Remember the days when giving your brother or sister a gift consisted of writing your name on the tag of whatever Mom bought, sticking it under the tree and calling it a day?
Well, you're in college now, and (hopefully) you have matured, as has your relationship with your siblings. While you may not be under quite as much pressure to find the perfect gift as when shopping for your significant other, you still want to give your brothers and sisters something that they'll appreciate.
DVDS
Whether it is a chick flick, science fiction movie, or that random foreign film that no one has heard of but your brother is obsessed with, a DVD is an easy gift. It may not seem particularly personal, but a DVD collection is one of those things that everyone has, but people don't want to spend their own money to expand it. Check Amazon.com for unbeatable prices, and if you're willing to put down more than a couple bucks, go for a TV show season rather than just one movie.
BOOKS
Winter break is an excellent time of the year to relax and catch up on some reading. Who doesn't love curling up next to the fire (or gas logs) with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book? Both chain and local bookstores (such as Easy Chair Bookstore on N. Main St.) tend to set up large displays with fun gift ideas for a variety of people, from Eats, Shoots & Leaves for the English nerd to cute little paperback series for the younger ones.
GIFT CARDS
Giving money as a gift seems so impersonal, but somehow giving it in the form of a gift card makes it more acceptable. Whether it's for her favorite clothing store or his top choice for electronics, a gift card guarantees that they will end up with something that they want. It also means that, unlike straight cash, it cannot be spent on something lame, such as gas.
HOBBY STUFF
Take whatever your siblings are into and work from there. Help them add to whatever collection they have been building over the years, feed your sister's jewelry-making obsession with some funky materials from Beadsburg (located in Christiansburg), or find that perfect hat she has been looking for to complete her snowboarding ensemble.
VIRGINIA TECH GEAR
Naturally, if your brother is a fellow Virginia Tech student, a Tech hat or hoodie seems like an easy, obvious gift. If your 17-year-old sister is beginning the process of selecting a school, go ahead and push her in the right direction with an orange and maroon purse. Have a little one in the house? Start 'em young with a little Tech T-shirt or sippy cup.
VIDEO GAMES
Go back to the days of playing "Super Mario" (and probably fighting over who had to be Luigi) with your big brother and surprise him with a game for his Wii or Playstation. Video games can be a bit pricey, but remember that you have a month at home, so investing in a game that you can enjoy with your siblings may be worth a few extra bucks. Check out Best Buy for the latest in games and accessories.
POSTERS
Chances are, regardless of age, your siblings have open wall space somewhere in their rooms. Help take care of that with a poster of favorite animals, country singers, reality shows or pieces of art. Browse Crossroads on Prices Fork Rd. for music and movie posters.
GADGETS
Not all electronics are in the iPod Nano price range. Handheld games such as 20Q, electronic Sudoku and Travel Scrabble are perfect for all ages, especially when there is time to kill during the seven-hour carride to visit the cousins between Christmas and New Year's.
GAG GIFT
There's no written rule saying that you must buy your brother a thoughtful, sentimental gift. If he has a good sense of humor, or just an appreciation for tacky items, give him a good laugh with one of those singing and dancing holiday turkeys. But if your sister is easily offended or prone to unnecessary tears, maybe some nice earrings would be a better approach than the mildly vulgar "I like to move it" dancing Santa Claus from Kroger.
DRINKS
Coffee shops come out with amazing holiday treats this time of year. Check out Starbucks (or More than Coffee, located downtown) and pick our your sibling's favorite coffee, tea or hot chocolate. If you are both of age, throw in a little bottle of their favorite whiskey or coffee liqueur.