LC Meridian

Issue date: 12/1/05 Section: Student Life

As we get older, the holiday season seems to create more headache and financial stress than the enjoyment we experienced as children. With finals, end of term papers, and end of year work deadlines, who has any time to go Christmas shopping? Families get bigger, lists get longer; if you're a married woman you have probably taken on the responsibility of purchasing gifts for your husband's family. Then there is another list for your co-workers, your boss (if you're feeling extra generous) and of course your friends. I am always the person running around at the very last second. Even though I've been known to do all of my holiday shopping on the day before Christmas, I refuse to give a gift certificate or re-gift something given to me. But that doesn't mean I overspend to compensate; a great gift doesn't have to cost over fifty dollars - it doesn't even have to cost ten dollars. A last minute gift doesn't have to be thrown together and thoughtless. Here are some ideas to get you through yet another holiday season, without going over budget for the people in your life who seem to have it all.

1. Play Host
This is the only idea that requires a few weeks of planning. Last year, my best friend hosted a holiday dinner party in lieu of buying gifts. She invited a small group of her closest girlfriends and cooked dinner. Everyone was in charge of bringing something: cheese, wine, board games, dessert. We had a really great time and it alleviated everyone from the pressure of buying gifts. If you feel that gift giving is a must, coordinate a "Secret Santa" prior to the dinner but, be sure to designate a minimum to maximum price. The concept of a Secret Santa gift exchange is simple. All of the participants' names are placed into a hat, box, etc. and mixed up. Each person then chooses one name from the box, but doesn't tell anyone which name was picked. He/she is now responsible for buying a gift for the person selected.

2. Personalize It!
My mother is the kind of woman who doesn't want anything and doesn't need anything. In the past I've bought her perfume, clothes, stamps (thinking practically), an answering machine, but her favorite present (it still hangs on the wall in her kitchen) is a 2003 calendar. I simply took my favorite picture of the two us, and had it made into a calendar. Kinko's offers a wide selection of personalized calendars (as well as coffee mugs and mouse pads - however, don't get cheesy and opt for the personalized photo t-shirt) at a reasonable price. The gift that made my mother smile for more than 365 days of the year cost me less than $15.

3. Sweets for a Sweetie
What do you get that guy or girl you started dating three weeks before Christmas? Nothing extravagant that's for sure - you never want to spend too much money on someone you just met. I once dated a guy who said he loved blue raspberry flavored blow pops, but he said they were hard to find. I bought a small glass jar and went to a candy store and filled it with his favorite candy. I wrapped it in silver cellophane and tied red and green ribbon on the neck of the jar and called it a gift. Pier 1 has beautiful jars (between $5 - $20) to fill up with that special someone's favorite candy. Dylan's Candy Bar, located at 1011 Third Avenue New York, NY 10021 (Ph: 646-735-0078) offers a wide selection of candy's and chocolates. Someone who's a candy lover will always appreciate this sweet gift.

4. Think Comfy & Cozy
Now that you're halfway down the list, what about everyone else: the co-worker, the classmate that's kept you up to date when you've missed class or the one person that stops by on Christmas Eve that you don't have a gift for? Everyone always needs or can use a pair of socks. I'm not talking about gifting a ten pack of white tube socks; socks have come a long way since Grandma and Auntie Lynn. If you wait until the last possible week, you may catch some really great sales. Lord & Taylor, Macy's and Bloomingdales have great a sock and stocking selection. Last year I must have bought thirty different pairs of funky (name brand) socks that were reduced by 50% or more. Wrap a pair of socks with a set of matching leg warmers and any fashionista will be happy. Buy an assortment of small gift bags at the dollar store and tissue paper and you can easily cross off half your holiday list, even the friend of a friend who unexpectedly stops by Christmas day for dessert and coffee will walk away with a little something.

5. A Night In
Couples can be hard to shop for, especially if your friend has recently moved in with their significant other - do you purchase a gift just for your friend and exclude the boyfriend/girlfriend or do you get them each a gift? It's a tough call to make. I suggest giving them "A Night In". Get a small bin/basket (Pier 1 is great for this) or popcorn bucket, add some tissue paper (or use shredded gift wrapping paper) along with a $5, $10 or $20 dollar gift certificate to Blockbuster or Hollywood video (I know I said no gift certificates but this is the only exception), a pack of microwave popcorn along with a pack of candy or chocolate (I like to mix goobers in with my popcorn!) and a little touch of romance - a scented candle, massage oil, or incense. It's simple to throw together at the last minute, inexpensive and most of all, thoughtful.

Whatever gift you decide on, remember that presentation and thought far outweighs dollar amount. Even the simplest and inexpensive gift can seem extravagant if thought out to fit one's personality and wrapped nicely. Be creative in your wrapping - use newspaper or magazine covers or fabrics, mix and match ribbon, buy plain brown paper and decorate it yourself. The best gift is the one that shows that you really care.

Happy Holidays!

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