Wednesday, December 21, 2011

College-Style

College-Style

Your Giving Guide

Posted: 20 Dec 2011 02:28 PM PST

By: Anna of Loras College

You feel it all around you: from the lighted yards to the decked-out halls, the seasonal tunes to the holiday cheer, and the days until December 25th are flying by. Is it just me or does it get trickier every year to find a gift within your price range that they will actually like and is, at least somewhat, heartfelt and original? We all know it's better to give than to receive, but it can be hard to keep your sanity when trying to find that perfect present for everyone. Depending on your level of procrastination or how crazy your life has been lately, you could be almost done with your gift shopping or just beginning. Wherever you're at in your gifting, fear not. There's still time to find something perfect for everyone on your list that won't break the bank.

MOM

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Is there anyone else in your life more deserving of something special? If your Mom is anything like mine, she puts everyone else before herself. Good gift ideas for Mom are ones that force her to focus on her, if only for a while. Specialty tea and coffee sets make morning coffee or afternoons curled up on the couch with a mug of something sweet a little more luxurious. Bath sets or a new perfume can have the same affect. Look into getting Mom a certificate for a massage, facial or manicure. Bonus points if you make it a mother-daughter affair.

YOUR ROOMMATE

This is the person forced to live in the same tiny space and generally put up with you. Make sure their loyalty and fortitude is recognized this holiday season. If you're looking for an inexpensive, but always appreciated gift, package up some of those Christmas goodies Mom made too many of anyway. This is a particularly good idea if your roomie lives far away from home and can't make it back for the holidays. Another good idea is a gift card to a place you two frequent. If late night runs to Starbucks or Walmart are a weekly thing, it's a present she can definitely use.

ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS

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Giving something special to all your friends — from the guy you love but rarely see, to the girl you see all the time but barely know — can be both daunting and draining. An easy way to solve this dilemma is to get all of them the same thing. If you're crafty, try making all the girls a handmade pair of earrings as unique as they are. If arts and crafts were never your thing, you can likely find something, like cozy socks, patterned scarves or cute mugs, that they'll all love. Movies, books, posters and knitted hats and scarves are easy ideas for girls and guys alike and are always a hit.

YOUR BEST GIRLFRIEND

She's a cut above the rest, with you through thick and thin and the one girl you know you can always depend on no matter what. Giving her an album with photos and memories of the two of you is a one of a kind present she will never forget. Has she been lusting after a particular pair of shoes for months? Does she need something that she either refuses to or hasn't gotten around to buying for herself? If she's your soul sister, you know her well enough to know what she'll love.

THE BOYFRIEND

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Ah, last but not least. Single ladies, consider being spared this drama your Christmas gift to you. While being in love is wonderful, finding the perfect expression of that love for your man can be tricky. Whether he is the man who has everything or the guy who just won't say what he wants, surprise him with something creative and romantic. Give him the gift of your time with a cooking class you take together or a date at the local skating rink. Knitting him a scarf, writing him a song or painting a picture of the two of you is a heartfelt gift he'll surely appreciate. If all else fails or you are crunched for time more than cash, consider getting him a nice watch or sweater.

Thoughts?

What are your time-tested, fail-proof gifts? What’s the best gift you’re giving this holiday season? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending an e-mail to info@college-style.com!

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