Faced with a ton of October birthdays, I've begun to ponder the concept of gift-giving in college. We're all self-absorbed, busy and poor -- and please, I have enough trouble remembering my brother's birthday, let alone my pseudo friend from that English seminar last semester who just invited me to her party. So after much deliberation, I came up with a list of suggestions for presents anyone would like. (Unless the person sucks, in which case he or she does not deserve a gift from you anyway.)
This ought to be common knowledge to most: Inside-joke presents can't be beat. Who doesn't feel just a little bit cooler when they're part of a freaking-hilarious inside joke? They can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make them, and memorable presents make people smile. The gift that keeps on giving!
For the girl who has everything: earrings. She can never have too many. They're safer than a bag or makeup and are almost always cheaper, but don't have to look like it.
A practical present suggestion: Rainbows. If the prospective gift recipient doesn't have them, you will be giving them a lasting, comfortable present that they can be reminded of every time they look down and wiggle their toes. Yeah, almost everyone around here has them. Oh no, conformity! It's so awful! But you can't deny that they match everything and take forever to wear down. I've had mine for three years and have worn them almost every day, to class, lounge, travel and even when it's snowing! Okay, maybe not because of frostbite, but I wanted to. Disclaimer: They will tear your feet up for the first week, but these battle scars are all in the Rainbow-wearing fun. Trust me.
For the elegant and cultured friend, wine is the answer. How old and sophisticated will you look showing up with one of those tall wine gift bags? Wine can be tricky, though, because it's hard to predict what kind the person might like. I'd suggest something slightly classier than wine from a box, but a wrapped Franzia present would be pretty sweet and mysteriously sloshy.
If you want to be creative and less materialistic, go with a picture collage. We all want to look like we're popular, and what better way to do so, besides being a Facebook whore, than slathering your wall with pictures of your hot friends? My best friend gave me a blown-up picture of me and her from Halloween when we were 3 years old and I get compliments on it all the time, though this is mainly because I was an adorable child and my cuteness brightens up the room.
Or I'd suggest a dinner date. Or an Arch's date. If you want to leave college land, which can be a present in itself to you and the object of your present-giving, let me tell you the Downtown Mall is teeming with cheap and/or baller options. Dumplings and gelato abound, as well as swanky and upscale joints, where even sharing dessert is an elegant present idea for the friend with great taste.
In a related gift-giving tangent, college students eat horribly and savor any departure from Lean Pockets. Therefore nothing warms the heart and soul in the early fall like baked goods. Specific idea: Cupcakes are the new cake. And when in doubt, Funfetti icing. You can also write fun stuff with colored icing. Who needs a card when you can express yourself in frosting?
At a loss for what to get the messy, yet lovable roomie? A gift basket of cleaning supplies. They do get expensive, after all. And you can never be too mature for passive aggressive presents. They feel so good to give.
It may seem counterintuitive, but don't forget to consider anything that says "U.Va." on it as a gift idea. Even for people who don't go here. Your parents will feel involved and proud because their child, you, is smart and generous. Your friend or significant other from another school will get an instant style upgrade when they wear one of our shirts. And it's hard not to love a little U.Va. shot glass.
As a last resort, or really as a first stop when you think about it: anything at the Bookstore. They have obscene magnets and an excellent candy selection. You can even buy presents for yourself and never go broke. Thank you, student charge!
Mary's column runs biweekly Fridays. She can be reached at mbaroch@cavalierdaily.com.
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