...share, save and travel

By Sara O'Dacre

odac0004@algonquincollege.com

Ashley Shubaly is one of many students on a budget who are starting to dread that inevitable holiday activity that puts a strain on wallets all over campus - Christmas shopping.

The second-year business management student said she has already begun thinking about reasonably priced gift ideas for her loved ones.

“For people who aren’t my immediate family, I was thinking of getting a picture of me and my sister and buying some frames and giving that as a gift, and it would be cheaper,” said Shubaly.

She said this year, she is setting her own personal Christmas shopping budget to around $250.

“I’m probably going to be using my credit card because I don’t have enough cash for Christmas shopping,” said Shubaly with a laugh.

Joan Callaghan orders, trades and buys reference books at the First Class Bookstore. She understands how expensive and daunting Christmas shopping can be for student shoppers strapped for holiday cash.

“I do my best to keep the price points low and to get the best values,” said Callaghan.

She is in charge of creating a catalogue every year of well-priced books for the holiday season. Her choices could make fantastic gifts for mom and dad.

“The 500 Best-value Wines in the LCBO 2009, for $19.95, is a great gift book. This is a great idea for anyone who wants to bring great wine somewhere,” said Callaghan.

She said paperback books are always a big hit for cheaper gift ideas for students, as well as Sudoku books and humorous coupon booklets.

First Class Bookstore general merchandiser Kim Hamilton said funky hat and mitten sets have always made great presents, and by only spending $23.99, you can keep loved ones cozy during those long winter months.

“We can hardly keep them on the shelves,” she said.

A new gift the bookstore is selling this year is the perfume Séxùal, available in 30 ml bottles for $29.97.

“It’s made from Carleton Place so it’s local and it’s really good. People can buy it for their boyfriend or girlfriend or for their parents, and it’s a great stocking stuffer, it’s a great gift,” said Hamilton.

While these store-bought gifts are ideal for students wary of their hand-earned funds,

Shubaly proved that being creative during the festive season can really pay off. By doing so, she ended up giving her mom the best present she’s ever given.

“One year, I didn’t have a lot of money, so I went to the dollar store and got her a bag of her favourite things - like the gum she chews - all for $25,” she said. “On the side, I also made her a stained glass craft of our family name. It didn’t cost me like any money and she was really happy.”