DO GIVE:

iTunes Music Store Gift Certificate

It’s almost impossible to walk through campus without seeing students carrying an iPod or another type of MP3 player. Don’t have $200-$300 to shell out for your iPod-less friend? Not a problem. Apple offers prepaid gift cards for its online iTunes Music Store — a legal option for downloading digital media. Gift cards are available in $15 and $25, and electronic or paper gift certificates can also be purchased for any amount between $10 to $200. Apple even offers the option of having electronic gift certificates e-mailed to its recipient — perfect for friends studying abroad or for out-of-town family.

Anything handmade

Although handmade gifts can take twice as much time to put together as a store-bought gift, they usually mean twice as much to your recipient. For ideas, grab a copy of the latest issue of ReadyMade magazine, a hip magazine offering creative and useful gift ideas. From building a house of cards out of old photographs to turning family pictures into Andy Warhol-style wall art, the magazine offers inexpensive, quick options for gift-givers. Knitting — a pastime that has regained popularity recently — is also an easy option for homemade presents. Try knitting a thin scarf on large needles, like size 16, and you’ll have a long, loopy scarf done in just a few hours. Cheaper yarn can be found at Meijer, while more expensive and unique materials are available at stores like Busy Hands on Main Street.

Clothes (for a girl, from a girl)

Buying clothes for other people can be a tricky situation for many shoppers. But if you are female and you think you know your friends’ styles well enough, go ahead and buy them clothes! Clothing is always appreciated, especially after the holiday season when most people have been shopping for others and not themselves. Plus, clothes are usually easy to return. Forever 21 at Briarwood Mall is a safe and inexpensive option because of its massive amounts of merchandise. For friends who have an edgy style, try nearby vintage stores like Retro Threads and Primitive Vintage on State Street or Henrietta Fahrenheit in Nickels Arcade. Of course, YCI Clothing on South University Avenue and Poshh on Liberty Street are more expensive options that also offer a wide variety of unique accessories like purses, shoes and jewelry.

Food

Edible presents are usually appreciated, especially for college students. For the more ambitious, try baking a cake or pie from scratch. No time or no culinary expertise? Grab a box of Pillsbury Funfetti holiday cake mix at Kroger or Meijer. Not only does the mix work for cake and cupcakes, but check inside the box for a recipe for Funfetti cookies. They’re a simple solution that takes less than 10 minutes to bake. If you’re really strained for time and money, candy canes decked out in brown pipe cleaner to resemble reindeer are always a nostalgic option.

DVDs, Videogames, etc.

It’s the ultimate safe gift. With more DVDs out than ever before, it’s easy to find something to complement your loved one’s collection, whether it’s the latest season of their favorite TV show or a special-edition release of their favorite movie. A couple can’t-miss ideas are “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy which will be released next week and “The Simpsons: Season 5,” which debuts on Dec. 21. For the gamer in your life, “Halo 2” and “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” will keep consoles humming over the holidays, while any ESPN sports game — a steal at $20 each — will be easy on your wallet.

DON’T GIVE:

Clothes (for anyone, from a guy)

No matter what anybody tells you, it is virtually impossible for a guy to pick out clothes for somebody else. Even if the well-intentioned fellow has the right size, style and color in mind, the choices in a clothing store can easily overwhelm him, and there’s no need to make the recipient return a poorly selected garment. A simple request, such as “a Michigan hoodie from Steve & Barry’s,” can still go wrong. The safe bet? Simply steer clear of clothing stores during the holiday season.

Anything related to romance