The Holidays are a time of joy, rest, happiness, and present shopping. For me, present shopping is always a mess. It’s usually more a time of stress and worry than it is easy-going. So, to try to remove some of your anxiety, here are some of the best gifts under $50 for your boyfriend and your best friend.
Best Friend:
Best Friend Picture Frame, $14.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond: If you’re like me and your best friend goes to college twelve hours away from you, then you probably don’t see her very much except for breaks. I know one of my favorite gifts was a picture of my best friend and myself at prom looking hot in a really neat frame. It sits on my side table at all times. So grab a frame, print a picture, and wrap it up!
A Sweater: If you want to go more with a clothing route, I think a sweater is the way to go. It doesn’t matter if it’s slightly too big, because that means it’s probably going to be comfier, and you don’t have to worry about asking your friend’s size or worrying about guessing. Try Loft for a wide selection, many of which are under $50, like this cozy number:
Bake!: If you’re not crafty, but you want to make something more personalized, baking is a fun way to do so. It’s not expensive (just pick up the ingredients you need at the grocery store) and throw together a batch of cupcakes, or a full on cake! You can personalize them to your friend’s tastes and write her a holiday message on top.
Give a little bling: Jewelry is a great gift, since it comes in a wide variety, and can be found in a million price-ranges. My personal advice would be to stay away from rings, since finger sizes can be tricky, but earrings fit everyone (as long as they have pierced ears) and necklaces are also a safe bet. Check out Francesca’s for a wide variety of merchandise in reasonable prices. Another great place is Alex and Ani. It’s a jewelry company that makes bracelets with charms that have different meanings. They come in gold and silver so you can choose which one your friend would like best and select on that has a specific meaning for you friend.
The Boyfriend:
For the sport’s nut: Try getting him something personalized with his favorite team. Since he probably already has a shirt or a baseball cap, try getting him a keychain, or a winter hat. Check out Dick’s for every team ever, in a variety of price ranges. This Celtic’s one is only $10!
For the fashion challenged: This is the perfect time to sneak an article of clothing you approve of into your boyfriend’s wardrobe. Try getting him a nice button down, perhaps one that’s wrinkle free. While these are available everywhere, check out the sale section at Ralph Lauren for something nice, and yet marked down within your price range.
For the TV obsessed: Getting him a subscription is the perfect gift. If he already owns his favorite show on DVD (like my boyfriend does…) then getting a Netflix subscription for a few months is great. Since it’s not very much per month you can tell him that you will pay for a few months worth. If he already has it, check out Hulu Plus or an HBO subscription. All of them open up TV wonders for him.
For the one that’s impossible to shop for: This is where crafting comes in. Your boyfriend clearly likes you, and so you should get creative. Try the picture frame trick (only not the same one you give your best friend, that could be awkward…), or get him an ornament with a picture of the two of you in it. Not crafty? Bake! The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so rev up those ovens, my friends.