A lot of people talk about doing roommate gifts and there are loads of vlogs doing roommate gift reveals, but what goes into a good roommate gift and how can you do roommate gifts even if you go random?
Roommate gifts are a hot button topic on the DCP. I mean, who doesn't like getting a little present at the start of their program? I've seen videos showcasing roommate gifts that are personalized and thoughtful and make for a great first bonding experience with your roommates. But what goes into making a magical roommate gift and is it worth doing roommate gifts even if you don't have a gift exchange planned? I'm here to answer those questions
Part One: Making a Magical Roommate Gift
So what exactly goes into making a magical roommate gift? Does it have to be something that incorporates your roommate's favorite character? Does it have to be something practical that you know your roommates will use?
In my opinion, a roommate gift doesn't have to be big or elaborate or expensive to be magical. Instead as long as it is unique and meaningful it can be a magical gift. That description gives a lot of wiggle room for what goes into a magical gift. It could be something that incorporates your roommate's favorite Disney things. It could be something vintage from the parks that is no longer sold anymore. It could be something that your roommate could use while on their program that they might not necessarily think of bringing (I've seen roommate gift vlogs where the roommates got a sign to hang on their door to say whether they were in the apartment or out).
A magical roommate gift is something that shows you care and shows you're excited about living with the other people. So when deciding what type of gift you want to get your roommates ask yourself: Is it unique (can they get this on their own)? And is it meaningful (meaning you didn't just throw it together, but actually put some thought into it)? If you're able to answer yes to both of those questions when thinking about if your roommate gift is good enough, the I think you may have found yourself the perfect gift!
Part Two: Roommate Gifts Without Agreeing On It
If you don't have roommate gifts pre-planned with all your roommates, should you still get them something? My answer is yes. Now hear me out. While everyone loves receiving gifts and sometimes we don't want to give something if we're not getting anything in return, I'm here to tell you that giving gifts without expectations is something you should still consider.
First off, think back to a time you received a gift without being prompted to receive one, how did it make you feel? You probably felt pretty good about it which in turn made you feel positively towards the person who gave it to you. If that has never happened to you imagine if someone were to give you a gift right now. You would probably feel taken aback and grateful that someone was thinking of you. This feeling that others get when they receive a gift is exactly why you should still consider getting roommate gifts even if you haven't discussed it with your future roommates or if you are going random and don't know who you're future roommates will be!
Not only does it show that you are excited to get to know your fellow roommates and live with them, but it instantly makes them more receptive of you because doing something for others without being prompted and without expecting anything in return speaks volumes about your character and the type of person you are. Besides, the best part about giving a gift unexpectedly and without expecting anything in return is getting to see the other person's reaction. In my opinion, that is gift enough. So if you're going random or haven't discussed roommate gifts with your future roommates consider still doing something that shows you're excited about living together.
It's up to you how you choose to go about doing roommate gifts and if you decide to give any roommate gifts, but remember that roommate gifts don't have to be something elaborate and they don't have to be prompted. As long as you're giving something that comes from your heart, it will be the perfect gift. As to what I'm getting my roommates, that's a secret for now!