Shopping and gift giving have been at the forefront of the holiday season for decades with advertisements for holiday collections, Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. We cave and hand our money to big businesses for the perfect gift for a loved one and for all the wants and needs. As 2025 was a record-breaking year for college enrollment, many students are wondering whether they should save or spend the money.
I was discussing with my mom about how I was struggling to buy gifts. I asked her what she wanted and what I could get for my other family members. Since saving money is a priority, it seemed like stopping progress to get gifts. Even though I bought us a new Christmas tree, I still felt obligated to spend more money.
Many people struggle with gift giving and turn to gift cards; however, with online wish list makers like Amazon and apps like Giftful, it's never been easier to create wish lists. Online influencers are jumping in to share gift ideas or to be personal shoppers. But for college students, spending money on gifts might be too much of a strain financially.
Since 59% of college students consider dropping out due to financial stress, spending money on gifts is stressful. Gifts can be expensive, but if a student has given gifts in the past, many people in their life might expect this to continue.
For college students, it’s much easier to agree with friends not to give gifts, but parents might be expecting more. My mom made the point that parents usually give students pocket money and do a lot for them, but most parents don’t expect any gifts in return.
Parents should not expect this of their children, especially since they know their financial situation better than most. Parents shouldn’t expect much in return while their child is still in college. I hope parents want to support their students throughout college so that their students can support themselves and their parents after graduation.
Still, I am torn about whether to give a gift. For each parent-child relationship, this might be different. Asking your parents if they expect a gift would be best; otherwise, a parent might appreciate your company and a heartfelt handwritten card. I will try to avoid spending the money.
Although giving gifts psychologically releases oxytocin, a hormone that creates closeness and further bonds, a thoughtful gift can strengthen that. Loved ones might appreciate the effort handmade gifts take more so than the effort a store-bought one takes. The attention to detail on what someone really enjoys can be easily reflected through handmade items.
If you still insist on spending money as a college student on friends and family, there is a trendy, practical gift. A basket full of makeup, soap, socks or other stocking-stuffer-like items. Many have coined this as a “Burr Basket.”
I made this gift last year for my ex-boyfriend’s sisters. I decided to get them each a book, candy, socks, chapstick and an item personal to them, like a blind box or Legos. It’s perfect to throw cheap things together that someone will actually use. Everyone uses soap, chapstick or gloves. It can even come with a theme like Star Wars or Harry Potter if you want to get more creative.
Parents are there to support you, and the time will come after graduation when you can fully support them. Don’t stress about shopping for the perfect gift; instead, just cook with family or play board games with friends. The spreading of goodwill and love is what the holiday season is most about.
Oh, well. I am sending holiday letters in the mail this year.
Cassidy McClurg is a freshman student studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassidy about their column? Email cm303824@ohio.edu
