The holiday season has begun, and that means gifts, and lots of them. But being the broke college grad I am, I want to find the best presents without spending a ton of cash. No striped socks or reindeer underwear here; these items are fun and practical, perfect for stocking stuffers, for those that are hard to shop for, and for just because. And since they’re all under $30, you can save up for one splurge-worthy item you’ve been dying to have.

Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit (comes in 8 glittery pouches), $15, Shop.pinchprovisions.com

This 17-piece kit comes with anything a girl could need in case of a serious emergency. Plus, it doubles as a blingy clutch to use for holiday parties.
Pinch Provisions Miniemergency Kit

Philosophy Candy Cane Lane Set, $25, Sephora.com

One of my favorite holiday scents is peppermint, and this trio, which contains a three-in-one shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath, salt scrub and high-shine lip gloss, will leave you smooth and invigorating.

House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Earrings, $30, Piperlime.com

These gorgeous statement earrings, designed by Nicole Richie, are a classic yet fun way to add pizzaz to a simple party outfit.

Sonia Kashuk Gilded Cage Holiday Brush Set, $24.99, Target.com

A girl can never have too many makeup brushes, and this set comes in a gold glitter clutch with a crystal studded top closure, making it the perfect glittery bag for holiday parties.

Sonia Kashuk Brush Set

OPI Top 10, $19, Amazon.com

Ten of the nail brand’s most popular shades in purse-friendly mini bottles. Featuring Alpine Snow, Buble Bath, Tickle My France-y, Kiss Me on My Tulips, Red Light’s Ahead…Where?, Big Apple Red, I’m Not Really A Waitress, You Don’t Know Jacques!, Vampsterdam and Lincoln Park After Dark.

OPI The Top 10

L’Occitane Hand Indulgences Set, $28, Loccitane.com

With cooler temperatures comes drier skin. This hand lotion not only soothes and protects, but leaves a fresh scent and leaves my hands incredibly soft.
L'Occitane Hand Indulgences Set

Kate Spade Paper Gem Coasters, $20, katespade.com

These six gem coasters are a great way to add color to any room in your home.
Kate Spade Paper Gem Coasters

Linea Pelle Skinny Studded Stackable Leather Cuff, $25, Lineapelle.com

Comes in a variety of colors and is a great everyday piece to add a touch of tough chicness to your outfit.

Linea Pelle Skinny Stackable Cuff

American Apparel Small Suede Envelope Clutch in Turquoise, $28, Americanapparel.com

A versatile clutch in an eye-popping hue. Comes in four other colors.

Hunter Fleece Welly Socks, $30, Nordstrom.com

I know they’re socks, but hear me out: for those of us who hate winter like myself, take these socks and tuck them into your rain boots for extra warmth and comfort (and keep your feet dry). They’re designed for Hunter boots, but can be used for almost any tall rain boot.  Trust me, you’re going to need these.

Hunter Fleece Welly Socks

U/R Knit Earmuffs with Cord, $29.50, Bloomingdales.com

After welly socks, these are quite possibly the most useful item you’ll need all winter long. Instead of covering your ears with your iPod headphones in your ears (totally uncomfortable), take these cozy earmuffs with built-in speakers to keep your ears warm while staying plugged in.

Kikkerland Design “Drunk” Glass Coasters, $12, Nordstrom.com

The six stages of drunkenness, defined by these genius coasters.

Kikkerland Design

Vera Bradley Medium Cosmetics Bag in Indigo Pop, $26, Verabradley.com

A neat pouch in an adorable print that’s easy to spot in your tote bag.Vera Bradley Medium Cosmetics Bag

ASOS Aztec Scarf, $17.59, Asos.com

A year-round accessory staple in the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year: Emerald Green.

Asos Aztec Scarf

Urban Outfitters Mixed Enamel Plates Jewelry Stand, $24, Urbanoutfitters.com

Such a pretty room accent and keeps your jewelry organized.

Urban Outfitters Mixed Enamel Plates Jewelry Stand

Happy Holidays!

Author

Hannah Gettleman is a bubbly twenty-something living in Chicago. She graduated in 2012 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Journalism. Don't tell her that print is dying--she's already made the switch to public relations. As a Midwest girl, winter happens approximately 80% of the year, so she knows a thing or two about a good pair of snow boots. She lives for summer weather (even though she can never tan), Boy Meets World reruns, and an unhealthy addiction to dark chocolate and online shopping. She's a die-hard Chicago sports fan, even though she's well aware the Cubs always end up in last place every year.

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