The holidays are fast approaching. What to do, what to do! College students aren’t exactly known for—how do I put this eloquently—having cash on cash on cash. We’ve learned to adapt to a steady diet of instant noodles and cold cereal, spending every last dollar on textbooks and/or Starbucks (mostly Starbucks), and running on only a few hours of sleep due to our busy schedules. Here are some gift options that all cost thirty dollars or less in downtown SLO!
Candles
Candles are for classy people, people. Have you ever been anywhere that had candles and dim lighting and hated it? Probably not. Bath and Body Works practically has a buffet of candles at different price points; it’s really the only buffet I’m willing to go to (yeah, I’m looking at you, Metro). The scents range from sweet and fruity to crisp and clean. Classic fall and winter must-haves include Leaves (which doesn’t actually smell like leaves, just apple-y and cinnamon-y and completely autumnal) and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin (no explanation needed). If you really want to step up on the “basic” scale, go for the ones in the mason jars ($12.50). I have to admit, they’re pretty cute and extremely Pinterest worthy.
Disclaimer: Candles are NOT allowed in the dorms *sigh*, so this mostly applies to off campus students. However, freshmen and other on campus students can get their scent fix on with the Bath and Body Works wallflowers ($12.50). Don’t be that kid who starts a fire, it’s not worth it (although the new Vanilla Chai scent is really making me question that rule!).
Mugs
If I have to read yet another version of “cozying up by the fire with a warm mug of coffee or hot chocolate,” post, I’m going to puke up the said coffee or chocolate. Ugh. But that’s cliche for a reason—everyone needs a good mug. Scout Coffee Co. offers some seriously awesome mugs (read: huge and sturdy enough to hold copious amounts of coffee) for $10. And if you’re in there and just happen to buy one of their delicious soul feeding and diet breaking cookies along with that mug, no one’s judging. I promise.
Perfume
Okay, okay, so I’ve already been guilty of waking up late to my 8 a.m. class and not having time to shower, throwing on a huge sweatshirt, spritzing on some perfume and then gobbling down two granola bars (because food). It was one time, okay?! Mini rollerballs of perfume are complete lifesavers when you need a quick pick-me-up and just want to feel like Beyonce. Universally appealing scents at Sephora include Marc Jacobs’ fruity and floral “Daisy “($24), DKNY’s “Be Delicious” ($24) a clean and refreshing green apple scent, and Pink Sugar’s sweet and sugary perfume, creatively named Pink Sugar ($30, and lol).
Tip: As a general rule of thumb, mini or travel sizes are the way to go for things like makeup and body products. They cost a lot less than their full-sized counterparts and are great for trying out new brands. Please, find me someone who has used up all 328,432 tubes of Chapstick that they have lying around in their room.
Jewelry
Sure, you can go with the typical Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters jewelry, but the up-and-coming brand Alex and Ani is known for creating high quality, hand crafted bohemian jewelry, which can be found in little boutiques around SLO. The prices vary but luckily, their rings and bangles are around the $20 range, and are the perfect gift to anyone who, well, loves cute jewelry!
Socks
Ain’t nobody got time for shoes! Instead, go for some cool socks from Urban Outfitters (3 for $20). These might be from the men’s section, but let me tell you, anyone would be lucky to get some (crazy cool patterned socks, I mean).
If all else fails and none of these things appeal to you, food. Just food. Buy them a gift card to Chipotle or something because let’s face it…food.