Gift ideas to save you this season

By Sarah Motteler     12/3/24 11:38pm

If you’ve got a white elephant coming up that you’re scratching your head over or a Secret Santa that you can’t seem to crack, consider one of the six options below to perish your present woes.

For exam prep and organizing — multicolored highlighters or pens

A good set of colorful pens or highlighters can prove invaluable for organizing notes and annotating readings. Paper Source in Rice Village offers a wide variety of stationery, while Amazon provides deals that can be delivered to your dorm or doorstep. If you’re purchasing these for a specific person, make sure they use paper rather than an iPad for their classwork, so your gift will be appreciated.

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To unwind after submitting a project — tea

While coffee and energy drinks are useful for getting your energy levels up to push through your final projects, tea can help you reduce your heart rate and calm down. To elevate your gift beyond something available in the servery, choose from recognized brands like Harney and Sons or pair it with a cute mug and some honey. If you’re purchasing loose-leaf tea, make sure to include an infuser with it — it’ll be an awkward situation if your giftee has tea but no way to steep it.

For keeping track of tasks and deadlines — desktop whiteboard

If you’re having trouble keeping track of all of the assignments you have to submit before going home for winter break, a desktop whiteboard can be helpful. It’s easy to add and remove items as tasks are created and completed, and it’ll stay within your line of sight so you can remember what you have to get done. Some models stand up on the desk like a picture frame, while other styles are designed to lay on the tabletop. If you’ve got a few dollars left in your budget after getting the board itself — they range from around $15 to $20 — consider picking up a dry-erase marker set as well.

To take your mind off of class — a creative craft kit

Engaging with hand-crafting hobbies can help to give your brain a break. Craft kits come in all kinds and price points, ranging from simple paint-by-numbers sets to more involved fiber crafts. If your gift exchange has a higher price limit, Woobles offers crochet kits with detailed instructions starting at $30, with each kit producing an adorable little plush upon completion.

Editor’s note: This article has been cut for print. Read the full article at ricethresher.org

For a little reward after finishing a final — themed sticker set

If your giftee has a certain interest, consider getting them some stickers that match their passion. Redbubble is a good place to find creative stickers and offers several different finishes and sizes with a starting price of around $3 per sticker. 

And when all else fails — go with a gift card

While a gift card isn’t the most creative present, it’s undeniably a useful one. While it’s not the best for a Secret Santa situation, since it may indicate a lack of thought put into one’s gift, it’s a safe bet for a White Elephant, where more specific items might not be useful for everyone. Choose Target or Amazon for a general audience, or select a specific shop or restaurant if you know what your recipient or recipients would enjoy.

Happy holidays and gleeful gifting!

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