2010 is coming to an end, and sadly, the Great Recession is still affecting most, if not all of us. It’s a time when every penny counts, so you’ll want to maximize your gifts this year and give people the things they really need (not another chotcke to put in the china cabinet).
Students, recent graduates, and job seekers may find themselves in an especially tough spot this year. With a little thought, choosing your gift can go a long way in reducing your stress level and focus on the task at hand in the new year. Our 2010 gift guide includes tips to help you get started on your holiday shopping:
For the college student
We all know that, recession or no, college students rarely have cash, so your holiday gift can make a world of difference. In general, college students need three things: food, books, and cash. Costco can be a great place to buy your favorite foods in bulk (Easy Mac, anyone?), gift cards to your students’ bookstore can help offset book costs for the upcoming semester, and if all all else fails, cash will be greatly appreciated (especially when the new year begins.)
for the recent graduate
A good number of college students graduate early, which means that on January 1 they will have finished their classes and will be ready to enter the job market. Get them something they can’t afford on their own, but will need as a first step into the world of work. A leather briefcase, dossier, or crossbody bag/briefcase make great gift items, as they look much more professional in an interview than a backpack.
For the newly hired
Did someone in your life just get a job? New positions often require new clothes. A gift certificate to their favorite store will be greatly appreciated as they refresh their work wardrobe. If they are going through an industry/culture change, there may be other elements of work that they can benefit from as well. Those transitioning into an office job, for example, might appreciate a gift basket of cubicle essentials: snacks, tea, sticky notes, Kleenex, mouthwash, and whatever else you want to keep on hand at the office.
For the job seeker
What a job seeker really wants this holiday season is a job, so give him the gift that will help him get there. Consider hiring a career counselor or resume writer to help you update and refine your job search materials. If there’s another item on your resume that needs help (is your website woefully out of date? The wardrobe seems a bit dated), see what you can do to help them get what they need.