College kids are notorious for living off of ramen noodles, cheap coffee, and dining dollars. Nothing is more exciting than the free pizza the library hands out during finals. As the holidays roll around and you get excited to sleep in your own bed and enjoy a home-cooked meal, the last thing you should have to worry about is finding the perfect gifts on a college budget! Here are a few ideas that are sure to be a hit without breaking the bank!
For Your Parents:
As exciting as the holidays are in general, chances are, your parents are most excited to just have you back home for a month. Sure, you could go spend an arm and a leg on a new purse for your mom, or try and pick out a new tie your dad would actually wear. But when it comes to parents, they will appreciate something sentimental more than most. Give them a mounted photo of a favorite memory! The photo center at your local Wal-Mart offers multiple shapes and sizes to fit your budget. So when you have to head back to campus, your parents will have a new treasure to put up on the mantle!
If pictures aren’t your thing, treat your parents to a night at Painting with a Twist! If you plan ahead, you can usually score seats that are less expensive, and you get quality time together. You can share in a night full of creativity, or laugh together at your lack of artistic abilities, while enjoying some cell phone-free time.
For Your Boyfriend:
Guys can be hard to shop for in general, especially when they try to be sweet and say “I don’t need anything, I have you!” If you’re trying to find the perfect gift for a college boy, the best gifts are things they will actually use! Skip the expensive cologne and opt for a personalized flask. This cheap gift with a personal touch is something every college guy needs!
Another great idea is a Tile Mate. We’ve all accidentally left our keys in a classroom or had to dig through a pile of messy clothes to find our wallet. With a tile, you’re giving a thoughtful and useful gift! When he attaches it to his keys or wallet, he’ll be able to track the location from his phone. He can even play a sound once he’s near his lost item to minimize his time spent searching for keys before rushing out the door on his way to class or to pick you up!
For Your Boss:
Unless your boss is a big fan of The Office, stay away from a “World’s Best Boss” mug. The best (and most impressive) gifts are the ones that are intentional.
Chances are, your boss’s life is much more stressful and work-oriented than yours. Meaning, they have more reasons to wine down when the work day ends. Treat them to a fun animal shaped wine bottle holder. Functional, thoughtful, and decorative all in one!
And if all else fails, you can never go wrong with a bath bomb set. Everyone loves a little pampering, especially when the winter air dries out our skin!
For Your Best Friend:
And last, but certainly not least, the best friend. Whether they’re the person who makes your hometown feel so special, or someone you met in your freshman year dorm, they’re someone important in your life, so you want to gift them as such! Which is totally possible to do on a budget.
Something from Various Keytags is an easy hit. They’re cheap, witty, and will make your BFF think of you every time they have to drive somewhere. With so many phrase options, colors, or even the ability to make a custom key tag, you’re sure to find the perfect, unique gift for your friend!
Or, if you’ve got a little time on your hands to compile some songs, make a mix tape to be the soundtrack of the reality show they should actually make of your life together. With this nifty mix tape USB, you can give an old fashioned gift with 21st century technology! Plus, it shows your friend you put in some time to think about the kind of music they would like, or the songs that remind you of your best memories!
