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With only one week until finals are over, it is no surprise that students are looking forward to leaving campus and enjoying the glee of Christmas time. It is also a great time to reflect on the year of 2021. We can look back at how hard it has been for many of us, but we can also be grateful for those who have sustained us during difficult moments. Although college students’ budgets may be limited, finding affordable items to show appreciation for loved ones is totally possible. Here are a few ideas that you may consider as you shop for your loved ones during this jolly season. (Also, don’t forget to make use of your student discounts whenever possible!)

Personalized items ($10~$30)
Club sweatshirts are not the only merchandise that you can personalize. A variety of items ranging from phone cases to photo books are available for customization. If you would like an affordable yet unique gift for your loved ones, consider a gift crafted just for them! Listed below are some items you might consider, and as well as their price ranges. If you have no idea where to start looking for your product, and can be good starting points. Photo books can also be made through Google Photos–a helpful resource if you actively use Google Drive. Google Photos provides two affordable options when creating a photo book with photos uploaded to your account. Softcover photo books are $10 (7-in square, 20 pages, $0.49/additional page), and hardcover books are $20 (9-in square, 20 pages, $0.99/additional page).
- Mugs ($8~$20)
- Blankets ($20~$40)
- Phone cases ($25~$35+)
- Photo books ($10~$20+)

Speaker (around $30)
Carols are a must to lift the mood during family gatherings and outings with friends. A speaker can be a great gift to meet that need, and it can also be a helpful tool that functions as more than just a music machine: many speakers can set up an alarm, inform you of the weather, check your schedule, and even read a Kindle book for you. One item to consider purchasing is (4th generation) speaker, which is 40% off from its usual price ($29.99 without tax). It also comes with 6 months of free Amazon Music, so whoever receives your gift can enjoy "Santa Baby" all the way into July! But there are many other speakers in a similar price range, so make sure you know the features of each before you make your purchase.

Warm indoor slippers ($15~$25)
Christmas time can be a cozy season, but it can also get brutally cold–especially in areas like Berrien Springs. The cold season can intensify the risk of getting foot injuries for those who have numb feet, as it can take time for them to notice pain in their feet. If one of your loved ones often complains about their cold feet, consider getting them some indoor slippers. Not only are they practical, but they are also very affordable. You can easily find good-quality slippers within the $15~$25 range, both in malls and online stores such as Ultraideas and Rockdove. If you have a few extra dollars, consider sneaking in a pair of cozy socks to wear with the slippers!

Candle ($10~$20)
Did you know that the sense of smell is very closely associated with our memories and psychology? Photos freeze memories, but scents can also bring back recollections and the feelings you associate with them. If you are going out for a Christmas date or shopping with your friends or loved ones, buy them a candle with a scent they enjoy such as balsam, cinnamon, or even open fire. They will be reminded of the happy memories they had with you whenever they light up that candle. Yankee candles and Bath & Body Works are some places you can buy the candles, but if you would like to look into a more affordable option, Target could be a place to start. But remember to be careful when giving candles to your fellow AU friends. No candle lighting is allowed in the dorm, so make sure they have your present packed into their backpack for home.

Letter
Last but not least, give your loved one a letter filled with gratitude. Gifts can be a fantastic tool to show your appreciation, but words can express some emotions that gifts cannot. Dozens of good-quality Thank You cards and Christmas cards only cost between $7~$15–or you might already have some in your drawers that you saved from previous years. Remember, it’s your thoughts that count.

As you prepare for the finals, I hope you may also spare a few moments to think about what has brought you through college and the people you are especially grateful for this year. It could be a professor or a TA who has helped you succeed in a course, a friend who was there for you in your lowest moment, or your parents/someone significant who has supported you a great deal. Whoever comes to your mind, I highly recommend showing your gratitude towards them by whatever means available to you. It will make their Christmas–and well as yours–warmer and more delightful. It can also make your college experience a bit merrier. So have that Merry Christmas, everyone!