By Brooke Brinker, Staff Writer
Christmas time is almost here, and during this season of the year, people have an important mission: finding special gifts for their loved ones!
Finding gifts during the Christmas season can be a stressful time, mainly for college students, who usually need to find good gifts on a budget. But don’t fret, this article aims to be your gift guide to buying great sentimental presents that won’t break the bank.
Homemade presents are meaningful gifts that mean so much to people. Beyond being inexpensive, it is also a sweet gift that the person will keep and remember forever, such as a scrapbook.
To make a cute scrapbook, you can get supplies at craft stores such as Micheals and decorate a notebook for a friendship, relationship, or a trip that you and that special person went on together. Don’t be afraid to use stickers and crazy cut-outs to highlight your best photos together.
When showing off great photos, picture frames can make amazing gifts to your loved ones. Decorating the frames with glitter or tinsel can add a flare of personality that will shine through to that special someone.
“Gifts that are personalized are always the best! But as someone who loves to read books, they are my favorite item to receive,” said Maddie Melendez, a senior majoring in criminal justice and homeland security.
“Burr Baskets” are popular right now as well. It is a basket filled with Christmas goodies, like hot coco, slippers, and mittens. To find items to fill up your basket, you can go to the Grove, Tampa outlet, Target, or even Amazon! To make it really special, keep in mind their favorite color, show, or singer to let them know how much you care.
“Make sure to pay attention to the deals and watch the trends that might inform you about how much items cost. This can help you get the best price possible,” Melendez said.
Nowadays, mainstream Christmas gifts are so overwhelming that it’s nice to think outside the box when giving gifts. Think of something the person loves the most and be creative about the gift, creating something unique for them that goes with their favorite interests.
However, you don’t have to overthink it, simply buying a gift that reminds you of your loved ones is perfect, too. Tamar Alzate, a junior who majors in clinical psychology, said, “It’s all about showing your loved ones that you care, no matter the price tag.”
Picking out presents does not have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you buy or create your gifts, you’re sure to find something that will warm your loved ones’ hearts.
Use these gift-guide ideas, to help you find amazing gifts. When on Christmas morning, once your loved ones open up their gifts, they will smile and cherish the present that made you think of them.
