking all the eggnog—or coquito—that we want. But, Christmas can also be stressful when it comes to buying gifts for the people we love, just like a town hall meeting in Pawnee filled with people who care loudly about what should be put into the time’s capsule, as Leslie Knope would say. 

Admit it, you have friends that closely resemble the characters in Parks and Recreation. They may say please and thank you whenever finishing a conversation, say “whizz palace” instead of the word bathroom, or they may put velvet in their shoes so that they feel like they’re walking on red carpet. 

This gift guide will help you find amazing presents for your friends and family. Just don’t be like Jerry, or Garry, this holiday season and forget to buy everyone presents. 

1. Leslie Knope

She loves jammin’ out on her planner. Or forever hating on salads because she doesn’t hate herself. Just like Leslie Knope, go above and beyond when getting them a present. You may want to buy them the stationery of their dreams or Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming, since they completely freak out when talking about her. Whether the gift is small or gigantic, your “Leslie Knope” friend will appreciate it no matter what. 

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3. Ron Swanson

This friend is tough to shop for. In fact, this friend probably never tells you anything and only has Facebook to keep in touch with their family members. They like to keep their information private and get weird when you start talking about personal issues. But, this friend never fails to bring you up when you feel at your lowest. They tell it like it is. 

Instead of getting confused on what to get them, gift your “Ron Swanson” friend with the ultimate scavenger hunt or buy them a gift certificate at their favorite breakfast place. Please and thank you. 

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This gift guide will be able to help you find amazing presents for your friends and family. Just don’t be a Jerry, or Gary, and forget to buy everyone presents. 

7. Tom Haverford

This friend has dreams. Big dreams. They are constantly telling you business ideas they have, or their favorite R&B album from the 90s. This friend prides themselves on being cool, when in reality they do want you to succeed in your dreams and help you in any way possible. The failures in life only make them want to do bigger, and better things. Although they may cry about with you over some zerts, which is what they call desserts. 

This holiday season, gift this friend with all their favorite face masks from Ulta or a subscription to the trendiest magazine that they love and always quote from. Either way, they are going to be ballin’. 

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10. Jean-Ralphio 

This friend isn’t afraid to sing at the top of their lungs in any situation, or come up with bold, crazy ideas to start a business or get money. You admire them for their ability to have fun and live in the moment. This friend is passionate at what they want to achieve and will shoot for the highest stars to get it. Although this friend may have to serious adulting to do, gift them this season with a journal where they can write down their future business ideas. Or, you can give them a karaoke machine that makes them live out their wildest rap dream. 

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Hopefully, this holiday gift guide has helped you find the perfect present for your friends or family members. If you are still out of ideas just ask yourself, what would Deputy Director Leslie Knope do?

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Karla Grimes (and yes, like Rick Grimes from the Walking Dead) is a senior at the University of Central Florida. Her major is English-Creative Writing with a minor in Magazine Journalism! Besides reading and writing, Karla enjoys binge watching Criminal Minds and Parks and Recreation on Netflix. Also, if you mention Stranger Things in a conversation she will fangirl all her emotions for the show. Karla also enjoys traveling and listening to a wide range of music, from Green Day to the score in Pride and Prejudice. You can follow her on Instagram at ms.kpg, which has a many pictures of her dog, her friends, and the occasional birthday post for Harry Potter.