San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec




San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec

The Love Guru Holiday Shopping Lead and Beanie Selection

Yes, it’s only the third week of November, but it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas gift ideas for your significant other. Whether this holiday season is the first you’ve celebrated together or if you have several Facebook albums dedicated to special Christmas moments, finding the perfect gift at a bargain price can be puzzling. This is when reading this article will come in handy. Here’s a list of discounted gift ideas “for him” and “for her”:

For Him:

Hand-Knit Beanie-

Let’s face it, Aztecs—it’s getting cold outside. A hand-knit beanie to sport during winter is a great gift for your beau because it shows effort, even if someone else does the knitting for you. While knitting may conjure images of senior citizens in rocking chairs, there’s something endearing about a gift that took time to put together. Customize a beanie with his favorite colors—or red and black to show off school spirit—to add a personal touch he’ll appreciate. They’re great to wear outside or while lounging around the house on a lazy day. You can find yarn and needles at thrift stores around San Diego for less than $10.

Embroidered Handkerchief-

Yes ladies, guys like small details once in a while. Although the newest version of “Grand Theft Auto” can easily score you some points, showing your creativity and putting work into a gift surpasses a video game. If your significant other is always reading Harry Potter, or constantly reciting Edgar Allan Poe, why not put a quote he loves on a handkerchief? I understand many people don’t use handkerchiefs anymore, but the handkerchief can be a special item to him—a token of love he can carry whenever he’s away. The handkerchief can also be framed or hung up in a room for decorative purposes. There are websites out there that charge less than $20 for the handkerchief and embroidery. Or to make the gift even more special, you can find videos on Youtube about how to embroider fabric.

Themed gift baskets

Themed gift baskets are fun to make as well as inexpensive. Putting together multiple items your significant other is fond of will definitely be a good surprise as he rips through the wrapping or opens up the bag. If he likes drawing, put together a basket with drawing paper, colored pencils and a pencil box. If he likes Star Wars, get him a DVD, pins and a lightsaber. As you can see, anything goes with these baskets. This idea saves you money because you can get small, inexpensive trinkets or find things on sale. It will help to begin the process at least a few weeks before the holidays. If you give yourself more time to look, you’ll be able to find the best deals out there.

Customized Clothing

This holiday season is the time to take back your individuality and create things that represent you—or in this case, you and your loved one. This year’s personalized Christmas idea: buy any plain white article of clothing and create it into your own with a design. How to do this? Purchase the white article—T-shirt, tote bag, hat, a pair of Keds—and fabric pens from any craft store—like Jo-Anne or Michaels fabric and craft store. Then, draw a funky design, write an inside joke, cite a love poem or whatever your heart desires. Maybe you are not the artiste, but as corny as it sounds, it’s the thought that counts. Any attempt at a personal message is more beautiful than one that is mass-produced. So go forth, young Picasso, and create something beautiful for your loved one this Christmas.

Scavenger Hunt-

With the latest Bond movie “Skyfall” taking the box office by storm, why not inject a little mystery into the holiday season with your very own 007 beau? Scavenger hunts can be a fun way for your man to find his Christmas gift if you spend the holiday together. Write clues on pieces of paper using a fun rhyme scheme. Leave them around the apartment or house eventually leading him back to the bedroom. While he’s searching, slip into some holiday themed lingerie—or the sexy Halloween costume you thought you’d never use again—and have his gift wrapped next to you on the bed. The gift can be anything from this list but he’ll probably be more interested in what you have on.

For Her:

She’s incredible, amazing and you want to go big this year. You’re about to buy your girlfriend the greatest gift in the history of Christmas, but alas, you are a broke college student. The answer to this holiday puzzle may be as simple as getting your girl to show some skin—with a sweet device cover, of course.

Add a little spice to any device this holiday with a custom skin from Skinit.com. The site offers thousands of choices for phones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, MP3 players and gaming consoles. The best part? It’s affordable. For $15, you can add some personality to your girl’s phone or for $30, her laptop.

The options are endless with this gift. Skinit.com has designs in various categories, including sports teams, colleges, Disney, abstract art and custom designs you can upload. If your significant other appreciates the finer things in life, cover her phone in a work from the collections of Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet or Leonardo da Vinci. It will look so good, even Siri will blush.

Heartfelt Books-

Feeling especially sentimental this holiday season? Hearfeltbooks.com is the perfect solution to create a gift that shows your girl exactly how you feel about her.

For a gesture she’ll treasure for years to come, what better way to express your feelings than to put them into words in a beautiful, hardbound book: Based entirely on a set of phrases you complete to describe her, the answers you provide are transformed into pages which come together in an incredibly unique expression of your affection. The possible statements range from more personal responses such as, “One of our most romantic times” and “Your most impressive talent,” to the more fun and quirky, “Bumper sticker that describes you.” While on the pricier side, with the books running at nearly $50, it’s still a bargain, considering it’s a romantic and special gift that will remind her of your love with the turn of each page.

Photo album-

For another simple and heartfelt gift for the special lady in your life, put together a scrapbook of your time together. If you don’t have anything you can put in it, start saving now. For example, the next time you’re on a date, save something from the place you went. Take a napkin home from the restaurant and write the date and place on it to remember what a special night it was; buy a DVD of the first movie you went to together and slip the disc inside the sleeve; keep the piece of paper she wrote her number on the day you finally had the courage to ask for it; and highlight one of her accomplishments, such as a good grade on an exam or an athletic achievement.

Also, don’t forget photos. You’ve undoubtedly taken pictures of yourselves, so pick the best ones and write the date and place. When she sees them, you’ll spark a conversation to reflect on the great times you’ve spent together.

A scrapbook shows you remember and cherish the time spent with her—something guaranteed to make her heart melt. You’re welcome, gents.

Personalized DVD-

Making a DVD for your significant other is the perfect wrap up for the year. You can feature yourself sharing all the memories and times you enjoyed together; or tell your significant other what you love about them. Also include pictures and songs significant to the both of you and clips of any recorded footage you have together. It’s easily done on either iMovie or Windows Movie Maker, which both allow you to add fun animations. Although the process can be time-consuming, the amount of effort and thought will really make this gift special. Not only is it a great reflection of the past year you two shared, but it’s also a sweet gift you can always keep.

Coupon Book-

What kind of chump gets his girlfriend a coupon book for Christmas? One with brains and a heart, as long as it’s filled with personally redeemable goodies that will make her feel good all year long.

Start from scratch. This is a personal gift; and should look the part. Resurrect your elementary school construction paper and scissor skills to create a clever and sweet cover. Make it her favorite color and paste a picture of both of you on it.

Inside, break up the pages with hand-drawn dotted lines and put descriptions of the coupons within them. Get creative—massages, hugs, nail painting and cooking dinner are all acceptable expressions of endearment. Include fine print on each coupon and make it cute. For instance, “This coupon may be redeemed by one cutie (you) any day of the year at any time. Redeemable in all 50 states and on all seven continents.” Will this be a tedious task? Maybe, but her beaming smile will tell you it was well worth it.

And remember: You must be a man of your word with these coupons. If she approaches you with one, it means duty calls, so put down “Call of Duty” and give the best massage you’ll ever give.

Activate Search
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
The Love Guru Holiday Shopping Lead and Beanie Selection