By Maddie Hall

This year’s holiday season is quickly approaching which means it’s time to start searching for gifts for your beloved friends. As a college student, expense is something that is always considered, as well as the uniqueness and practicality of the gift. With that being said, I have compiled a gift guide of 10 fresh gift ideas for your college-aged besties that won’t break the bank!

1) Supply of caffeine for those late study nights and early morning classes

1qt Cold Brew Coffee Maker, available at takeyausa.com, $27.99

Most college students love their coffee, especially with 8 AM classes and long nights studying. Caffeine is an integral part of college life, so why not give the gift of coffee! With the Takeya Cold Brew Maker, there will be no need for long wait times to get coffee on campus. You can even wrap it up with your friend’s favorite coffee to start them off. And if your friend prefers tea, consider gifting them an electric kettle or matcha kit!

2) A day trip to a local art gallery or museum for any of your art-loving friends

Artspace, 201 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC

A trip to an art gallery is one of the most fun and affordable gift options! For those who favor experiences over physical gifts or for any of your art-loving friends, this is a perfect idea. A favorite gallery of mine in downtown Raleigh is Artspace; It features one of the largest open studio environments in the US with over 30 working artists, as well as 3 exhibition spaces and art classes!

3) Houseplants or plant-care essentials for the plant parents you know

If any of your friends have a green thumb this could be an excellent choice! You could gift your plant parent bestie a new green baby, a cute thrifted pot, a watering can, decorative accessories, or even a soil moisture gauge! The Raleigh-Durham area has some great locally owned houseplant and garden shops. A few personal favorites are The Zen Succulent-- a terrarium and plant craft business that is women and minority-owned, Urban Pothos Houseplant Shop-- a plant boutique that also offers educational plant-care classes, and of course Logan’s Garden Shop-- the one-stop-shop for all plant needs.

4) A camera to capture all of the fun adventures and crazy nights

Image from Kodak

KODAK M35 Reusable Film Camera, available at uniquephoto.com, $24.95

Over the past year, film cameras have become increasingly popular- and for a good reason! This idea is one of the most versatile and could be a great gift for any friend; it’s a point-and-shoot reusable 35 mm film camera that takes a AAA battery- for both color and B&W films. Needless to say, your friend does not have to be a photographer to navigate this easy-to-use camera. It’s perfect to bring along to any friend hangout or party to capture all the good college memories!

5) Zero waste essentials for your sustainably-minded pals

Zero Waste Market Kit, available at packagefreeshop.com, $38

As a university student, it can be hard to mitigate our waste creation but taking one small step at a time can make it achievable. For your sustainably-minded friends or anyone who may want to begin their journey towards a low-waste lifestyle, this set is a perfect start! The Zero Waste Market Kit comes with a large cotton produce bag, a large cotton net produce bag, a 32oz reusable jar with a tare weight, and a string bag!

6) Got a clumsy friend? They won’t spill drinks anymore with a spill-proof cup for tailgates and nights out

Non-Tipping Can Cooler (with lid), available at toadfish.com, $27

We all know the pain of spilling a drink or watching it happen to a bestie, but fear no more! Give the gift of a guaranteed clean carpet with this non-tipping can cooler from Toadfish that features “Smart grip” technology. The Can Cooler doubles as can koozie and a cup with a spillproof lid and can stick to any smooth surface, with 12 oz and 16 oz size options and 4 color options. This is perfect for a tailgate, a day trip to the beach, festivals, or any night out. Let your friend enjoy themselves while avoiding spillage!

7) Self-care and beauty essentials for a relaxing night in or a fun night out

Left: Image from Glossier Right: Image from Good Molecules

Special #1: The Eye Uniform, available at glossier.com, $24

Energizing Eye Kit, available at goodmolecules.com, $24

College can be a stressful time for all of us, so why not indulge your friends with some self-care goodies! Good Molecules, a personal favorite, offers a wide variety of affordable skincare bundles. The Energizing Eye Kit (pictured above) comes with hydrogel eyepatches and their “Wake Up Eye Gel”- both perfect for reducing those under-eye bags from late-night study seshes. Glossier, another favorite, offers a plethora of skincare, body care, and makeup sets. The Eye Uniform (pictured above), comes with their Lash Slick mascara and Boy Brow gel- for perfecting your eye makeup and brows for a fun night out!

8) Share a concert experience with your friends for good music and vibes this holiday season

With concerts back in action from their year-long hiatus, a music-filled high-energy night will always call for a fun time! Similar to a day out at an art gallery, this gift offers an experience instead of a tangible item. With so many great local venues in the triangle area, there are always shows happening and they are usually very affordable (sometimes only $15 for entry!). A few include, but are not limited to, Cat’s Cradle, The Ritz, The Pour House, Motorco, and Lincoln Theatre. Whether it’s an artist you both already love or an artist completely new to you, nights at music venues with friends are always the best!

9) Squishmallows!!! Who doesn’t want a cute squishy cuddle buddy?!

Miles 16” Squishmallow, available at squishmallows.com, $24.99

Give your friends the gift of everlasting comfort and cuteness for only $24.99! Not only do they make a great throw pillow, but they can provide great snuggles during stressful school times. There’s a wide variety of sizes and “squads”, so you can definitely find the perfect match for your bestie. Author’s note: Despite not usually being a plush animal lover myself, I was gifted a Squishmallow and can confirm all of the above- the squish is unreal.

10) Books! Books! Books! A book is a gift your friend can open again and again.

This holiday season you can gift your reading friends timeless knowledge and entertainment in the form of a good ole fashion paperback book. Whether your friends love fantasy, history, cooking, or true crime, you can find them the perfect book about something they love! And if you don’t know what to settle on- you can always get them a gift certificate to a local bookstore! Reader’s Corner, So and So Books, and Quail Ridge Books are some of the best local independent bookstores in Raleigh!

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