Oh no! You have four final exams coming up, you’re scrambling to complete Course Evaluations, and you completely forgot to buy something—anything—for the people you appreciate in your life.
For the random friend you got assigned Secret Santa.
You are assigned the one person that you have literally never had a conversation with. Honestly, how did they even end up in the gift exchange anyway? Trying to find a cute, personal present is out of the cards. Don’t fear, if you go to Harvard, you must go to BerryLine at least once a week, which slowly drains every student’s pockets through the semester. No matter who they are, they will appreciate a BerryLine gift card to get them through finals season.
For your boyfriend who participated in Movember.
Movember (Mustache November) is over. Your boyfriend may still be proud of the facial hair he spent all last month growing, but it has definitely got to go by Christmas. Give him a little (passive-aggressive) nudge and give him the best electric facial razor of 2024: MANSCAPED’s The Chairman Pro Shaver. If he refuses to let go of the stache, at least invest in his hair follicle health with some beard conditioner or balm.
For your new gym friend.
Did you spend this semester sweating away next to the same people in the MAC? Maybe you found a buddy to lift with, and now you have someone to keep you accountable for working out next semester. It’s time to support their health and well-being even more by giving them a student package of yoga, strength, and pilates classes at Breathe Cambridge. The Student Monthly Unlimited is only $108. That’s $3.85 per class if you go every single day in February. What a steal! While you’re at it, get one for yourself.
For your favorite teacher.
It’s the last week of classes and that 30% “participation and effort grade” is looking a little bleak. Need to give your teacher that extra push and fuzzy feeling inside? Go to the Snowport Holiday Market and buy them anything artisanal. During the holidays, there are more than 100 special pop-up stores from Lobster Nativity Scene’s local Boston decor to Ashley Eisenman’s handmade prints—all found in the Seaport District in Boston. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a famous brookie from The Half Cookie to fuel your shopping.
For your new significant other.
Cuffing season hit, and it hit hard. You’re headed into winter break with a new relationship, a getaway road trip planned for J-term, and no clue what to get your new significant other for the holidays. Try Boston Bruins tickets for February. While on the pricier side, it’s a good way to show you care. Plus, you’ll have a fun date planned for next semester. But be careful, you must survive meeting the family first!
For your suitemate’s boyfriend.
As the semester crept by, your double slowly became a triple. You could bring up the roommate contract and have a mature conversation about personal boundaries with your roommate. But if confrontation is not your thing, buying their boyfriend a bigger bed might be the better option. You’re in luck: HSA Dorm Essentials has you covered with bigger bed rentals available for delivery.
For the picky sibling.
No matter what you buy them, they will probably hate it and return it. So don’t even bother. Just give them quality time.
For the lover you’ve been afraid to talk to this semester.
It’s formal season and you’ve finally gotten up the guts to ask your crush as your date. But what do you get? Flowers? Chocolate? A card? If you’ve made it this far in the article, you should definitely ask them out. To make the best first impression, consider hiring a local Christmas Caroling troupe to accompany you to their dorm. The Olde Towne Carolers are the best in class.
Whether it’s the lowest-of-effort gift card, a clever nudge, or your “quality time,” this is your reminder to give back something this month. Good luck on finals and may your holiday shopping procrastination pay off!
Ellie Tunnell ’27 (ellie_tunnell@college.harvard.edu) is buying her own Christmas gifts this year.