By Mackenna Stewart
The Holiday season is upon us which means the season for gift-giving is also in full effect. If you are like me, you are probably wondering what to put in your Holiday wish list this season. I have found that the Holiday season is always tricky since there are so many things to ask for and, honestly, limited time to thoroughly think through your wishlist before Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or any other gift-giving-related event rolls around. I always say every year that I will start creating my Christmas list in August. (Unfortunately, I never do)
However, whenever I am feeling stuck and wondering what to ask for, TikTok, Instagram or my friend’s holiday-themed Google slideshow inspires me with an idea of what my heart desires this season.
For me, ongoing trends on social media influence my wishlist a lot, and about 33.3% of the participants that I interviewed would say the same. While I and the other 33.3% of Lovett students struggle to create an accurate wishlist that encapsulates all of our many interests and aesthetics, 57.1% of interviewees say that trends barely have any influence on their wishlists. People who have very niche interests and hobbies or unique aesthetics might not require as much guidance on their ideal gift to receive.
One gift that a student hopes to receive is a “Tall Music Stand,” specifically for their violin, as well as a “Set(s) of Reusable straws,” as an alternative to “single-use plastic.” While this gift is awfully specific and environmentally friendly, it is a prime example of a person who knows exactly what they want! Or if you are like this anonymous student, you are probably hoping to find a boyfriend under your tree on Christmas morning.
On the other hand, some more trendy gifts that Lovett students are hoping to receive are JellyCat stuffed animals, electronics like iPhones and iPads, clothes, jewelry, and a Dyson. JellyCats, according to my friends Alaysia and Taylor, who have both been begging for one, have said that JellyCats are not a new phenomenon and have been popular for about 3 years. TikTok has made the warm fuzzy stuffed animals appear as if they are new on the market, but their cute and nostalgic vibe has been making its way onto people’s wish lists and hearts this year.
Additionally, many students are also interested in accessories, specifically earrings and, of course, Prada and YSL purses! So if you are also interested in partaking in that Kim Kardashian, clean girl, luxurious aesthetic, then I would definitely suggest adding a statement purse or accessories in general to your wishlist. (Just in case you were wondering, it doesn’t have to be Prada or YSL.)
If you happen to be asking for clothes on your wishlist then some students recommend shopping at Aritzia or Ugg. Aritzia is known for having great sweatpants, sets basics such as sweaters, tees, off-the-shoulder tops, as well as the cutest puffer jackets. It can sometimes be tough to wear cute outfits in the winter without the threat of a bulky puffer coat ruining the vibe, but Artizia has coats that will take any winter look to the next level. Uggs also have a wide range of boots, clogs, and loafers that can really add to your chill girl or guy aesthetic.
While the list of possible gifts that students are hoping to receive could probably fill up a wishlist for this year and next year, it is also important to remember that the Holiday season is also about giving. 57.1% of students stated that their favorite gift that they received from someone else was their favorite because it was thoughtful. Which means that giving someone a gift this season isn’t just a meaningless act that happens with the time, it is an act of love and appreciation for a person.
As the survey question stated, giving someone a gift doesn’t always have to include buying them something because when you gifted your mom that janky mug you made in art class in 3rd grade, she loved it just as much as the Louboutin heels that someone claims as the best gift they ever gave someone.
Handmade gifts can include a spa night gift basket, crocheted stuffed animal, a We “Wish-list” You a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays“car glove compartment organizer” (now that I think about it, I could probably use one of those), or a collage of memories for a friend or family member. “I got a book for my husband after our daughter was born which is specifically drawn and written to include the two of them in the story,” said one faculty member.
Just remember the most important key to holiday wish list making. If you are making gift requests, make sure you ask for something you will actually use and not regret a few weeks after the excitement of the holidays fizzles out, and all the holiday rush is replaced with utmost clarity.
For starters, I suggest not asking for a Coffee Maker if you know you’re not the biggest fan of coffee. You would honestly be surprised according to one survey response, it happens more than you’d think. However, don’t beat yourself up too much if you ask for clothes and realize weeks later that they are actually “ugly.” Fashion tastes change with time and also sometimes your mom is going to buy that one shirt regardless of whether she thinks you will like it or not.
