The holiday season is finally here! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or anything in between, giving gifts is a huge activity this time of year. Although we all want to buy our loved ones everything on their lists, as college students that is simply not realistic. Most of us are flat broke at this point in the semester. Thankfully, here is the perfect gift giving guide for your friends, family and significant others. From great deals to homemade crafts, I am going to be giving you the best ways to save money this holiday season, while still getting something for the people you care about most!
Amazon Prime is a lifesaver for college students. Providing two-day delivery and free shipping, this is by far the best option for you last-minute people! Assuming you already missed out on the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, there are still many options to save with Prime. There is a section dedicated to gifts, titled “Holiday Deals,” offering large discounts. Under this tag, you can find curated items, ranging from toys to stocking stuffers to kitchen tools. There is something that everyone will like here, and you can even filter these gifts to your price limits!
On a similar note, many other popular stores offer a similar feature on their websites, specifically picking out popular items in different price ranges to use as gifts. For example, both Urban Outfitters and Pacsun have holiday sections with popular gifts under $15 (or less) labeled.
Consider doing a “Secret Santa” event with your friends or family. If you have many siblings or a large friend group, this can save immense amounts of money. Rather than buying a few cheap gifts for everyone, you can get someone something that they actually want. This way everyone’s money will go to good use! Try the old-fashioned way of drawing names with a hat, this can be a fun get together in itself. But if you are separated from your loved ones by distance, there are online services, such as Elfster.com, which can draw the names for you. This website allows participants to display their wishlists discreetly to their “Santa” and ensures that no two people are given the same person.
Homemade gifts or DIYs are also something to consider. Knitted blankets and hats are common presents, as well as creating your own Christmas decorations, such as decorating an ornament. However, while everyone might not be crafty enough to construct an extravagant gift, like furniture, you may be more willing to try something like baking. Baking is technically a DIY, and everyone loves a good sweet treat this time of year. It is also fairly inexpensive and will be greatly appreciated by most. Now, if even this sounds like a challenge, throw a gift basket together with some candy and a card, and that’s all you need.
Do not forget to remember what we have right here on campus: the bookstore! There are many options for gifts here, though some can be a little pricey. Sweatshirts are always a safe option (if you are willing to pay), but other gift items include mugs, hats or car decals. Your parents would be more than happy to receive a “a UConn Dad” or “UConn Mom” mug to drink their coffee in while you are away at school.
Hopefully now you can give your loved ones the perfect gifts this year (if you have not bought them already) without breaking the bank. I am sure that everyone will love whatever you choose. Afterall, it is really the thought that counts. Spending some time with the people you care about most over the break will be the best gift of all.