2008 Woodie Awards
Spending without Slurging: A College Student's Guide to Spending during the Holiday Season
BY AMANDA HIGGS
By: Features Editor
- Page 1 of 1
As malls fill with shoppers this holiday season, a cringe may cross your face when you think about what to get for that someone on your list who is impossible to buy for. As usual, you're low on dough and are thinking what you can buy with leftover meal plan money.
No worries. With this nifty guide, we've got your holiday woes wrapped up in these inexpensive, yet thoughtful, gifts. With some creative additions and wrapping techniques, you'll be sure to wow even the toughest critics.
For him
Thrifty Thinker
Electronic 20 Questions Hand Held Game by Radica, $19.95
Like the classic road trip game, this hand-held electronic device asks a series of questions to guess what you're thinking of. Surprisingly, the game is right most of the time (if you give it some leeway). Available at the Discovery Channel Store and online.
Brew Master by Excalibur, $20
With a comprehensive global beer guide, this electronic device is a college guys' best friend. Also boasts reviews and ratings of more than 2,000 beers worldwide, beer recipes, bar jokes and games. Available at Target.
Splurging Spender
TriPod by Zelco, $40
If an iPOD nano is on his list for Santa, a perfect complement would be this compact speaker system. True to its name, this device folds up into a sleek four-by-one inch cylinder for those on the go. It's also compatible with CD players, video cameras and laptop computers. Available at www.zelco.com.
Weather Forecaster by Oregon Scientific, $40
Forget about watching the morning news to know whether it's going to snow or be sunny. Current conditions and forecasts for the day display on the screen along with the time and phases of the moon. Available at Target.
For her
Thrifty Thinker
Shearling Bear by Bath & Body Works, $22.50
Although you'd like to give her a puppy for Christmas, her RA would have a cow. Give her this soft, cuddly teddy bear instead. It hugs an eight-ounce body lotion and a 10-ounce shower gel. Various scents-see store for details.
Holiday Sleep Set by Old Navy, $15
Cold winter nights welcome warm cozy pajamas. A cotton-spandex blend ensures ultimate comfort while Old Navy design guarantees style.
Splurging Spender
Sterling Silver Diamond Bracelet by Diamond.com, $49
Heart-shaped silver links with raised detail and diamond chips will be sure to make her Christmas merry, indeed. The seven-inch chain sparkles with beauty and glamour. Available at diamond.com
Hamptons Signature Small Wristlet by Coach, $48
Perfect for keeping the essentials with her at all times. Compact enough to carry alone or fit inside a larger bag. Fabric lining with leather trim. Available at coach.com
What NOT to buy
While all gifts are given with good intentions, they may not all be given with common sense. Unless the following are specifically asked for (size, scent, flavor... you get the point) stay away from them.
€¢ Clothes- From varying styles and sizes, clothes are taboo when it comes to giving. They're a hassle to return and if you don't have a receipt, you may be out of luck.
€¢ Perfume/Cologne-Scents are reflection of a person. Giving somebody a perfume or cologne that differs from what they like is a big no-no. Also, people with allergies or sensitive noses will not appreciate the gesture.
€¢ Gift Cards/Money- This one is tricky. While some people love getting gift cards, others see them as an impersonal way to get out of giving a thoughtful gift.
€¢ Food- Christmas cookies may be yummy, but many contain nuts and other allergy-triggers. People also may be watching their waistlines around the holidays, and the temptation of extra calories is not what they need.
The task of wrapping a mountain of gifts is enough to make anyone turn into a Grinch faster than Santa can eat a plate of cookies. With manufactuer's packaging becoming more ornate, wrapping them can be frustrating and time consuming. Instead of reaching for the old standby, a giftbag stuffed with tissue paper, try one of these non-traditional wrapping techniques.
€¢ For tall, skinny items (such as a bracelet box or drumsticks), place in a wine bottle gift box. Use a little tissue paper to secure the item (if it's fragile, or you just don't want them guessing.) You can find boxes like these at Ross or Tuesday Morning.
€¢ For gifts that come in plastic packaging, a hat box or shirt box makes wrapping them a breeze. While hat boxes are typically come pre-decorated, you can find plain ones at a craft supply stores.
€¢ Round gifts are best placed in large, cube-shaped boxes or gift bags.
€¢ Instead of adorning your gift with a pre-fabricated, smushed bow, use ribbon with metal wire instead. Tie a bow like you would your shoe and tape to the gift. Recipents will appreciate the time it took, which isn't much at all.