Gift Guide for the Holidays

The holidays are coming up and everyone is scrambling to find presents to give to their loved ones. Considering most students cannot buy such expensive gifts, they are looking for more affordable items to purchase. Here is a gift guide that features items that are affordable, but not any less meaningful than expensive ones.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FROM AMAZON

By: NICHOLAS ZHOU (Features Editor)

A basic but amazing find is this pencil box. As a user of this pencil box, the quality is amazing and it has so much room. It can fit scissors, Post-Its, whiteout and anything else that usually does not fit in other pencil boxes. 

This is a steal for its price. Only $6.99 for 300 Post-Its. What makes it different from other Post-Its is that they are transparent. This is perfect for friends or family that are rigorous with their studies. Place the Post-It on pictures/models and trace it. After tracing, transfer the model into a notebook and it becomes a perfect item to use when studying.

Next is a very popular item. This backpack has over 70,000 reviews and is widely enjoyed by the people who own it. A little more expensive at $29.99, it is definitely worth the price. A compartment built specifically for a laptop, a charging station for devices and its sleek design make it perfect for the student on the go.

Many students love pens. Erasable pens only expand on the love for pens. The downside of making a mistake and not having whiteout will no longer be a problem with these pens. These erasable pens have a review of 4.5 among 26,000 users, with most of the reviews being positive.

Finally, this item is perfect for friends and family that do lettering or like to make fancy titles in their notebooks. These Tombow markers have two sides, one being perfect for writing small notes and the other for those fancy titles. As a user of Tombow markers, they are extremely satisfying to write with and are a great deal for the price of $15.49 for 10 high-quality markers.

TARGET GIFTS ON A BUDGET

By: JULIANNA NAVARRO (Staff Writer)

Makeup products can be a great gift and Target has several affordable options. A tinted lip balm from Target is only $4.99 and can be a great stocking stuffer for someone who enjoys lip products. Another great stocking stuffer idea is this face powder that is only $5.79 and has many great reviews. The travel size tarte foundation is $16.00 and a good stocking stuffer for makeup gurus and those who enjoy travel size items. 

Cozy items are always popular in the winter. This plaid throw blanket can be an amazing gift for that one friend who enjoys staying comfy. Another good gift idea is this gingerbread mug; it is only $5.00 and is perfect for coffee and hot chocolate. Another good option is pajama pants for only $10.00. 

BUYS AND DO NOT BUYS AT FIVE BELOW

By: ELIJAH BLANCHARD (Staff Writer)

For those looking to shop for gifts at a budget, Five Below has some of the best deals. However, they also have some gift options that are best avoided.

DO BUY: Bugha Gaming mouse: This is a personal favorite and a great gift for gamers. It will not break the bank either at only $5.99.

DO BUY: Nintendo Switch controllers: Some controllers can cost up to $70 but Five Below has controllers for the switch for only $15.

DO BUY: UNO: Uno is a classic card game that most people enjoy playing. It provides fun for the whole family for only $5.

DO NOT BUY: Bugha Black gaming headset: This is one of the biggest ripoffs in the store. The headphones do not fit on your head and are made from very cheap plastic. For $10, it is not a good deal and is a definite do not buy. 

SANRIO LOVERS GIFT GUIDE

By: JUBILEE DECOLLIBUS (Staff Writer)

Sanrio Plush Toys: A Hello Kitty plush toy is a classic and adorable gift for any Sanrio fan. These soft and cuddly toys come in a variety of sizes, plus, they are perfect for snuggling up with on the couch or bed. Check out the classics of the Sanrio plush collection.

Apparel: Sanrio offers t-shirts featuring characters such as Hello Kitty, My Melody, Keroppi, and more. These shirts are comfortable, stylish and cute. 

Stationery: A stationary set featuring a Sanrio character is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to write or draw. These sets come with a variety of items, such as pens, pencils, notepads, and more, all featuring a favorite Sanrio character. These gifts are sure to inspire creativity.

Keychains: A keychain featuring a Sanrio character is a small but meaningful gift for any fan. These keychains come in a variety of styles and characters and will not break the bank.

GIFTS THAT ARE ACTUALLY NOT GIFTS

By: EMILEE LIEN (Copy Editor)

Arguably, one of the most dreadful things about the holiday season is figuring out what to get someone. After shopping for hours trying to find the perfect gift, the question of “Will they actually like this?” still lingers—and other limitations make the process far more complicated than expected. Often, the focus on materialistic gifts leads many to forget that the best gifts someone can receive are memories and time.

It takes a quick purchase from an online store to mail someone a Christmas gift, but it takes time and thought to invite someone to meet. As time passes, too many people get caught up in other things and have less time to foster close relationships. For instance, friends in school may not think to make time to see each other outside of campus. Seeing loved ones once in a while may be commonplace for some, but the effort and kindness does not go unnoticed and others should strive to do the same.

Though relationships can remain strong even after long periods of time, the simple act of asking someone to hang out helps to strengthen them. It does not have to be something large like a trip to a fancy restaurant, it can simply be something like an afternoon lunch or a walk in the park. Time spent with someone allows for more meaningful moments than disposable presents.

Nevertheless, though Christmas is one of the best opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones, it is not the only time that plans should be made. Relationships need to constantly be maintained, even if it may be difficult to do so. It is easy to get caught up in everyday life and forget about the people that make it worth living. With lives flying by, those who are preoccupied may not consider just how many people are thankful to have them. This holiday season, consider giving a loved one a gift that is not a gift.