It’s Christmas, which means it’s time for a classic tradition: trying to find actually meaningful Christmas gifts without going broke. And for some of the people you’re buying for, that feels impossible. What on Earth does your Dad want? Or the Secret Santa you have an even smaller price cap on? In the spirit of holiday giving, here’s what I got this year for my list.
The Little Brother With A Competitive Streak: CATAN: The Helpers Scenario Expansion
The biggest struggle with shopping for little brothers is finding stuff not online. Because yes, they would love it… but don’t they spend enough time gaming in their room? You can hit the same part of their personality with a board game. My brother already owns and loves the actual Catan game, so I went with an expansion pack. It’s cheaper, smaller (less dorm room space!), and just as exciting. However, if your brother doesn’t have a favorite yet, go with something simple with enough player capacity for everyone in your house. Wish me luck for the inevitable family game night trash-talking.
Buy it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BH5C7L4S?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
The Little Brother With An Adrenaline Addiction: AutoZone Gift Card
My other brother is a huge fan of ATV-ing. I swear, every time I see him he’s covered in dirt and explaining exactly how he got his latest project to hit top speed. Unfortunately, just like cars, everything else with wheels is expensive too. A gift card to a parts store means you don’t have to know what he’s working on, and he can spend it whenever. Pro-tip: if he’s still young enough to not have his license, your parents will know exactly where he shops.
Buy it: https://www.autozone.com/giftCard
The Middle-School-Cool Little Sister: Bath and Body Works Lotion
Yes, it’s true: after all these years, Bath and Body Works still has a grip on the preteen girl market. But can we really blame them? They last forever, and smell great. Find out your sister’s favorite smell and hunt it down. A lot of discontinued scents are still available online. If you want to add something extra, consider throwing in a hoodie.
Buy it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CD8WFX8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
The Dad Who’s Most Excited For The Week Off: Playstation/XBox gift card
It’s the holiday season. It’s finals season. But most importantly, it’s officially “dad taking the end of December off, gaming on the couch till 1pm” season. This is a lot of parents’ prime time for catching up on new releases or old classics, and recharging. Like this Autozone gift card, this has less pressure to know what they’re interested in. Just make sure you get the right console!
Buy it: at Gamestop
The Mom With The World’s Fullest Google Calendar: Car Phone Holder
Does anyone else get minor anxiety when they accidentally turn on their mom’s Google Calendar? Yeah, moms travel ALL. DAY. A phone holder lets her use maps and change music while driving everywhere as the family chauffeur. Be sure to get the right model… you can look up the car in the reviews and see if anyone’s confirmed it fits.
Buy it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016165PDS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
The Commuters: Coffee gift cards and candle
Speaking of driving, you know who else is in their car 24/7? Commuter friends. Gift cards help you cover their drink for the road when heading to campus. The candle adds a physical and immediate gift, and is something to keep their study space cute (because they can light candles without the RAs panicking).
Buy: gift cards online/in cafe; https://www.etsy.com/listing/1288676058/pink-drink-inspired-by-starbucks?ref=yr_purchases
The “Fun Little Drink” Friend: Boba pearls and boba reusable straws
We all have friends (or maybe we are the friend) who spends all their summer cash on the college town cafes. Save her wallet and caffeine addiction with DIY supplies. Making your own drinks is cheaper than buying out. Plus, it lets them make their favorites over break. This is also a super adaptable idea. You could do this with coffee, tea, energy drinks…if they sip it, you can supply it.
Buy it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B24V3WL4?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001N7RLQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
The Movie Buff: Movie Poster
This is a simple one, yes. But it’s great dorm decor and conversation starter for people visiting. Definitely keep the friends’ dorm aesthetic in mind, and make sure it’s a movie they like. You can always buy off Etsy if they have a more “fancy” style. And don’t buy one that’s too big! You don’t want to cannibalize too much wall space.
Buy it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002S6QWP6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
The Secret Santa: College Hat and Hot Cocoa Mix
Secret Santa’s are truly the final exam of gift giving. You have a budget, you can’t seem too showy, and there’s a chance you don’t know a ton about the person you’re gift-giving to. If you’re struggling for ideas, I suggest some light Instagram stalking. Check what accounts they follow and build off that. My Secret Santa loves skiing, so I went with a hat and hot cocoa. They’re for anyone though!
Buy it: grocery store, and your campus bookstore
The Gag Gift: #1 Grandpa College Mug
Yankee Swaps with the directions “just get something funny” are another tricky one. How do you make people laugh and not be uncomfortable? You have no idea how far or weird the other people are going. My choice: a #1 Grandpa Mug from the bookstore. Fairly cheap, just a little out-there, and secretly practical. You’ll be the gift everyone is swapping to get in no time!
Buy it: your campus bookstore