Ah, yes, Christmas time is here! People will now be spending hours of their days, weeks in advance, in and out of stores enjoying the steady stroll through aisles of possible presents for their loved ones. Lots of gifts with lots of cash and spending galore!
Wrong. As a broke college student, you are worried about your two-hundred assignments that pile up faster than your laundry, paying for housing next semester, and being prepared for your finals which seem to land all on the same day. Presents? With what money? And with what time? Unless you want to make a day trip out of Berrien Springs to look for the perfect gift, you may need a plan. If this story sounds familiar to you, then here are some great ideas for you to consider for December 25th.
Focus on the value of the gift. Just because you overspend on a gift does not mean that it is more valuable. Get creative and make your own gifts. This will be more valuable to the person, and costs less. If you are not crafty at heart, that’s okay too! You can find apps or websites online that can help you out. For example, Rakuten is a large cash-back website that can help you shop and get money back! A gift card may seem impersonal, but it shouldn’t be looked down upon! Get your person a specific gift card for a place that they love the most, whether that be a restaurant, store, or store online. Check out raise.com where you can buy (or sell) your gift cards! For the people in your life who do not keep anything and are hard to shop for – stop shopping! Give them the gift of an experience. Golfing, cooking classes, road trips, concerts, escape rooms, theater, etc. Experiences allow for memories which last longer than a tangible gift could. To get deals on these experiences that may be pricey, check out Groupon.
To help you further, I have made a list down below to spark ideas. Take a look!
Photo album: This is a more personal gift where you can print out tons of photos, put them in chronological order, and write little notes on the bottom if you want! It’s a heartfelt and inexpensive gift that is good for anyone in the family. The price depends on how much you want to spend on the album itself.
Automatic Pan Stirrer With Timer: This is a unique Amazon find. Just set it in your pan and let it stir away! You can come back when the food is ready. This is a perfect gift for anyone who loves cooking.
Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror: 16 LED lights, 180-degree rotation, and a brightness adjuster. It's the perfect gift for any makeup lover, and it can be found on Amazon for $20.
AirPods case cover: An AirPods case cover seems expensive, but really is manageable for your wallet. Customize or select a cover that is personal to the individual. This is an excellent gift for anyone who owns AirPods!
Soundbot Bluetooth Shower Speaker: This hands-free speaker is perfect for filling the shower with your favorite songs! It can easily be put on and taken off the wall.
Mini Waffle Maker: Incredibly inexpensive and super adorable. This gift is perfect for college students in the dorm, or just on the go. Friends and family will both love this gift!
Face masks: More of a girly gift, but it’s a relaxing and satisfying present that improves your skin. In the same category, an ice roller for the face and eyes feels amazing and is only $19 on Amazon!
Bracelet keychain: This is more than an accessory but is stylish and works just as a key chain.
Subscription boxes: Quite literally the gift that keeps on giving. Can be personalized, and sent to their house throughout the year. Depending on the box you get, they can be sent once a month with items and themes of your choosing. They are little surprises that show up at your doorstep regularly. Whether they’re into snacks, books, beauty products, or even socks, there's probably a subscription box out there with their name on it. It's like a curated present to them each month! They can be as expensive or as cheap as you’d like.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.