Are you looking for low-cost or free things to do this holiday season, things that won’t leave your wallets empty? Maybe you need new unique places or ideas for gifts this holiday season?
The Collegian’s got your back with suggestions and ideas.
THINGS TO DO AT HOME
Host a Movie Marathon: Grab your friends and family and your favorite snacks. Then sit back and binge your favorite movies like “Free Birds,” “Gremlins,” “The Polar Express,” “Elf,” “The Grinch Stole Christmas” or “Die Hard.”
You can even decorate cookies or make gingerbread houses while you watch!
Have a cheesy holiday photo session with friends or family: Remember those cheesy holiday photos on Christmas cards? DIY your own photo shoot with silly poses and ugly sweaters. All you need is your phone! And if you choose to be even more adventurous with your playful photos try using the free website Canva to create fun postcards to send out.
Host a board game night: As it gets cold and the rain starts this winter season, invite your friends and family to bring their favorite board game over and enjoy the company, maybe even throw on some holiday tunes.
EVENTS
The Holiday Market at The Well
Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1200 N. Center St.,Stockton
Free Admission-You’ll find many unique gifts for the holiday season, while you support small businesses, entrepreneurs, authors and artists in the community.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Weberstown Mall
4950 Pacific Ave., Stockton,
Tiny Library near LensCrafters
Free Admission- Join Mrs.Claus in this free event as she reads stories to the little ones in your life and helps with fun crafts and shares a treat with all.
Cookies & Claus
Dec. 14 at 1 to 2 p.m.
Weberstown Mall
4950 Pacific Ave., Stockton,
Dillard’s court
Free Admission- Bring the kids out later in the day and spend some quality time with Mrs. Claus. It features cookies and holiday crafts but only while supplies last.
Bob Hope Theatre presents classic movies: “Home Alone”
Dec. 15 at 1 p.m.
242 E Main St. Stockton
(619) 994-3717
Admission $12 for adults and $6
for children 12 and under, including facility fee
The Friends of the Fox Theatre Classic Movie Series is getting into the spirit with Home Alone. A festive live organ concert will be before the movie at 1:30 p.m. and movie at 2 p.m.. The theater is offering complimentary drinks and snacks.
UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS
Mugs and Teacups: If you have a homebody in your life, and they love tea or a hot beverage, then you know that they’ll appreciate a new mug or teacup. To make your gift feel extra special, try a thrift shop or a small business to find a unique mug or design it on amazon for a low price of $13 to $20.
Shower Steamers: If your loved ones appreciate aroma therapy, are stressed or just in need of some relaxation at the end of the day shower steamers are your way to go. Shower steamers could be a great stocking stuffer or small gift with their promise for relaxation or energy with the fragrant smells. You can find six packs or eleven eight packs on amazon as low as $7 to $15.
Things to watch or ideas to travel scratch off poster: Struggling to find movies to watch? This scratch-and-reveal poster will inspire you, family or friends to watch 100 of Hollywood’s best offerings. However if they aren’t huge movie buffs there are also options available on amazon for anime series, horror movies, date ideas and even ideas for National Parks to visit. Amazon offers these posters for $1
