White Elephant is a popular Christmas tradition among friends and acquaintances, other than Secret Santa of course. Unlike Secret Santa, however, the game offers participants a chance to give an anonymous gift suited for anyone. Gifts can be something nice like a Starbucks gift card or, if you’re feeling creative, it can be a gag gift.
Gag gifts are a huge hit in White Elephant, but no one wants to go home with something that has no real use. Instead, it’s time to get creative with these gag gifts that your friends will actually want.
Bob Ross Heat Changing Mug
Photo courtesy of Amazon
The man, the myth, the legend. Bob Ross is a meme to all for his inspiring quotes and DIY videos for intricate paintings. This heat changing mug reveals a painting behind Bob Ross whenever a warm drink fill the mug. This gift is perfect for coffee lovers. It can be snagged for $15.95 on Amazon.
Giant Pizza Blanket
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Know a pizza lover? Know a taco or burrito lover? Give the gift of a warm blanket for the winter season with this novelty blanket! This blanket comes in different patterns including, pepperoni pizza, supreme pizza, or even a tortilla! This giant pie can be bought for $18.00 on Amazon.
Cookie Spoon Pan
Photo courtesy of UncommonGoods
Save the environment and stop using plastic spoons. Instead, give your friends a reason to eat more cookies by gifting them this cookie spoon pan! Your friends don’t know it yet, but they need this cookie spoon pan. Save the environment and win White Elephant for only $18.00 on UncommonGoods.
Looking to make something cheap and easy? Make a Taco Bell Survival Kit filled with toilet paper, a pack of wet wipes, hand soap, air freshener, and some hot sauce packets. It might seem silly, but this stuff can be pretty useful for someone’s bathroom even if they didn’t actually make a stop at Taco Bell. Stop by your local dollar store for the cheapest prices on these items! If you’re feeling a little generous, slip in a Taco Bell gift card.
Got a few of your old gift cards lying around that you need to get rid of? Put them together to form a wheel and only put one with money on it. Your friends will love this gift, but get frustrated checking to see which gift card has money on it!
So what are you waiting for? Get creative and happy gift giving!
Graduation is the next big step in adulting. Once students cross the stage they go on to do a number of things: some will go off to a new place to work, some may travel, some will get married, and others may head back home. Four (give or take) years of lectures and finals pay off with the diploma and it’s an overall exciting time for both the graduate and their loved ones. Usually this also leads to something nearly equally as exciting for the graduate- gifts! If you have someone close to you graduating and want to get them something without breaking the bank, these ideas are for you based on their plans (or lack thereof) after walking the stage.
If They’re Moving…
Monogram Mug
Photo courtesy of Target
Help add a personal touch to the graduate’s new home without giving them something too big that makes it hard for them to show their own style in the new space. A mug is a classic go-to, especially for coffee or tea enthusiasts, and is aesthetic enough on its own. This mug is only $5.99 at Target, but similar styles could be found elsewhere too. If they aren’t much for flowers there are also similar more minimal designs. Bonus? Add a gift card to Target or another home store to help them out a bit.
Succulent/House Plant
Photo courtesy of Etsy
Nothing says trendy like a succulent gift for a new apartment. These plants are low maintenance and can be purchased alone at an outdoor or grocery store for $5 or less. If you have a bit more room in the budget you can get them a cool planter like this sloth one for $18 or a personalized gift box for only $22 that you can check out here.
If They’re Traveling/”Finding Themselves,” etc…
Travel Size World Scratch Map
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Help the new explorer track their travels with a travel sized world map that they can scratch off after visiting each country. If they’re staying local, US maps are also available. Either way, this gift comes in at under $20 and is both thoughtful and aesthetic.
DIY Option: Travel Must Have Set
Photo courtesy of Amazon
To keep your gift personal and low budget, try this cool DIY option. Basically, find a cute travel sized bag/pouch (think the size of a makeup bag or wallet) and fill it with a few travel goodies like gum, candy, bandaids, travel charger, sleeping mask, whatever suits your fancy. You can make it as basic or as unique as you want. If they love Starbucks or McDonald’s there’s practically one everywhere so you could even put a $5 gift card in there to get them a drink/meal. These sets can also be purchased, but I think it’s a cuter gift when it’s done personally.
Mini Backpack
Photo courtesy of Target
This travel essential is not only trendy, but super useful. Mini backpacks offer all of the same features as a regular sized one (including compartments to tuck away valuables) but with less of the bulkiness. They may not be the number one pick for an avid hiker, but if someone is just out exploring a few new cities, it’s a perfect pick. Prices vary on these tremendously, but you can purchase this one (either white or black) at Target for $20. I also recommend looking in-store at places like Urban Outfitters and American Eagle to shop their sale rack!
If They’re Moving Back Home…
A Book
Photo courtesy of Barnes & Noble
Hear me out! It isn’t super exciting, but books can be super helpful and a nice motivator or de-stressor. Finding a job is tough and even if they have one but have opted to live with their parents again, it is a big adjustment. “Almost Adulting” by Arden Rose has everything from sex to traveling alone to making friends, which sounds useful no matter what stage of life anyone is in, tbh. You can purchase it at a local bookstore or on Amazon here. Another great pick is Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop. It’s basically about…well what it sounds like. Pick up a copy here.
Lap Desk
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Whether it’s for job hunting, freelancing, or watching Netflix- a lap desk comes in handy for hours spent on the go and at home. I personally recommend going to HomeGoods or something similar to find a good deal, but a reasonably priced one can be found here.
Lush
Photo courtesy of Lush
Give the gift of relaxation after a long four years and go with a classic, vegan friendly option: Lush! They have gifts for both guys and girls alike and are super affordable. This “Happiness” gift set comes in at $19.95 and “Bath Art” is slightly cheaper at $18.95.
No matter what your budget or the graduate’s after college plans, there is definitely a thoughtful and useful gift you can give them. Especially if you’re having to buy multiple gifts, this list can be a life saver. Happy shopping!
The holiday season brings out both the best and worst feelings associated with gift-giving. While most people can agree that receiving presents is a great feeling, many can also agree on the nerves that come with buying gifts for others. Specifically, when it comes to getting your significant other the “perfect” Christmas present. This process can be extremely daunting – especially when you want to show them just how much you care. However, as college students, time and money can be scarce. Along with the added stress of upcoming finals, you also have to keep your love life in order, making the struggle more real than ever.
For those struggling to find a gift good enough for their partner, this list is sure to help you find one in time. (And will make you look totally romantic in the process!)
Movie night gift basket
Here we see a prime example of the “Netflix and chill”.
Sometimes, spending quality time together can be the best gift to share with someone. Pile up your basket with movie theatre candy, popcorn, and other snacks, and drink hot chocolate together on the couch this Christmas.
Handmade memories
A gift recommended for those who have been in it for the long haul.
Depending on the time you’ve been together, write down a favorite memory from each month – (or week) – that you’ve spent with that person and place it in an envelope. After dating each envelope, tie them up nicely with a cute bow and deliver them in person or through the mail.
Plan a road trip together
A must see in Texas is the Dallas city skyline at dusk.
While real trips are expensive and time-consuming, take a day trip with your partner to another Texas city nearby. Explore somewhere neither of you have been.
Take them on a night out
This is Rockefeller Center; but you get the point.
If you don’t want to go too far, dress up in your most comfortable and fashionable winter clothes, and explore the city of Austin together. Enjoy a good dinner at a local restaurant, and try out some Christmas activities, like ice-skating.
Self-care kit
Ah, a give we all wouldn’t mind.
Gift them a bundle of bath bombs, soaps, perfumes, and lotions, and make sure they take a day off to take care of themselves – even offer to cover their errands for that day.
Enjoy the Christmas spirit
Not Austin, but a good representation of the Christmas joy to be found.
From tree lighting ceremonies to walks in a decorated Zilker Park, there are many cute Christmas lights to enjoy together this season.
Breakfast in bed
Don’t be afraid to put your cooking skills to work!
Spend the night and surprise them with breakfast in bed! A thoughtful gift your partner is sure to appreciate. If you’re bad at cooking, order-in from their favorite breakfast place.
Everything sweet
Maybe not the smartest gift for a health-conscious partner.
Treat your significant other to all their favorite sweets this season! From pastries to candy, there’s no way you could go wrong with this gift.
Warm and cozy
In this cold, warm slippers are essential.
While the holidays can make you feel warm inside, on the outside, it’s a different story. Buy your partner fuzzy blankets or slippers to keep them warm this season.
Candles and flowers
Peonies are an equally romantic substitute to roses.
Keep it simple and get them their favorite flowers or a few scented candles to go along with the season. Not only will this gift remind them of you, but it’ll smell good when cozying up together this winter.
Framed photographs or scrapbook
Invest in a polaroid to make an instant-print scrapbook.
Another simple but more personal gift. Print out your favorite photos and write why it is you love those photos on the back!
Tickets for 2
Many popular artists will be coming in the spring time; especially for SXSW.
This one is for my music lovers! Austin is a hub for music, and there is bound to be a concert happening somewhere in this city. While concerts by huge artists can be pricey, there are many local artists whose shows you can experience with a special someone.
Personalized music box
Check Etsy out for this gift.
Not into concerts but love music? Search online and you can find tons of store owners who specialize in making tiny, custom music boxes for reasonable prices. Make it special by getting one that plays your partner’s favorite song.
Something of yours
It’s hoodie stealing season!
If you want to keep it low-key this Christmas, give your significant other something of yours. This can include giving them the sweater of yours they keep trying to steal, or the necklace of yours that they seem to love.
Something engraved
You can buy a new ring if you want, but to save money you can ask to borrow their favorite.
Nothing is cuter than having an accessory to remind you that someone loves you. Whether it’s a compact mirror, a necklace, or a ring, get something special engraved – like a nickname or short phrase – onto an item your partner always carries with them.
12 Days of “I Love You”
This gift works for those “in like” too.
Lastly, like the 12 days of Christmas, minus the birds and dancing ladies. Woo your partner by writing them 12 love notes to open each day leading up to Christmas day.
Tis’ the season to be jolly, and what better way is there really to bring holiday cheer than to celebrate the memes of 2018?
Trying to find low budget, memeingful gifts for loved ones can be a challenge for many people come the holiday season. Let’s face it; the fabric of millennial society is made of memes. These funny, nonsensical images and references to popular culture solidify friendships and bring people together – and that’s what the holiday season is all about.
In the spirit of the holidays I have taken the time to compile a gift guide of 2018 meme themed gifts so that your friends can nostalgically gaze upon the memes of Christmas past. Perhaps they will one day pass these gifts along to their children as relics of a great age. You’ll thank me later.
Kylo Ren Pants
This iconic scene from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” had audiences shook when villain Kylo Ren (played by Adam Driver) hops up on the scene with these incredibly high-waisted pants that were not at all villainous. Although the movie was released at the end of 2017, the look soon became a meme shortly after in 2018 with the Kylo Ren challenge.
Get your friend the stretchiest black jogging pants you can find and sew in an extra strip of fabric for a more emphasized Ren effect. Who knows, they may be the perfect pants to walk around campus in come laundry day.
Tide Pod Ornaments
Okay so I’ll admit that the Tide Pod challenge was a dark time for us all, but nevertheless it was an iconic meme of 2018. Tide Pods have a “keep out of reach of children” label because their alluring scent and texture may prompt toddlers to consume the poisonous detergent product. At some point college students, the children of the adult world, began to post videos devouring the product. In 2017, two hundred and twenty-seven teenagers were rushed to the emergency room after eating the forbidden fruit.
Attach a paper clip and some string to a few tide pods and voila! A scrumptious holiday hanging decoration for your friends.
Matching Moth-Lightbulb Friendship Pins
Somewhere towards the end of 2018 the Internet decreed that she loved moths. We relate to everything now, chanting “same” when we see a trashcan, an overturned Lime, or a campus squirrel ravenously devouring some Chick-Fila-a. That same “same” principle was applied to moths and their love of lamps, because let’s face it, we all want someone to look at us the way a moth looks at a lamp.
Get your person a cute moth enamel pin and yourself a light bulb pin to commemorate your love and a fantastic meme.
A reminder of their “BDE”
When Ariana Grande revealed some – ahem – intimate information about her then fiancé Pete Davidson’s anatomy, the Internet went wild, spawning the term “Big D**k Energy” into existence. Determining whether someone had BDE became the next big thing. (Pun intended)
Everyone wants to feel like as if they have that BDE silent confidence, so go grab your bomb af friend a laptop sticker to remind them of it.
Motivational Gym Kardashian Water Bottle
Gym Kardashian took Twitter by storm when someone with too much time on their hands released photoshopped images of Kardashians with killer biceps.
Slap a few gym Kardashian stickers on a water bottle and you have the perfect motivational gift for those New Year’s fitness resolutions that we only keep for the first two weeks of the year.
A Spicy Walmart Yodel Kid Mixtape
I’m still shook that Mason Ramsey was here for a UT football game. This 12 year old boy became an Internet sensation after a video of him yodeling in a Walmart went viral. He is now signed to a record label and hit the charts with his debut single “famous.” Memes really can take you places in life.
Compile your sweet daAaAaddy a hot mixtape of all the Walmart Yodel Kid remixes you can find. Trust me, the possibilities are endless.
Yanny or Laurel Friendship Bracelets
Yanny or Laurel, an important world issue much like the what color was the dress controversy, left people questioning their sanity. Some heard the word “Yanny” in the recording while others clearly heard “Laurel.”
As a reminder of this event, you can gift your friend a set of Yanny/Laurel friendship bracelets.
