So you’ve never had an orgasm – or you have, but only by yourself. Whether you can’t climax from sex with your partner, or you can’t quite figure out how to make yourself tick, there are plenty of reasons why you might be having trouble. Thankfully, for every one of your climaxing problems, Her Campus has a solution. So sit back, relax, and… read our tips on how to reach the big O!

Why you’re not having orgasms

According to Cosmopolitan’s orgasm survey, only 57 percent of women climax almost every time with a partner—and that’s including women over 30, who probably have a way better idea of what they’re doing sexually. That being said, if you have yet to reach that big O, you are not alone.

Brittany*, a junior at Adelphi University, had this problem for a long time before she addressed it. “Oftentimes people are too embarrassed to bring it up. I know I was,” Brittany says. “I felt like something was wrong [with] me and my body and that I would never get the same amount of pleasure that my boyfriend does.”

There are some deep-seated explanations for why so many women find it difficult to orgasm. We discussed some of these issues with Celeste Hirschman, MA, and Danielle Harel, PhD, aka sex therapists Celeste & Danielle. “From a young age, girls are told that their sexuality is not for them,” Dr. Harel explains. “If they have not started masturbating before hearing those messages, they may not try masturbation at all. Even if they do try masturbating, they may be embarrassed and have gotten little information about their bodies and therefore don't know what will arouse them or give them orgasms.” And if you don’t know what gets you off alone, there’s a very slim chance you’ll figure it out with a partner.

“When [girls] try partner sex, they may not be able to give their partner information about what is pleasurable to them and may also feel inhibited due to shaming, negative messages,” Dr. Harel says. “Additionally, they may feel uncomfortable with the way their body looks or smells, may feel self-conscious being naked or may not let their partner give them oral sex.”

As if there weren’t enough things holding us collegiettes back from having fulfilling sex, “some women take much longer to orgasm than do others and may give up or feel like their partner is not willing to take the time,” Dr. Harel adds. However, before you get discouraged by all of these O-bstacles, check out our guide for how to finally reach that orgasm!

Related: Low Sex Drive in Women in Their 20s: What's Going On

How to reach your orgasm (with a partner or not!)

Masturbate & get to know your body

If you don’t know what works for you, it will be next to impossible for your partner to know what works for you. Masturbating is the tried and true method for understanding your body AND feeling more comfortable sexually, so if you haven’t already, why not give it a try?

“Honestly, the first time I got off was from masturbating alone,” says Nicky*, a senior at Auburn University. “I had no idea what I was doing or what to touch, but I experimented.”

Nicky definitely had the right idea. “The first thing a woman should do to learn how to have orgasms is to masturbate,” Hirschman says. “Sometimes it can be helpful to watch videos of other women masturbating to get an idea of what to do. For example, many women need to squeeze the muscles in their legs or move their legs while touching their clitoris in order to have an orgasm.”

Need more stimulation? “It may also be helpful to read some erotica or watch porn while masturbating in order to bump up psychological arousal,” Hirschman says. “Psychological arousal can help a woman overcome embarrassment and increase sexual focus.”

If your goal is to get off alone, awesome! But how will masturbating help you come with a partner? “Once you have a better idea of how your body works, it will be much easier to tell your partner how they need to stimulate you in order for you to come,” Hirschman says. “It can be very helpful for you to masturbate in front of your partner so that they see what you like.” Sounds like everybody wins in this scenario!

Relax & be patient

When it comes to your orgasm, the more you think about it, the less likely you will be to reach it. The key is not to force it—it takes time! In order to finish, you need to move through the stages of sexual arousal, that is excitement, plateau and orgasm. The first two take a lot of stimulation to result in the third, which is all the more reason not to stress it.

“Relax!” says Samantha*, a sophomore at Drexel University. “If you're getting really anxious or stressed out about the fact that you're trying to have an orgasm, it's going to interfere with your ability to feel the pleasurable sensations that can lead up to the big moment.” This makes so much sense, if you think about it!

“Sex is a lot more then reaching a ‘big O!’” Brittany says. “If you think about it happening, it won’t. Either way, you're still sharing a strong bond with your partner. If you haven't had an orgasm with them, it doesn't mean you don’t love them. It doesn't mean there's something wrong with your relationship or your body. It will happen eventually.” So don’t stress it, collegiettes! In the meantime, try the following tips and tricks!

Find your turn-ons

Set the scene! If you’re not in a sexy mood, you probably won’t be able to climax. “Indulge in sensual things that make you feel sexy,” Samantha says. “Whether it's lighting a few candles, dressing up in lingerie you splurged on or receiving a massage from your partner, owning your turn-ons will help you get into a secure, confident place to try the new things that could get you to orgasm.” This is such amazing advice! Not sure where to start? We love this sexy slip from Victoria’s Secret ($49.50) and this amber-scented candle from Voluspa ($24) to complement your evening! Not only can these props arouse you, but they can also help you to relax—one of the most important elements in your climax.

Don’t underestimate your clitoris

Up to 75 percent of women have difficulty coming from vaginal intercourse, so you’ll need to count on clitoral stimulation to get the most out of both masturbation and sex with your SO or hookup. “With a partner or on your own: experiment with touches of different pressure on your clitoris,” Samantha says. “There's a reason it's one of the most talked-about pleasure spots for women! You can do this with the aid of a personal lubricant, which will reduce uncomfortable friction on that sensitive area. But don't focus exclusively there. The surrounding areas (like the labia and vulva) have tons of nerve endings and are also incredibly sensitive to touch.” It sounds like the collegiette has experienced some pretty great sex! Follow her example and try stimulating yourself on and around the clitoris, so you can finally reach that big O.

Experiment with positions

Now you know that your clitoris is your best chance to reach an orgasm, you can start playing around with positions that stimulate your clit and G-spot (a pleasure center on the front wall of your vagina).

“Try sex positions that maximize contact with the clitoris and the G-spot,” Samantha says. “For example, if you're doing girl on top, try grinding slightly forward and back, instead of focusing on up-and-down movement. Your G-spot will be stimulated by your guy, and you can control the pressure on your clitoris to what feels best, making this position one great option!”

Apparently, this strategy works for many collegiettes! “Girl on top can be a great way to reach an orgasm,” says Sophie*, a junior at James Madison University. “When you're in control, you can go at the pace you like to help you reach that O!” The combination of being in control and finding the right angle to maximize pleasure is a great way to get the most out of sex.

But girl on top isn’t the only position you can try! Experiment with your partner to see what works for you.

Try a sex toy

Hear us out, collegiettes! A vibrator or another sex toy might be the answer to all your sexual woes. “During penetration, the majority of women need to have some clitoral stimulation and will need to use their hands or a vibrator at the same time that they're having intercourse in order to come,” Hirschman says. “Sadly, many women are embarrassed or afraid to bring their vibrators into sex, but this can be one of the best ways for women to achieve consistent orgasms with a partner.”

Not down to mosey over to an actual sex shop? Amazon has a great selection for you to shop from the privacy of your own home.

Communicate

Last but not least, in order to have satisfying intercourse with your partner, the most important thing is to establish proper communication between the two of you. “Something that I've done is have a conversation about it with my partner,” Brittany says. “In the end I found out that he felt bad for me and thought I wasn't enjoying anything. All of this came after we spoke about it. It's important to always communicate, especially since we are young and figuring it all out.”

For Maggie*, a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, “the trick is open communication and being comfortable trying everything. Figuring out what makes you tick comes down to experimenting with different areas, whether it be with oral sex, breast stimulation, penetration or a combination of all three. If you have not had an orgasm then you just haven't found the combination that will help.” Duly noted!

If you find it difficult to reach an orgasm, try one or more of our tips to finally climax—with a partner or not! If you’re in a relationship, don’t forget that communication is super crucial for both of you to enjoy sex as much as one another. Good luck, collegiettes!

*Name has been changed

Trigger warning: Sexual assault

My story began when I was 6-years-old and I was sexually assaulted by my cousin who is 11 years older than me.

I am an only child. My single mother worked 80 hours a week and my father was absent for most of my life. It was just me and my 17-year-old cousin in the house until my grandma came back in the evenings.

In American families, when you think of the average babysitter, the image of the teenage girl making $10 an hour comes to mind. However, in a traditional Asian household––like the one I was raised in––men are seen as the primary authority figures whose responsibility is to take care of others.

One day, when my cousin came over, he took me upstairs to my mother’s bathroom. He threatened me not to tell anyone and I obeyed, not fully comprehending what was happening to me.

This continued for another year, until he went to college.  

I lost my voice for eight years and was filled with hatred for most of my childhood. Within that time frame, I experienced even more abuse by yet another cousin. Even my stepfather started to abuse me until one day, as a 14-year-old, I finally revealed the truth to my mother.

She told me that she believed me, but she wanted to keep pretending everything was okay and that none of it mattered. “It was in the past,” she said. “Greater things are ahead.”

Even as I pleaded to talk about it more, even when I begged to go to therapy and seek help for myself, that was the last she spoke of it.

My stepfather moved out, but they continued to see each other, which made me build more resentment towards my family.

I buried this harrowing secret for many years––at one point, I even convinced myself that I somehow imagined everything. Deep down, though, I knew it wasn’t possible to come up with such an elaborate lie.

I may be a creative and imaginative person, but I know I’m not a liar. Pain is a very solitary sense you cannot share with others.

In college, I numbed myself with drugs so that I wouldn’t have to feel. I bounced from one unstable relationship to another to fill whatever emotions I had left. My immune system continued to weaken, and I constantly felt deprived of energy.

At the time, one of my friends took me to a meeting for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. My life was forever changed that evening.

I didn’t expect to walk to the front of the room in a crowd full of strangers and share my story. What surprised me more, though, was not that I ended up getting up on that podium, but what I said.

With tears streaming down my face, I told everyone in the room that what got me through everything was faith. It was faith in something greater––something better out there, even as an agnostic. I promised myself that my life was going to be magnificent, despite my past.

Yes, there may be scars for the rest of my life, but I refuse to let them define me. Hope will get me through. After all, without hope what else is there?

Reversing rape culture has significantly improved throughout the last couple of years, but we still have a long way to go. Rape culture is why my mother did not want to believe me, and I’m sure other parents have felt similarly when they were placed in that position.

We need to explicate rape as a serious issue that constantly gets played down by our patriarchal institution. When I hear so many stories in the media of date rape and parties gone wrong, I can’t help but wonder if anyone even has morals anymore.

I have a female cousin who is now a freshman in college. There are many incidents of theft on her campus that worry her, but I wish she would worry more about other issues as well. She doesn’t concern herself with issues like rape, because sexual rights were rarely discussed in her high school sexual education class. For many adolescents, especially those from traditional families like ours, these classes are the only outlet to learn about this stuff.

I went to the same high school as her and took the same class taught by the same instructor—a male gym teacher who begrudgingly told us sex was for marriage only. He told us about the myriad of sexually transmitted diseases and infections an individual “will get if he or she has sex before marriage.” There was no mention of date rape, consent, or anything that is relevant to today’s society.

It’s 2015 and people are still getting away with sexual related crimes. It is a transgression I wish was more punishable. A slap on the wrist and a few days in a jail cell is not enough retribution to make a rapist not want to rape again. Not enough people want to admit it, but sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, sexual identity, or socioeconomic status.

We, as feminists, can change that.

Women are objectified and assaulted every damn day, in every city and every state. We need to spread awareness that any woman can be raped—a mother, a sex worker, a grandmother, a child, anyone. I am disgusted when I see men blatantly ogling a woman right in front of her face, or when they spurt unsolicited sexual advances out of their mouths.

Since I was 16, my friends and I have constantly been told by random men that we should “smile more because we’re so beautiful”, or that they “never thought Asians were attractive, but we were the exception”. Even if a man is not raising his voice to a woman when he’s saying all of this, it is still harassment in broad daylight and nothing is being done about it.

You know how Olivia Pope always trusts her gut? All women can hone in on their intuitions, but the male-dominated society that we live in has repressed the woman for all of history. Society seems to have a way of making us feel small and invaluable. When I think about women’s rights in other parts of the world, I wonder how they view the United States. If only they knew how far we have to go to reach justice.

Too often, I read stories written by women who didn’t realize they were raped. I see comments from people who refuse to believe a woman has been raped just because she did not report it immediately after the incident. What’s even worse is if they blame the victim––slut-shaming and saying they “asked” for it.

Why don’t more people know this is unacceptable? If anyone says they were raped, we need to trust them and remind them that it is never their fault. We need to abolish the fear of telling others, which is why so many cases of rape go unreported.

Some women have been conditioned to think sexual violence is an acceptable act for men. Why should there be discrimination towards women in the first place? Why should we live in a society that allows this to happen? Why is fear even an option? There are times I want to call out the men who bombard me on the street, but there’s always the chance of my retaliation being taken the wrong way. It’s disheartening that we live in a world where negative attention given to perpetrators can be worse than any attention given at all.

Society has tried to water down rape and blame inappropriate acts of sexual violence on a particular group of people. Colleges have used their money or influence to make rape claims go away.

We need to be teaching better sexual education. Rather than enforcing abstinence, we should be discussing consent and safety to all sexes. Reversing rape culture starts here.

We need to change the way in which we approach rape culture––just because the abuse may be invisible does not mean the scars are not there. We need to talk about our experiences and share our stories with loved ones, survivors, and even those who validate rape culture. In addition to reforming education, this is how we will be able to reverse this destructive cycle.

We need to stand strong, help others in need, and educate our children to build a new society that will not let sexism, racism, or ableism get in the way of what is right. Telling our stories as survivors and allies not only brings us together, but also becomes a platform in which the storyteller can feel better knowing that they are heard––that they are not alone.

If they did feel alone at one point, they will never feel this way again.

Leggings: the only bottoms that are better than no bottoms.  There is no justification whatsoever for choosing jeans over leggings.  Leggings are the real MVP.  They not only stretch to accomodate our food babies, but they are also just as dark as our souls. Though we all have our valid reasons for why we choose to wear leggings on a daily basis, there will always be haters out there.  Here are 15 of the things that we, legging enthusiasts, are sick and tired of hearing: 

Do you ever wash those?

This question... we can't even. Not only do we wash our leggings, but we also own about 100 pairs of them. So NO, we do not wear the same pair every day––thanks, though.

Why do you wear leggings every day?

We think the real question here is why don't YOU wear leggings everyday?

Have you ever heard of jeans?

Don't even speak of those terrible things.  Do you really think we have time to wiggle into those while running atleast 40 minutes late every day?  

Wow, you must be really lazy today!

Wow, you must be really judgmental today. 

Leggings aren’t pants

What kind of sick joke is that? Also, are you a human?

Are you on your way to the gym or something?

Are you on your way to stop talking to me? And no, I don't work out.

Leggings can’t be stylish

*Pulls out every going out picture ever taken with friends* "Then explain how my whole crew looks bomb here." 

Why do you pull up your leggings so high?

Maybe so that the fit is on fleek, but that's not really any of your business. 

Leggings aren’t very flattering on some people

Well body-shaming isn't very flattering on you. 

Would you like some Starbucks and Uggs with those leggings? #Basic

Wait so you're saying we can't wear boots in the winter?  Obviously we can't wear sandals either so what do you want from us!?

Don’t you feel exposed in those?

Yeah, because so much of my skin is showing... *rolls eyes*

It’s not legging season yet

Honey, every season is legging season. You must be a poor, confused soul. 

Aren’t those a little thin to be wearing out in the cold?

I think your attitude is the only cold thing here.

Your leggings look a little worn out, why don't you throw them away?

Why fix something that was never broken?

"WHERE ARE MY LEGGINGS?" 

This one comes from our own mouths... at that sh*tty moment when we realize we misplaced our cherished bottoms.

#LEGGINGSFOREVER!!!

You can’t live without water. It’s just a fact of life. If you’re anything like me, however, you also can’t live without coffee. Coffee is like a secret element of the world, a warm hug on a bad day, a pick-me-up when you’re beaten down. Between work, classes, extracurriculars and friends, coffee is an absolute necessity. However, I don’t exactly drink coffee the “healthy” way. I tend to use all of Starbucks’ Sugar in the Raw packets shamelessly. My family has even been known to say, “Hey, do you need some coffee with your sugar?”

Despite how not cool it is to judge someone’s coffee drinking habits, they kind of have a point. I do drink too much coffee, with probably way too much sugar. Meanwhile, I skip water for most of my day — which I know is not good for me. So I decided to shake things up and swap out my usual cups of coffee (and every other kind of not-great-for-you beverage) and just drink water. 

In doing my research on how amazing water is for you (trying to convince myself it's as good as coffee), I found a People Magazine article, where celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak suggested drinking water to boost your metabolism, keep you fuller for longer, and make you more energized and active. The trainer wrote, “Symptoms of even mild dehydration include fatigue, headaches, reduced concentration and reduced cognitive function.” Pasternak has trained people like Lady Gaga and Halle Barry. If he can make Halle look as amazing as she does, I am willing to try any of the man’s suggestions.

Day 1: Monday

I’m a firm believer in getting the worst parts of anything over with fast, like ripping off a Band-Aid. Mondays are my metaphorical Band-Aids for going without coffee. I have a 9 a.m. class for two hours, another three-hour long class, and then work until two a.m.  (I bartend, which involves keeping up my energy throughout the night). I have not been able to survive a Monday this semester without coffee. I could already feel the dread when I woke up.

Oh no, a Monday without coffee…Is this even possible?...If I don’t make it, tell my parents I love them.

Pasternak recommended drinking around eight cups of water, or about 64 fl. Oz. If I’m being completely honest, I drink closer to two cups per day of water. The rest is – you guessed it – coffee!

I had recently lost my Nalgene water bottle I kept for the gym, so I had to improvise. After running up to the vending machines in my building, I bought a Dasani water bottle for $1.50. It held 20 fl. Oz., so I decided I needed to drink at least three of these everyday. I grabbed my new "water bottle", and headed out to my 9 a.m. class feeling tired and grumpy.

So began my Monday.

Drinking water wasn’t bad. I love water, like most people. Drinking a lot of water is what got tricky. What first struck me was how I needed to pee all the time when I was chugging water throughout the day. I felt like my stomach couldn’t possibly hold any more water.  

I was doing okay until I arrived to work. Normally, I bring in one or two (told you I was obsessed!) large cups of coffee from a cute coffee shop down the street. Tonight, I skipped that stop and went straight to work. I already had a headache from caffeine-withdrawal, and acting energetic at the bar became a real challenge. I stared at the cans of Red Bull in the fridge while they mocked me with all of their yummy caffeine.

Eons later, 1:30 a.m. came around. I was exhausted from work, but not hungry like I usually am. I guess the extra cups of water I had throughout my shift actually filled me up.

I went to bed with a smile on my face, knowing I’d never have to do another Monday without coffee.

Day 2: Tuesday

Waking up this morning for my 10 a.m. class seemed impossible. Somehow, I managed to get out of bed, though, and I went to the dining hall to grab some lemon-infused water before class. I decided that adding fruit to my water didn’t count as cheating in the experiment.

Today wasn’t as bad; although I did have to take a nap in between classes…then went to bed at 9 p.m. Coffee clearly was contributing to why I wasn’t sleeping enough!

Day 3: Wednesday

I don’t have class until mid-afternoon on Wednesdays, so I was able to sleep in. During my first water bottle of the day, I got myself to go to gym remarkably and actually ate a healthy breakfast. All of this water had me feeling like a health nut. I actually think my skin looked brighter and clearer, too!

Since I was able to sleep in, I didn’t miss my beloved coffee so much. I felt awake and energetic all day, surprisingly. Who needs coffee anyway?

Day 4: Thursday

I might have been wrong about that whole “Who needs coffee anyway?” thing. Me. I need coffee.

Thursday was as bad as Tuesday (I have the same class schedules both days). Today, I decided not to nap. Instead, I tried drinking ice water to wake me up. It kept me awake through my struggle not to nap, but there was no caffeine to keep me going. Plus, I was kind of grumpy after turning down the apple cider one of my professors brought in.

The upside to the day was how full water kept me. I'm not trying to lose weight, but eating healthier all week made me feel great. Water also kept me from eating while I’m bored, which was a major plus of the experiment.

Day 5: Friday

Water started to seem a little bland today, so I squeezed in the juice from an orange wedge into my water bottle. Working made drinking a lot of water pretty easy, since I always had a soda gun (for water! I wasn't cheating!), ice, and slices of fruit near by. For once, I didn’t even get tired. At this point, the caffeine headaches were gone and I was beginning to really enjoy the experiment. Knowing that I could survive a long day without coffee felt pretty awesome.

Day 6: Saturday

Unsurprisingly, going out for a fun Saturday night didn’t seem as appealing to me if I could only drink water. I opted to stay in my dorm for a self “Netflix and Chill” session, minus my usual glass of wine. I got some homework done, napped and relaxed all night. Although this wasn’t my ideal Saturday night, it was definitely much needed. Drinking water all day didn’t faze me, as it had become habit by that point in the week.

Day 7: Sunday

Waking up on that Sunday for work made me crave a coffee more than ever. One more day, I told myself as I tried to get through my homework minus-caffeine. I got most of it done, again with a nap during the day. Ice water sort of worked to keep me awake. I decided to end my experiment a few hours early, go to the coffee shop, and do some necessary, caffeine-fueled finals studying.

Drinking water definitely made me feel healthier, kept me full and made my skin glow more than ever. I don’t know about that whole “energized and active” thing that Pasternak swore by, but my coffee habits probably do make me ultimately feel more tired. I think I’ll stick to coffee a few times per week from now on, while reaching for some water the rest of the days. It’s all about balance.

It goes without saying that you love Christmas, but do you constantly exude joy? Do you unknowingly bring out the best in people, especially the grouches? If you find yourself identifying with most or all of the following statements, chances are you have a deep spiritual connection with Buddy the Elf. 

1. You may officially be an adult, but your inner child comes out often.

2. You're a bundle of energy all the time. All you need is a nap every so often, but after that you're refueled. Sleep is for the weak, after all!

3. When you get excited about something, you don't just light up like a normal person; you completely lose it. 

4. You're not afraid to call someone out if he or she is clearly in the wrong. 

5. You have an uncontrollable addiction to sugar, but you're working on it (Who are we kidding? No, you're not).

6. You're extremely outgoing and friendly to anybody you encounter, strangers included. 

7. You can be a bit dramatic sometimes. Calm is a state of being of which you are simply not capable.

8. You're very open with your feelings. In fact, they kind of spill out of your mouth before you decide to voice them.

9. You can be a bit of a klutz. Let's just say you unintentionally hurt yourself a lot. 

10. You know what you want and your ambition is admirable, but sometimes you get a bit ahead of yourself. 

11. You don't handle pain very well.

12. You stick up for family members, because nothing is more important than family. Seriously, no one should dare pick on your loved ones, or you'll come for them.

13. Most important of all, you put your brightest face forward all the time because it's what you do best!

We all grew up with The Boy Who Lived. The story, the characters and the magical world stayed with us in ways we can't describe. Everyone has at least one—let's face it, way more than one—friend that's still secretly sneaking into Hogsmeade in their imagination. This is the guide to buying a little piece of magic for everyone who's still bitter that they didn't receive their Hogwarts letter.

1. Pop Bobbleheads, $10-30

Funko Pop! finally released a Harry Potter collection, and the Internet exploded with joy. Whether you want to give the gift of Harry, Hermione, Ron, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Voldemort or Snape, these make for the cutest collectible way to do so. If only the collection included every character! 

2. Time Turner Necklace, $10+

There are many variations of the Time Turner necklace, but the official collectible is by Noble Collection. It comes in both gold and silver colors, and if you want a less expensive version, you can find many on Etsy.

3. Custom-made Hogwarts Letter, $15

If you know someone who's still crossing their fingers for their Hogwarts letter, you can now give it to them! It's a gift that's equally as thoughtful as it is hilarious. Variations on the custom Hogwarts letters are scattered across Etsy, including full packages that come with more than just the letter, if you want to get fancy.

4. "He's a Keeper, She's a Catcher" Matching Mugs, $20

These matching mugs are the sweetest idea if you're buying for a duo of wizarding nerds, or if you're one half of said couple. Serve some warm alcoholic butterbeer in them for the holiday season, and you're good to go. 

5. Hogwarts House Ornaments, $10-30

There are so many Harry Potter-themed ornaments that you could make an entire list out of just that, but we think House ornaments in particular make a great gift. It not only shows that you know the person loves magic, but also that you know them well enough to know what House they're in. If you want to buy a full set of glass House ornaments, there's that, too. 

6. Christmas Sweater, $24

CreateMoreSleepLess on Etsy has a collection of Christmas-themed Harry Potter sweaters that are witty and perfect for all those ugly sweater parties. Don't celebrate Christmas? No problem, there's also this cute muggle holiday sweater. 

7. Sorting Hat Necklace, $20

C'mon, this is just so cute! For the friend in your life who was never really sure which house they belonged in, to remind them that it's ultimately their choice. Find it at ArtemisiaFreyja on Etsy. 

8. Illustrated Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, $24

Avid readers and collectors alike would be overjoyed to unwrap the illustrated copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Let's be honest, who wouldn't? It's sold at Barnes and Noble, among other places. 

9. Marauders' Map Scarf, $24

This scarf is utterly stunning, and is large enough to wear as a shawl. It's intricate and detailed, and even better, will help keep your gift recipient warm for the winter season. It's sold by FreshComfy on Etsy. You can also find an infinity scarf version made by BebeAndGeorge. 

10. Makeup Bag, $15

Know someone who's definitely not a Muggle, and doesn't leave home without a selection of makeup? The answer: Harry Potter-themed makeup bag. This pouch can easily be used for other items as well. It's made by CrescentCityCouture. 

11. Wine Glass Set, $18

Wine not? Grab a set here. There's also a set of shot glasses if your friend is more a hard liquor person than a wine lover. 

12. Collectible Art, $8-10

Give this gift to someone who needs to decorate their dorm room, apartment or house and would love to add a magical touch. Buy a frame to go with the print and make it easy for your recipient to hang it up. This print is made by InstantGoodVibes, but you can also find other cute prints, such as this Hagrid one. 

13. Dobby Sock Holder, $32

Dobby will forever live in our hearts. Have a friend who still gets emotional? Get them this rustic item from TheOwlsHootShop, and maybe even throw in a few Gryffindor House socks to go with it! 

14. Ministry of Magic Toilet Sticker, $3

Vinyl sticker for the toilet—sure, why not? This is the best gift for the Harry Potter fan (with a sense of humor) in your life, by CustomVinylDNA.

15. Golden Snitch Necklace, $25

This delicate Snitch necklace is handmade by EnchantedLeaves, and is no doubt a terrific gift for the wannabe Seeker in your life. 

Don't let the Muggles get you down, and collect everything on this list if your entire squad is composed of Harry Potter nerds.

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from Seashells and Sparkles by Rachel Martin, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. 

I get the worst end of the semester blues every year fall semester comes to an end. Between the cold weather and knowing there is still six months until summer, I just can't handle it. Luckily for me, I graduate in May so this is the last time I will be spending my December finishing up my fall semester and itching for winter break to begin in my undergrad career. So maybe I'm being a little bit too dramatic, but what type of college student would I be if I didn't complain about all of the finals I need to study for and all of the final papers I need to get done in the next week? Thankfully Luvo Learn has my back so I'm sure to pass all of my exams with flying colors.

I'm going to share with you some top secret secrets that will help you ace your finals, but before I do so, be sure to put on the comfiest clothes you own because studying for finals is not glamorous.

TRICK NUMBER ONE: Make a master list of everything you need to get done - what finals you have to take, what final papers you have to write, and all of their due dates and test times

Making a list of everything you need to get done with due dates and test dates allows you to look at all of the craziness from "the outside." Knowing when you have to get what done by allows you to work studying, writing your papers, and test taking into your schedule easier as well as shows you what you need to focus on first. To do this, I just use a regular note pad (this one is really cute!), pen, and highlighter. I separate each "to-do" item by class and write the due date next to each assignment (or test date) and then I use a highlighter to highlight those due dates! I always do this - even on a weekly basis throughout the semester. I feel more in control of my work.

TRICK NUMBER TWO: Head over to Luvo Learn for any last minute study guides

Luvo Learn is a great resource and last minute study hack that will help you get a good great on that big test or lengthy paper you have to do. Luvo offers textbook outlines, lecture notes, flash cards, and video tutorials well as last minute one-on-one live tutoring session. Not only can you search for study guides and flash cards, tutors, and video tutorials by subject, school, or tutor, you can also sell your study guides through the website to earn a little extra cash! There's also opportunities to become a tutor, if you're into that kind of thing! Luvo Learn is a multi-use platform that caters to all of your needs.

TRICK NUMBER THREE: Don't forget to take breaks

Taking short breaks (10-15 minutes) every hour allows you take give your brain a rest so you don't overwork it studying. Use this time to use the bathroom, have a snack, watch a little bit of the show you are currently watching on Netflix, or even time to stalk your ex-boyfriend on Instagram. Okay, I don't do that last one, but you get the point!

TRICK NUMBER FOUR: Getting sleep is important

I have never been able to pull all-nighters when studying or getting a paper done. After a certain point I can't focus on what I'm doing at all, which ends up hurting me rather than helping me. Even if you're someone who is capable of pulling an all-nighter, be sure to get some rest and an adequate nights sleep so that you're recharged and ready to go on the day of your big test!

Clementine Desseaux, a 27 year old French-born model is now the face of Christian Louboutin's new lipstick campaign. You might take one look at Clementine's picture and think "Of course, she's beautiful!", but there's something revolutionary about the choice: this is the very first time Louboutin has ever employed a plus-size model as the face of a campaign.

Clementine currently lives in New York after leaving her home of Paris behind, where her size held her back from finding work there. She explained that "being curvy and freckly was never easy back when I was in France. Now beauty is changing and brands are putting girls that are different in the spotlight. They are opening up to all the beauty that is in the world." Louboutin is a French brand, and Clementine thinks that "France has always been late in terms of diversity but this is one little step forward," adding that she is "hoping that more little steps will follow."

Though the fashion industry has a long way to go in terms of being inclusive to all shapes, sizes and looks, to have such a large name brand acknowledging the beauty in a woman that is not a size 0 or 2 (though there is aboslutely nothing wrong with those sizes!) affirms the beauty of larger women everywhere. Clementine believes this is not only a victory for women like her, though. She clarifies that it is a big step "not for curvy women, not for freckles, just for women" and we love the girl power in that sentiment. A small victory for one type of woman is a victory for all.

"The beauty norm is changing and differences that used to be weaknesses are now turning into strengths" Clementine states, and we can't help but believe her. We're in a time where Lara Stone is famous for the gap in her teeth, Winnie Harlow's trademark is her unique skin condition, and now, Clementine is being praised for her freckles and curves. We love where the faces of the high fashion industry are headed.

Keep doing you, girl. 

Instead of buying fancy wrapping paper or that same ole boring snowflake-print stuff you've been using for years, why not show off your creativity and make your own pretty gift wrap? With the holidays just around the corner, those gifts are sure to be piling up! Let your inner Martha Stewart shine with these 15 DIY gift wrap ideas.

1. Twine and balsalm wrapping

This wrapping idea from Love That Party is easy enough for even the least crafty of us! 

2. Map wrap

Follow Midwest Living's lead and wrap with old maps. For the uninitiated, a map is like a paper GPS. 

3. Initial tags

Instead of buying expensive cards, label your gifts with these In My Own Style initial tags. 

4. Washi wrap

Washi tape is so fun—it comes in all different colors and prints and can be used for so many different things! You can even use it to jazz up your gift wrap, like Fox & Star did with this adorable floral washi tape.

5. Polka dot spots

Make sweet polka dot paper in any color you can think of, using this tutorial from The House That Lars Built. 

Related: 32 Scrumptious Holiday Cookie Recipes

6. Paper flowers

Adorn your packages with pretty pink peonies. These Frog Prince Paperie paper flowers look so fancy. But don't worry—there's a template!

7. Paper cut flowers

Turn your package into a work of art with these flowery cut-outs from Giochi di Carta.

8. Yarn tassels

Any classically chic girl loves a good tassel. That's why we can't wait to tie these yarn cuties from The Casual Craftlete around all our holiday gifts.

9. Mini pennants

Forgo the gift tags for these mini pennants from Sköna Hem. 

10. Holiday lights

You're never too old to do a little finger painting. Especially if the end result is this Burlap & Blue holiday lights gift wrap design!

Related: 11 Unexpected Ways to Decorate Your Dorm With Holiday Lights

11. Felt garland

Art Bar Blog shows you how to make mini felt garlands to wrap around your gifts—so festive! 

12. Confetti dipped presents

Confetti and presents make the perfect pair. Learn how to "dip" your gift boxes in confetti with StyleCaster's help.

13. Chalkboard paper

Going Home to Roost just gave us the easiest wrapping idea ever. Black craft paper + white chalk marker = genius!

14. Leftover wrapping paper bows

Reduce, reuse and recycle…your old wrapping paper by turning it into adorable bows with this 100 Layer Cake tutorial.

15. Emoji gift wrap

Show your friends exactly how you feel with this Studio DIY emoji gift wrap. 

Let’s be real: The phrase “you are what you eat” is semi-terrifying. After all, that means most days we’d be a giant jar of Nutella.

However, there is a good aspect to being what you eat. According to Brigitte Zeitlin, a registered dietitian, and Lisa Drayer, a registered dietitian and author of The Beauty Diet, there are a ton of vitamins and minerals with beautifying effects. So when you eat certain whole foods (like, say, strawberries dipped in your Nutella), you get doses of micronutrients that will make your hair shinier, your nails stronger and your skin clearer.

You might be wondering why you can’t just skip the strawberries in favor of a supplement or pill, but Zeitlin says it’s much better to eat whole foods. “Supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration,” she says. “There’s no way to tell what you’re getting.”

In addition, Zeitlin explains that when you take a supplement, you only get one nutrient. When you eat whole foods, you get a whole range. So forget the makeup counter or the supplement sites—let’s hit the grocery store.

1. Biotin

 
If you literally want to be healthy from head to toe, make sure you’re consuming enough biotin. Drayer says that a biotin deficiency will not only lead to hair loss, but it can also make your nails brittle.

Getting enough of this micronutrient is also helpful for your skin. “Biotin prevents aging, helps reduce wrinkles and promotes skin health and beauty,” Zeitlin says. She suggests 30 to 35 micrograms (mcg) per day, but says there’s no upper limit, which means no one has observed any negative effects from consuming too much biotin.

“I recommend biotin-rich foods such as salmon, chicken, walnuts, yogurt, wheat germ, eggs, and whole-grain cereals and whole-wheat breads,” Drayer says.

2. Vitamin C

“Vitamin C is a definite component of beauty health,” Zeitlin says. It promotes collagen production, which makes skin “plump, wrinkle-free and fresh.” The antioxidant also makes your hair and nails grow faster and stronger.

Since your body can’t make its own vitamin C, it’s important that you incorporate lots of food that contain it into your diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 75 milligrams (mg) per day for women over 19 who don’t smoke.

“You can find vitamin C in strawberries, blueberries, red bell peppers, sweet potatoes—and definitely citrus, such as grapefruits and tangerines,” Zeitlin says. A large strawberry has a little more than 10 milligrams of vitamin C, so if you ate just three, you’d hit half your vitamin C RDA.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids

 
We love dots on our sweaters and skirts. On our faces? Not so much. To banish your blemishes, you’ll want to consume a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids. “These nutrients are anti-inflammatory, meaning they reduce inflammation under the skin,” Zeitlin says. “That inflammation is what causes your blackheads and whiteheads.”

Not only do omega-3s clear up your skin, they also help prevent clogged pores, fine lines and dry, scaly skin.

Ready to start reaping these amazing benefits? “The adequate intake for omega-3 fatty acids for females 19 and older is 1.1 grams per day,” Drayer says. “Good sources include fatty fish like salmon, herring, trout, mackerel and sardines, as well as plant sources such as walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds.” Zeitlin adds that you can also get omega-3s from avocados, olive oil, almonds and olives.

A 3-ounce portion of salmon (which is about the size of a deck of cards) has more than 1.5 grams of omega-3s. Chia seeds contain even more: each serving will give you 5 grams.

An upper limit for omega-3 fatty acids hasn’t been issued, so as long as you’re eating a whole range of foods, you won’t have an “overdose.”

4. Selenium

 
Some of us love our short hair, some of us want Rapunzel-like length, but nobody wants dandruff. That’s why selenium is so awesome: It’s a mineral that, according to Zeitlin, helps our scalps stay free of dandruff-causing fungus.

And when it comes to our skin, selenium is a triple threat. Not only does it protect us against sun damage and burning, Drayer says, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

The RDA for women is 55 mcg. You’ll get four times that amount with just one Brazil nut, which contains 200 mcg. (The National Institutes of Health actually warns us not to eat Brazil nuts too often since they have so much selenium.)

You can also get the mineral from fish, whole grains and mushrooms, according to Zeitlin.

5. Vitamin D

When women want to justify tanning, they typically say something along the lines of, “I’m getting my dose of vitamin D!”

There’s no doubt this vitamin is great for your skin. It can boost your production of collagen, make your skin more supple and glowing, and make blemishes less noticeable. “I call vitamin D the magic vitamin,” Zeitlin says. “It’s good for everything!”

Unfortunately, while she confirms that the sun is in fact the best source of vitamin D, she also warns sun overexposure can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, premature skin aging and even damage to your immune system.

So what’s a conscientious collegiette to do? First, you can get vitamin D from foods like fortified milk, fortified dairy such as cheese and yogurt and fortified cereals. (Fortified means the manufacturers have added micro-nutrients to the food.)

According to Zeitlin, we should try to get approximately 1000 international units, or IU, of vitamin D per day. One cup of fortified milk is around a tenth of your RDA. A serving of fortified cereal will give you 4 percent.

As you can see, it can be difficult to hit your RDA with food. Zeitlin says this is the one time she does recommend a supplement—especially during the winter months, when you’re getting even less sun than usual. Most vitamin D supplements only contain around 400 IU, so if you do take a pill, make sure you’re also eating foods with vitamin D in them.

One small step to the fridge means one huge leap for your hair, nails and skin. While you won’t see effects overnight, our experts agree a long-term commitment to a healthy, balanced diet will have you looking even more beautiful than ever. (We know, we didn’t think it was possible either.) Turns out being what you eat isn’t so bad after all.

Earlier this year, New York Magazine published a haunting feature on 35 of the 50+ women who have, to date, accused comedian Bill Cosby of numerous counts of sexual assault. The piece featured personal accounts from these 35 women, each one detailing the alleged assault committed against her.

Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents over half of the women bringing accusations against Cosby, explained that while the statute of limitations makes it impossible for these women to take legal action against him now, they wanted their stories shared regardless, according to USA Today.

Refinery 29 reported Tuesday that Bill Cosby is filing a defamation suit in the state of Massachusetts against Tamara Green, Therese Serignese, Linda Traitz, Louisa Moritz, Barbara Bowman, Joan Tarshis and Angela Leslie, who have all accused Cosby of sexual assault.

Monique Pressley, Bill Cosby’s lawyer, released a statement Monday on Twitter detailing each count of charges in the defamation suit that the comedian is bringing against the seven women who have accused him of sexual assault. 

Cosby is accusing the women of lying about him for financial gain and engaging "in a campaign to assassinate his reputation and character," causing lost media partnerships with Netflix and NBC Universal, according to BBC News.

NBC News reports that Pressley has further explained that Cosby wants the women to “publicly retract and correct their defamatory statements.”

NBC News goes on to report that Allred boldly declared that while she is not representing any of the women who are the target of Cosby’s defamation suit, she believes "that in general that such a tactic will not deter courageous women from fighting the battle against him."

And let's keep in mind that even if all seven of these women were lying, that still leaves dozens of women whom Cosby doesn't think he has a case against.

Shopping for a java-loving jitterbug this season? Warm up their season with something off of our joe-inspired list, crafted specifically for the espresso-obsessed student, caffeine-reliant coworker, or coffee shop regular.

1. Craft Coffee Gift Subscription (Craft Coffee, Starting at $29.99)

Straightforward and aimed straight for your recipient's heart, this subscription service delivers a monthly array of craft coffee personalized to your gift-getter's tastes. Custom tasting notes, brewing tips, and three artisan grounds accompany every delivery, guaranteeing taste buds free of boredom. 

2. Pink & White Rabbit Mug Set (Urban Outfitters, $40)

Sip alongside your bestie with this charming set for two. 

3. Starbucks Gingerbread Syrup (Starbucks Store, $14.95)

Seasonal pleasures can take permanent residence in your coffee lover's pantry, thanks to a glorious gift of specialty syrup. 

4. Hand-Crushed Espresso Caramels (Shotwell Candy Co., $9.75)

Sea salt, espresso shots and crushed coffee beans make these vanilla-and-almond-infused caramels absolutely to-die-for—perfect for the friend with a coffee-craving sweet tooth. 

5. Maple Bacon Deluxe Smoked Coffee (Bewdley Coffee Company, $19.99)

Novelty meets coffee with the ultra-original flavors offered by Bewdley Coffee Company. And if maple bacon doesn't fly for your friend or family member, try s'mores, vanilla bourbon, or chocolate raspberry—we're drooling over the decadent descriptions.

6. Coffee Lover Lollipop Set (Uncommon Goods, $24)

These latte lollies come in peppermint, pumpkin spice, vanilla bean and cinnamon, and each package is packed with an assortment of twenty.

7. S'well 17 Oz. Water Bottle in Pink Bikini (Gracious Home, $35)

Don't be fooled by the water bottle label—this double-walled wonder keeps any drink cold (i.e. go-to iced coffees) or hot (i.e. indulgent caramel macchiatos) for twelve hours. And in a semi-matte bright and bubbly pink, what could be more chic? 

8. Coffee & Tea Calendar (Brit + Co, $18)

Give your gift-getter monthly caffeine inspiration with this cute and crafty calendar, adorned with lovely illustrated images of coffees and teas from around the world.

9. Verismo Caramel Macchiato Kit (Starbucks Store, $46.95)

Homemade caramel macchiatos that taste straight from Starbucks? What could be better? Zip, that's what. 

10. Hazelnut Coffee Medium Candle Jar (Yankee Candle, $24.99)

Give the gift of a coffee-scented dorm, home or apartment—ideal for anyone soothed by the smell of their go-to cafe. 

11. Soul Sunday Positive Seeds Lip + Skin Balm in Florence Coffee (Seed to Serum, $16)

This all-natural balm is soothing, nourishing and coffee-scented, giving lips the fresh and lively start they need for a busy day. Bonus: our beauty editor swears by it.

12. Specialty Coffee Poster (Etsy, $25)

Your receiver will have a months-worth of recipes right at her fingertips, thanks to this illustrative drink guide.

13. Invigorating Coffeemint Bodywash (Wash With Joe, $28)

Wake up and smell the coffee with this ultra-awakening body wash, composed of a blend of fragrant coffee and mint that will widen sleepy eyes with every soapy sud. 

14. Frank Body Original Coffee Body Scrub (Frank Body, $14.95)

15. Coffee & Liqueur Filled Chocolates (Vermont Country Store, $22.95)

Forget diamonds—mini, liqueur-filled, coffee-enhanced chocolates are a girl's true best friend. Just think of the classy holiday parties these baby bottles can inspire.

16. Coffee Cargo 3 Month Gift Subscription (Coffee Cargo, $54)

This K-Cup delivery service answers the prayers of any Keurig addict. Each box serves up a fifteen-piece blend of three separate artisan coffees—yum. 

17. Bar-ista (Portland Design Works, $20)

Bike commuters rejoice—this coffee clamp fastens to bike handles, providing frequent riders with hands-free transportation for their go-to to-go cup. Portable and accident-preventing? Sign us up.

A full list of great gifts? We'll drink (a shot of espresso) to that!

Usually when we think of food pairings, we think of peanut butter and jelly, chips and dip, burger and fries—food #relationshipgoals, if you will. Well, there may be a new love affair on the horizon with the arrival of Chobani’s newest 2016 yogurt flavors: Savory and sweet...in yogurt?

Chobani is known for its "flip" flavor combos, in which yogurt is packaged on one side of the container while crunchy nuts, chocolate chips, etc. lie on the other side to be flipped into the yogurt by bending the cup. Refinery29 reports that the Greek yogurt company is producing two new flavors: Sriracha Mango and Chipotle Pineapple. Sriracha and chipotle will introduce a very different sweet-and-spicy dynamic to the always simple yogurt. These flavors will have their respective “flip-in” toppings, including Sriracha-toasted rice crisps, roasted cashews, chipotle granola, pumpkin seeds and more. One of the reasons Chobani is implementing these new yogurt flavors is wanting to reflect of millennials’ food choices. According to Refinery29, market research firm Mintel says that “80% of Millennials are interested in more peppers/chilies/spices in their foods."

While we have to wait until the new year to try these new yogurt combinations, looking forward to them makes finals go by a little faster!

As 2015 comes to an end, we can't help but reflect back on the past twelve months––especially in terms of fashion. In the mood to reminisce on the greatest celebrity outfits from last January to this December? Don't worry, collegiettes. We've got you covered. 

See below for our top 100 fave celebrity outfits from 2015:

Calling all wannabe Instagram famous and trendy people everywhere––stop it, stop it right now. Put down the gluten-free cookie. Stop pretending that you need it, because you’re making those of us that do look bad.

We’re also very confused as to why you would voluntarily give up real cookies. Seriously.

In recent years, the craze of going gluten-free has been everywhere.

In this media-obsessed age, #GlutenFree is a tag often seen trending on Twitter. Instagram accounts, such as @NOBREAD, make the diet look and sound appetizing. Brightly colored acai bowls and vibrantly colored salads gain plenty of likes and look attractively delightful.

Newsflash: you can eat those things and still eat gluten too. It’s called being healthy. People diagnosed with Celiac disease were originally the only ones meant to follow the gluten-free diet.

Gluten is made up of a variety of proteins found most commonly in wheat, barely and rye. People started to ditch gluten from their daily diet when Celiac disease was discovered in the 20th century.

According to the Celiac Support Association, Celiac disease is a genetically linked autoimmune disorder than can affect both children and adults. After ingesting gluten, those with Celiac experience an immune mediate response that causes major damage to the small intestine. This damage begins to disable the small intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients in food, which can eventually lead to malnutrition and other side effects, such a nausea, vomiting, and intense abdominal pain or migraines.

When doctors and scientists studied the disease more, they found different types of gluten rejections:

• Celiac disease

• Non-celiac gluten sensitivity

• Gluten intolerance

• Dermatitis herpeformitis

• Gluten ataxia

• Wheat allergy

Unless your certified doctor has examined, tested, and officially diagnosed you with one of the gluten rejections mentioned above, keep gluten in your diet. Seriously, it is important and healthy! *VERY important and VERY healthy!*

Those who cut gluten from their diet in order to fit into that old pair of size two jeans are only doing themselves a disservice.

Gluten may not be the “power protein” of nutrients, but it is found in many fitness-loving foods. Whole grains, which contain serious amounts of needed vitamins and minerals––fiber, B vitamins, and iron––also contain gluten. Saying goodbye to these foods may leave your body without some much-needed nutrients.

Yes, we all know bread is bad. However, it contains a lot of great things too and should be consumed in conscious portions, not omitted from the diet.

Bread is the poster-child for gluten, but the highly avoided protein is found in more food than you would think.

Anything made with flour? Gluten. Crackers? Gluten. Cereal? Gluten. Most soups? Gluten. Soy sauce? Gluten. Beer? Gluten. Donuts, pizza, cake, brownies and basically everything delicious in life? So much gluten.

Companies such as Udi’s and Canyon Bakehouse love that their gluten-free businesses are booming. Thousands of restaurants, such as The Cheesecake Factory and Outback Steakhouse, now offer a gluten free menu. Don’t get me wrong, this is great for those who actually need to eat gluten free!

So, here is a crash course on how to eat healthy and not be a gluten-free poser:

Eat gluten

Because gluten is, in fact, awesome. Whole grain foods that contain gluten also contain the vitamins and minerals that will keep you healthy.

Gluten-free is not fat-free

Gluten-free foods are not more nutritious. Gluten-free foods––especially baked goods, such a muffins and bread––tend to have more calories, sugar, sodium, and fat. Sometimes, they have less protein as well.

Gluten-free is not free

Gluten-free foods costs about $3 to $4 more dollars than the original gluten food.

Gluten-free is real

If you feel as though you experience discomfort and sickness when ingesting gluten, immediately contact your doctor. After a medical consultation, your doctor may give you a biopsy, blood test and diet trial run. Do not diagnose yourself. Gluten intolerances can develop over time, or a pre-existing gluten intolerance you may not know about can worsen. Do not be shy––get yourself checked out to be sure that you are healthy!

Gluten-free food is usually worse than the real stuff. It is not a fat burner, and it is not a carb alternative.

Everyone has opinion about Donald Trump. And despite what many think – not all opinions about the presidential candidate are negative.

We asked 21 college women to share what they think about  “The Donald"—read their thoughts below!

“He absolutely makes me sick. I would never vote for him. His most popular demographic is uneducated white men, which is not the direction our country needs to be going in.”

-Shannon, Stony Brook University Class of 2018

“I am a Republican, however I think Donald Trump is an absolute joke. An idiot. A buffoon if you will. I am not only offended by almost everything he says, but I am also disheartened by the lack of respect and hope that he shows for this country. I would never vote for (nor encourage others to vote for) such a xenophobic human for the president of my nation.”

-Savannah, University of Mississippi Class of 2018

“Donald Trump is a disgusting, heinous man who should not be allowed to run a country. I believe the only reason he is truly running is so he can get publicity for himself and his corporation. He does not know politics or how a country works, so he should stay out of the White House. He also has no respect for anyone other than old, rich, white men, and that is not how the leader of the free world should be. I am not a Republican, but if I were, I would be ashamed to see him running for office. I don't agree with anything he stands for and believe he would do nothing if he is elected since he only wants the fame it will bring him.”

-Abby, Marist College Class of 2016

RELATED: I'm a Proud Muslim-American, & I Don't Need to Justify My Existence

“I can't begin to process where he finds the justification for what he says. As a registered Republican, it is embarrassing to have someone like him be the front-runner for the party. It's disheartening to see better candidates, such as Marco Rubio, shoved to the side to give Trump the limelight. His policy to ‘build a wall’ is sickening. Avoiding all Muslims from entering the US is absolutely absurd. He is running off the basis that he is rich and well known. People believe he is the only person to truly speak up, but what he has to say is disgusting. He represents a radical side of a non-existent political party. Speaker Paul Ryan said Donald Trump's policies do not represent what conservatism is, and I have to agree with him.”

-Caroline, Siena College Class of 2019

“I am a Republican who leans more towards being a Libertarian. I personally would not vote for Donald Trump, due to his completely idealistic, ethnocentric, ignorant comments as well as ideology. As a Libertarian, I have certain traditional views, but my love and understanding of people outshines the government rules that stop acceptance and love from spreading in this country. To judge people based on race, age, gender, sexual orientation, is barbaric considering the fact every individual person is unique. Donald Trump exudes ignorance, which just causes hate in our society today.”

-Marie, Stony Brook University Class of 2018

“I am a hardcore Democrat, and I think that Donald Trump is sexist, racist, and honestly, a complete joke. To elect him into office would be to make a mockery of this country. His remarks about women are incredibly degrading and disrespectful, and the way he views Muslim Americans is downright horrifying. Our country was founded on religious freedom and for him to say that he would shut down all mosques goes completely against what this country is about. His thoughts on illegal immigrants shows a severe lack of humanity on his part, and I think he is blissfully unaware of how disgusting he truly is. He also seems incredibly out of touch with reality saying his dad awarded him a ‘small loan of a million dollars.’ A president needs to fight for the rights of equality and justice for all Americans, not just the white millionaire males. I want a president who represents all of America and cares about the wellbeing of every citizen, and that’s why I'm #feelingtheBern.”

-Courtney, University of Michigan Class of 2018

“I love Donald Trump. He says what everyone else is thinking. The United States needs a leader again and he would do a phenomenal job. I agree with his strict approach to immigration.”

-Bailee, University of San Diego Class of 2018

“I believe that Donald Trump is a reality TV star and behaves as such. He acts like he's on an episode of Jersey Shore rather than at a political debate. He has little to no respect for people who are unlike him and honestly I don't know much about his platform but I'd guess that it was just as ridiculous as he is. Also he needs a new hairstylist because clearly his current hairstylist does not care about the well being of his clients. Would I vote for him? Is the sky purple? No and no.”

-Naomi, Springfield College Class of 2017

“I am a Republican, however, I am not a supporter of Trump. I will say that I believe he's a man of his word and I don't doubt that he could be a very powerful and effective leader. My concern is that he would use his power dangerously. Some of his plans regarding Muslims can be compared to some of the practices that Hitler used to discriminate against Jews. Trump is also disgustingly disrespectful. Many may argue that someone should be president primarily for their skills and not their character. However, this man is inhumane. I have a brother with special needs and after seeing Donald Trump mock a reporter for his disability I lost all respect for him. (Not that I had much in the first place).”

-Alyssa, Illinois State University Class of 2018

RELATED: This Survey Shows Just How Uninformed We Are About the World

“I am not a fan of Donald Trump. I don't identify specifically with one political party, but I would not vote for him. I believe he is a racist, a sexist and wants to use his money to corrupt the U.S. He's also extremely rude to the other candidates and unprofessional in general. What's to like?”

-Rachel, James Madison University Class of 2017

“Donald Trump is what is wrong with America.”

-Ana, Manhattanville College Class of 2019

“I think Donald Trump is doing this for the publicity and not for the good of the country. While I believe most politicians are corrupt, I believe he is worse. I would not vote for him, and though I am a Democrat, I am tempted to register Republican solely to vote against him in the primaries. I think all of the intelligent Democrats should register Republican temporarily for the sake of voting against Trump.”

-Rebecca, University of Maryland Class of 2017

“Donald Trump is obviously an intelligent and successful businessman. He knows how to run a business and knows what steps to take to be financially and economically smart. Therefore he does have some intelligent ideas about how to improve America's economy due to his background. However, economics is not the only thing a president has to be aware of. There are several aspects of the job I simply just don't think he is qualified for. I come from a family of Republicans and am registered under the party, however I am still trying to find the perfect place for me. Regarding Trump, I will not be voting for him, mostly because of his vicious verbal attacks against certain religious, social, and cultural groups within our country and the world alone. I don't think he's the man for the job, but I do think he is a smart man. He has accomplished many things, however becoming president shouldn't be added onto his resume.”

-Barbara, SUNY Oneota Class of 2018

“I find Donald Trump to be nothing but a rich man running for the highest office in the land on a whim — just because he can. His extreme views on sensitive matters are presented in the most horrendous and offensive way to mass groups of people, which to me is unfathomable behavior from a candidate whose main goal should be courting the nation. What's even more embarrassing to the Republican Party is the vast support for such a disgraceful candidate. When you peel away Trump's pompous ass to reveal Trump's actual political views, there are things that Republicans might agree with, but in no way would Trump be fit to rule the nation. I'm disappointed that Republicans aren't giving candidates with potential and good ideas a shot at this. I come from a right-leaning family but I certainly wouldn't vote for Trump. ‘Building a wall’ and simply banning all Muslims are elementary solutions to complex problems. We need a candidate with enough poise and intellect to tackle these serious issues, while maintaining their party's ideals, with a mind open to compromise. We need someone with the people as a whole's best interest at heart, and that someone is not Donald Trump.”

-Rachel, University of Virginia Class of 2018

“I am a Republican who will not be voting for Donald Trump. He seems to believe he speaks for our party when in actuality the majority of us strongly disagree with his proposed policies. Donald Trump has made a farce out of our nation in running for President and shown other countries that we are weak and susceptible to ideas from Hollywood stars and millionaires and are not focused solely on what's best for our people but what's best for our wallets.”

-Alexandra, Marywood University Class of 2017

RELATED: What College Women Thought of the Third GOP Debate

“I am registered independent because my views are socially Democratic but fiscally Republican and so I choose not to identify with either major party. Donald Trump should be a joke. His running for presidency should have been ‘haha that was a good laugh’ and that should have been the end of it. Why people are still talking about him and acting as if he would seriously make a good candidate for the President of our country is greatly disturbing to me. The United States is already a laughing stock in the eyes of the world. Can you imagine what other countries would think if we elected Donald Trump, a man with zero political experience and zero morals? Nobody would take us seriously. He is a disgrace to politicians. You hear people talk about how politicians are not to be trusted and are ‘slimy, bad people’ well he is a stereotypical politician times a million. Except he isn't a politician; he is a wealthy man with a big mouth. If the United States elects Donald Trump for presidency, then that truly says a lot about the kind of people we are raising in this country, and we should be ashamed of ourselves for even entertaining this idea.”

-Rachel, University of Florida Class of 2017

“I absolutely hate Donald Trump. He is a hateful man who is not even remotely qualified to be president. He says whatever he wants and caters to a disgusting group of people. I am not a Republican. I would never vote for him. I disagree with everything about his candidacy. At first I thought for sure his candidacy was a joke, but now it has gone to far. This monster cannot become President of the United States.”

-Sierra, Case Western Reserve University Class of 2019

“I am a member of the Independent Party with views that lean towards Republican. I do not like Donald Trump as a candidate although I do see him as a strong businessman, having expanded an empire. I think economically he is strong but with respects to his personal views he is outspoken and often out of line.”

-Noel, Fairfield University Class of 2019

“I'm a registered Republican, but Donald Trump is such a disappointing candidate. I don't believe he should be able to run for the presidency if he can't seem to understand the first amendment. It's upsetting to see him running in the Republican Party, and it feels like he picked which party to run in by tossing a coin. I believe his appeal lies in his behavior being the exact opposite of President Obama. I refuse to vote for him, I think he would bring more harm than good to our country.”

-Kristen, University of Florida Class of 2017

“Mr. Donald Trump has always struck me as an oddity. I simply have never thought that it made ‘good business’ to be nasty. Being tough is one thing, but his nastiness doesn't serve a purpose, it doesn't challenge people or make them better members of the team. It's just nasty. Now as a presidential candidate it really makes me sad that he hasn't changed his tune even slightly. Our president should be our lead diplomat, and you simply can't be diplomatic if you're out right nasty. I would have considered myself a Republican before this election, but now I'm pretty disappointed that the Republicans are letting him run as one. Specifically his expression of racist and xenophobic sentiments startles me, and concerns me. While other president hopefuls have said very alarming things they were mostly said in a rhetoric that the uneducated hateful person could not quite rally around. Mr. Trump's simple language concerns me. I think that he cannot fully realize the hate he is awakening and I'm scared of what truly hateful people are capable of. I think though, that there are enough good people to drown them out. I will not be voting for Mr. Trump.”

-Mercy, University of Notre Dame Class of 2017

“I tend to be on the fence when it comes to determining if I associate more with Republican or Democrat views, but one thing I am entirely certain of when it comes to politics is that I can't think of one good thing, or just one non-outrageously-terrible thing, about Donald Trump. All he seems to speak on is keeping immigrants out of the US and building giant borders to give countries more reasons to dislike us. Even outside of his terribly twisted opinions and racist plans, if he were to become president, his personal life before and during his running for president should be enough to make people never pay any attention to him again. There is proof of him sexually abusing/raping his wife, and he has said that if his daughter were not his daughter, he'd want to date her. There's no hiding that this man is a pig, and his opinions on women’s rights and people of any other ethnicity other than Caucasian reflect the fact. He feels threatened by women, particularly women who have power, and so he is trying to prevent them from getting higher up than he is.”

-Emma, Penn State University Class of 2019

From the moment we began freshman year, we've dreamed about what it would be like to graduate from college. Who knew the time would go so quickly? Especially when you're graduating early in December! All of us early grads know we've got bigger fish to fry than stressing over fall semester finals. The thought of being thrown to the wolves––a.k.a. the real world––is looming over our heads!

As December runs its course, any collegiette graduating early is sure to experience a rollercoaster of emotions. If any of these 22 signs apply to your life, it's obvious that college is about to come to an end for you!

"So, are you ready to graduate?" becomes an inescapable question

Oh, and the inevitable, "What are you going to do with your life?"

Spontaneously bursting into tears is a routine part of your daily schedule...

...Especially when you start to regret all of the things you didn't get to do before graduating

You look back through all of your old Facebook albums with a bottle of Pinot at your side

Finding any excuse to drink becomes easier than ever!

Maybe because your senioritis has kicked into high gear?

You used to show up to class looking like...

But, now you always look like...

You're pulling all-nighters left and right

And finally hitting up those office hours to ask the dreaded-but-necessary, "Am I passing?"

While your friends stress about finals, you're busy stressing about the real world

You realize that you now have to be responsible with your money

Meanwhile, your friends want to hit up the bar like...

You've been racing to update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and online portfolio

You've been job hunting, too.

Well, sort of...

You're already getting prices for plane tickets for a visit back to campus

Because you're experiencing some serious premature FOMO about not being with your squad everyday 

You loath the thought of moving back home 

And you desparately need at least three pep talks a day to keep you going

Because you're a soon-to-be December graduate who has less than 30 days to get it together! 

Growing up, man. It's hard.

Entering a relationship is a big step to take that not only impacts you, but also your friends. Though this may sound surprising, as your relationship is just yours, relationships impact what you and your friends talk about and the time you choose to spend together. Friday nights can easily transform from going out with the girls to staying in with your SO. Your friends know you better than anyone and are likely to have an opinion on your SO and your relationship. It’s important to hear out your BFF’s opinions on your SO and make her feel heard, but how much do these opinions truly matter, and when should they have a real impact on your relationship? Her Campus went on a mission to figure this out. 

Consider the relationship between you and your friend

Kathleen Bogle, author of Hooking Up: Sex, Dating and Relationships on Campus, recommends evaluating the friendship you have with the friend who has an opinion on your SO. “A true friend hates to see you not treated well and hates to see someone that is ‘just not that into’ you while you put your SO on a pedestal,” Bogle, also a professor of sociology and criminal justice at La Salle University, says. “But, some friends are part ‘frenemy’ and do not have your best interest at heart.” So, rather than the opinion itself, she recommends evaluating the friendship you and your friend share. If you believe she has your back and truly wants what is best for you, Bogle recommends to “give a lot of thought to what she says!”

Related: What to Do When Your Friend Is in an Abusive Relationship

Understand the context of their opinion

If you believe your friends’ opinions are coming from a place of jealousy or hurt, address those feelings rather than the opinions themselves. If you think your friend may be hurt that you haven’t been spending as much time with her and jealous of the time you’re spending with your SO, make a larger effort to involve her in plans and catch up. She may not really dislike your SO, she may just feel like they’ve stolen you from her.

Bogle says it is “a huge mistake to drop your friends and spend all of your time with your SO” and recommends making time to hang out with your friends without your SO there, which will reduce jealousy. Bogle emphasizes that “when you are young, SOs come and go, but close friends may be forever.” If a friend is truly important to you, make sure to tell her how much you appreciate her and give her a space to voice how she feels if she is hurt. “Be a good friend so that your friends are there when you need them, which will be often,” Bogle recommends. There is no SO worth losing a phenomenal friendship over—or even a new friendship that could blossom into a lifelong bond.

Evaluate the opinion itself

There is a big difference between an opinion that cannot be ignored and an opinion that doesn’t affect you in the way it affects your friend. Annalise Beyer-Johnson, a sophomore at the Maryland Institute College of Art, says if her friends had an opinion on something “like that they don’t like the way he dresses, his hair or something else superficial,” she would ignore their opinions. In that case, they may not know your SO well enough to have an opinion at all! However, if their opinion was on something larger, such as if they believed her SO was unhealthy for her, Annalise says, “that would make me think things over for sure.”

Bogle says to never take a friends’ warning of a potentially unhealthy relationship lightly. While there are some things in relationships that can be worked on, such as communication, Bogle tells us that control problems and extreme jealousy are not something you want to work on. She warns us that “extreme jealousy is the number one warning sign that a relationship could turn physically abusive.” If you are in a relationship where your partner is extremely controlling or jealous, Bogle recommends breaking up “in a public space to reduce the chance of an enraged reaction” as oftentimes “abuse increases during break-ups because the partner is insecure and fears losing the relationship.” Never take a friends’ warnings on your SO lightly; true friends want to keep you safe, healthy and happy, and they may be seeing something you can’t see yourself.

If your friend does say something superficial about your SO, try saying something simple that shows you disagree and then continue to move the conversation further. For instance, if your friend says something about disliking your SO’s wardrobe, reply with “Oh really? I love it! I forgot to ask—how is X class going?” Let her know that you don’t agree, and that should signal to her that what she said isn’t an opinion you appreciate. By quickly changing subjects, it also shows your disinterest in discussing the topic further and keeps the situation from escalating. "You don’t have to get mad or fight with them about it; just let them know those little superficial qualities they don’t like work just fine for you," Bogle says.

True friends have your best interest at heart and if they are expressing genuine concern about an aspect of your relationship, such as your SO’s controlling tendencies, that may be a red flag. However, other opinions can afford to be disregarded. Your SO’s haircut may not be your friends’ cup of tea, but it can definitely be yours!

Reflect on your own relationship

After hearing your friends’ opinions and taking them into consideration if you feel necessary, it may be time to reflect on your own relationship. Sometimes our feelings can cloud our judgment because we are so caught up in the excitement of it all. If after hearing your friends’ opinions you begin to have doubts about your relationship, it may be time to have a serious talk with your SO. But, if after hearing what your friends think about your SO only confirms they’re the person you’re meant to be with, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the two biggest loves in your life, your BFF and SO, love one another just as much as you love them.

At the end of the day, your friends were there before you and your SO got together, and they will be there for you the day you and your SO end. True friends have your best interest at heart, and their opinions shouldn’t be disregarded, especially if they are on a serious matter. Listen to them with an open heart and understand that they are coming into the conversation with your best interest in mind. And of course, if their opinion is on something superficial, channel Taylor Swift and "shake it off."

As the seasons change and the weather gets cooler, collegiettes across the country are headed to Starbucks to enjoy delicious holiday beverages in those adorable red cups. Summertime may be out of sight, but our taste buds can now delight over these yummy drinks that are totally Instagram-worthy.

For collegiettes looking to save some cash and calories, we’ve found a few of our fave DIY drink recipes to enjoy all season long. Get ready to obsess over the healthy twists on these classic drinks and relish in a caffeine fix like no other!

1. The Treat: Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Healthier Alternative: BrokeAss Gourmet's DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte

After realizing how expensive purchasing a PSL on the regular could be, chef Gabi Moskowitz came up with her own DIY recipe that contains healthier substitutes. A grande Starbucks PSL contains 380 calories when made with 2-percent milk. Chef Moskowitz’s recipe substitutes the syrup for honey and is affordable, since you may have these ingredients already.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons strong ground coffee 
• 2/3 cup water 
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 
• 2 teaspoons honey or agave nectar 
• 2/3 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Brew the coffee with the water in a regular coffee maker, French press or drip cone.
2. While the coffee brews, stir the pumpkin pie spice into the honey or agave nectar until completely blended and set aside.
3. Pour the cold milk into a microwave-safe bowl. The edges of the bowl should come up a bit higher than the milk.
4. Keep the bowl slightly tilted so the milk is gathered more towards one side. Using a wire whisk, quickly and vigorously whisk the milk in this bowl for about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. If the milk isn’t frothy after about 2 1/2 minutes, keep whisking it for an additional 30 to 60 seconds. At this point, the milk should be very frothy.
5. Microwave the milk in the bowl on high for 8-10 seconds. It should puff into a high foam immediately.
6. When it’s time to serve the latte, pour the hot coffee into a mug and stir in the honey/agave and spice mixture until it’s completely dissolved. Top it off with the hot milk, spooning the thick foam on top, just like your favorite barista does. For a special touch, add a dash of additional pumpkin pie spice or some ground cinnamon.
7. The beverage should be served immediately, but since it’s this good, we don’t think we’ll have to tell you twice.

2. The Treat: Peppermint Mocha

The Healthier Alternative: Snack Girl’s DIY Peppermint Mocha

Nothing says winter quite like peppermint. When you combine this sweet flavor with mocha, it’s practically heaven. However, with the Starbucks version clocking in at 410 calories for a grande with 2-percent milk, it’s easy to overindulge. Thankfully, this recipe is healthier and only contains 79 calories.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup coffee
• 1 tablespoon dark chocolate syrup
• 1 drop peppermint extract

Instructions:

1. Brew the coffee and heat the milk in a microwave until hot.
2. Mix the chocolate syrup and peppermint extract into coffee.
3. Foam milk with a milk frother, or just pour hot milk into cup.
4. Sit down with your yummy treat and enjoy!

3. The Treat: Gingerbread Latte

The Healthier Alternative: The Kitchn DIY Gingerbread Latte

When the weather gets colder, it’s time for warm gingerbread cookies by the fire. If gingerbread cookies aren’t your style, you can enjoy the yummy gingerbread taste in this DIY version of the gingerbread latte from Starbucks. Say goodbye to artificial syrups, since this recipe will allow you to craft your beverage from scratch with quality ingredients that are better for your health and wallet.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot espresso
• 1 cup hot milk or soy milk

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Reduce heat and simmer slowly for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Combine the espresso in a mug and add 1/4 cup of the gingerbread syrup.
5. Top off with the heated milk. Garnish a dash of grated nutmeg, if desired. 

4. The Treat: Eggnog Latte

The Healthier Alternative: Skinnytaste Eggnog Latte

When eggnog returns to store shelves, it’s a sign that the holiday season is underway. Your favorite holiday beverage from childhood can now be turned into a delicious, caffeinated latte with this tasty recipe. A grande-sized eggnog latte at Starbucks is 460 calories, but this recipe contains 73 calories and only takes a few minutes to prepare!

Ingredients:

• 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup of strong concentrated coffee
• 1/4 cup skinny eggnog
• 1/4 cup nonfat milk
• A pinch of ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Brew your coffee or espresso.
2. Heat the eggnog and combine with milk.
3. Use a frothing wand in the mixture, up and down and side to side slowly until the eggnog and milk is thick and foamed. You can also put this into a blender if you don't have a frothing wand.
4. Pour your coffee or espresso into a mug and pour the hot eggnog mixture over the top. 
5. Sprinkle with nutmeg and indulge.

The next time you’re craving a holiday drink from Starbucks, test out one of these simple recipes to save money and calories. Before you know it, you’ll be your own expert barista, and your friends will be coming to you for drinks!

We all have one. That friend who'd rather stay in their PJs all day than attempt to make any kind of plans. They live in sweats, they frequently cancel on you and they claim to be sick about 75 percent of the time solely so they don’t have to leave the house. And no, we can’t hate them for appreciating the comfort of home sweet home, and it’s time we give in to their homebody habits.

This holiday, treat your favorite homebody to the soothing, snuggly gifts only they can fully appreciate.  

1. Heated Blanket

Every homebody knows that comfort is the ultimate goal. Why else would we choose the couch over a night out? Throw a heated blanket over it, and we promise you might seriously consider living in hibernation for the rest of the winter. You haven’t experienced true comfort until you’ve felt the satisfying warmth of an electric blanket. Try this one from Sunbeam and you’ll never need another cuddle buddy again.

2. Membership to a Wine of the Month Club

What’s better than a night at home? A night at home surrounded by your closest friends and a bottle (or two) of wine. As we’ve matured, we’ve all come to appreciate the art of drinking a glass or two (or more) of wine, and nobody appreciates it more than the homebody. Honor yours this holiday season with a membership to a wine-of-the-month club. It’s easy to do and will keep the gifts coming all year long for you and your favorite wine-o. Besides, she’s going to need someone to drink it with. Your homebody not 21 yet? No worries, opt for a chocolate-of-the-month membership instead. The results will be just as sweet.

3. Membership to Daily Burn

As homebodies, getting the motivation to go anywhere can be a serious struggle. But when that somewhere is the gym, it’s nearly impossible. Luckily, sites like Daily Burn allow you to fit in a killer workout without leaving your living room. By entering in some simple information, the site is designed to craft the perfect program tailored just for you. The workouts can be streamed any time on any device and are taught by elite trainers. The best part? They’re done in the time it takes to watch an episode of Grey’s.

4. Every Episode of Friends

Ten seasons. 236 episodes. Need we say more? Even if Friends isn’t your fancy (...are you crazy?), having a source of genuine entertainment is absolute necessary for any homebody. Though we all love the convenience of Netflix, relying solely on WiFi to get your binge-watching fix can be a serious gamble, especially when multiple people are using it at once. Always have a backup plan.    

5. Baking Cookbook

Even the most skilled homebodies have moments of guilt—the guilt that comes with not moving for five hours or realizing you haven't done anything productive since you last showered. That’s where at-home hobbies like baking come in handy. Not only does it make you feel like you’re actually doing something, but it also provides you with a tasty reward when you’re done. Find your homebody some tasty new recipes to try, but don’t make it too complicated—we like cupcakes and cookies, not soufflés and crème brulee.

6. Amazon Kindle

When the Netflix gets old and your brain feels like it has turned into complete mush, it always helps to pull out a good book. No one can frown upon a little leisure reading (even if it is the only scholarly thing you attempt to do that day). And nothing is more convenient than having unlimited reading material right at your very fingertips. 

7. Fuzzy Socks

We don't care what the grown-ups say... you are NEVER too old for fuzzy socks. Though they may have become popular when you were in third grade, the brilliance of this invention is still alive and real. Fuzzy socks are the perfect companion for a cozy night in because they aren’t meant to be worn with actual shoes. They were born to ensure every homebody has warm and toasty toes all winter long, regardless of what the thermostat says. Buy your homebody the perfect pair and you may never see their bare feet again.

Here's to all the cozy outfits, binge-watching marathons and endless snacking sessions to come. Happy Holidays, homebodies!