As Christmas approaches, the shopping season is in full swing. Many college students are making sure their friends and family know what they want this year.
This holiday season might be running people’s pockets dry. The National Retail Federation stated the average amount of money spent during the holidays is $890.49 per person this year. It is only slightly less than last year’s high of $901.99.
NRF reported the “top gifts” consumers hope to receive include clothing and accessories, gift cards, books and other media, beauty products and electronics.
Salvador Guerrero Lopez, a junior studying middle childhood education, said he made a list for his parents when he was younger. Lopez said he previously received a personal computer for the holidays; however, he no longer creates a list with specific requests.
“I don’t really like getting presents that much anymore … I get what I get,” Lopez said. “I say, I really (want) nothing, just a hug.”
Ananya Goel, a senior studying biology and Spanish, does not ask for gifts either, as her family celebrates a “secular” Christmas.
“It is not very organized, we do (put up) a lot of the decorations and baking, ” Goel said. “When it comes to gifts, one year we tried to do a Secret Santa amongst our family … but we don’t usually do a lot of gifts on Christmas.”
While some students enjoy a surprise gift or no presents, for others, making a wish list is a tradition. Amanda Rossetti, a freshman studying media arts production, made her Christmas list at the beginning of November, far before anyone asked what she wanted.
Rossetti said she went “all out” making her list on Canva, an online graphic design tool.
“I just kind of make like a bulleted list with links to the things I want, and then, if it's a shirt or shoes, I'll put the size or the color next to it, that sort of thing,” Rossetti said.
As elaborate as it might sound to some people, Rossetti said her friends create extravagant lists in comparison to her own.
“One of my friends would make a whole presentation with links and pictures to all this stuff,” Rossetti said. “I just try and stick to one sheet.”
Maggie Ward, a senior studying biology and Spanish, chooses a different route. Using a shared note on her phone, Ward said she updates it throughout the year so gift ideas can roll over. Ward includes links like Rossetti, but she also lists non-physical items, such as hair appointments.
“My family can go in and see what it is and follow the links,” Ward said. “I try to make it as easy on them because they are always like, ‘Oh, you never tell us … we don’t know what to get you.’”
Ward said she discovers new gift ideas throughout her day, whereas Rossetti said she finds inspiration on the online shopping platform, Etsy.
“I'm a big Etsy shopper,” Rossetti said. “I'll go on Etsy and just look at a bunch of stuff, just for fun in my free time. If I see something I like, I'll save it for later, and then just add it to my list."
Lopez’s inspiration is similar to Ward’s, as he normally asks for gifts he “would need in the moment.” Ward and Rossetti said their Christmas lists consist of wants, not needs.
“I have some makeup things just because they are a little bit more pricey and I do not want to spend that kind of money on myself,” Ward said. “If it is for a special occasion, I’ll do that.”
This year’s trending Christmas gifts, states Amazon, include travel jewelry cases, alarm clocks, slippers, water bottles and portable chargers. This Christmas, NRF predicts the top toys will include Legos and Barbies.
Although Legos and Barbies might not be on Bobcats’ lists, older generations can still receive fun presents. Business Insider stated Lego has seen increased popularity among teenagers and adults who also purchase stuffed animals for themselves.
Rossetti said she remembers looking through toy catalogues to make lists as a child, circling items that caught her eye.
“Me and my sister, we'd go through the toy catalogue," Rossetti said. “My mom would be like, ‘Okay, go through, circle what you want.’ I don't know if people do that anymore, but it's (a) core childhood memory … I just remember taking a pen and circling the Barbie Dream House.”
Whether a student has already created their wishlist or is simply excited to sleep once finals are over, several Bobcats have something to look forward to this holiday season.
