Holiday Gifts for Mom and Dad
Christmas & Hanukkah Presents for Parents of College Students
Oct 29, 2007
The semester is coming to an end and you're busy worrying about studying for finals, so you might not have thought much about your holiday shopping. So what are you going to get your parents this year for Christmas or Hanukkah? This can be kind of a difficult task because you probably need to find something inexpensive. But don't worry: most parents aren't looking for you to spend lots of money on them. What they do want is something a little bit sentimental, especially if this is your freshman year. Your parents want to know that even though their baby is all grown up, he or she is still thinking about them and always be a part of their lives.
Here are some suggestions for cheap but sentimental holiday presents that will please your parents.
- Photo calendars. These are very easy to make: just upload pictures of people in your family onto a photo website and plug a picture or two into each month. This gesture shows your parents that they're still an important part of your life. These calendars generally cost between $15-$25. Here's some more information about making a holiday photo calendar.
- Photo mugs. Find a nice picture of yourself with your parents and make them each a personalized mug. You can include a quote or other meaningful note on the mug as well. To dress up the present, place some coffee beans or tea in each mug (whatever your parents drink), or include a gift certificate to a store they like. Photo mugs run about $10-$25.
- Photo locket or pocket watch. Here's another sweet and sentimental way to use pictures to please your parents: get them a personalized locket or pocket watch that has a family picture inside and a note engraved on the outside. These range in price quite a bit, but you can get a decent one for under $40.
- Personalized ceramic signature platters. These plates typically are decorated with a design and personalized with names or a quote, and they come with a permanent marker so that family members can sign their names. Collect signatures from everyone ahead of time, or have them sign it at your family gathering. These platters can be expensive, but you can find a pretty nice one for under $50.
- Night on the town. If you have a little more money to spend, or want to go in with your siblings, buy your parents a night on the town with restaurant gift certificates, theater tickets, and similar items. This is a nice way to show your appreciation for the all the nights they spent taking care of you.
- Day out with the parents. Do you and your parents (or one of your parents) share a love for basketball, or a musician who's going to be in town, or some other type of event? If so, buy tickets to the events so you can attend together. If your parents are into college sports, get them tickets to a game at your school.
- College ornaments. If your family collects Christmas ornaments from year to year, why not include an ornament from your school in the collection? See if you can get an ornament that's personalized. These generally cost between $15-$20.
Fore more gift giving ideas, here's some inexpensive gift ideas for college friends and gift ideas for college professors.
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