Despite being bombarded with it since about Haloween it is in fact the Holiday season. Being a college student facing the season can be a daunting task, what, where, who, and how much can be enough to make you dizzy and drain your bank account. When facing stark financial times so making the most of your holiday budget it key. I have complied a short list of some of my favorite reasonably priced gifts for the season all within the budget of someone staring 33% tuition hikes in the face.
Low winter light can be a killer on the eyes so a great pair of shades makes a great gift. Looking for something cheap and unique? Try American Apparel, they buy up unsold frames from the past so you can find the perfect pair for your favorite hipster. My pick? The Yale Sungasses.
Photo: American Apparel
Priced at a reasonable $50 (admittedly at the top of the price scale) these glasses scream "look at me I own MGMT on vinyl!" Also a plus most of the glasses are "optical quality" so prescription lenses can be added for those of us with less than perfect vision. Fun, funky and definitely unique, a great pick for the large lens lover in your life.
Price $50
Where: American Apparel
Funky jewelery is a passion of mine, the weirder the better. So finding the Demistach was like hitting pay dirt. This petite facial covering is a fantastic way to make a statement, what exactly that statement is I do not know, but a statement none the less.
Photo: Demitasse Jewelry
Whimsical and fun this version of the 'stache will only set you back $38, not bad for avant garde. The pendant comes in four different colors rose, brass gold, silver, and gunmetal black. A sensible and cute alternative to those considering the mustache on the finger tattoo.
Price: $38.00
Where:Demitasse Jewlry
Madonna sung about wanting a mink stole for Christmas, don't we all?(excluding PETA) A chic and less gruesome alternative comes from the the woman who proclaims herself more powerful that Anna Wintour, the one and only (BA-NANNAS) Rachel Zoe. Zoe is launching her own line of faux fur though QVC, yes you heard right QVC, and from what I can see I am quite intrigued.
Photo: QVC
The Rachel Zoe Faux Fur Pull Through Scarf is super cute. An easy way to jazz up any winter look, it comes in four color options including Tipped Wine (Pictured), Black, Chevron(Describes as looking like Red Fox), and Chinchilla. All the colors are quite pretty and give the illusion of real fur. Priced at a reasonable $29 this is quite the find and a great gift for the luxury lover in your life. I DIE
Price: $29.00 s/h 3.97
Where: www.qvc.com
Mascara is a girl's(or boy's) best friend, its the easiest way to make it look like you didn't roll out of bed five minutes ago and can add some serious va-va-voom to any look. The problem is that there are so many option from fibers to vibrators, the market is flush with new and amazing. So how is one to work their way though the multitude of mascaras?
Photo: Sephora
The always helpful people over at Sephora have the answer. The Sephora LashStash Deluxe Mascara Sampler is the best way to find your mascara fit. Combining 10 mini mascaras from brands like Korres, Urban Decay, Smashbox, and Cargo Sephora has created the perfect gift that works for the die hard makeupwhore looking for a change or the first timer looking for some guidance, and at $40 its practically a steal.
Price: $39
Where: www.sephora.com
Snuggling up to your bf/gf/fuckbuddy with a cup of hot coco next to a cozy fire is a great way to hide away from cold of the season and while away your winter break. For the rest of us singletons the Chaka Kan and vodka route can be avoided by wrapping our arms around something else.
Photo: Squishable
Squisables makes a range of adorably cuddly friends in all sorts of species. My personal favorite being this super cute octopus. Huge, squishy, and lovable, this six legged friend cost $44, quite a bit for a stuffed animal but still cheaper than a date.
Price: $44
Where: www.squishable.com
While gift giving is the traditional way to show you care, remember to have fun with the holidays and keep in mind that it is the thought that counts. This season try stretching you dollar further by thinking of alternatives to gift giving. Making crafts with friends can be a great way to celebrate. Have everyone bring their own t-shirt and have a shirt decorating party complete with puff paints, iron-ons and fabric markers. Take photos, serve apple cider, blast some classic holiday tunes and send everyone home with their own unique shirt and a bunch of good memories. So if you can find (or afford) what you are looking for get creative and have fun!
Happy Holidays
-KIDcody-
