We feel your pain, but who says being Santa has to be expensive? Members of TheMash staff took on a challenge—to find gifts for everyone on their list on a budget of only $50. Read on to see what they found and get some gift ideas of your own.
FROM JIMMY
For your sister or
girlfriend
Braided chain halter top (many colors available)
$14.50 at Forever 21 (forever21.com)
A nice shirt that she can dress up or dress down and wear just about anywhere
For cousins
Zhu Zhu pet hamster
$8 at Wal-Mart (walmart.com)
An ideal match for younger cousins who will likely adore these robotic, furry pets that are tons of fun and leave no mess.
For mom
MAC nail lacquer (many colors available)
$12 at Macy’s (macys.com)
To be honest, I’m not quite sure what “lacquer” means, but I do know that almost all women like makeup. Give this to your mom and you’re sure to make her holiday!
For dad
6-in-1 LED Multi-Tool (may colors available)
$12.50 at Brookstone (brookstone.com)
A great gadget that can easily go anywhere dad goes. My dad would love it because with its pocket knife, pliers, mini saw, flat screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, bottle opener and an LED flashlight, it can be used almost anytime.
For the pup
PETCO holiday plush fleece puppy donut toy
$2.69 at PETCO (petco.com)
Usually I am not into getting my pets gifts, but to get close to the $50 mark, I thought, why not? This is a gift your dog would appreciate because it’s soft, festive and fun to play with.
Total: $49.69
>> Jimmy Loomos, Maine South
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FROM LAURA
For friends
Fab heart me tote
$1.50 at Forever 21 (forever21.com)
This is great for my best friend because it’s cute but also eco-friendly. Because of its low price, I can buy little goodies to place inside such as nail polish and candy.
For my sister
Shimmer pointelle beret
$7.80 at Forever 21
This hat is perfect for my sister because, let’s face it, I will be borrowing this stylish and comfy hat just about every day.
For my brother
“Bring It On: The Best of Jay-Z”
$9.99 at target.com
My brother is a big Jay-Z fan, so what better gift than his best songs?
For mom
Multi-colored scarf
$9.80 at Forever 21
This is a great gift for my mom because it looks bright and comfy. It also has University of Illinois colors, which is where two of her kids go to school.
For my boyfriend
Detroit Lions line of scrimmage tee
$15 at Kohl’s (kohls.com)
Perfect for my Lions-loving boyfriend simply because it says “Detroit Lions.”
For dad
To save money, I decided to make him a coupon book. Coupons saying I’ll make dinner for a night, take out the garbage, mow the lawn and more.
Hopefully, he won’t actually use them!
Total: $44.09
>> Laura Nichols, Homewood-Flossmoor
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FROM SARA
For mom
Picture frame
$14.99 at thingsremembered.com
Put a nice picture of you and your mom in the frame and it’s a great, creative gift.
For female friends
Three sets of molded rose earrings
$11.40 ($3.80 x 3) at Forever 21 (forever21.com)
These cute earrings say, “Hey, dress up. You deserve it.”
For my sister
Metallic lace satin wallet
$7.50 at Forever 21
An everyday item that she’ll hopefully get a lot of use out of
For dad
Pack of golf tees
$6.99 at golfsmith.com
Something he can use on a relaxing golf outing
For female cousins
Fab heart me tote bag
$3 ($1.50 x 2) at Forever 21
It’s an adorable tote for a really cheap price.
For an aunt
Brown sugar and fig body lotion
$6 on sale at Bath and Body Works (bathandbodyworks.com)
Lotions are always a great gift for anyone.
Total: $49.88
>> Sara Crook, Barrington
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FROM CONNOR
For my sister
24-piece Rubbermaid storage set
$10 at Wal-Mart (walmart.com)
This item is good for sisters or family members who have recently struck out to live on their own because they can’t take their parents’ Tupperware with them.
For my friend
“I Am Legend” Blu-Ray DVD
$11.32 at Wal-Mart
This is a good gift for anyone who likes drama or action. This movie has them both.
For my cousin
“Spaceballs” on DVD
$8.86 at Wal-Mart
This DVD would make anyone who likes humor fall out of their seat laughing.
For my sister
Isotoner Totes Toasties ballet slippers
$8.89 at Kohl’s (kohls.com)
These warm slippers are a great gift for any sister who doesn’t want cold feet on Christmas morning.
For my dad
“Blazing Saddles” on DVD
$6.86 at Wal-Mart
This movie makes an awesome gift for family members who love the classics.
Total: $45.93
>> Connor Relyea, Joliet West
