Written by Katarina – Florida State University
Source: ELLE
Can you believe that it’s December already? The gift giving season is officially upon us! Holiday movie marathons on TV, twinkling lights in windows, and maybe even the ever elusive White Christmas for some of us… As cliche as it is, there’s something truly magical about this time of the year. Whether you’re a Grinch or a Cindy Lou Who, it’s time to get into the spirit of things!
I don’t know about you all, but my favorite part of the holidays is shopping for the perfect gifts for all of my loved ones. There’s nothing I love more than watching someone unwrap a gift and seeing their eyes light up. However, with finals right around the corner, adding present shopping to your mile long to-do list may seem daunting.
Not to worry! I’ve rounded up a wide variety of presents that ring in at under $50 each, along with some gift giving tips to help you out.
Gifts Under $25
ONE Sleep Mask | TWO Touch-Screen Gloves | THREE iPhone 5 Case | FOUR Moccasins | FIVE Spa Gift Card | SIX Rosebud Salve | SEVEN #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso | EIGHT Jessica Durant Art Print | NINE Earring & Ring Set | TEN Elephant Bracelet | ELEVEN Yes Please by Amy Poehler | TWELVE Grumpy Cat Plush | THIRTEEN Initial Mug | FOURTEEN Philosophy Christmas Set | FIFTEEN Kate Spade Gold Notebook | SIXTEEN Temporary Hair Dye Kit | SEVENTEEN Holiday Socks Ornament | EIGHTEEN Salted Caramel Cheesecake DIY | NINETEEN Beanie & Gloves Set | TWENTY Mini Emergency Kit | TWENTY ONE World Watch | TWENTY TWO Thermal To-Go Mug | TWENTY THREE Bridesmaids Quote Mug | TWENTY FOUR Flash Temporary Tattoos | TWENTY FIVE Oversized Wine Glass | TWENTY SIX Floral Pillow
Gifts Under $50
ONE Thermal Sleep Shirt | TWO Birchbox Gift Subscription | THREE Self Charging iPhone 5 Case | FOUR Sparkle Earrings | FIVE Victoria Secret Fragrance Set | SIX Crosley Headphones | SEVEN Naked2 Basics Palette | EIGHT Brave Bracelet (handmade by fair-trade artisans in Cambodia) | NINE Cake Pops Kit | TEN Travel Straightener | ELEVEN Customized Bar Necklace | TWELVE Donation to Provide Basic Needs to Impoverished Countries | THIRTEEN Christmas Tee | FOURTEEN TOMS Classic Shoes | FIFTEEN Ugly Christmas Sweater DIY Kit | SIXTEEN Baggu Striped Tote | SEVENTEEN Portable Mobile Charger | EIGHTEEN Tickets to a Concert of Your Choice | NINETEEN Francesca’s Signature Perfume | TWENTY State Necklace | TWENTY ONE Initial Marquee Light | TWENTY TWO Kate Spade Candle | TWENTY THREE Statement Necklace | TWENTY FOUR Personalized Photo Book | TWENTY FIVE Sephora Party Essentials Sampler | TWENTY SIX Kate Spade 2015 Planner
Gift Shopping Tips
Try to purchase your gifts from as few stores as possible. I like Nordstrom because shipping is always free (free returns too!), and they have amazing customer service. Amazon is also a great source, especially if you have Amazon Prime (2-day free shipping is a LIFESAVER) and are in need of something last minute. This will not only make your life much easier, but will also cut down on shipping costs (if there are any). Additionally, you can often use a coupon for a bulk percentage off your total purchase that will save you even more money.
One of my other go-to resources for gifts is Etsy. All of the products featured on Etsy are handmade and incredibly unique. That said, shopping on Etsy can be time consuming since there are so many products listed on the website. The easiest way to navigate Etsy is to have a specific search query in mind. For example, if someone you know is a Florida State Seminoles fan (shameless promotion of my team, I know) then you can type that in and even narrow it down further by category.
Think about the person you are buying a gift for. What are his or her unique interests? Do you have any inside jokes? Paying attention to what a person likes may seem obvious, but in the end it’s what makes the difference between a generic gift and something someone will truly love.
When I go shopping for presents, I always try to buy something that I know a person would want, but wouldn’t buy for his or herself because it’s too expensive, not practical, etc. Buying a gift that someone needs is a safe bet, but it’s always more fun to see someone’s eyes light up when they receive a present that takes them by surprise.
Take note of things yours friends or family mention wanting throughout the year and keep track of it somewhere. I also keep a running bookmark of links to products I stumble across that someone I know might like. This will make your holiday shopping INFINITELY easier every December when you’re stressing about getting the perfect gift.
Throughout the year, if I’m shopping and see something I know someone would love, I go ahead and purchase it so I can set it aside for the holiday season. I know it may seem crazy to shop in March for a holiday that is months away, but spreading out your gift purchases will be a lot easier on your wallet than trying to buy everything in the same month later on.
Your thoughts?
What’s on your wishlist this holiday season? Where do you like to shop for gifts? Do you have any tips for gift giving? Sound off in the comments, I’d love to hear!
Posted on on December 7, 2014 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Budget-Friendly, Christmas, Featured, Gift, Gift Guide, Holidays, Presents, Shopping, under $50