As the semester comes to an end, a whole new kind of stress begins: holiday shopping. Whether it has been three years or three months, finding the perfect gift for that special someone doesn’t seem to get any easier.
The first big decision to any gift-giving is to decide what kind of gift to give. Fun? Romantic? Practical? Sweet? Is the person passionate about something? Find out what he or she likes, wants or needs and go from there.
Sophomore applied exercise science major Kristen Wilson has tried two different approaches to gift-giving for her boyfriend, Aaron Moses, who is currently in the Air Force.
“I handmade him a mug in my ceramics class last year that said, ‘You’re the Kanye best’ because he loves Kanye West,” Wilson said. “It didn’t turn out perfect, but he still liked it.”
Clever, handmade gifts are always a good (and cheap!) way to go. Whether they come out as planned or not, they’re gifts from the heart and will be appreciated.
This year, Wilson is getting Moses a more practical gift. Since he won’t be home for the holidays, she bought him a pair of Last Kings socks, from the rapper Tyga’s clothing line.
“It’s his favorite clothing line, and I wanted to buy them from the actual store in LA Even though it’s just socks, I know he’ll be excited about them,” Wilson said.
Nursing student, Samantha Baratta and her boyfriend, Patrick, bought each other country-music festival tickets last Christmas. It was something fun they could do with each other that they both enjoyed.
“This year I’m getting him a sweater, some cologne and a duffle bag because he really needs one,” Baratta said. “I wouldn’t get him anything he doesn’t want or need.”
Baratta suggests keeping an eye and ear open when shopping with a significant other. Paying attention to what Patrick looks at or says he likes throughout the year is important to knowing what types of things she should get for him.
Observations of what your significant other wants are key to finding the right present for him or her. Junior communication studies major Aisha Yaccino pays extra attention when shopping with her boyfriend Andy Hermosillo.
“I am really good at catching little comments on things he likes and wants, and I plan ahead, so once I hear him say he likes something, I make a mental note,” Yaccino said.
In the past, Yaccino has given Hermosillo equipment to pursue his passion of music. She likes to get him things he talks about buying for himself.
“He is a drummer, so I also tend to get him equipment like pedals and shakers and stuff like that,” Yaccino said.
Along with purchasing a gift, she likes to make it personal by creating something for him. Yaccino wants to get creative this year and spend less, so she plans to make something that will include an original poem written by her.
For the lady in your life, it doesn’t hurt to ask her what she wants. If not, the Internet is a wonderful place to get ideas. Harper’s Bazaar magazine suggests sweaters, candles, pajama sets, a laptop, socks, books and tech accessories.
Urban Outfitters provides more goofy, unique gifts to give a significant other. These include ugly Christmas sweaters, a Nutella recipe book, a Snoopy waffle maker and quirky books such as, “Eat Bacon, Don’t Jog.”
Whether the gift is silly or serious, there are thousands of options for what to get that special someone this holiday season. Let’s face it: That person should love what you give them, no matter what it is.
Gift ideas for women:
- Perfume
- Jewelry
- Clothing
- Tablet
- Smart watch
- Digital picture frame
- Concert tickets
- Candles
- Accessories (purses, scarves, gloves)
- Romantic dinner
Gift ideas for men:
- Cologne
- Shave kit
- Headphones
- Spotify subscription
- Slippers
- Concert tickets
- Sweaters/flannel shirts
- Sports memorabilia
- Portable speakers
- DVDs/ CDs