Budget Shopping: Best Low Priced Gifts for this Christmas

Erin Astfalk '21

Ansco 35 mm Pix Flash camera- Disposable cameras and vintage looking photographs have rose to popularity this year. These cameras offer a refreshing and unique looking twist to taking photos with your friends, family, or of nature. However, disposable cameras can get costly over time and are not great for the environment. For just $18 at Urban Outfitters, the Ansco 35 mm Pix Camera offers the vintage disposable camera look while being sustainable.
Personalized Face Masks- For a timely, effective, and affordable gift, a customized or personalized face mask is perfect. As masks have become a staple for 2020, more and more designs have come out to make sure you can still be stylish and matching even with a mask. Etsy has many small artists making custom masks for under $15, and you can find stylish and trendy masks at stores like Free People, Madewell, Revolve, and Forever 21.
Fuzzy blanket set- You can never go wrong with a set of blankets as the weather gets colder and colder. Target offers a set of two fuzzy blankets and a matching pair of socks in every color, for just $15.99. These are perfect for warmth and decoration to get your bedroom prepared for the winter months.
A vinyl Record- For the music lover in your life, a vinyl record of their favorite album is a thoughtful and useful gift! Listening to music on a record is such a different experience, one that everyone should experience their favorite artists on. Urban Outfitters and Amazon offer vinyl records of every type of artist, including popular rappers, country, R&B, hits from the 80s and 90s, pop, and christmas music! Most records range from $10-$30.
The Ordinary Skincare- “The Ordinary” skincare products have blown up in popularity this year due to its affordability and effectiveness! For the skin care obsessed friend or family member in your life, the Ordinary offers serums for all skin types. Make sure to inquire about the receiver’s skin type and concerts, and browse Sephora or Ulta for the perfect match! Their most popular products right now are “The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5”, “The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA”, “The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution”, and “The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.” All of these items are under $10.
Adult coloring book- For anyone with a love for art in your life, adult coloring books are a great option. A creative outlet and proven to be a destresser for those with anxiety or hyperfixation, the intricate designs will not only offer some fun but help you relax and immediately feel calmer. Amazon and Target all have New York Times best selling adult coloring books for under $10.
Crystal jewelry- With many great homemade options on Etsy, crystal jewelry is perfect for someone in your life interested in spirituality and the healing properties of crystals. All providers of crystal jewelry have easy to understand guides on each type of crystal and what they mean on their page. Along with Etsy, EnergyMuse offers a diverse selection of crystal jewelry for different types of healing and energy. Depending on the size and type, the jewelry ranges anywhere from $5-$20.