Oh, the weather outside is frightful… and with Christmas right around the corner, trying to find a last-minute secret Santa gift can be even scarier! Us college gals try to make the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas break a little less horrendous by squeezing in as many Christmassy distractions we can, one of them being Secret Santa. Now, living in fabulous Olean, New York, there aren’t always a lot of store options that will provide you with awesome gifts. If it weren’t for the internet, my gifts this season may have consisted of a “Go Bonnies T-shirt,” and a gift card to lovely Olean Wal-Mart. Fortunately, I’ve come across Secret Santa ideas that your friends will love, are easy to buy online, yet do not break the bank.
Christmas is the season of giving, so why not give more when purchasing a present for a friend?! Love Your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America, as well as supporting nonprofit organizations who lead the fight against pediatric cancer. When purchasing one of these hats, you are also helping a child in need. What better way to give a great gift to a friend and someone in need this holiday season! You can choose from many different styles and colors of beanies, baseball caps and even tees. Check out their site for adorable winter apparel that anyone would be happy receiving as their secret Santa gift: www.loveyourmelon.com/
Comfort is the key to surviving winter weather, especially when living in upstate New York. My next ultimate gift idea for Secret Santa is a “Lush Secret Santa Bundle”! You can choose from a variety of different themes and bundles with prices as low as $17. Choose from holiday scented bath bombs, body scrubs, lotions, and more. Each bundle comes with a different theme and scent, such as, “The Night Before Christmas” and “The Snowdrop” bundle. They also come prewrapped, so you won’t have to go through the hassle or expense of wrapping the gift yourself. There’s nothing more soothing than coming home to take a hot bath with your holiday bath bomb after being out in the winter cold. I love this idea for a secret Santa present because what girl doesn’t like holiday scented beauty products? Lush is also great for your vegan friends since everything is 100% naturally organic and vegan. Treat your friends right this winter by gifting them a present that is good for their skin and the environment!
Following the “comfort” theme, another great gift would be to make your own holiday bundle! I’ve done this many times for secret Santa gifts and it is always a hit. All you have to do is buy a Christmas scented candle, a pair of warm fuzzy socks (preferably cabin socks), and a gift card to your secret Santa’s favorite coffee joint. Yankee candle has the best scents during the holidays. Choose from Evergreen to Christmas cookie scents. If you want to go the extra mile you can even get your candle customized with a saying and picture of you and your Secret Santa!
My go to gift for Christmas is anything Bath & Body Works. Bath & Body Works is one of my favorite stores during the holiday season, not only because of all the holiday scented perfumes and lotions, but because the deals are incredible. My mom and I make it a point to stop into Bath & Body Works every holiday season to stock up on quick and easy gifts for friends and relatives. Their buy 3 get 3 free deal is perfect for a college girl Christmas shopping on a budget. Plus, receiving a gift of new lotion, shower gel, and body spray will bring a smile to almost any girl’s face. You can’t go wrong with this idea. These products usually last me until next Christmas and you really can’t go wrong with any scent! So, if you’re looking to buy gifts for your girlfriends in bulk and on a budget, make sure to stop into Bath & Body Works to pick up a few products!
I hope these ideas help to take some of your shopping stress away as the semester is coming to an end. My best secret Santa tip is to remember your friends are lucky to have you in their lives and should be happy with anything you give them! Have fun with your Christmas season, and remember to be good, Santa is watching…