As finals week drags on and winter break slowly approaches, there is one thing to ponder that is almost as important as your hundreds of note cards. What in the world can you give your friends and family for the holidays? As a fellow college student, I am guessing that the only thing lower than every Black Bear’s attention span this week is the number in their bank account. So if you are looking for some fiscally responsible yet creative presents- check out this list of unique gifts!
Gift Card Tree– Giving a gift card is about as impersonal as you can get when it comes to gifts. While it may be a constant fan favorite, try giving it a creative twist to make it mean a little more.
- Buy a stand- you need to get a little picture tree stand; you can usually find these at Claire’s, Icing, Target, Mardens, etc. They are cheap and usually come in an array of designs.
- Figure out their favorites- if you are giving a gift to them than chances are they are a close friend or family member. Try to think of a few of their favorite places to eat, shop or go.
- Budget- a major factor in this gift is figuring out how much you want to spend on them.If your total is $30, then get them $10 to three different places. You can adjust the number of places of the amount of money on each card depending on your budget.
- Get Creative– Now is the time to arrange the gift cards and pictures or quotes on the picture tree stand. You can also tie ribbons around it or dress it up in any way you wish. Think about their favorite colors or some favorite memories you have had with them. This gift shows that you appreciate every thing about them!
A FUN Read- If you are buying a gift for a best guy friend or trying to think of a good gifts to ask for from a boyfriend/get your girlfriend- educate AND enjoy yourself by asking for a good book that benefits both females and males alike! Books are usually not too expensive but they are something you can enjoy over and over again and share with others. Check out Her Campus UMaine Sex with Sarah author Sarah Hinman’s suggestion- a book that gives the reader a simple approach to understanding football- just in time for the Super Bowl!
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Tackling Football: A Woman’s Guide to Understanding the College Game, A book by our very own professor Dr. Sandra L. Caron and J. Michael Hodgson.
- This book is available in the UMaine Bookstore in the Memorial Union, Bear Necessities in the Alfond Arena, and of course through Amazon.com.
- Congrats to Black Bear Sandy Caron on such a perfect idea and excellent book!
Tingle their taste buds- there is no easier, cheaper or more fun way to give a gift than if it is one you can both enjoy! There are many avenues you can go down when giving someone an edible gift- here are a few of my favorites:
- Cookies- if it is more of an informal gift, homemade cookies in a decorative tin are an easy and acceptable way to go. There is no wrong way to give Christmas cookies around the holidays so pick out a classic kind and get cooking!
- Cook for them- although this is commonly seen as a ‘couples’ thing, don’t be fooled! What girl friend wouldn’t love a present of wine, appetizers and girl talk just as things start to get stressful around the holidays. This may easily be one of the most appreciated gifts you have ever given.
- Snack Swap- If you and your friends have a habit of snacking and enjoy a good laugh, do a snack swap this season. Come up with a set number of snacks that you each have to get each other and then go to town at your local Hannaford or Sam’s Club. What is better than laughing hysterically at your friends interpretations of your favorites food is the fact that you get to eat it all too!
Pencil each other in- Simply taking the time to make solid plans with a friend or relative is a gift in itself during the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities. Figure out a day when you are both free, either pre or post holiday, and make sure to stick to it! It can be as in-depth as going on a day trip to a local outlet center or as simple as meeting for hot chocolate and looking at Christmas lights. There is no better time than now to spend quality time with the people that matter most.
So figure out what gifts work best for you and starting getting after it!
photo credit: google images