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A College Girl’s Holiday Gift Guide at Three Price Points

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter.

The holidays are coming up and it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas. I struggle every year to figure out what to get my family and friends and I am always met with the answer of “oh nothing,” when I ask what they would like for Christmas. Gift giving is one of my favorite things to do, so Christmas naturally brings out the creative side of me. Whether you’re shopping for a parent, sibling, boyfriend, or whoever it may be, there are a variety of gifts that will put the recipient in a jolly mood. I have compiled a list of nine gift ideas with a different range of price points, including fashion, electronics, lifestyle, etc., that will hopefully give some peace of mind to what you are getting others this year. The categories are broken up into three different price point sections: expensive, in the middle and low-cost. 

Most expensive

Airpods Pro/Airpods Max

Obviously more on the expensive side of things, but if you are interested in spending a few extra dollars, then this gift is one that they will use almost every day. I couldn’t imagine walking across the drill field or around campus without my Airpods. I always feel like I am in a coming of age movie walking on campus with a song streaming in my ears. If you know someone who is big into the gym or needs a pair of headphones that won’t easily fall off, the Airpods Max are a fan favorite.  

Birkenstocks/UGG slippers

Birkenstocks can make a great gift for anyone with so many styles and colors to choose from. I got my brother a pair of Birkenstocks last Christmas and I swear I rarely see him in a different pair of shoes. The Boston clog style has been extremely popular this year, and for good reason. Birkenstocks form to your feet over time, making them one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes and they can be dressed up or down. On a similar note, the UGG Tasman slippers have been all the rage, especially in these cooler months. The stitching on the top adds some flare to the slippers and the soft wool is undoubtedly going to keep your feet nice and cozy.

A nice purse/wallet

Upgrading from a cheap wallet or purse can elevate your style and productivity. Your wallet is an everyday essential item, so investing in a good one can save you money down the road. In addition, a nice purse or satchel is a lifesaver when hitting the town.

not breaking the bank

A suitcase

Know anyone with a big trip coming up? For any traveler in your life, a suitcase can make an amazing gift. Now, suitcases can get ridiculously expensive, but stores like Marshalls and Ross carry suitcases for relatively inexpensive.  

A streaming subscription

This option is great for any avid movie/TV watcher in your life. Many streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ offer gift cards or gift options you can send your loved one for them to access the streaming service. What’s better than free movies and TV?

Hydroflask

A good water bottle is a staple for anybody, and Hydro flasks deserve all the hype that they get. Some bottles go on sale on the hydro flask’s website, so if you’re browsing for gifts online, take a peek to see what they have. They also sell tumblers and mugs to keep coffee and tea nice and hot for your loved one.

Ballin’ on a budget

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Self-care products

I love a good face mask and delicious smelling body wash any day and your family and friends will too. Bath and Body Works always have amazing scents during the holidays for hand soaps, body washes, lotions and so much more. However, many self-care products can be found at any beauty or drugstore store and can be inexpensive.

Books

I have several books already planned for my Christmas list this year. Anyone else so excited about It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover? And if you have a reader in your life, then they will be ecstatic to have a new book to add to their library. 

A heated blanket

If I were to pick a favorite gift idea from this list, it would be this one. I bought myself a heated blanket from CVS for $50 and I use it almost every day in the fall and winter. Many blankets have a remote selection for different heat settings, making it easy to adjust to how warm you want it to be. There is nothing better than going to bed with a warm blanket on top of you and I guarantee anybody that you buy this for will love it.

Obviously the holidays are meant for friends and family, but some fun gifts on Christmas Day are never a bad thing. Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas for your loved ones, or yourself and minimizes the holiday shopping stress. Throw on some Christmas music, light a holiday candle and get to planning.

Grace Howell

Virginia Tech '25

Hi! My name is Grace and I am a sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in Public Health. I love going to the beach, reading, writing, and snowboarding for just a few of my hobbies. :)