The Hawk

Issue date: 12/1/06 Section: Features

Attention C-Store shoppers: Christmas has arrived. The Christmas trees have come out of their boxes. Garland clings to every wannabe-retro lamppost on campus, and every security desk on campus has made it a top priority to blast carols from radios older than we are. It's time to get in the spirit, to decorate, and most importantly, to shop.

If you're like me, you're busy trying to stretch out the last 20 bucks of your declining balance to keep you fed for the next two weeks, and the last thing you want to think about is shopping. It's time to get creative.

Perhaps you live in a freshman dorm and the cinder block motif has gone to your head. Or maybe your home has a design theme centered around white, beige, and cream, but chances are you're looking to spruce things up for the holidays, and everything is starting to look expensive.

To cut down on expenses, branch out of the on-campus outlets for your holiday lights. If you're concerned about gas money, hop on the shuttle and ride down to one of the many City Line convenience stores to save a couple of dollars right away, or wait for the King of Prussia shuttle run by SUB and SJU til 2 every other week.

Rather than investing in tons of garland, take it back to kindergarten with the construction paper chains-always classy. If you're feeling particularly crafty, save yourself a little money on stockings and make yourself and all your roommates their own stockings topped off with cotton ball fluff at the top. Take everything a step further and make that addition you've always wanted with a construction paper fireplace complete with real orange flames.

When decorating that plastic tree-fire proof, as always-think about choosing the simple Christmas balls. They come in 12 packs, like many college favorites, and remain much more affordable than individual ornaments. If you're dying for a little variety, grab your glitter glue and add some snowflakes, swirls, and messages of your choice. Make one for all your friends with a little note just for them to complement your already awesome gift.

If you already have that gift picked out, consider shopping online on eBay or Overstock.com to get a good deal. You save some money and get to enjoy the thrill of the hunt at the same time.

If your friend already has an iPod consider accessories such as a case or adaptor for a reasonably priced gift.

For your parents, wrap up a favorite book to remind them that you're studying hard. Check the bestsellers lists for good ideas or consider getting a new copy of that children's book you grew up on for a little touch of nostalgia. Always check the used books on Amazon.com. The used books include condition ratings. A "new" or "like new book" will likely be indistinguishable from its counterpart that is twice as expensive.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools