With these economic times, it may be difficult to find affordable gifts for the holiday season, especially in Davis.
The California Aggie went around town to find stores that have the best deals for penny-pinching students.
The Davis Food Co-op
620 G St.
Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
The Davis Food Co-op has many knick-knacks, most of which are organically sustainable or fair trade for those eco-friendly Aggies.
“We have the usual clothing, baskets, hacky sacks,” said Angie Evans, an alumna of UC Davis who works at the Co-op. “You could make your own gift baskets and we have gift bags and wrapping, too.”
Evans said that the Co-op has sales going on before students leave for winter break.
“We have an 11 percent sale on the eleventh [of the month] where certain items will be on sale,” Evans said. “Unfortunately we can’t have the entire store on sale because of these economic times.”
Himalaya Gifts
713 2nd St.
Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Himalaya Gifts mainly sells sterling silver jewelry with genuine gemstones, which may be a good gift for mothers or other female relatives. Jewelry prices depends on how large the stones are, starting from $4 to upwards $150.
Besides jewelry, this small Mom and Pop boutique also sells books on meditation and hand-painted canvasses. Book prices range from $8 to $15. Paintings are a bit more expensive, starting at $250, said the owner.
Cost Plus World Market
871 Russell Blvd.
Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost Plus World Market has a wide variety of items that can be put into gift baskets, with pre-made “Create a Gift!” baskets adorned with signs giving detailed instructions.
A “Stocking Stuffers” display can also be found in the store, which includes small gifts under $5 such as Glitter Balls, pens that light up and Woodpecker wind-ups.
The store also has a large selection of various chocolates, and wine, for those over the age of 21 looking for a classier gift.
The Gap
500 First St.
Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Gap clothing store, located in the Davis Commons, rotates its sales every couple days.
“It’s hard to pick out a couple things specifically that are on sale for the season because we’re always changing,” said manager Michelle Nunnally. “We have gift box socks though, an interesting gift, but they’re really cute.”
Nunnally also said that jewelry is on sale, with some items are only $6. Scarf prices start at $19.50 and can be a good addition to a winter wardrobe.
UCD Bookstore
Located inside the Memorial Union
Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays
What parent doesn’t want a “UC Davis Mom” t-shirt and what grandparent can resist the “UC Davis Grandpa” coffee mug? These typical gifts are bound to induce tears and bone-crushing hugs during the holidays (whether or not they are crying over increased fees or for the sentimental value of the gift).
“There are a lot of little gifts for the family to choose from – sweatshirts, mugs and jackets,” said Liz Everingham, senior political science major. “But there are also these Davis Christmas tree ornaments that have [the Gunrock mascot] or [UC Davis or Aggies] on it – more for people who like those kinds of things.”
The bookstore has sales every Wednesday, varying through different departments.
“But there are always t-shirts ranging from eight to 10 dollars in the front of the store. The sizes are low though because they sell out fast,” Everingham said. “And there’s Skull Candy headphones that are 10 bucks right now, too.”
Everingham said that as a student with a tight budget, shopping in general is out of the question.
“I stopped shopping when I came to Davis,” Everingham said. “I don’t have enough money.”
DINA MORCOS can be reached at features@theaggie.org.
