By L’Rae Celestine
Photo by L’Rae Celestine
Willow students have expensive tastes. This shows in their holiday wish list. Clothes, shoes, skincare, and technology are in high demand as people are making their lists of what they want. With these expensive tastes also comes concern from adults, trying to figure out how to afford these gifts whose prices have inflated over the past couple of years.
According to a survey by Statista, the average U.S. consumer is expected to spend more than $1,000 this year on holiday gifts. While this might seem unbelievable, certain trending gifts are pretty expensive and add up to a hefty total.
A very popular gift among students is technology. Whether it’s the new iPhone 16, an iPad, headphones, or gaming consoles, these products are some of the most wanted by our peers.
Along with technology, clothing was another gift that students talked about wanting. Lululemon, Essentials, and Nike are the most popular brands among our peers, with many of them asking for a Define Jacket and/or hoodie and sweatpants sets for the holidays. Shoes such as Adidas Sambas, Timberland boots, and Tasman Uggs were a common want, along with these clothes, so expect to see some new outfits with these items after winter break–if parents are able to afford these pricey brands.
Another popular gift that Willow students want is the all-time favorite gift–money! Many kids find gift cards, Cash App or Venmo payments, or good old-fashioned cash as a convenient gift when they don’t know what to ask for.
“I usually just ask for money,” sophomore Haviva Atugonza said, “so I can just buy whatever items I can’t think of at the moment I’m asked for my list.”
This seems to be the same mindset that most students have. Money is a great gift to receive and give because it allows recipients to buy whatever they want without feeling pressure to ask for different gifts from everyone.
Aside from these pretty normal gifts, there are a few gifts that students want that might surprise you. A second Louis Vuitton purse and an Yves Saint Laurent purse are just the start of one of our peers’ wishlist. Along with these expensive asks are hair highlights and second ear piercings, which adds somewhat of a balance, I guess.
Cars are another want from Willow students. While this can be pricey, a good fixer-upper could do the job, making this holiday gift more accessible.
When it comes to the girls at Willow, skincare, makeup, perfume, and jewelry are on everyone’s wishlist. Popular brands such as Sol De Janeiro, Charlotte Tilbury, Kendra Scott, and Summer Fridays are influencing many people as they try to find the best product to ask for. These brands have gotten a lot of publicity in the past year.
Although some of these gifts might be surprisingly expensive, they don’t stray far from what most people in the U.S. are asking for this year. According to an article by the New York Post, the most trending/searched gifts include Coach purses, skincare from Laneige and La Roche-Posay, jewelry from Kendra Scott and Mejuri, fragrances from Maison Margiela and Diptyque, and clothing and shoes from Nike, SKIMS, Alo, and Salomon.
So, while some students might have expensive taste, the holidays are all about giving, right? Or have they become more about going into debt to keep up with peers?
