It’s that time of year: the season of giving, eating, and being merry. It goes without saying that while the holiday season can be beautiful and cheerful, it can also be very expensive and stressful. However, with all of the chaos of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there is an abundance of amazing deals and perfect gifts to give to your friends, family, and loved ones. One strategy to remain calm and organized during this hectic time is to make a list of people you want to give gifts to, you may even want to check it twice, write down the approximate amount of money you are wishing to spend on them, and a check-box for when you have purchased and wrapped the gifts.
My next tip: shop! You won’t know what to get anyone without looking first. Now is the best time because there are so many deals online, and it is the perfect study break while studying for finals. While shopping in stores, make sure to carry light snacks with you, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes. Nothing is worse than a Scrooge shopper wandering the floors of Macy’s.
To help ease some of the stress and to inspire gifting ideas, here are some go-to, inexpensive trinkets that spread the holiday cheer without breaking the bank.
For your suitemates: Jewelry is always an appreciated gift, and websites like Bauble Bar, Lulu’s, and C. Wonder all have incredible pieces that have the desired holiday spirit but also won’t dry up your wallet. Another idea is to purchase things for your common room, like customized mugs or a framed photo of the whole gang to put up on your wall. If you need some inspiration, check out this monogrammed mug from C. Wonder.
Shopping for your mom is always a feat because you want to make sure you get her the perfect gift to show your appreciation for everything she does for you. Some ideas are a framed picture of you and your siblings, or a solo shot of you if you are an only child. A small gift basket of candles, bubble bath, and nice soaps makes a great present because it will allow her to relax during the stressful holiday season. The bookstore sells baskets filled with amazing Bliss Spa products. Who knew that you could get all of your shopping done on campus?
Dads are even more difficult to shop for during the holidays. One option is a Make-Your-Own-Beer Kit. Who doesn’t want to brew their own brew? If you’re short on time, what dad doesn’t like homemade cookies?
What to get significant women in your life: Jewelry, cute scarves and mittens (it’s getting cold in here!), and make up sets. Despite these being simple gift ideas, they pack a cheerful, practical punch that will make any recipient smile. Right now, I’m loving this Try It Kit from Sephora (hint, hint?).
Brothers, boyfriends, and cousins can cause serious holiday shopping stress. My go to gift purchases? A North Face gift card or a leather wallet to organize all of his cards. J.Crew has a great leather billfold for a reasonable price.
Image courtesy of Mix 94.1