Happy Holidays from The Hilltopper staff!
Our team has compiled a list of presents for those who are in the process of holiday gift-shopping. Whether you are shopping for a coworker you may not know too well, or your music-obsessed little cousin, our staff has you covered.
Recommendations by our Middle Schoolers
Friendship Bracelets (varying prices)
Making your friend a friendship bracelet is the perfect way to say that you appreciate them. You can make them out of many different things such as clay beads, paper beads, pony beads, yarn and even thread. Even though you have to buy these materials either separately or in a kit, I feel it is still worth it because it is always fun to make a bracelet. Also when you get a kit you can make many bracelets. A friendship bracelet is a classic, yet fun gift.
- Ella Jay Bendza ‘30
The Comfy ($49.99)
During the winter regular sweatshirts don’t work for me, somehow the cold of the winter seeps in through the bottom.
But all that can change with The Comfy.
The comfy is a giant wearable blanket, it comes in many different colors, and if you hate having to look over all your sweatshirts and shirts there's only two sizes: child, and adult. I own one myself. They were also featured on Shark Tank.
This wearable blanket is so big you can fit both your legs and your backpack in it, you can also fit you and your friend in it.
So if you want to stay warm this winter, buy The Comfy.
- Ryan Doyle ‘30
Recommendations by our Freshmen
Photo Album (varying prices)
If you want to give something creative and meaningful to your loved one(s) this Christmas but don’t know where to begin, make a photo album! Take some time to find your favorite photos with or of the recipient(s) and print them out. You can find albums, big or small, at your local craft store and even online.
- Kate Gorgievski ‘27
Stanley Tumbler ($35-50)
I can’t think of too many teenagers who don’t love Stanleys. You can find them in any store from Target to Walmart and they come in a variety of colors. Yes, they may be a bit pricey, but it’s a cute, quality water bottle that’ll last you a while, and it’s the perfect gift for anyone; regardless of age.
- Aleena Lopez ‘27
Fujifilm Disposable Camera ($20-$30)
These Cameras are the best way to capture amazing moments with your friends! They are cheap and great for the environment! Once full, you can hand it into CVS to print them out! This is great for putting moments on walls for decorations.
- Nadia Martins ‘27
Recommendations by our Sophomores
Hanging Macrame Picture Collage Wall Decor ($26.96)
Need somewhere to hang all your amazing pictures? This lovely wall decor can hold multiple pictures of you and your friends/family! It includes LED lights that add a little extra to your pictures! It’s an amazing gift for family or friends, and the macrame tassels come in other colors to match your room!
- Sophia Boisvert ‘26
Puzzles ($10-$77)
Puzzles are a great and entertaining gift for anyone in your life! With a huge choice of themes, sizes, and difficulty, you can buy them for a friend or a family member!
- Emma Brown ‘26
Recommendations by our Juniors
Ornaments (varying prices)
If you want something simple and easy to gift, ornaments are the way to go. Christmas ornaments come in all shapes and sizes, making them perfect for all Christmas lovers!
- Jordan Daly ‘25
Double Bass (Around $500)
Have a friend that loves music? Got some extra cash to burn? Buy them a double bass, and watch their priceless reaction as you roll up at their house on Christmas with an instrument probably at least as large as them! (This is definitely an unbiased opinion)
- Kyle DeAmaral ‘25
Phone Case ($5 - $30)
Know a friend who never has a case or just simply drops their phone too much? A new phone case will be a great gift for them this christmas season! With many colors and patterns to choose from, and even personalizing it, it can become a meaningful and rewarding gift for the person. Although it may seem simple, this gift is timeless and never fails!
- Bridget Dee ‘25
New Balance Lifestyle Sneakers (Varying prices)
Want to be up on your shoe game this winter? Get a pair of New Balance shoes, they are both cute, comfy and affordable! These shoes go with everyone’s style and outfit.
- Kayla Doherty ‘25
Guitar ($100-500)
Guitars can be a fun hobby to get into, and they can be a great gateway into finding a passion for music. They are fun to play and practice just by yourself, but knowing how to play one, or simply just owning a guitar can create fun social situations.
- Kyle Hogan ‘25
Wallflower Room Scent Plug-In (varying prices)
A wallflower is a great gift to get someone, especially if you are not that close to them yet and don’t know what to get them. Everyone loves a room that smells good! The best part about a wallflower is that there are unique seasonal and holiday scents made by Bath and Body Works but there are also clean scents that can be used all year round. The price of the actual scent is around eight dollars while the plug in can vary from around 7- 40 dollars depending on the intricacy of the design that you pick.
- Caelan Hurley ‘25
Pajama Pants (varying prices)
Everyone loves PJ pants. They’re affordable and so comfy for the holidays. You can get them at target, amazon, and pretty much any store during Christmas time.
- Lauren Langelier ‘25
Digital Camera (varying prices)
This year cameras, specifically digital cameras have been HOT!
Everyone wants to get their hands on one. A digital camera is a perfect gift for any friend.
The friend with the camera is everyone's favorite. On this camera, pictures actually turn out good. They’ll never want to take iPhone pics again. Winter Ball and Prom will be coming up not long after Christmas too.
- Ava Leighton ‘25
Heavy-Duty Snow Tube ($100 - $200)
A snow tube is a great gift for any age! Who doesn’t love tubing down a hill covered in snow? The problem with typical cheap plastic sleds is that they can crack pretty easily and have to get tossed out. Snow tubes, though, especially heavy-duty ones, are very durable and last a lot longer. So, if you want to buy someone a gift that you know they’ll enjoy throughout the winter, consider getting them a snow tube!
- Michael Marino ‘25
LED Strip Lights ($10-$25)
Bland bedroom? Not anymore! LED strip lights are a perfect Christmas gift for kids and teens seeking aesthetic ambiance for their rooms. With an easy application, setup process and endless color customization, it completely transforms the aura of a room with minimal effort. They are not costly either, with some costing as little as $10 for 100ft. Plus, multiple sets can often be connected and synced to cover large rooms or different areas.
- Brodie Moy ‘25
Books (varying prices)
Thinking you may be bored during the break? If you aren’t a fan of movies or want to switch things up, as for a good book. It will keep you occupied for much longer than anything else and maybe let you relive a better time of year, like summer!
- Hannah Patrie ‘25
Mitzi Reindeer JellyCat ($32.50)
Looking for something fun and cute for younger family members and teens? Check out this Reindeer JellyCat! It is the perfect gift to make anyone’s day. Not only is it festive, but it is so cute!
- Jay Tenreiro ‘25
Kendra Scott Abbie Gold Pendant Necklace in Ivory Mother-of-Pearl ($75.00)
Do you know a jewelry lover? If so, I can guarantee you this Kendra Scott classic, which is now made with mother-of-pearl, will be the perfect holiday gift. It has a subtle beauty that represents joy, optimism, possibility, and femininity. The color and tone of this piece will easily add a special shine to any outfit you could have in mind. And although it may seem pricey, the quality is unmatched and that smile it’ll produce on Christmas day will forever be priceless!
- Kaylee Thrul ‘25
Recommendations by our Seniors
Sun Bum Sonny Air Freshener ($6.99)
This is for your friend who misses trips to the beach. Like. REALLY. Misses trips to the beach. You already know the self-tan and puka shell necklaces aren’t enough to make it through the winter.
It is said to smell like bananas and coconut- similar to the majority of their products , and have the ability to “eliminate car stank”. I’m not sure who’s leaving “decaying burritos” or “petrified french fries” in their car, but if that happens to be you, Sun Bum claims that this air freshener will help with that as well!
- Olyvia Bendza ‘24
Portable JBL Bluetooth Speaker (varying prices)
Whether you’re looking to jam alone in your room, at a Christmas party with friends, or you just feel like blasting Mariah Carey songs to your whole family, a reliable speaker is a necessity for all music lovers during the holiday season!
- Liam Dee ‘24
The Martian by Andy Weir ($10)
The Martian is a great gift for anyone who loves to read and is also a science/engineering nerd. It’s a relatively easy read. An amazing sci-fi book complete with tons of nerdy science jokes while still being scientifically accurate and interesting.
Overall a great read. Great for teenagers and adults who love science and could use an interesting read to fill their holiday break!
- Sam Elkerton ‘24
HydroFlask ($45)
This is a great present for anyone. I mean anyone.
Everyone loves cold water, and there are so many different colors and sizes that are stunning to the eye and aesthetic. There are typical colors but also fun ones with interesting names like Agave, my personal favorite.
You don't have to be a hiker or a seriously outdoorsy person, just someone who drinks water! Which is everyone!! I have linked a standard 32 ounce in the color white, but any of these are wonderful selections.
- Mia Norris ‘24
Chunky Yarn Blankets (varying prices)
Who doesn’t love a good cozy blanket to wrap themselves up with during this holiday season? Struggling to figure out what to get someone? Anyone can use a blanket. This is the perfect gift for any college student looking for items for their dorms, a grandmother looking to cozy up in her favorite chair, or a shared gift for you and your significant other. Also at only $30 it’s a great affordable gift for those less money to spend this holiday season.
- Emma Roberts '24
Hoodies (varying prices)
In the dead of winter… all over the world… in the New England area…
IT IS SO FREAKING COLD. One could even go so far as to say it’s freezing.
This holiday season, if you, like me, have friends who are always complaining about the cold air, (Or, if you, also like me, cannot give them the stunning Caribbean vacation you’re both dreaming of) then fear not! There is hope, and that hope is Hoodies.
They come in hundreds of styles, colors, sizes, and whatever. You decide what speaks to your friend the most. But if you’re in dire need of a gift, and you’ve got no clue what to do, don’t underestimate the heartwarming power of a hoodie!
- Rachel Wild '24
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