The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Every Budget

By Elly Stankovits '21

The holidays are my favorite time of year and always have been. Even though I’m supposedly an adult now, every year I get way too excited and start planning my gifts the day after Halloween. But, the mass consumption process of shopping and heavy emotions swirling around this time of year can cloud the joy of the season. So, we have put together a massive list of gift ideas at all price points for just about everyone on your list. Whether you need a small item for a friend or relative or are looking to properly treat yourself in these trying times, we have something for you. The items in bold are my personal favorite items. With that, I wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy holiday season.

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Budget: $0

• Vouchers: Though it might feel a little corny, vouchers for things such as “will go out with you even when I’m too tired” or “will go to the gym with you” or “movie night” are a great way to show someone you care about them without spending any money.

• Book of Affirmations and Reminders: A handwritten booklet of reasons why you love someone and words of encouragement costs nothing but will be cherished.

• Handmade Tarot Deck

• Recipe Journal: Surprise your family by compiling their favorite dishes into one handmade booklet.

• Book or Clothing Exchange

• Handwritten Note: A classic but memorable expression of appreciation.

• Cleaning Punchcard

• A Personalized Painting or Drawing

• Charity Event of Choice: Spend a day volunteering together at their favorite organization!

• Personalized Playlist

• Scavenger Hunt

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Budget: $0-25

• Etsy Finds: Support Lafayette students like Annie Krege and Lucy Moeller and get a sustainable and homemade gift! Instagram: @lucys_trinkets_and_treasures, @earthfriendlyfits

For Caffeine Lovers:

• Handheld Milk Frother

• This Cup: Influencers swear by this insulated cup (complete with a straw)

• Reusable Straws: I personally think the glass ones taste better and stay cleaner

• Tea Forté Matcha Sampler: Anyone who knows me knows I am a tea connoisseur and this is one of my all-time favorite brands. (Sidenote: the chocolate matcha is fantastic)

• Tea Forté Green Tea Sampler: Again, this tea is so good.

• Loose Leaf Tea Infuser

• Two-Sided Moody Octopus: These were all over Tiktok and are adorable

• Stick and Poke Kit: Pro tip: do not try this under the influence

• Kintsugi Japanese Pottery Repair Kit

• Ring Toss Game

• This desktop friend

• Another desktop legend

• Lafayette Gear and Gifts

For Trend Lovers:

• Fun Masks: I love Baggu but you can find others or make them!

• Studs NYC Earrings: Trendy but non-allergenic (I am very sensitive and I can wear these)

• Claw Clips

• A fun pair of shades: I get my cheap ones at Urban Outfitters since I am constantly losing them

For Beauty-Gurus or Mom:

• Le Volume de Chanel Mascara: Lash extensions in a tube. You can likely get a discount if you purchase this from a major site but I swear by this more than any other product ever. I thought I would never be the kind of person that buys fancy mascara but I tried a free sample once and will never use any other kind again.

• Sephora Sets: I recommend the Replica perfume sampler, the Olaplex sampler for hair, and the Caudalie skin samples

• Face Ice Roller

• Gua Sha Kit

• Goop Sun Products: This cult favorite is great for sensitive skin!

For the boys (or for the girls or for the theys because gendered gifts are lame):

• Kan Jam

• Bartender Kit

• Portable Hammock: Great for the quad or a hike

• Golf Launch Mat

• Mini Air Hockey Table

• Beer Chiller Sticks

• Cooler Therapy Ball

• LuluLemon Boxer Briefs: Underwear might not seem like an exciting gift but apparently these are amazing. I can also attest that the women’s underwear is equally life-changing.

• Cocktail Starter Kit

• Vintage Baseball Park Glasses

• Yeti Rambler Mug: For an elevated gift put a small item inside the mug!

• Cards Against Humanity

For Your Roomie:

• Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner

  • Mini Waffle Maker

  • TheCrunchCup: Portable cereal and milk that doesn’t get soggy

  • High Creativity Journal: Pairs well with a few nugs

  • Tile Tracker

  • Reusable Snack Bags

  • Do or Drink Game

  • Vagina Coloring Book

  • Chic Matchboxes

  • Crystal Water Bottle

  • Wawa Gift Card

  • Fun Planter

  • Personalized Stationery

  • Coloring Without Borders: All purchases go towards uniting families at the border

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Budget: $25-100

• Ember Temperature Control Mug

• Revlon One Step: This tiktok favorite is great for achieving the 90’s blowout look

• LuluLemon, Alo Yoga, or Girlfriend Collective Leggings: Though definitely pricey, they do last longer.

• Ionic Facial Steamer: Perfect for pimple poppers

• Special Edition Book or Coffee Table Book

• Vibrator or Sex Toy

• Makeup Palette: See Sephora’s clean beauty section for more eco-friendly options

• Silk Neck Scarf: Also doubles as a hair or bag accessory

• Fancy Candle: Bluemercury has an excellent selection

• Reusable Shopping Bags: Baggu has great ones that can be put in the washing machine

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ELLY’S FAVORITE STORES: Budget: $25-Treat-yo-self

• Dauphinette: Fun and femme earrings and accessories

• Staud: The famous Moon Bag can now be customized with a painting of your pet

• Lunya: Best luxurious pajamas, lightweight if you like to sleep on the cooler side

• House of Sunny

• Lisa Says Gah: Great source of indie brands

• Paloma Wool: They ship from Spain but many US stores sell their products

• Garmentory: Basically an online warehouse for global boutiques and indie labels

• Studio Cult Co: Campy and affordable accessories

• Moussy Global: They also have a store in Soho!

• Simon Miller USA

• TrillMrkt: For streetwear fanatics

• Sweats Sets: Pangaia, Mate the Label, Krost NYC, 7 Days Active, Madhappy, Sporty & Rich, Kith, Cotton Citizen

• Urban Outfitters: Affordable clothes and a wide selection of fun gifts and homeware, probably the easiest place to find a gift.

• Wolf and Badger: Global small brand sourcing and quirky gifts.

• Plus-Sized, Petite and Standard Selections: Anthropologie, LuluLemon, Madewell, ASOS marketplace, Girlfriend Collective, Universal Standard

• Farfetch: Designer sales and worldwide sourcing and shipping

• Aritzia: The Super Puff line lives up to the hype!

• Ganni: They also have a responsible line

• Schutz: Trendy footwear

• Miista: Influencer approved shoes

• Musier Paris: Trendy but classic items

• The Real Real: For designer thrifting, for best results pay attention to measurements more than size number

• Parks Project: Fun and proceeds go to the national parks!

• Rowing Blazers: If it was good enough for Princess Diana, it's good enough for me.