| by Victoria Adamo | 12/13/06 | 129 views |
The end of the year brings about an array of emotions for college students; panic about final exams, desperation about low bank accounts and nervousness about what the New Year will bring. With all of these emotions already running high, it’s easy to forget that the end of the year also signifies a time of holiday cheer and celebration. Preparing for the holidays should not be added to the laundry list of things you are already worrying about; instead these preparations should be exciting and fun.
It’s no secret that most college students do not have the time or money to spend on extravagant gifts for their loved ones and friends, but that doesn’t mean that the sentiment and quality of the gift need to be jeopardized. It may take some creative thinking and a small cup of eggnog to get your ideas flowing, but there are gifts out there that are affordable, practical and thoughtful. These gifts can be broken down into several festive and simple categories: Educational Entertainment, Protective and Fashionable Accessories, Inexpensive Enjoyments, Quirky Collectibles, and Personalized Presents. No matter if you are shopping for your best friend of ten years, a Secret Santa gift for a random person in your office, or Grandma, these gifts are sure to keep them caroling your praises into the New Year.
The holidays are a great time to show people that you care; you can do this by getting them something they will really enjoy but wouldn’t think of getting for themselves. As college students, we are starting to finally appreciate the good things in life; good food, good wine, and definitely a good book. For a gift that is educational and entertaining, while easy on your wallet, go to your local used bookstore and spend some time sifting through the endless aisles of books. Rainbow Music and Books on Main St. has an extensive collection of used books in every genre imaginable, for prices that are unbeatable. The resources at used book stores are sometimes untapped; fortunately, you will be able to find everything from classic works and contemporary novels, to instructional “how-to” manuals and fantasy sci-fi epics. Giving your friend who loves Cajun food a cookbook full of Cajun recipes would be a happy and thoughtful surprise, and you may even get a delicious meal out of it at the next holiday party.
College students usually find themselves borrowing everything from their friends throughout their four years together, therefore you probably want to give your friends something that you might like to use in the future. Accessories have become a huge market in the recent past, and they also make great gift ideas. Accessories are fashionable and really pull an ensemble together, but they can also be protective and health-conscious. Sunglasses are a perfect example of protective and fashionable accessories that you can give to anyone on your holiday list. They look great while protecting our loved ones from the harsh sun light, and they cost less than $10.00. If you are on Main St. and are trying to finish up your holiday shopping, stop by EC Shades and search their stock for a trendy pair for anyone on your list; for only $9.00! Other affordable, protective and pleasantly attractive accessories are: scarves, gloves, hats, socks, and lip-gloss/chap stick. These all make great gifts and stocking stuffers for your friends or family, and chances are that you’ll need a pair of sunglasses to borrow when spring semester comes around.
If you have a lot of gifts to buy on a tight budget, there are still effective ways to spread holiday cheer. If you and your friends are pinching pennies towards the end of the semester but still want to exchange gifts, suggest a Secret Santa or a grab bag, where everyone buys one gift with a limit on the amount. Holiday gift exchanges are the best way to spend time with friends without the pressure of spending large amounts of money on gifts. Great gift ideas can be found at a local dollar store, and whether you are trying to find a funny or serious gift, there is usually a good mix of both. Even if you are simply looking for wrapping paper, cards or bows, the dollar store carries a wide variety for a price that can’t be beat.
For friends and loved ones with an eccentric style, there are many places to find quirky collectibles around town. For friends who love to dress themselves and their homes in unique garb, try shopping at Goodwill or thrift stores to find them the perfect gift. Vintage t-shirts, jewelry and antiques make for excellent gifts for friends who want something that no one else has. It may take some time and dedication to filter through the stores to find the perfect vintage piece for your friends, but the money saved and your friends’ appreciation of the thoughtful gift, will most definitely be worth it.
If after all of these ideas you are still baffled as to how to spend your last bit of money on the perfect holiday gift, there’s still hope. The holidays are all about decorating, loved ones, gifts and food; naturally there has to be a type of gift that ties all of these elements together: the Personalized Present. Receiving a personalized gift makes anyone feel loved, no matter what it is, however here are some classic examples that are both thoughtful and affordable. My favorite holiday gift is simple: print out a digital picture (for roughly twenty-nine cents) and pop it into a frame (for roughly a dollar). Digital pictures have made our lives a lot easier since their inception, so why not include them in your holiday gift? If you want to give your mother the best Hanukkah present she’s ever received, print out that family photo from last summer's vacation and put it in a frame that you have decorated yourself with puffy paint and crafts. Other personalized presents include: ornaments, key chains, martini glasses, wine glasses, mugs, etc.
The most important things to remember during the holidays are the holidays. We are so busy throughout the year worrying about school, bills and work, that the holidays should be a time to relax and enjoy what you have. If you find yourself worrying about the amount of money you have to spend on gifts, take a break from it all and remember: it’s not the amount of money, or who has the biggest gift to give, but really, it’s the thought that counts.
     
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University of Delaware
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