The holiday season is a time for spending time with close friends and exchanging gifts that symbolize your bond. There are also gift exchanges for people you may no know at all. Have no fear, this is the fail-proof gift guide for the getting the best present for someone you may know the least.
A mug
If you are really into the holiday spirit, why not splash in a nice mug. Something with an intriguing pattern or a sarcastic saying embossed on the front would be just perfect. Even just their first initial is always a safe call. This way, your friend will have something to sip hot chocolate out of and think of you. Even better, get a sweater mug or knit one yourself. Nothing makes you feel cozier than knowing that your mug will stay warm all night long. Bonus: your recipient will get a discount on Opus coffee.
Bluetooth headphones
Whether your holiday buddy has the new iPhone without the earphone jack or the noncombustible Samsung Galaxy, chances are that any college student in 2017 has a bluetooth-capable phone and likes to listen to music on said device. Gifting headphones avoids the “we-don’t have the same taste in music” conversation while wishing your friend a happy and harmonious holiday. Bonus: this means one less person blasting Mariah Carey, on repeat, out loud.
Candy or hot chocolate
How about looking into warming the inside? Hot chocolate is a failproof way to delight your recipient. Swiss Miss makes a mean hot chocolate, but if you are really tight on cash, then head to the diner and grab a handful of packets. Peppermint flavored candy is another safe bet, just make sure you know any important allergies.
Fuzzy socks
Winter is coming (if it hasn’t yet already) and that means the threat of frostbitten extremities lingers among us. Take a look at your secret santa’s feet and see what cozy socks might be the perfect fit. It is hard to go wrong with socks, especially because they come in a range of sizes.
Opus gift card
Is there anyone on this campus who does not like Opus? If you really have no idea about your assigned recipient, then an Opus gift card is the way to go. Gift cards can last forever and let the user choose whatever sweet or savory treat they want.
Something related to coffee
Coffee anything is a good thing, especially at this time of year. What are finals without coffee? Whether it be chocolate-covered espresso beans or ground coffee, your recipient is in good hands. If you know that they do not like coffee, however, fear not because there are caffeinated alternatives. A coffee-infused scrub will awaken the senses and leave those public bathrooms smelling like a Saturday morning.
Mini stapler or paper clips
Not that anyone really wants to bring work into this, but we all know those people who do not own a stapler or paperclips. A portable mini stapler is a great option for that studious someone who is rushing around to hand in all those final essays. Paper clips may even last into next semester.
A bag of fake snow
There is nothing like enjoying the pristine white snow without having to endure the cold and wet parts of it. Getting a bag of snow for your partner is a cheap alternative to getting in the festive spirit without the fuss of snow IRL.
Touchscreen gloves
Being able to text and stay warm is important, so get your tech-savvy friend a pair of insulating gloves with skin-like fingertips. Maybe you’ll even get a thank you text from your pairing for all of your wonderful gifts.
