The Observer, April 4, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 23
Top 10: Gift ideas on a budget
Being poor college students, it appears that once you get to "being on your own," that also includes buying your own presents for friends when their birthdays roll around. Few students have the budget to get fantastic gifts, so here are the top 10 gift ideas for the college student.
10. Scrapbook. They say that the best gifts come from the heart for a reason. Putting in the time and effort to create a personalized collage of inside jokes will show that you truly care about the person. It is also something they can look back on in years to come.
9. Music montage. Create mixed CDs of favorite tunes to share with your pal. Be sure to include songs for going out on the town, or wallowing after a breakup. When you break for the summer, they will have a collection of all your favorite songs to sing to in the car.
8. Gag gifts. You can find lots of funny presents at places like Big Fun on Coventry. Buying a few small items are sure to make your friend laugh, while keeping your wallet in check.
7. Bake. For someone's birthday, buying presents and food for a party can get expensive. Bake cupcakes with enough individual cakes to spell out happy birthday. It shows that you care about the small yet important aspects of the holiday, and everyone loves sweets.
6. Surprise. Everyone wants a surprise party, especially if they say "I don't want to do anything this year." Take a cue from the cult classic Jawbreaker and kidnap your friend. Dress them up in crazy outfits, and take them out to breakfast. Blindfolding them in the car ensures the element of surprise.
5. Make a movie. If you have a video camera, get together with some friends to create a mini movie about the person. Save room at the end for everyone to send their well wishes. You can do a faux talk show, or a skit about something funny they did in the past.
4. Paint. Going to a ceramics place that offers painting and glazing is a way to personalize an otherwise plain but useful gift. Coffee mugs, picture frames, and even piggy banks are all blank canvases for your artistic side to shine through.
3. Gift Certificate. Sure, it's not the most creative idea, but it is something that can be greatly appreciate. Getting your caffeine-addicted friend a gift card to Starbucks will be an oft-used gift.
2. Date night. Take your friend out to dinner and pay for them. If you go with a group, everyone can contribute a few bucks. It will be nice to get off campus and eat good food, but better to be in good company. Besides, what college student would turn down a free meal?
1. Splurge. If it is a very good friend, you may want to screw it and buy them something really nice. Splitting the bill with a few mutual friends can lower the cost, but still show the love. Just be sure to know that you don't need to overcharge for a good gift. Brainstorm what your friends' passions are, and you may be surprised to discover that the most expensive thing is not always the most desired. As long as you say it with love, that is all that matters.
