Photo by Jackeline Stewart
Temptations Three-in-One Twisted Peppermint and C.O. Bigelow Soda Fountain Mentha Lip Flavor Trio

BY NIKKI SCHWAB

It’s just about Christmas, and I’m just about broke.

Luckily for all of us penniless students, the Internet is a treasure trove of great gift ideas that you can bag for not a lot of cash. Here are my top five picks, which you can find online or in the stores.

iPod socks–$29 for a pack of six

It seems almost everyone has an iPod these days, and there is a smorgasbord of iPod cases in a variety of shapes and colors. But not every case is a good fit for every player. This cute set of knit “socks” fits video iPods and Nanos, and a pack comes in six colors – blue green, gray, orange, pink and purple. For $29, that comes to about five dollars a sock. You can find the iPod socks at the Apple store or Apple.com.

Men’s scrub-style sleep bottoms–$10

Have a thing for Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd of Grey’s Anatomy? Well, now your favorite friend or boyfriend can at least play the part. These bargain bottoms come in faded blue, dark sea blue, black and pine forest green. Available in sizes up to XXXL, even big boys can have a “McDreamy” night. You can find the sleep bottoms at Old Navy stores.

Temptations Three-in-One Twisted Peppermint–$12

This all-in-one shampoo, body wash and bubble bath smells like “candy canes gone wild,” according to Bath & Body Works. It’s refreshing, leaves you smelling fantastic, and the bottle makes it look almost good enough to eat.

C.O. Bigelow Soda Fountain Mentha Lip Flavor Trio–$15

These flavored lip glosses give you tingling good breath, too. While C.O. Bigelow is mostly known for its mint-flavored gloss, this set of three comes in tasty vanilla cola, black cherry soda and orange creme. This set, and other C. O. Bigelow products, can be purchased at Bath & Body Works.

The Iraq Study Group Report paperback–$6.57

And last but not least, the Iraq Study Group Report by Co-chairs James A. Baker III and Lee H. Hamilton has been all over the news. Already ranked No. 3 on the Amazon.com bestsellers list, this paperback is a must-have for your favorite liberal or conservative. Buy it for $6.57 on Amazon.com or in most bookstores for $10.95.