The ULTIMATE Obie Gift Guide

Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, or an Obie’s birthday, listen up. I’ve infiltrated campus for close to two years now. I’ve quietly observed from afar the deepest desires of Obies, what they miss in their lives, and have even tested out a few gifts on unsuspecting victims myself. After all of my grueling research, no matter who your Obie is, I suspect that there is a 97% chance that something on this list appeals to them. Yes, even men. I went there. So what do you have to lose? Give this list a look-over. 

1. An Obie sweater (NOT merch)

NOT Oberlin merchandise. I’m talking about a true Oberlin sweater. Obies understand that the campus sweater environment is brutally competitive. Every knitted garment in Azzie’s (the library cafe) is worn oh-so-casually but determines the political hierarchy of Obie-ness.  What makes an Obie sweater? It’s preferably one-of-a-kind, colorful but muted, and patterned in a cozy or artsy way. This sweater has to be a statement piece. Obies want a sweater that, paired with jeans, instantly is an outfit. (I’m linking this pinterest board to help describe what I’m talking about.) Places to find Obie sweaters: thrift stores, depop, Etsy, ebay, and sometimes you can find one at the mall! Just keep an eye out for the vibe.

2. An Oberlin sweater (YES merch)

If you are family or have a steady income, do your Obie a favor! Merch is expensive. I don’t know anyone who can afford their own Oberlin hoodie or flannel pants. After maybe subtly checking if they like the style, click add to cart on the Oberlin bookstore website and I promise you will not regret it! Also, I do recommend a sweater. Three-quarters of the academic semester here is cold or chilly! They will get far more use than a t-shirt, worth the investment.

3. Something handmade

Everyone knows Obies are a sentimental bunch. Give your Obie a handpainted card, a handwritten letter, a knitted or crocheted item, a song (!!), or literally anything your hands touched and they might cry. Obies, like everyone, just want to know you care. Give beaded earrings or friendship bracelets a try for a quick work-up! Or buy fabric paint and customize a tote bag or garment. The possibilities are endless, and the internet can teach you all.

4. Tech ideas!

Does your Obie need new headphones or earbuds? You know we’re obsessed with music. They’d love you forever. Also, do they have a speaker? Try for a small one that packs a big punch and is waterproof (so they can blast their music in the communal showers when they think no one else is there). If they don’t have an alarm clock, too, that’d be a great gift! Think of funky vintage analog ones, modern multi-function ones that have speakers and radio included, or wellness-oriented sunrise simulators, and choose the one that suits your Obie best. Last on the tech front is chargers. Oh, chargers. Can you ever have enough? Pro tip-- get a little bag or case for their chargers, too (and that could be a cute DIY project), because I promise they are currently swimming around chaotically at the bottom of their bag. 

5. Stevie specials

I love this idea: small bottles of their favorite condiments, syrups, or spices to customize their dining hall foods! Maple syrup, hot sauce, steak sauce…go crazy. Just remember to make it portable! And if you want to add a homemade touch, maybe try making your own syrup or sauce for them to bottle. Especially if it’s a taste of home? Be still, my heart.

6. Oberlin-specific gift cards

Gift your Obie a chance to enjoy town. I’d recommend a simple gift card to Blue Rooster Bakehouse (best pastries in town), The Local (less crowded than Slow Train), For Ewe (if they’re into fiber arts like knitting or crochet!), or a local restaurant for date night (Thini Thai, The Feve, or even Kim’s). For funky accessories and gifts, a gift card to Ratsy’s or the Hope Collection wouldn’t go amiss, either! 

7. More food-related gifts

Reusable chopsticks for the Umami (sushi, poke, and rice bowl dining hall) lover. Travel mugs for the Azzie’s addict or home barista. A sweet treat of little chocolates for literally anyone! And the final frontier: dishware. I bet your Obie has a single spoon and no plate. Wherever will they put their instant ramen? Get them a cute bowl, plate, or dishware set. NOT mugs, they already have too many and you know it. Don’t feed their addiction. Students, check out Watson’s Hardware and Kim’s for great finds and unbeatable prices on dishware! There is so much more potential for gifting in town than you’d imagine. 

8. The arts

If your Obie is involved in productions, exhibits, concerts, clubs, whatever-- I’m sure they have posters. Steal one and frame it for them! Bonus points if you paint or customize the frame. This is a great way to let a friend or family Obie know you’re so proud of their hard work and creativity. Another option is a little prop-up frame of their family or friends, or a collage of things they like! Also check out local artists’ works and stickers for their walls and laptops. If your Obie likes to read, supply them with some lighthearted fun stories to get them through the next stressful semester (or a Ben Franklin’s gift card that could supply both their toiletry kit and book addiction). 

9. Games

Here’s a deep cut. Get your Obie a New York Times Games subscription. They’re desperate for the crosswords. People playing Wordle, Connections, and the Mini are a dime a dozen on campus. Hell, I do mine while brushing my teeth (good way to get the full two minutes). Or, if they’re more the physical board game kind, get them a cool deck of cards or portable board game they can take with them on a night out, bust out in a dorm or restaurant. 

10. Winter supplies, Sleep supplies

As Winter Term approaches, the on-campus Obie will be in dire need of snow boots. If you’re on a tighter budget, instant hot apple cider and hand warmers will be just as much appreciated, or more. Also, I don’t know an Obie who doesn’t love a weighted blanket. For bonus points, think of a hot water bottle or a pillow that is microwaveable for a heated experience (Yeah. They exist).

And that sums up my Obie gift guide! I’m sure there’s so much more that your Obie, in particular, would enjoy, and that Obies, in general, love. Maybe there’ll be an updated version next year…stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy the holidays and best of luck with the shopping. 

Much love, 

Daniela