The broke college kid guide to gift-giving

It’s the holidays, and as much as I am elated, I am also pretty concerned. This is the first Christmas in two years that I don’t have a steady income from a crappy part time job, and let me tell you something: as much as I don’t miss working holiday hours and listening to Hannah Montana versions of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree on loop, it is seriously screwing with my holiday cheer this year. How am I, a student living off of ramen noodles and easy mac, supposed to afford Christmas gifts? My wallet is not getting any bigger, and there are way too many people I want to shop for.

Due to the new friends I’ve made this year, there is a larger list of people that are on my Christmas-gift-list. As a college freshman, I have struggled to find a paying job around campus, so I am literally working with what I saved up the past two years as a cashier. On top of this, I have to shop for my family and hometown friends. So where does this predicament leave me? Well, in one of the worst positions possible: broke around the holidays.

If you’re in the same position as me, that’s totally okay – I’m here to help. For my fellow broke college kids, I’ve decided to construct a holiday gift-giving guide for those of you who are working on a similar budget as my own.

The Weird Roommate

Okay, so they’re not your best friend, but they’re not your enemy either. They’ve tolerated you stumbling into your room drunk at 2 a.m. without complaining to the RA, they’ve had your back when you locked yourself out for the third time, and according to the horror stories you’ve been told, having a ‘random roommate’ could’ve been so much worse. Sure, the alliance really ends there, but it seems cold to simply ignore them during your holiday gift shopping. So what do you get someone you simply ‘deal with’ every day?

Well, you’re going to keep it cheap, easy, and generic. Whether it’s a candle ($5.99), scented hand sanitizers ($6.00), a gift card under $10 to their favorite place to eat, or a simple box of chocolates ($15.00), think impersonal and distant, just like your relationship.

Your Guys

You can’t forget about your guys. They are your wingmen, after all. They’ve been turned down from just as many parties as you because they didn’t make the damn ratio, yet at the end of the day, you all still manage to have a great night. So what do you get them?

There’s always the classic dorm poster ($9.49) that in the moment screams ‘college experience’, but is actually really cliche and stupid. Additionally, a giant ice cube tray ($13.95) is a new, cheap way to ice your drinks. If neither of these seems entertaining enough, you can’t really go wrong with a Bluetooth speaker ($20). However, if you’re too broke for the speaker but know a guy with one, there’s always a speaker case ($5.98). If these don’t seem right for your group of guys, even something as simple as a knit hat ($9) to rep your school, or hide-a-beer sleeves ($7) work fine.

Your Girls

What would you do without them? These are the ladies who have saved you from creepy dudes trying to grind on you, who personalized ‘going out’ outfits for you, who helped you perfect winged eyeliner, who encouraged you to continue studying despite your fifth mental breakdown and explanation that you’re going to drop out and become a stripper. You’ve made countless memories in the timespan of a few months. That’s right, you definitely need to get them something. So, in honor of good times and cheap budgets, you’ve got to be creative.

Try something more fun for them, like fast flats ($9.79) which are perfect after a long night of wearing heels, Victoria’s Secret body mists (4 for $24), or a water bottle with a silly yet relatable caption ($9.74). Additionally, which one of your friends wouldn’t love a Sephora makeup kit ($19.00), cute sleeping masks ($8.99), or cool laptop stickers ($1.50)? Marble phone cases ($25) are a great idea for the ladies who seem to be glued to their devices. Also, a perfect hair kit ($25) works well for the friend that is absolutely haircare crazy.

Of course, you can spend more on them if you’re willing. Like instead of buying mists – try perfumes, pricier Sephora makeup pallets, nice slippers, and pajamas – or even a bracelet flask for $35, which is both hilarious and borderline genius. It all depends on how much you’re willing to spend. Combining the cheaper option gifts such as the masks and the stickers, or splitting deals such as the 4 for $24 body veils of mist for four different people, can really help out your budget.

Your favorite professor

Maybe you’re trying to get a letter of recommendation, or maybe you actually really appreciated your professor this past semester. Whatever your motive is, it’s never a bad idea to remind your professors that you’re thankful for what they do.

One thing I’ve noticed is that professors really like coffee. You can get your favorite professor a silly travel mug ($14.99) so they can drink their coffee in style, or a clip on cup holder ($9.99) so they can keep their beverage safe on their desk while teaching a class. If that seems too generic and your professor really inspired you, you can invest in this simple yet meaningful key chain ($22.00) to really remind them that you’re thankful for them. Alternatively, if your professor teaches English, they might like this adorable mini book necklace ($19.57).

The friend who’s majoring in engineering or chemistry

First of all, invest in this: a giant stress ball ($23.98) and a Starbucks gift card. It’s no secret that majoring in these fields is extremely difficult, so focus on things that’ll be sure to make them feel a little less stressed. Tea is great for relaxation, so investing in a perfect tea maker ($19.95) might be a helpful idea for these students. Additionally, if they’re spending all their time studying, why not make their workspace a little bit more interesting with a water garden ($10.25). If they’re not into the idea of taking care of plants and fish, then a silly motivational calendar ($10.39) to help them get through the week might be a better alternative.

The party animal

Ever heard the saying, ‘you can retake a class, but you can never relive a party’? That’s probably the motto that the party animal in your life lives by. They’re always the first one to arrive at any event, the last one to leave, and are never ever the sober friend. In your friend group, they’re probably voted most likely to dance on a table. So what could you possibly get for somebody of this nature?

Well, if they’re a girl, every party girl needs a cute, party dress ($24.90). What’s better than this adorable sequin bodycon one? To match the dress, a fancy wine glass ($22.95) is most definitely a necessity. If that’s too pricey, you can make a DIY hangover kit ($10). But, if you aren’t feeling crafty you can always go for the classic hangover cookbook ($8.24).

The person who drags you to the gym

You would’ve gained the freshman 15 if it wasn’t for them – what would you do without your gym buddy? Sure, they annoyed you at first (because you’d really rather not push out those extra reps or run on the treadmill for an hour), but they’ve helped you stay in shape and you’ve actually become pretty close in the process. Nobody else could get you to hold a plank for 2 minutes, so their motivational sorcery deserves some recognition. What’s the perfect gift for your gym rat friend?

A yoga mat ($15.99) is great for working out in your dorm or stretching on the gym floor. Additionally, a body massage roller ($14.99) reduces the Lactic acid in your muscles after a workout. If these don’t seem like good options, a fun workout tank ($19.99) is another great idea, and if that’s out of your price range, some silly, healthy-eating avocado socks ($7.50) might be the way to go.

The awkward hookup

Really? Don’t gift this person. There are no strings attached, remember? Next person.

The hipster

They knew about everything before it went mainstream, most likely listen to bands you’ve never heard of, and live in flannels and Converse. What can you possibly get someone who’s, well, too cool for anything, and also hates pretty much everything?

Well, first of all, hipsters love to hang tapestries ($13.99) in their dorm rooms and wear world map necklaces ($10.99) because they are, after all, a very ‘worldly’ species. A polaroid printer ($30) that connects to their iPhone would compliment their theme of being super ‘vintage’ but runs a bit pricey, so this would be for your very best hipster friend. They also would probably like an 80’s retro phone case  ($9.49), a graphic t-shirt ($13.99) that screams hipster, or a clip in man bun ($7.99) if they’re a guy that just can’t perfect the look. Also, you can’t really go wrong with some fashionable frames ($4.99).

The frat boy

This one is actually really easy and inexpensive when you think about it. Walking into a frat party, what are the first things you see? Strobe lights ($7.53), beer, and solo cups ($3.48) everywhere. Some additional easy gifts you can get for the frat boy in your life include ping-pong balls ($7.99) and beer helmets ($8.29). Maybe even a simple hat ($22) or a button down shirt ($19) could work too.

The Big 10 football junkie

Okay, so Rutgers definitely isn’t the best at football – but that doesn’t mean we don’t have fans right? And some of those fans, win or lose (but probably just lose), will still live and breathe for the team. So what should you get for the friend that adores some good old Rutgers football?

Obviously a Rutgers football ($11). And if that’s not good enough, they even sell Rutgers football rugs ($26). Season tickets might be out of your price range, but if you’re willing to pay a little extra, that could also be a great option too.

The girl you just met and kind of, sort of have a thing with

You met her two months ago. Maybe two weeks ago. But you’re totally hitting it off, and if you’re being honest, you can totally see some sort of a future with her. But, by getting her a gift you don’t want to freak her out and ruin everything, and you don’t want to seem cheap either. So, what should you purchase for someone as special as her?

Well, let’s start by saying do not buy her jewelry. First of all, that’s not in your college budget right now – especially if you’re just ‘kind of, sort of’ a thing. Second of all, you don’t want to scare her. If she means something to you but you’ve only been together for less than 2 months, then you want to do something at least a little special -you’ve just got to be smart about it!

It all really depends on the type of girl she is. For example, flowers are a great idea (here is a popular florist in New Brunswick). Typically, a good bouquet is around $20, but you can also probably find cheap ones for $10 if you really look around. Girls love flowers, they aren’t permanent, and they’re nothing too over the top.

Cute mugs with silly messages are also a great idea if she enjoys coffee or tea. Of course, not everybody does, so if she isn’t the type who’d use one, obviously don’t get her it. Phone cases (like the marble ones from ‘the girls’ section) and rhinestone headphones ($7.99) are great for girls who are constantly on their phone or enjoy listening to music. Also, if you know she has a favorite book ($11.20) or enjoys reading in general, finding one of a genre she has mentioned would be nice.

The guy who is actually taking you on dates

You found the guy who wants to take you out instead of taking you home (bravo girl!). He’s kind, he sends ‘good morning’ texts, and he’s always making time for you. He’s literally one in a million, but you don’t know what to get him. Guys are already difficult enough to shop for; now there’s a guy who’s into you, but hasn’t been into you long enough for you to buy him expensive things – so, what can you get him?

If he likes to dress up, a simple tie ($5.23) could do. Or, if he likes to work out, sweat-proof sports headphones ($10.39) might also be a good idea. A wallet ($20) for the guy who’s constantly working, candy ($5.24) for the guy with the sweet tooth, a funny movie ($4.99) for the guy who likes to relax, or maybe a CD ($10.17) – his favorite or yours – for the music lover could work.