Christmas songs are on the radio, and colorful lights are being strung around campus. Joy is in the air. Whether one puts up Christmas lights now or after Thanksgiving, the holidays are right around the corner. This means that it’s about time to start thinking about getting gifts for loved ones. While some may have a knack for gift giving, the majority of people find it difficult to find something special for all the people in their lives. Most college students are on a budget which makes it hard to find gifts, so how does one shop on a budget?
Thankfully, Black Friday is coming around the corner on Friday, Nov. 28th. On this day, stores across the country will be flooded with people looking for deals for the holiday season. Major companies are advertising their sales, and consumers are ready to buy. At least, that’s how it used to feel. Ruth Mattson, a Business administration and marketing major, reminisces about past Black Friday experiences. “I miss Black Friday.” She said. She remembers staying up late with her family outside of Target. “The Black Friday experience just isn’t the same anymore.” Mattson said. Now, instead of Black Friday, she looks forward to Cyber Monday, which will be happening on Monday, Dec. 1st of this year. Even though Mattson is more excited for Cyber Monday than Black Friday, she wishes she could go back to her childhood, where she could try clothes on in-store without worrying about whether or not she would have to return the items she bought.
Other students on campus have a similar outlook when it comes to Black Friday. Adriena Olguin is a Biology/Health Professions major at NW, an aspiring vetrinarian and an avid shopper. Olguin thinks about shopping at stores like Hollister and Altar’d State for the Black Friday holiday, but expresses her discontent with post-COVID era Black Friday shopping. “There just aren’t many good deals anymore.” Olgun said. The poor Black Friday deals force Olguin to turn to more frugal shopping methods. Olgun says that when she goes shopping for Black Friday, she is going to make sure that she follows two rules for herself. The first is that it has to be unique. Whether she’s shopping for gifts for others or for herself, basic items just aren’t going to cut it. The second rule is that it has to be useful. Getting another mug for Christmas just isn’t going to cut it. If the item isn’t unique and useful, Olgun refuses to buy it.
Another way to gift things that are cheap and unique is to make them yourself. Right now, Mattson is working on making two mugs that she’s planning on gifting to some of her friends for the holiday season. Last year, she painted portraits of two of her friends’ dogs for their Christmas gifts. Even though the dog paintings didn’t cost a lot of money, they were some of her friends’ favorite gifts that they had received from Mattson over the years. Making your own gifts just might be a perfect idea for a college student on a budget.
If a student can’t make your own gifts, there are still plenty of options in store. If it is still a struggle to know what to get your friends and family, anyone can ask for a list of their favorite things. This list can include their favorite animal, color, food, and so much more. By asking for a list of their favorite things, one gets to know about things they like, while still having the option to personalize the gift. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday around the corner, it may be wise to ask friends and family for a list soon.
