You’re caught up in the frenzy of holiday shopping, but you already took a hammer to your piggy bank.
With only a few dollars left to spend, you still dream of making shopping your newest self-care practice — but you’d rather not bargain hunt at your local Walmart or get into a tug-of-war for some $2 bath towels at Target.
Well, cash-strapped shoppers rejoice — Cyber Monday is just around the corner and The Spectrum is here to help you score some great deals from the comfort of your home. And don't worry — we’ve curated this list of products from Amazon with every type of student-shopper in mind.
For the English major (at heart):
Originally: $129.99
Now: $84.99
The Kindle Paperwhite grants you access to exclusive Kindle titles, thousands of new releases and best sellers at $2.99 or less. With 8 GB of storage, you’ll be able to download twice the amount of books, magazines and comics as with previous models of the e-reader.
The best parts? A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours, and the device is 100% waterproof for stress-free poolside reading.
For the late-night studier:
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker
Originally: $112.99
Now: $79.99
If alcohol is liquid courage, then coffee is liquid productivity. Studies show that caffeine improves alertness and enhances short-term memory — the perfect recipe for a pre-quiz cram session. The Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker is perfect for brewing coffee or tea for one. Just fill up the machine’s water reservoir, pop in your favorite Keurig K-cup and press “Brew” to enjoy a nice, hot beverage for those finals week all-nighters.
Can’t stop at just one cup? No problem! This brewer allows you to prepare an entire pot of coffee using your favorite grounds on the thermal carafe side.
For the uber organized:
Originally: $20.39
Now: $17.69
Looking forward to leaving 2020 in the dust? Start planning ahead by keeping yourself booked and busy in 2021! It’s easy with the AT-A-GLANCE Weekly Planner.
This planner features a sleek black faux leather cover, for style, and twin wire binding, for durability. It covers 13 months, from January 2021 to January 2022, with 15-minute appointment time slots and ruled columns for weekdays.
At 8-¼” x 11”, the planner is about the size of a spiral-bound notebook — large enough to accomodate all of your day and night plans.
For the fitness fanatic:
Originally: $229.95
Now: $199.95
The Fitbit Versa 2 is a full blown smartwatch with all of the features you’d expect from a smart device — voice control features powered by Amazon’s Alexa allow you to use your voice to create alarms, set bedtime reminders or check the weather. Classic features, like the heart-rate monitor and pedometer, allow you to get a fuller picture of your overall health. Fitness data is automatically inputted into the Fitbit app, making tracking your fitness goals a breeze.
For the stressed out student:
Everlasting Comfort Essential Oil Diffuser
Originally: $44.95
Now: $29.70
Get ready to sniff your stresses away!
The Everlasting Comfort Essential Oil Diffuser’s 400 milliliter water tank provides 13 hours of aromatherapy as it silently diffuses your favorite essential oils. More importantly, this unit is BPA free and ETL certified, so you can be assured that your new diffuser is made with your health and safety in mind.
You can customize your experience by setting the device’s timer for 1, 3 or 6 hours, or a continuous mist. The device also features an auto shut-off feature that will switch off your device when water levels are low.
For the textaholic:
Originally: $7.99
Now: $6.39
Achiou Touchscreen Gloves are crafted with a soft, elastic material that makes them easy to wear and take off. The gloves allow you to use your thumbs and index fingers for scrolling, typing and pressing on phones, tablets and other touchscreen devices. These gloves feature a windproof design that's tough enough to stand up to Buffalo's worst winter winds. They come in women's sizes medium and large, but will warm hands of most sizes.
The best part? Washing these gloves is a breeze because they're machine washable!
For the fashion-forward student who likes to do work on-the-go:
Herschel Little America Laptop Bag
Originally: $99.99
Now: $49.99
Herschel bookbags are a favorite among hipsters and college students alike, and it's easy to see why.
The Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack boasts a timeless exterior design available in dozens of colors and prints. The bag’s magnetic strap closures with metal pin clips and stitched logo add some extra flair to an otherwise understated bookbag.
In terms of functionality, this backpack keeps things minimalist. The backpack contains one large compartment and a smaller media port with a hidden key clip tucked inside. A padded and fleece-lined laptop sleeve in the main compartment can accommodate laptops up to 15" long.
For anyone going just about anywhere:
Gildan 3-Layer Cotton Face Masks
Originally: $22.99 (24 pack), $39.99 (48 pack)
Now: $14.99 (24 pack), $20.00 (48 pack)
Admit it, we’ve all been in a rush to leave our house and gotten one foot out the door before realizing we forgot our masks. Frantic, eleventh-hour searches for face coverings can be stressful, but they don't have to be. Stock up on masks, like these Gildan 3-Layer Cotter Face Masks, to avoid the last-minute headaches. You'll never have to fish through your hamper for a dirty mask on your way out the door again!
These mask packs are available in black and white. The 24 pack will run you $14.99, while the 48 pack will cost you $20. Each mask is reusable and constructed of a water-resistant outer layer and a breathable cotton inner layer. Choose between elastic ear loop or tie-on design options for customized comfort.
The CDC recommends use of cotton or cloth face coverings with 3-layer protective constructions.
Elizabeth Napolitano is the senior news editor and can be reached at elizabeth.napolitano@ubspectrum.com.
Elizabeth "Liz" Napolitano is the senior news editor for The Spectrum. She's an optimistic pessimist who found her love for journalism in Ecuador. She likes late night walks and reading Twitter threads in their entirety.
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
