Anna Chamberlin
America’s favorite weekend, Black Friday to Cyber Monday, has ended, meaning that the holiday season has officially commenced. And I know you need ideas for your wishlist. So I am providing you a harmony of the practical, the random and the niche. Personally, I love to both give and receive, but if you only like the giving part (mazel tov, you’re such a great person, everyone aspires to be you, congrats) then you can use this for gifting ideas as well. Let’s get into it.
The useful
A portable charger. You probably don’t have a good one. You probably lost it, or maybe you don’t have the charger that charges the portable (why are these always so difficult?). Regardless, when has having another portable charger ever hurt?
Some nice pens. I swear, half the Yale student population doesn’t seem to own pens or pencils anymore. I know, iPads are great and all, but there is still use for real paper and pen action. In fact, I’d argue writing things down is all the more productive. That also brings me to…
A nice notebook or two. This goes hand in hand with the pens — if you have good quality pens and paper, you’re going to be all the more inclined to use them. There is nothing like some crisp notebook paper with some exquisite ballpoint action. You can write down the most unoriginal, horrendous idea down, but because it’s on nice paper and with nice pens, it will seem so much smarter. I don’t make the rules.
A linen robe. I just love a linen robe. You will too.
A suitcase — or a set of them. This is the type of thing you’ll use your entire life, so asking for some top quality ones could be a good investment.
The stocking stuffers
Icebreaker mints. They’re making a comeback. Or I hope they do — they slap.
Sparkly socks or tights. OK so hear me out: there you are, sitting in the library or at dinner, wearing plain colored socks or the same old black tights. Average experience. Now, imagine this: you’re sitting in the library or at dinner, but with sparkly tights or sparkly socks. Didn’t everything just get so much better?
Silk pillow cases. This is some life changing stuff. Elevating your sleep, skin, and hair… Why would you do otherwise?
Basic, but gum. Get a boatload so you can always have it on hand. Dish it out to your peer tutors and your labmates and make yourself some friends.
The seriously unneeded (but still, wantable)
Rollie shoes. No explanation.
A ceramic cup set. Whether you’re an avid espresso drinker, a heavy duty mixologist or just want some elevated water cups — you definitely don’t need this, but c’mon, you want it.
CD player. You don’t own CDs, and I highly doubt you’d use it enough to justify this purchase. BUT it’s not your purchase if you’re receiving it… and wouldn’t your life just be so much cooler if you had a CD player in your room?! (Spoiler: it wouldn’t, you don’t need it, ask for a speaker.)
An unneeded take on a practical item: the scooter suitcase. A suitcase that scoots. Adult sized.
The Yale-specific
Atticus gift card. I know those lattes have been hurting your bank account. Wouldn’t they taste so much better if that 9$ was your Grandmother Cheryl’s money in the form of a gift card??
To-go containers — specifically a size you can hide in your backpack. If you get lucky the dining hall staff will let you slide by with a tupperware full of Yale’s deluxe kelp meatballs.
A Chat GPT subscription. According to “Anonymous” on Fizz, they “would not survive” without Chat in college (9:02 AM, 11/5/2024). Another Fizzer, known as, you guessed it, “Anonymous” said “I heart you, Chat GPT” on October 6th, 2024. The evidence is overwhelmingly clear: ChatGPT is the path to finding survival and love. Go get that subscription.
Mouse traps. I wish I was kidding, but I know you’ll be grateful to have these bad boys in store instead of waiting over 24 hours for facilities to come.
The Y sweater from the Yale Bookstore, ideally paired with a Longchamp shoulder bag. If you want to be unique, this is the gift combo for you.
I hope you take these suggestions into consideration. Please have a fabulous break. Go procrastinate your finals and make that wish list.