Every year, families, friends, roommates and co-workers gear up for the holiday season by embracing an awaited and hated traditional event: the secret Santa gift exchange. Not only are we expected to participate in the festivity, we are also challenged with picking out a gift for someone we may know very well or not at all. That, collegiettes, is where the problem lies. How are we to shop for someone we don’t know? Here are a few tips and gift ideas that won’t break the bank and that will leave your friends or relatives wanting more.
1. Give the gift of bakingChristmas should be about spending time with the people you love, the ones who make us laugh the most and those who make us smile. On that note, give your friends a nice baking pan along with cookie dough or brownie mix. Giving the gift of sweets will make the holiday even sweeter if your time is spent eating cookies together during a killer exam week. Not to mention, baking is also a good excuse to spend a night in with friends and a holiday movie.
2. Know what they likeEver had to give a gift to someone you’ve never really known or talked to? There’s a cure for that: Get to know them! Nothing is better than good conversation to get the inspiration going. Ask about their likes and dislikes. You never know—you might find out that you both like the same band. Even better, do you both have mutual friends? Ask around and see what their buddies have to say about what they might like for Christmas!
3. Look for dealsWe see these every year, lined along store windows, advertising a great deal. Buy three lotions and get three free at Bath and Body Works? Yes, we’re in! You’re able to surprise six people with amazingly delicious scents for the price of three lotions. What’s not to love? Don’t break the bank, but rather keep an eye out for special deals that advertise sales like these. Don’t ignore your emails because they might contain surprise coupons and deals!
4. Get craftyDo-it-yourself projects are a fun and affordable way to surprise someone this Christmas. Not only is it enjoyable for you, but it also actually ends up being more affordable if you’re on a $10 to $20 budget for a gift exchange. Visit the ultimate DIY website, Pinterest, and research different ways to create the best gift that your friends will think you bought. Every great gift comes from the heart!
5. Make a mementoDo you know someone who’s graduating this year? Giving them a few mementos that bring back joyous memories and give them something to take with them in the next chapter of their lives. Don’t settle for an empty picture frame. Instead, fill it with an unforgettable memory that they’ll be able to look at with a smile on their face.
Gift exchanges and secret Santas usually bring an added stress level to your holiday season, but don’t fret because we’ve got you covered with these gift tips and ideas. Giving gifts with meaning are actually the best part of the holidays, and if you have trouble selecting a gift for a friend, relative or co-worker, just think of one word that describes them. That should help in selecting or making a wonderful gift for them for the holidays!