If most of you are like me and had all good intentions of purchasing everyone's holiday gifts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you probably ended up doing a lot more shopping for yourself rather than others.  Don't panic though!  I'm here to help you get back on track with some budget friendly (under $50!) gifts that friends and family will love!

Card/Board Games

I feel like everyone can appreciate this type of gift.  It's even a great option if you need a White Elephant gift!  Even though they can sit and collect dust for awhile, they always come in clutch on a rainy/snowy day or when you are entertaining.  Some of my recommendations are:  Cards Against Humanity, Poop: The Game, Eyegamer,  Exploding Kittens, Anti-Monopoly, Uno, Guess Who?, Settlers of Catan, and Clue.

Something Brandless

Something that I wish I had discovered sooner than just a few weeks ago is a site called "Brandless".  This site focuses on omitting Brand Tax from their products and bringing you quality items to purchase, and I have become obsessed with telling everyone I know about it.  I have browsed around this site as well as ordered a handful of things myself, and still can't believe the price of $3 dollars.  Seriously!  Tell me a college budget that doesn't work with that price to get gifts or practical things for yourself?  So, no excuses this holiday season!  Here is my run down of some good items to consider giving this holiday season:  Black Hardcover Bound Journal, Glass Spice Jars, Can Opener, Cotton Dish Cloth Set, Cotton Oven Mitt, Wooden Serving Spoon, Slotted Wooden Serving Spoon, and a Wooden Turner.

Funny Shirt

If I am ever in need of a funny shirt my favorite place to look is Skreened.  Now, they do have more than just funny shirts.  If you have a favorite TV show, music, food, politician, exercise or even need to find a gift for a baby they have everything you could possibly need at great prices.  Personally, I have bought a handful of shirts from this website and still wear those shirts today because I love them.  So, know someone who loves pizza?  Maybe a crazy cat lady/guy?  Unicorns?  How about Stranger Things?  Trust me, you can literally fine whatever you need for someone on this site.  You can thank me later.

Thoughtful Candle

I must say; this gift idea is quite possibly my favorite and it could go to anyone.  I had never heard of this candle until recently, but it's a Homesick Candle from "Uncommon Goods", and the items on their website are fantastic to either inspire you to make something or purchase it.  This alternative candle is a great way to breakaway from Bath & Body Works and Yankee Candle.  It's already on my gift list for a couple of people this holiday season!

For the Cook

As I'm sure you have probably figured out with this blog, I often like to post about food or helpful cooking tips for college students.  Most of this is because I was not--and still am not--the best of cook in college.  Therefore, if you know your friend is a big foodie, or you have a brother or sister in college who could use a little help in the kitchen, I would recommend getting them first a cookbook.  Amazon has some great options like The 5-Ingredient College Cookbook and PETA's Vegan College Cookbook.  Or perhaps consider getting them some simple, but thoughtful upgrades for their kitchen via Etsy such as: Nom Nom Fork, Personalized Wooden Spoon, or a Funny Dish Towel.  Whichever gift you gift, you're guaranteed to get a good meal out of it!

Gift Card

This is the last, but certainly not least, gift idea.  I always, always, always include a gift card no matter what I have gotten the person.  I have never seen someone unhappy with receiving a gift card, no matter what the amount is.  I just enjoy having money to go towards a restaurant or store that I always shop at.  Even while I was in college I wanted to get gifts for my best friends, but since I dreaded picking out something they would hate, I would get them a gift card to somewhere I know they frequently go to.  If you really have no idea what to get someone, generally you can't go wrong with gift cards to places like...  Starbucks, Chipotle, Khol's, Best Buy, a grocery store, gas station--really, anywhere that someone would typically go to day-to-day.

So that wraps up this this year's gift guide.  And even if you aren't celebrating any holidays this season, keep these suggestions in mind for birthdays, anniversaries, or just whenever you want to surprise someone!  Happy gifting!