Roommate Gift Ideas Under $20

By Ashley Paskill

The holiday season is a festive time filled with giving and generosity. Part of this includes giving gifts to people, and for those who have roommates, the roommates may get gifts. However, for college students, it can be difficult to buy a lot of gifts while on a budget. Luckily, there are gifts for under $20 that your roommate will still love.

Cozy socks

In places where winters are particularly cold, there is nothing better than wearing a cozy pair of slipper socks. Luckily for college students, these socks typically cost less than $20. There are festive socks for the holidays, but there are also ones that have more general designs that can be worn all winter long. Socks are practical as they will be used to keep the recipient warm in the coldest winter months. This may even be an extension of an inside joke if your roommate is constantly complaining about being cold.

Journal

Journals have a wide variety of uses. The person you give it to can use the journal to make notes of things they want to do or to document things that happen in their lives. Even nice journals can be inexpensive depending on where you get them. Journals are great gifts because they can be used for a variety of things and are practical gifts. Every time your roommate uses the journal, they will remember that you bought it for them.

Picture frame

Picture frames are a perfect way to give a sentimental gift and to document a moment you had with your roommate. Many stores have basic picture frames for less than $20 and you can print out the picture you want to use. You may even decide to go to a craft store and buy a picture frame that you can decorate and personalize yourself. This adds a more personal touch to your gift, making it even more sentimental.

Mug and additions

During the winter months, there are few things more comforting than a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. Buy a mug that your roommate will like, such as one with their favorite band or fictional character. You may even decide to buy one that you customize with a picture of you and your roommate. You can then fill the mug with hot chocolate packets and/or their favorite candy. This way, they have hot chocolate and a sweet treat to enjoy when it is cold out.

Coupon book

When you were younger, you may have made a coupon book for your parents that had coupons to be redeemed for things like a free hug. Make something similar for your roommate, but make it personal to your relationship. Include coupons that can be used for things like a week of a specific chore, spending time together, or other personalized redemptions that you know your roommate will appreciate. The coupon book can be made by hand, but there are online coupon book makers that can help you if you are not super crafty and creative.

Paint or draw a picture

If you are talented at art, you can paint or draw a picture for your roommate that is based on something they will like, such as a hobby or a character. This adds a personal touch to your gift as it is something that you created by hand specifically for your roommate. You can buy a picture frame to put it in so your roommate can easily display it, and it will not get ruined. They will be able to look at the picture and appreciate the time and talent you put into their gift.

Music recording

For those who are musically inclined, you may opt to write and record a song specifically about your roommate. Find out what style of music they like and challenge yourself to have the song be in that style. Write the song about things that are special about your roommate or things that are specific to your relationship. Record the song, edit and mix it, and burn a copy for them to have on CD. You may even opt to design cool cover art based on what your roommate likes in terms of art and aesthetic.

Experiences

When you are in college, life is not always about material things. Sometimes, having experiences with someone can be even more meaningful than a physical gift. This can include going to the movies, seeing a favorite band perform, or even just going on a day trip somewhere your roommate has been wanting to go to. You can find experiences that are less expensive than others, or you can look at sites like Groupon to help you save some money. This way, your roommate will have a memory of you. You may even buy souvenirs, depending on what the experience is.

Buying gifts on a student budget can be difficult, but there are great roommate gifts that cost less than $20.