December 2, 2011

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — at least that’s what the radio says. But with cheery tunes in the air, a new collection of college problems arise.

In between finals and snowstorms, students are expected to find gifts for loved ones on a usually non-existent budget. The ability to scrimp is a talent that can be perfected. With thoughtfulness and a little glitter, every gift can be memorable and one of a kind. It is always good to think C.H.E.A.P., for there are always gifts to find even for the greatest of Scrooge’s.

**Collective** – Any great gift can be made from a few good things. Like a party, having a theme for a gift can bring an air of originality and direction to what might seem like simple items. For example, have a Potter obsessed cousin? Get a striped scarf and a cheap black frame. Print out a Dumbledore quote in a cursive font, frame it and wrap it up — a beautiful, personal gift for about $10. Other great themes are classic movies, a certain color, a print or even song lyrics.

**Handmade** – Even if it is just a card, handmade items win a gold metal in the Olympic Games of gift giving. If time equals money, then spending an hour on creating something special shows that they are worth more than whatever was on sale. One of the easiest gifts to make that can also cover a variety of people are chalkboard photo frames. Get a small can of chalkboard paint from any hardware store and any black frame. Apply two coats of paint on the frame, let dry, and write a personal message on the frame. Pair this with a personal photo and voila — a gift for anyone.

**Essential** — A lot can be said for practicality and simplicity. Call it a Midwestern mindset, but some of the best gifts received have been as cliché as a great pair of socks. Few people think about essentials that keep winter weather at bay. Items like ice scrapers, power strips, candles or hot chocolate might seem trivial, but try being without them. The magic of these simple things is that they’re cheap and easily spruced up. Just add a favorite poem or a quote. Simplicity is magic.

**Abstract** – Also thought of as eccentric, some of the things found in a pop culture area of a store can be the perfect gift for the “unique” member of the family. Items like jellybean pooping reindeer and a dancing Santa Claus might seem completely useless but there is a reason why the unusual things are on sale. Stores like Urban Outfitters and Spencer’s are magicians for these kinds of gifts. Out-of-the-ordinary gifts provide an outlet for originality and cheekiness. The abstract can also be thought of as something more than just silly things. It can be originality or a memory from long ago. Gifts like the scent of a honeysuckle candle provide memories of windows down and summers past.

**Personalized** – Call it an obsession with “The Nate Berkus Show,” but one of the best gifts anyone can give is personalized stationary. It expresses frivolity and practicality in one gift. Personalized items in general like towels, travel bags and jewelry are thoughtful and usable for years to come. Such items become even more personal if you add nicknames or personal jokes. Personalized items are sometimes the best gifts because rarely do people buy those things for themselves. Thoughtfulness above all else makes a gift truly perfect.

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