Under $25 Gift Guide for Friends & Family
We’re all about Christmas – quality time with family, catching up with friends you haven’t seen in 4 months, and amazing food. The most stressful part? Finding the perfect gift for everyone that reflects how much you care about them. We’ve found 15 gifts that’ll ease the stress of the season. Plus, they’re all under $25 since we’re all on a college student budget!
For Mom
Moms are relatively easy to shop for in most cases. The only trouble is that you end up giving similar gifts every year (hello candles and hand creams!) Avoid that this year by surprising her with one of the gifts here that she’s sure to love!
Chances are, you are your Mother’s pride and joy – and she couldn’t be more proud of you for getting a higher education. She’ll love this shirt ($19.95) sold at the UVic Bookstore! Bonus: when someone compliments her on it, she’ll have an excuse to brag about all of your achievements!
By now, you’ve probably seen at least one Instagram of Darling magazine. That’s because it’s packed full of quality pieces about women and stunning photography. The best part? None of the women in the magazine are retouched. Mom will be inspired flipping through the magazine and once she’s finished, it also functions as a cute coffee table book! You can find it here ($20).
With the coldest months of the year still to come, the gift of warmth is very appreciated. When you return to university in January, your mom can cuddle up in this blanket ($22.60) watch a movie, and marvel at how lucky she is to have you as a daughter!
Who says colouring is just for kids? Adult colouring books have been all over the place this year and for good reason; study have shown that colouring lowers stress hormones. Give this book ($18.86) to your mom, and watch her de-stress within minutes!
Dad
Dads are arguably the most difficult people to buy gifts for. When asked what they’d like for Christmas, the typical answer is “I don’t know.” Worry no more – here are 3 options that don’t include socks or ties!
Just like your mom, your dad will be all over this shirt found here ($19.95). It’ll look great under all his plaid shirts this season and he’ll remember how proud he is of you every time he wears it!
Is your dad always reaching for jalapeños and chili seeds at the dinner table? Give him some real heat with this 4-pack of hot sauces found here ($15). He might even cry (but mostly because they’re really, really hot!)
Brandon Stanton moved to New York in 2010 in hopes of capturing 10,000 portraits to plot them on a map of the city. What started as a passion project has evolved into an extremely successful blog, Facebook page, as well as 3 bestselling books. His newest book ($20.70) contains the best of his most recent captures. Dad will love the authentic humanity found within the pages as each photograph is paired with a quote from the subject that prove that there’s a lot more to people than we see.
For Your Best Friends
You know everything about your BFF from who they’re crushing on to what episode they’re on of Parks and Recreation, but what do they want for Christmas? All of your friends are unique, so we’ve split them into 4 categories to help you narrow down the choices: The Foodie, The Artist, The Music Lover, and The Beauty Expert.
The Foodie
We all have a friend that carries a thermos with them everywhere they go. They’ll be all over this festive tea set ($20) from David’s Tea! Your bestie can try out different flavors while keeping warm this winter.
If you’re not from Canada, this one’s for you! Visit your local grocery store and pick up anything unfamiliar to you so your BFF back home can sample Canadian foods! A list of great Canadian candy can be found here (approx $15-20 depending on what you choose to buy)
The Artist
Get your friend’s creative juices flowing with this messy journal ($15). She’ll love it because instead of being neat and tidy, this journal actually encourages ripping, smudges, and stains!
Your friend posts the most amazing Instagrams! If she already has the FujiFilm Instax Mini Polaroid Camera, you can give her film refills ($23.10). After she refills her camera, you two can take super cute festive Polaroid pictures together!
The Music Lover
If your BFF already has a record player, pick out some sweet tunes for her to jam out to! We recommend Adele’s new album 25 and Sam Smith’s In The Lonely Hour found here ($19.98).
Marble has become increasingly popular in 2015. Wrap up these Marble Happy Plugs Earbuds ($25) for your friend so she can take her songs on the go!
The Beauty Expert
Nail art is so cute but so hard to do on your own! Your BFF will adore these geometric nail decals ($3.41)! Did we mention that this seller also has Drake nail decals? The possibilities are endless.
Your best friend was all about temporary tattoos this summer. Now there are temporary tattoos for your face! These Beauty Mark Freckles ($12) are crazy cool. They also come in other beautiful designs like confetti, watercolours, and even white temporary tattoos!
What’s on your wish list this year? Let us know in the comments below!