As the holidays quickly near, the process of thinking and purchasing gifts inevitably becomes quite the frustration. Frances Lee (11) says, “Every year continues to be a struggle because I want to be able to get gifts for every one of my close friends but there’s always a budget to consider and I want to try and make each gift unique to their individual person.” To aid with some of the difficulties that come with this said procedure, below is a compiled list of gift ideas to consider while shopping for friends and family. The gifts are listed in order from what are considered to be inexpensive to expensive.

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the items on these lists were categorized very roughly and generically, please do not take offense if the gift you plan to purchase is in the category for a differing classification.

$ = Can be easily acquired
$$ = You gotta bust out a buck or two for this one
$$$ = Quite the pretty penny if I do say so myself

GIFTS FOR FRIENDS  

• “Open When” envelopes $ – If you’re looking for a sweet yet simple gesture to gift your friends, an “Open When” envelope is the perfect way to go. The procedure involved merely includes creating a series of letters for different situations, such as “open when you’re upset” or “open when you need a laugh.” 

• Holiday Mug $
• Reusable Starbucks Cup $
• Phone case $
• Rings $
• Makeup Organizers $
• Personalized photo book $
• Slippers/robe $
• Lava Lamp $
• Hoodies $-$$
• Glossier Products $$
• Matching earrings $$
• Matching necklaces $$
• Matching bracelets $$
• Hydro flask $$
• Skincare box $$
• Bath & Body Works Products $$
• “Sunshine Box” $$
• Neon Signs $$$
• Makeup $$-$$$

GIFTS FOR MOM

• Slippers/robes $
• Stationary $
• Planner for 2019 $
• Scarves $
• LUSH Bath Bombs $
• Hair Products $-$$
• Makeup Mirror $-$$
• A fitness tracker/watch $$
• Candles $$
• Box of Chocolates $$
• Purses $$-$$$
• Perfume $$-$$$
• “Home Sweet Home”-style decor $-$$$ 

• Pandora Jewelry $$$ 

GIFTS FOR DAD

• A wallet $
• Cards Against Humanity $
• 45-second Omelet Maker $ 

• Coffee Mug $
• “Beeropoly” $ – 

• Running Shoes $$
• Digital Clock $$
• Stop watch $$
• Bluetooth Speaker $$
• Record Player $$
• Couch Arm Table $$$ – 

• Watch $$$
• Camera $$$

Food is universal! If you’re still having a hard time figuring out what to get, a gift card always shows affection and consideration without putting too much effort on the “giving” side. Additionally, Soma Shah (11) says, “Whenever I’m having a hard time finding a gift for someone, a Starbucks gift card usually gets the job done. Food-related items and gift cards are what my last resort usually are this time of year.”

Regardless of the fact that the end of the year holidays usually become stressful when it comes to gift giving, it’s easy to lose track of spending time with loved ones. Stressing out over a gift is the worst thing you can do during this particular time of year. Remember! There’s no need to prepare an elaborate and extravagant gift when merely the thought of giving a gift already possesses sentiment and meaning.