Author: Caleb Bendixen

The holiday season is a great time to show those that you care about how special they are, and a great gift doesn’t have to break the bank! Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, coworkers, or anyone on your list, here are five thoughtful and versatile gift ideas, each under $20, that will bring joy without stretching your budget.

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1. Customizable Mugs

• Why it’s great: A personalized mug is perfect for anyone who enjoys a warm cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. You can easily find mugs that allow you to add a fun message, their initials, or a custom design.
• Where to find it: Many online stores, like Amazon or Etsy, offer customizable options for under $20. Look for options with fun patterns, sayings, or a photo option for a personal touch.

2. Mini Succulent Planter

• Why it’s great: Small plants bring a touch of nature indoors and are known for improving air quality and reducing stress. Succulents are easy to care for, making them perfect for both experienced plant owners and beginners. They’re low-maintenance, and add greenery to any space.
• Where to find it: Local garden centers, big-box stores like Target, or even online shops. Many sellers offer affordable single succulents or bundles with a small pot, all within the $20 range.

3. Portable Bluetooth Speaker

• Why it’s great: Whether for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, a portable Bluetooth speaker is a gift anyone can appreciate. It’s compact and perfect for on-the-go listening, so the recipient can take it to the beach, park, or enjoy it at home.
• Where to find it: Major retailers like Walmart or Amazon offer a range of small, budget-friendly Bluetooth speakers. Many models are available under $20, with decent sound quality and battery life.

4. Desk Toys & Fidgets

• Why it’s great: Perfect for anyone who spends time at a desk, fidget toys or small desk gadgets can add a bit of fun to the workday and even help reduce stress. There are options for all types, from calming sensory items to classic stress balls.
• Where to find it: Check out places like Five Below, Target, or even bookstores, which often stock affordable options. You’ll find everything from mini magnetic sculptures to fidget cubes and stress-relieving toys within your price range.

5. DIY Hot Chocolate Kit

• Why it’s great: A DIY hot chocolate kit, complete with a mix, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and maybe even a mini whisk or cinnamon stick. It’s thoughtful, easy to put together, and can be customized with flavors or toppings the recipient loves.
• Where to find it: You can make your own kit with affordable items from a grocery store or buy a pre-made one from specialty stores or online. Look for affordable gourmet options, or make it yourself for a truly personal touch.

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Happy Gifting!

Each of these ideas is affordable, thoughtful, and flexible enough to appeal to almost anyone. Plus, at under $20, they’re friendly budget friendly. Happy Holidays!

In today’s digital world, social media plays a significant role in our daily lives, connecting us with friends, family, and communities. However, with these connections come risks, especially for college students navigating their academic and personal lives. At the UW-Whitewater Financial Literacy Center, we believe that understanding social media safety is just as important as financial literacy. Here are some key tips to help you stay safe online.

1. Protect Your Privacy Settings

One of the first steps to ensuring your safety on social media is to review and adjust your privacy settings. Most platforms offer options to control who can see your posts, comment on your content, and send you messages. Consider setting your profiles to private and limit your audience to friends and family. This can help prevent unwanted attention from strangers.

Action Steps:

• Regularly check your privacy settings on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Be mindful of what you share publicly, as even seemingly harmless information can be used against you.

2. Think Before You Share

It’s easy to share updates and photos in the moment, but it’s essential to think about the long-term implications of your posts. Once something is online, it can be challenging to erase it completely. Consider how your posts might be perceived by potential employers, professors, or future connections.

Action Steps:

• Ask yourself: Would I be comfortable if my family or future employer saw this post?
• Avoid sharing sensitive information such as your location, financial details, or personal identifiers.

3. Be Cautious with Friend Requests

Social media is a great way to meet new people, but not everyone has good intentions. Be aware of friend requests from strangers, especially those who seem to have incomplete profiles or mutual friends you don’t know well. Scammers often create fake accounts to gain access to your personal information.

Action Steps:

• Verify profiles before accepting requests.
• If someone messages you with a suspicious offer or request, do not respond and consider reporting the account.

4. Recognize Phishing Attempts

Phishing scams can occur on social media just as they do through email. These scams often involve messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, asking for personal information or directing you to fraudulent websites.

Action Steps:

• Be suspicious of messages that create a sense of urgency, such as claims that your account will be locked unless you act immediately.
• Never click on links from unknown sources or provide personal information unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity.

5. Educate Yourself on Online Etiquette

Maintaining a respectful online presence is crucial not just for your safety but also for your reputation. Be aware of how your comments and interactions can impact your digital footprint.

Action Steps:

• Engage positively and constructively with others.
• Think before you comment or share controversial opinions, as they can spark unwanted conflict.

6. Keep Software Updated

Ensure that your devices and applications are up to date. Regular updates help protect against security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.

Action Steps:

• Enable automatic updates for your operating system and apps.
• Use reputable antivirus software to protect your devices.

7. Report Suspicious Activity

If you encounter any suspicious behavior, whether it’s a message from an unknown source or a post that seems inappropriate, don’t hesitate to report it. Social media platforms have mechanisms in place to handle such issues and protect their users.

Action Steps:

• Familiarize yourself with how to report accounts or posts on each platform.
• Don’t hesitate to block users who make you uncomfortable.