by Jazmine Ponce
Staff Writer
Scents of holly and pine permeate the air, signifying that it is once again the season of giving. Be it Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, there are only a few crucial weeks left for holiday shopping.
After paying for tuition, a college student’s budget can be a little tight. Yet there is a majority of gifts for family and friends that are affordable and student friendly.
For fun and entertaining gifts under $20, one does not have to look further than the local video or music store.
Have a best friend who is crazy for Cameron Diaz or Keanu Reeves? No sweat even if there is no real chance of contacting Diaz or Reeves personally, buying their latest videos, such as “There’s Something About Mary,” or “The Matrix” (available on video Dec. 7), will make any best friend jump for joy. Both videos retail for $14.99 at selected video stores.
Have a younger sister who is a Ricky Martin fanatic and was not able to go to any of his sold-out concerts? It is easy to bring the concert to her by giving her the “Ricky Martin Live!” video, which will be available Dec. 7.
There is a plethora of videos ranging from silver-screen classics such as “Bringing Up Baby,” starring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn; to laugh-out loud comedies like “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me,” starring Mike Myers, or the Adam Sandler hit, “Big Daddy.”
There is also the modern suspense/horror classic movie, “Scream,” starring Neve Campbell and Courtney Cox; or dramas like “Saving Private Ryan,” starring Tom Hanks, or “Titanic,” starring Leonardo Dicaprio. It is not hard to find a video for any friend or family member.
Music always brightens moods, and with the newly-released CDs out, there is a variety of styles for anyone with prices ranging from $11.99 to $18.99.
Prefer a creative artist? Fiona Apple released her sophomore album, “When the Pawn Hits…,” and the Dave Matthews Band recently released its third live album “Listener Supported,” a two-CD compilation of a recent PBS concert.
Hard rock/metal veterans Metallica and Rage Against the Machine albums are also great stocking stuffers. Alternative rock artists Stone Temple Pilots, Beck and Third Eye Blind have also recently released albums.
Fans of contemporary and pop music should enjoy the latest from Mariah Carey, Sting and Leanne Rimes.
Those without transportation to the mall or the patience to wait in long lines can shop easily by using the World Wide Web.
Popular stores have their own websites such as www.spencersgifts.com, www.towerrecords.com and www.blockbuster.com. These sites allow people with an alternative to the madhouse of mall shopping.
Other websites such as www.reel.com offer great deals and discounts on movies and movie merchandise; www.cdnow.com has deals on the latest CDs, and www.amazon.com offers an assortment of books, movies, toys and CDs. Most websites accept checks, money orders, credit cards and usually ship within 2-7 days.
Friends who follow fashion trends will appreciate the variety of inexpensive unisex power bead bracelets. Each bracelet’s stone stands for a different meaning, such as love, health and tranquillity. Bracelets start at $5.99 and can be found at department or accessory stores.
Admirers of art, movies or television will enjoy a poster of their favorite artists. Posters are from television shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” to “Xena: the Warrior Princess.”
There are also posters from movies such as James Bond, “Cruel Intentions” and “Star Wars.” They may also be by artists such as Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Salvador Dali and Edvard Munch.
To purchase posters, the website www.allposters.com has an assortment of posters including official movie posters that start at $12.99.
There is also a variety of creative alternatives to store- bought gifts.
To create a keepsake box, buy a small-sized box at a craft store like Michael’s or Jo-Ann Fabrics. Use glue and paste on fake flowers or seashells from magazines to decorate it. The gift can be used as a CD holder, jewelry box or pencil holder.
Using that technique, one can also make a decorative picture frame.
Another creative present is a collage. Using posterboard, glue and pictures from magazines, one can craft together a poster of a friend’s favorite music artist, actor or pastime.
Instead of posterboard, one can create a memory book with pictures and mementos that include concert or movie tickets.
There are also memorable gifts that are free. For those who live near the Los Angeles area, there are great opportunities for television-show lovers. By calling (818) 753-3470 or visiting the website www.tvtickets.com, one can get free tickets to popular shows such as “Will & Grace,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “That 70’s Show” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Jazmine Ponce
