Budget Santa Finding Just The Right Present For Under $10

Here they are - just in time for Christmas! A compilation of gift ideas for teens, by teens. A few writers for Our Generation hit the shops in search of cheap yet witty presents to wrap up for their friends. They had a $10 limit. If you’re short on cash, here are a few suggestions for you. Check out G2 for more.

TO DYE FOR

It’s always hard to buy for a friend with eccentric tastes. I try to give a gift that is useful and unique. I like a present to be memorable.

This gift fits the bill, though it requires a little effort. Tie-dyeing underwear is something you can do for the guy or girl who has everything, and it’s as fun to make as it is to wear.

First, buy the item to be dyed. Ask family or other friends to help you get the right size. Plain white cotton works best, and if you’re too chicken to give undies, you can choose a tank top or T-shirt.

You should be able to find a pair for about $2 at any department store. Then go to a grocery store and select the Rit Dye of your choice; it costs about $3.50. Bright colors are most entertaining, and if you’re really into it, you can experiment with multiple colors and different techniques. Go home and follow the directions on the bottle (you’ll also need a few rubber bands), and you’ll have a practical present for your wackiest friend.

BLOW UP THIS CHEWY CHRISTMAS PRESENT

By Evan Sykes/Northwest Christian

First stop: Fred Meyer. I was searching for the perfect gift, but I couldn’t find it at Freddy’s in the Valley. So, I got in my car and drove aimlessly down neon-lighted Sprague …

My eyes scanned the signs as I passed them. Suddenly, one caught my attention: Value Village. Yes! The perfect place to find a fun, inexpensive gift. With excitement, I sped up and down the isles of shirts, toys and used kitchen supplies from the ‘60s. It would be great if I could find a cheesy, old LP of Milli Vanilli (but who would want that?). A pogo stick would be even better (I found one, but it was way out of my price range). In a last ditch effort I headed down the housewares aisle, but a mug saying “SFCC Alumni: Class of ‘73” was not what I was looking for.

My heart was broken. The Shopping Situation seemed hopeless. So, back on the road again. It felt like I had been looking for days. Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a sign that read “Liquidation World.”

I remembered back in August when two crazy guys named Jeff Comstock and Scott Brown took me here and bought me some weird stuff. It was my last chance. So, being the daring person that I am, I pulled into the crowded parking lot and went inside.

Now this is the only place I know where you can get a jacket with “Property of U.S. Government” on the back, or glow-in-the-dark shoelaces. There definitely was the perfect gift in this place somewhere. Tadah! It was the largest container of Bazooka Bubble gum that I have ever seen. Luckily it was under 10 bucks - $9.49, to be exact.

I picked up the huge can of mouthwatering gum and made my way to the checkout stand. A feeling of peace entered my soul. I smiled at the cashier knowing my day had ended in success. I had purchased 280 pieces of Bazooka Bubble Gum, and the best part was knowing someone is going to sure be excited to see this one under the Christmas tree. Well, I hope so…