As the holiday season approaches, lingering thoughts of gift giving pass through our heads. It is not always easy to think of the perfect present for our loved ones, but we at The Quad have done all the work, especially for the often broke college student. We understand the need to find inexpensive, but quality presents for your friends and family. We’ve compiled various gift giving ideas to help you as the semester winds down and finals inch closer. A few new releases such as Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3 and the new TMX Elmo are top holiday gifts for the upcoming season. The new Tickle Me Elmo (TMX meaning Tickle Me extreme) features new technology which enables the doll to stand up on its’ own after it falls on the ground from laughing. TMX Elmo is priced at $39.99.
Nintendo and Sony both released new gaming systems in the past month. A distinguished feature of the Wii console is its wireless controller, called the Wii Remote, which serves as a handheld pointing device and can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions. The console also features WiiConnect24, which enables users to receive messages and updates over the Internet. Nintendo’s new system costs $250, compared to its’ competitor Playstation 3, which costs $500-600.
iPods are sure to be popular gifts this year; the 1 GB iPod Shuffle costs $79, the 2 GB iPod Nano costs $149 and the 4 GB Nano costs $199. The typical college student may not have the funds for such electronics, but there are many practical gifts to buy for our friends and family that won’t put a hole in your pockets.
It’s best to think of your loved ones’ interests to choose the perfect gift. Often, a book can be found on their specific interest. How-to books are appropriate and sensible. Buying a biography on a music fan’s favorite artist is a great idea even for those who don’t like to read that often. For those who like to cook, cooking utensils, accessories and cookbooks are appropriate.
Movie buffs love receiving new DVDs. New releases, such as “Cars,” “Superman Returns” and “Pirates of the Caribbean – Dead Man’s Chest” are popular movies that just came out on DVD. TV seasons on DVD are also great gifts. Popular shows such as “24,” “Seinfeld,” “The Simpsons,” “Full House” and “Saturday Night Live” are all releasing new seasons.
A foot bath and massager is a gift that most people could use; prices start around $20. Another comfort-giving gift is slippers. Conair sells massaging slippers for only $15. Comfy pajamas, candles and aromatherapy are also nice ways to give the gift of comfort and relaxation.
Scarves and knit hats are usually inexpensive and always appreciated for the cold winter months. Make-up sets, lotions and perfumes are practical beauty gifts for women, as they are items that can always be used. A leather wallet for men or a clutch or purse for women are also practical, yet thoughtful gifts.
Along with the TMX Elmo, popular gifts for kids are Legos, Dance With Me Barbie and LeapFrog Leapster. Educational games such as Leapster are great ideas for the kids in your family. Leapster teaches children multiple skill levels of letters, phonics, spelling, numbers, counting, addition, subtraction, art and music.
To prevent spending too much money during the holiday season, do-it-yourself gifts don’t cost much and are from the heart. A collage, a picture frame or a slideshow of pictures reminds your loved one of all the good times you have had together. A mix tape of songs that reminds you of times with a good friend is also a nice sentiment to those you care about.
The holiday season is about giving and showing those around you how much you care about them. Even with low funds to buy gifts, we can give our loved ones gifts that they appreciate. Made at home gifts are a great bet when you’re really strapped for cash. Friends and family will appreciate that you took the time to make something. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not how much a gift costs.