Every late November, the same panic sets in. Somewhere between finals week crashouts and one-too-many Friendsgivings, it registers that you promised actual human beings actual gifts. And unless your bank account looks wildly different from mine, you’re probably working with a budget that wouldn't survive five minutes on the Downtown Mall.
The good news? Gift-giving doesn't have to mean shelling out $58 for an ethically-sourced candle. Thoughtful and bargainous presents exist, even for gifters living in first-year dorms or who spend their money almost exclusively on Starbucks — yeah, guilty.
So without further ado, here’s your carefully-curated guide to holiday gifting, organized into gift archetypes to make things slightly less stressful whilst balling on a budget.
The “Charlottesville local”
Charlottesville is loaded with hidden gem establishments that make for charming, budget-friendly gifts. DashingxDarling Boutique and Twice-is-Nice are gold mines for unique jewelry, scarves or purses, while locally roasted coffee beans from Grit or Shenandoah Joe make a perfect pick-me-up for the caffeine dependent friend. These gifts not only feel personal, but show that you know your way around town — a win for you and your chic coffee-drinking friends.
The “my parents will cry at this”
Shopping for the people who insist every year that “they want nothing” can be quite the challenge — and more often than not, that’s our parents. When in doubt, choose something heartfelt. A framed photo of you on Grounds or a short handwritten letter reflecting on your semester is the kind of gift that they’ll remember. Print a photo at CVS and pair it with a thrifted frame for extra charm — it's wholesome, inexpensive and always earns a warm, “this means more than anything you could’ve bought.”
The “under $10 but still cool”
It's surprisingly easy to find a great gift without breaking the bank. Here are a few actually fun and useful gifts that stay under $10. A NeeDoh for the fidgety friend, a wood cutting board from HomeGoods for the foodie or a cat chopsticks rest for the whimsical ramen enthusiast. You can also go simpler with a mini succulent or two from Lowe’s, a color-by-number from Michaels or a fun mug from World Market. Under $10 doesn't always have to equate to “boring stocking stuffer” — it just means you're thoughtful as well as financially responsible. If all else fails, wrap a candle in brown paper, add a little ribbon and pretend it's from a happening, urban dispensary downtown. It works every time.
The “experiences, because we’re all broke”
Sometimes, the best present isn’t a physical thing at all — it’s spending time with someone. A sunset drive to Carter Mountain is a classic spot for students for a reason, and a literally take-your-breath-away hike to Humpback Rock feels surprisingly wholesome once you make it to the top. Or perhaps a themed dinner-and-movie night — maybe a home-cooked comfort meal and rom-com, or Trader Joe’s snack haul and Netflix documentary. Even small things count, like grabbing hot chocolate and walking around Grounds post-Lighting of the Lawn — something even the car-less crowd can pull off. Experiences prove you don’t need an abundance of cash to show you care — maybe just a car or knowledge of bus routes, good weather and good spirits.
The “last-minute panic”
Let’s be honest, we’ve all forgotten someone — a roommate, sibling or dare I say your situationship who you swore you “weren’t doing gifts with.” For these emergencies, I suggest a box of seasonal Trader Joe’s chocolate, a gift card to their favorite cafe or personal care basket. And for my non-driving friends, items from Corner staples like Starbucks, CVS or Insomnia Cookies make for easy, last-minute grabs, from coffee tumblers to seasonal nail polish. These gifts scream, “I definitely remembered you,” even if you purchased them a half-hour before handing them over. Efficiency is a virtue, especially at this time of year.
Holiday gifting as a college student is a chaotic scramble of limited funds, good intentions and the hope that you remembered to take off the price tag. But honestly, the best gifts aren’t the exuberant ones you drop a bag on — they’re the tiny reminders that someone cares.
Read More
‘Remix’ marks 25th Lighting of the Lawn
By Malaika Rehman | 13 hours agoThis year’s theme, Remix, looks back on the event’s origin while leaning into how both the event and University community have since become enriched with old and new traditions.
Friends of PHAR empowers public housing advocacy
By Charley Thomas | YesterdayA group of University students formed Friends of PHAR, a CIO that partners with PHAR to fight for local policy that better represents the needs of public housing residents in Charlottesville.
Seeing Charlottesville in a new light
By Sam Saks | 3 days agoIt becomes easy to forget that there is more to Charlottesville than just school and its immediate surroundings.
