Now I’m Shinin’: Last-Minute Guide to Giving Gifts

Abby Rakotomavo ’26 Lead Features Editor

As Term 1 comes to an end and the holiday season is upon us again, some may find themselves scrambling to throw together gifts for their friends and family. Don’t panic! Even if you only have five minutes or five dollars, these last-minute ideas from the Hopkins community can save you from showing up empty-handed.

1. Gift Cards

When in doubt, go digital. Gift cards never fail, and according to Anna Sobel ’31, “Gift cards can be used for whatever you want.” Winston Olenchock ’28 agrees, calling them “versatile,” while Kimaya Phatak ’29 adds, “People could get what they genuinely want and don’t have to pretend to like a gift that they actually didn’t.” So, gift cards are win-win for both the giver and receiver.

2. Do It Yourself

Sometimes, the best gifts are handmade. Aila Adams ’31 swears by “hand-made decorations.” She says, “they’re made by you, making the gift more thoughtful.” Roya Gendron ’29 agrees, sharing that she plans to create a “hand-made drawing of my dad’s favorite football team mascot.” Even a small DIY gift can show that you cared enough to make something from scratch.

3. Think Small, Gift Smart

If you’re short on time (or wrapping paper), think small but smart. “Puzzles,” says Aiden Gomez ’28, “are small, but they pack a punch in terms of challenge.” Meanwhile, Vincent Sze ’27 offers a creative suggestion: “Cookie cutters in the shape of your silhouette — so they can have me-shaped cookies!.” Whether it’s a challenging puzzle or uniquely-shaped cookie cutters, small gifts can still be meaningful.

4. Cozy Classics

Blankets, fuzzy socks, and soft sweaters are cozy gifts that never go out of style. “A blanket with someone’s name on it,” suggests Arjun Phatak ’28. He adds, “You can never go wrong with a blanket!” Similarly, Juliette Watson ’30 recommends “a set of the same scent lotion, body mist, and a candle” from Bath & Body Works with bonus points if you “throw in some candy and fuzzy socks.”

5. Custom Baskets

If you like assembling gifts with a personal touch without actually crafting anything, take inspiration from Mikoto Araki Siegenfeld ’26: “Cute gift baskets with basic things like lipgloss and chocolates… arranged to look good.” It’s affordable, easy to personalize, and still shows effort.

6. Jewelry, Journals, and Just-Because Gifts

Jewelry makes for a popular gift choice for a reason. Sofia Perez Castillo ’28 says, “You could personalize [jewelry] and get either a necklace or a bracelet that fits someone’s aesthetic.” For something more practical, Caitlin Fearon ’26 recommends useful gifts that, like jewelry, show attention to someone’s personal style and needs: “Updated school supplies, fuzzy socks, a phone case, lip balm, cute stationary” are a good idea if you’re “restocking because we’re halfway through the school year.”

7. Crowd Pleasers
You can’t go wrong with candy ,(Molly Mannella ’31 calls it “universal”.) or sSelf-care staples like “candles, body scrubs, stuffed animals, and funny sweaters,” according to Anyanna Osakwe ’28.

In the end, whether you choose a store-bought gift card, a handmade craft, or a cozy care package, it’s the thought that counts. Even last-minute gifts can be meaningful with a bit of creativity!

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Now I’m Shinin’: Last-Minute Guide to Giving Gifts