As the holiday season approaches, the simple task of gift giving is turned into a complicated affair as people struggle with the challenge of determining who gets what.
Keene State College students weigh in on some simple tips for picking out the perfect present.
KSC senior Megan Bernard said that she begins preparing for the holiday season right after Halloween because she hates shopping in crowded malls.
“I try to do all my shopping by the first week in December, but because of my college lifestyle I need to resume my shopping when I get back home,” Bernard said.
Bernard added that she is also an avid cyber shopper, especially on Cyber Monday.
“I hate huge mobs of people at the mall and would rather get what I can online, except when it comes to picking out clothing. I like to look, feel and make sure the clothes are alright for what I have in mind,” Bernard said.
KSC senior Christy McGraw said that she usually procrastinates with her holiday shopping but this year she started fairly early.
While she is at school, McGraw said she will resort to the internet to buy holiday gifts.
“I prefer online shopping usually if I know specifically what I am looking for. Being at school makes it harder to shop in stores because I don’t know what is around Keene whereas at home I know where I can find everything for the most part. If I don’t know what I am looking for gift wise then I will definitely go shopping in stores,” McGraw said.
Like Bernard, KSC senior Hayley Grove said that her method for holiday shopping is to avoid the crazy crowds.
“I always try to get to stores early and I will never go shopping on the weekends. The mall gets way too crowded on the weekend and I can never find any parking. I also keep an eye out for the best deal and try to find coupons before I buy stuff,” Grove said.
Before the holiday shopping can begin, both Bernard and Grove said that they try to budget their money as best they can.
“I think budgeting is good because it can never hurt to go shopping in a smart way. However, I love spoiling my family and my boyfriend just because it is something that I am not always able to do. I do not always mind spending that extra dollar,” Bernard said.
As they begin shopping, both Bernard and Grove said that their immediate focus is on their families and boyfriends.
“I usually focus on my parents, my brother and my boyfriend. I am lucky because my friends and I usually do low budget Yankee Swaps or Secret Santas with joke gifts, so I do not really have to worry about presents for the them,” Bernard said.
McGraw said that she abides by three simple methods for taking on the holiday season – don’t procrastinate, get wish lists from the people you’re shopping for and set a maximum budget.
McGraw added that she enjoys buying nice gifts for her parents and her brothers because they have done so much for her growing up and it makes her feel good to give back.
Brogan Wessell can be contacted at bwessell@kscequinox.com