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A holiday gift guide for college students

Written by Katie Kramer '20

Finals are in full swing, the snow is falling and Christmas is right around the corner! As a college student, you may be wondering what to give to friends or family this time of year. We’re here to tell you to look no further! These $25 and under gifts are sure to wow both your loved ones—and your wallet!

Cabin Socks

$12.99 (Find at Amazon or Dick’s Sporting Goods)

We love a pair of fuzzy socks as much as the next person, and these may just be the very best! Plush fuzzy fabric on the inside and regular sock material on the outside. No matted down soles while having all the comfort!

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

$10 -$15 (depending on where you purchase your ingredients and materials from)

This one is something that you can make and customize yourself! Simply take ¼ cup of coconut oil, ¾ cup of white sugar (fine-grained) and 5-10 drops of peppermint essential and mix it all together. It’s optional to have two bowls of this mixture, adding red food coloring to one to create a layering effect when you at it together. Find a container you like and there you have it, a delicious smelling exfoliator anyone would love!

The Gift of Coffee

$10 -$15 (Walmart, Target or Home Goods)

Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee and a festive mug to drink it out of? Find a cute and festive Christmas mug and delicious coffee blend. Simply put a bow around it, stick it in the mug and you are set to go!

Movie Night Basket

$10-$15 (Dollar Tree, Target or Walmart)

Who doesn’t love a cozy night in during this chilly season? Grab on of these cute popcorn buckets and popcorn at any of the locations listed above, head to the dollar section for your favorite boxes of candy, grab a soda or two and press play!

Tile Mate

$24.99 (Amazon)

Do you know someone who is constantly losing their phone, keys or wallet? If so, this may be the perfect gift for them! Tile Mate is a tracker tag. Attach it to whatever item you often loose and then you can “ping” the item via Bluetooth from an app when you’re looking for it. Give the gift of saving time and stress-free searching!

JBM Camping Hammock

$12.99 (Amazon)

If you have been on Messiah’s campus, you know hammock culture is a real thing. While it may be too cold to use this now, we guarantee this will be a fan favorite once the warmer weather rolls around!

Sushi Making Kit

$19.95 (Amazon)

While sushi is one of the best go-to meals, it isn’t always the best option for your wallet! Ditch the pricey restaurants and have a sushi night in your apartment with this sushi making kit! This kit comes with how-to videos, a roller, rice paddle, pre-measure rice frame and more!

Mini Succulents

$15.00 (Amazon)

Liven up any dorm room or apartment by gifting these three mini succulents! They come with their own bamboo bases and the cutest white ceramic pots.

Cookie Jar

$15 (Giant)

Who doesn’t love cookies around the holiday season? Give the gift of sweets this season with this cookie jar! Simply pick a cookie recipe off Pinterest, buy the few ingredients needed and layer them in a mason jar. Add additional exterior decorations as you see fit and get to baking!

Anjour Bath Bombs

$10.99 (Amazon)

What’s better than a warm bath on a cold winter day! Turn your bathroom into a deluxe spa with this super affordable bath bomb set! These six different scents and adorable packaging makes for a perfect gift.

There you have it—a gift guide for some of this season’s most affordable presents! Surprise your friends and family with these creative, affordable and DIY treats. But above all, remember that best gifts are ones that don’t need wrapped! Wishing you a Christmas and holiday season full of love, peace and joy. Happy shopping!