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galemalio · 4 years

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3 Examples of Racial Bias in Animation Storytelling

It’s not hard to grasp that a white person, while not explicitly or consciously racist in the sense we might usually imagine, is still inherently racially biased because they benefit from and grow up used to white supremacy.” - Scottishwobbly, Tumblr

This is nothing new. This is something POC (People of Color) have been talking about in separate fandoms. Nevertheless, it needs to be acknowledged by those unaware.

This article is not made to say that some of the animations that I will use as examples are bad. But in the hopes that we, as consumers and creators, will do better in the future in handling characters that are POC.

Most often, racial bias in storytelling is when the narrative treats white or light skin toned characters better than darker skin toned characters. The darker skin toned characters are often POC-coded or actual POC.

White creators often do not notice their racial bias in their storytelling as they benefit from and grow up with white privileges and white supremacy. This can also apply to light-skinned POC who have light skin priviliges.

Some of us don’t often see it but real people who relate to the characters of color do. Especially when it reflects from their experiences with racial bias, microaggressions, colorism and flat out racism.

So when they speak up, it’s important to listen to them to unlearn the racial bias we may have in ourselves.

I will be emphasizing “the narrative” for I am criticizing how the story treats its dark-skinned characters and not because I am criticizing the characters themselves.

This article is critiqued by @visibilityofcolor as a sensitivity reader once and then additions were made before publishing. If you’re looking for a Black sensitivity reader, you can contact her.

This article is a 14-minute read at average speed so buckle up. Unless you want to skip to your show mentioned below. External Tumblr Resources will be put in the reblog.

Here are three examples that I was made aware of.

Example #1: The Narrative Treats the Light-Skinned Character at the Expense of the Dark-Skinned Character

Steven Universe was one of the animations that pushed lgbt+ representation in cartoon media. However, there are narratives here and there that showed racial bias.

SU creator Rebecca Sugar was raised with "Jewish sensibilities" and both siblings observe the lighting of Hanukkah candles with their parents through Skype.[1] Rebecca Sugar also talked about being non-binary.[2]

But as a white person, she (and the rest of the SU crew) is not aware of the inherently biased values from growing up and benefiting from white privilege.

One example is the human zoo. There are people that have spoken up about this such as @jellyfax of Tumblr who pointed out that the Crewniverse mishandled a loaded topic and reinforced a white colonist propaganda where the captive humans of mostly black/brown people are naive, docile and childlike in order to subjugate the people that they colonized. .

What I’m here is how a character of color from the main cast is more obligated to the lighter-skinned character.

In the episode, Friend Ship, one fan had spoken out about how Garnet, who had been validly angry at Pearl, was compelled by a dangerous situation to forgive Pearl. Garnet is a Black-coded character. While Pearl is a light-skinned character.

Garnet was mad at Pearl for tricking her into always fusing with her. Then they were trapped in a chamber that was going to crush them. In this situation, they have to fuse in order to save themselves but Garnet refuses to because she was still angry at her.

In the end, they were forced to talk it out, for Garnet to understand Pearl’s reason for wanting to fuse with her and everything worked out well.

The narrative focused so much on Pearl’s self-worth issues at the expense of Garnet’s right to be angry.

Yes, it showed that Pearl is trying her best to make up for it but Garnet should have been allowed to work at her own anger at her own pace instead of being obligated to consider Pearl’s feelings over her own.

I wouldn’t have noticed it until someone had mentioned it. Because it was never my experience.

But it’s there, continuing the message that it’s okay to put the emotional labor on Black people and disregard their own feelings for the sake of the non-Black people who have hurt them -particularly light-skinned women.

White Fragility and Being Silenced White Woman Tears

Again, racial bias in animation storytelling is often not intentional because white creators do not experience it due to white privilege.

Without meaning to, that scene alone shows Garnet as the Angry Black woman trope that is ungrateful and rude to Pearl who then ends up in tears. Without meaning to, Pearl with her light skin, became the tearful white girl trope that had to be sympathized over.

The Angry Black Woman trope is a combination of the worst negative stereotypes of a Black woman: overly aggressive, domineering, emasculating, loud, disagreeable and uppity.[13]

The Tearful white girl trope comes from the combination of the stereotypes of white women being morally upstanding and delicate and therefore should be protected.[13]

Which, unfortunately, many white women have taken advantage of.

These two tropes are harmful to WOC (Women of Color) because they experience the "weary weaponizing of white women's tears". This tactic employed by many white women incites sympathy and avoids accountability for their actions, turning the tables to their accuser and forcing their accuser to understand them instead.

(Image by Виктория Бородинова from Pixabay)

In "Weapon of lass destruction: The tears of a white woman", Author Shay described that white tears turns a white woman into the priority of whatever space she's in. "It doesn't matter if you're right, once her tears are activated, you cease to exist." [11]

White woman tears have gotten Black people beaten and lynched such as Emmett Till. Carolyn Bryant who had accused 14 year old Emmett Till of sexually harassing her in 1955, admitted she lied about those claims years later in 2007.[15]

In Awesomely Luvvie's "About the Weary Weaponizing of White Women Tears", she states that the innocent white woman is a caricature many subconsciously embrace because it hides them from consequences. [10]

In The Guardian’s article, "How White Women Use Strategic Tears to Silence Women of Colour", Ruby Hamad shares her experience:

"Often, when I have attempted to speak to or confront a white woman about something she has said or done that has impacted me adversely, I am met with tearful denials and indignant accusations that I am hurting her. My confidence diminished and second-guessing myself, I either flare up in frustration at not being heard (which only seems to prove her point) or I back down immediately, apologising and consoling the very person causing me harm."[4]

This is not to say that all crying white women are insincere. But as activist Rachel Cargle said:

“I refuse to listen to white women cry about something. When women have come up to me crying, I say, ‘Let me know when you feel a little better, then maybe we can talk.’”[3]

One of the most quoted words in “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism.” is this:

“It is white people’s responsibility to be less fragile; people of color don’t need to twist themselves into knots trying to navigate us as painlessly as possible.”[3]

When white women cry in defense, instead of taking accountability, People of Color are then gaslighted into thinking they’re the bad guy. This is emotional abuse and a manipulation tactic.

People of Color shouldn’t have to bend backwards to accommodate discomfited white or light-skinned people who have hurt them.

How She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (SPOP) Did It Right

Despite SPOP having good lgbtq+ representations, there are other biases in the show. Such as Mara, a WOC whose only purpose was to sacrifice herself for the white protagonist. There was also the insensitive joke in their stream regarding Bow’s sibling that perpetuated an Anti-Black stereotype which Noelle Stevenson has apologized for.[14]

But the scene I have encountered where the Black character was validly angry and his feelings were treated well by the narrative, came from SPOP.

Bow, a black character, was validly angry at Glimmer, a lighter skinned character. Glimmer made a lot of bad decisions, one of them was using Adora and their friends as bait, without their knowledge, to lure out and capture Catra.

Glimmer tearfully apologized in Season 5, Episode 4. Adora readily forgave her. But Bow didn't.

They faced dangers along the way but the story didn't put them in a dangerous situation where Bow has to forgive Glimmer in order to get out of it.

This was Glimmer's words of apology:

"Look, I know you're still mad at me. Maybe you'll be mad at me for a really long time. I deserved it. And maybe... maybe we'll never be friends like we used to be. But I'm not going to stop trying to make it better. I made a mistake with the heart of Etheria. I should've listened to you and I'm sorry. You get to be mad. For as long as you need to be. But I'm not going anywhere. And when you're ready, I'll be here."

In short, Bow was allowed to take the time to be mad and not just get over it for someone else’s sake. The story validates his feelings and he was allowed to take his own pace. That is emotional respect the story gave to him.

Example #2: The Narrative Gives Better Endings or Portrayals to Colonizers than Their Victims

Avatar: The Last Airbender has handled dark themes well such as genocide, war, PTSD, disability and redemption with great worldbuilding.

However, I never noticed the racial bias in ATLA until people spoke up of the double standards in ATLA’s treatment of light-skinned colonizers compared to their dark-skinned victims-turned-villains.

The characters in question -Iroh, Azula, Jet and Hama- are all flawed and well-rounded in a believable way. But how the narrative treats them is unequal.

General Iroh is an ex-colonizer who gets to redeem himself and not answer for his past war crimes, living a peaceful life as a tea shop owner. The only reason Iroh changed was when he was personally affected by the negativity of their military subjugation -his son’s death. It wasn’t the harm of the Fire nation ravaging Earth kingdom villages or cities and affecting millions of people that opened his eyes.

Azula, the tyrannical daughter, had closure of her mother's rejection when she was a child and was able to escape imprisonment.

Jet and Hama, victims of colonization who have done bad things, did not get similar conclusions to their stories OR compensation for what they have gone through from the Fire Nation's colonization.

Jet was given a second chance but was arrested for trying to expose Zuko and Iroh being firebenders -firebenders who were their enemies for conquering their villages. Then he died from the injuries of the person who had brainwashed and mind-controlled him.

Hama was imprisoned for life.

Compared to the sins of the light-skinned colonizers, the narrative didn’t give Jet and Hama the development where they could heal from their trauma, receive compensation for what happened to them and really have a chance in life.

The dark-skinned victims of colonization just became a lesson to the viewers how they shouldn’t hold grudges for being colonized. The end. They have received consequences for their actions but there is no continuation to their stories after that.

It almost seems like the narrative is saying that because they have harmed colonizers who have no part in their trauma (and in Jet’s case, some Earth kingdom villagers), they are therefore unworthy to be given an actual chance in life.

While Azula and Iroh, who have actively participated in conquering, colonizing and attacking the Earth Kingdom itself, were.

Someone once said that if indigenous people have control over Hama’s story, it would have been done differently. But the ATLA crew are white, non-indigenous people who prioritized redeeming colonizers instead.

The narrative has also affected how the ATLA fandom thinks. If most fans are asked who they would want to be redeemed, the popular option would be Azula over Jet or Hama.

Once again, I don’t think the ATLA crew noticed it due to their racial bias. But still, the harm is done and the racially biased message is continued:

The colonizers and their descendants don’t have to make amends for the colonizers’ crimes. Or if they do, only lightly since it’s in the past (no matter how recent that past is).

The colonized who rebel will tend to hurt innocent people and then get a grisly end for getting in way over their heads.

I would venture as far as to say that the narrative may have the added subconscious desire to quiet their white anxiety on the vengeance of the colonized. As I have learned when writing about Vodou stereotypes and how they have stemmed from the history of white anxiety of Black vengeance, of Black fetishization and of dissolution of the white race through intermarriages.

In @visibilityofcolor’s blog, someone asked:

“So I saw some of the really heated debates on here and on twitter about how if Iroh and Azula can be portrayed sympathetically despite their actions then characters like Jet and Hama should've been given a chance too. Do you think that the writers understood the implications of only redeeming characters from the colonizer/fascist nation but not giving the characters who suffered because of their fascism a second chance too?”

To which VisibilityOfColor replied:

“No, because at the end of the day, the writers are white. When it comes to stuff like this, it’s no surprise when we see white writers redeem problematic characters before they actually redeem victims of those racist problematic characters. For instance, Dave Filioni, who worked on both avatar and star wars rebels, did the same thing when redeeming agent kallus who was an soldiers in the imperial army and took credit for a genocide. where as victims of the empire were still painted in negative lights. i really don’t think they understand.

They have this ‘be the better person’ view on things, which is what a lot of white people tend to emulate when it comes to people of color standing up to their oppressors. and unfortunately, these are ideas passed on to children, esp minorities. that they should forgive people and communities who hurt them and ‘be the better person’. this is why white ppl don’t need to write narratives for people of color.”

Example #3: The Narrative Favors the Light Skinned Character Than Dark Skinned Character in Similar Situations

I would like to reiterate that racial bias in storytelling is often not intentional. I am not saying the creators and the people who support them are bad people. No.

However, I encourage that once a racial bias is made known in our work, it is our responsibility to change them to stop the perpetuation of its harmful message.

Hazbin Hotel is a popular cartoon with whimsical designs and its concept opens the conversation about redemption. The creator, Vivziepop may not have noticed the racial bias in her cartoon as a white Latina [5] that grew up with and benefits from white privileges, along with the Hazbin crew.

In the Youtbe video, "Hazbin Hotel - How Art took over Writing", Staxlotl states:

“I understand that there was a lot of time and effort put into this pilot, almost three years worth of effort. But I think most of that time was spent into the art and visuals when it should’ve gone into polishing the writing in the characters.”[6]

Once again, I’m not here to critique the characters but how the narrative treats its dark-skinned characters.

The story treats Charlie, the white-skinned, “Disney-esque” protagonist princess differently from how it treats Vaggie, the dark-skinned, more outspoken and protective Latina girlfriend of Charlie who supports the princess’ cause.

In its pilot episode, both girls experience humiliation. While Charlie is portrayed by the story as someone the viewers have to feel sorry for...

...Vaggie is portrayed in her humiliation as the butt of the joke for the viewers.

While they both didn’t like what Angel Dust did, Charlie was sympathized over in the narrative as a moment...

...while Vaggie’s angry but valid callouts were dismissed and ignored as part of the comedy.

While Charlie was someone that needs to be protected in the narrative...

...Vaggie is left to fend for herself.

Again, I don’t think the creators noticed the racial bias of their cartoon. However, this racial bias is reflected in the harmful perceptions that dark-skinned women, particularly Black women and Black girls, are more mature, tougher and need less protection at a young age.[7]

This adultification bias perceives them as challenging authority when they express strong or contrary views and are then given harsher discipline than white girls who misbehave.[8] And this continues when they grow up.

In a 2017 study, Black women and girls aged 12-60 years old confirmed they are treated harsher by their white peers and are accused of being aggressive when they would defend themselves or explain their point of view to authority figures.[8]

This bias also coincides with the Spicy Latina trope of a brown-skinned, hot-blooded, quick-tempered and passionate woman.

Everyday Feminism described this trope as "Although objects of desire for many, the spicy Latina may have too much personality to handle. So much so that she is often viewed as domineering or emasculating." [16]

Sounds familiar? (Look at Angry Black Woman trope above.)

Why is it that a light-skinned character, Charlie, is allowed to be vulnerable and be sympathized while the dark-skinned Latina character, Vaggie, is mocked, dismissed and expected to tough it out?

Severina Ware had to remind the world in her article that relates to the bias against dark skinned characters:

“Black women are not offered the protection and gentleness of our white counterparts. We are not given permission to be soft and delicate. We are required to exhibit strength and fortitude not only because our lives depend on it, but because so many others depend on us. Black women should not be charged with the responsibility of saving everyone when nobody is here to save us.”[12]

As @cullenvhenan of Tumblr has said in her post:

“if you're a white creator and your brown/black characters are always sassy, reckless, aggressive or cold and your white characters are always soft, demure, shy and introverted you should think about maybe why you did that”

(Image above from Iowa Law Reviews’ “Aggressive Encounters & White Fragility: Deconstructing the Trope of the Angry Black Woman”)

Detecting Your Own Racial Bias

It would be hard. No matter how much you edit and create, you may miss it because it was never your experience.

So how do we prevent our racial bias from creeping into our creations?

Listen to POC and their feedback.

As @charishjb from Instagram has shared, here is one of the things that we can do (tumblr link here) [9]:

Consider POC voices. Listen to their experiences. Hire sensitivity POC readers. Put multiple POC voices in positions of leadership in creative projects.

Then we can stop the racial bias that perpetuates again and again in the media. I hope for that future.

#racial bias #racism #colorism #animation #steven universe #su #pearl #garnet #atla #azula #general iroh #jet #hama #hazbin hotel #hazbin vaggie #lynching mention #lynching tw #writeblr #artblr

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adtwixt · 5 years

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Adtwixt - News: 99 Unforgettable Gift Ideas Under $25

Have you ever found yourself in a spot where you have to get a gift soon but you have no idea what to get? Yeah, me too! All the time actually That is why today, we are going to discuss 99 unforgettable gift ideas under $25. Each gift is perfect for a friend, family member, significant other, or whoever you need to get a gift for. They range from amazing kitchen gadgets to fun and functional tools anyone can use in their daily life. Ready to get started? Lets get into all of the amazing gift ideas under $25!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read mydisclosure policyfor more information.

What could these gift ideas be used for?

I am glad you asked! These gift ideas under $25 are perfect for any of the following occasions:

Birthdays for friends and family

Anniversaries for a significant other

Going away parties

Housewarming parties

Graduation parties

Holiday parties or dinners

Stocking stuffer or gift-exchanges

Looking for more holiday gift ideas? Check out my Ultimate College Student Holiday Gift Guide

99 Gift Ideas Under $25

Alright, lets dive right in! Below, I have sectioned off each of these gift ideas under $25 to help you better navigate.

Gift Ideas for the Book Worm

Each of these are classic books that never get old. They are perfect for any individual looking to better their life, need a pick-me-up, or simply just love to read!

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen: Allens best-selling book is the ultimate and perfect guide to productive living. In it, it sets up a foolproof productivity system that anyone can easily use. Makes the perfect gift for students, anyone who works at a desk, and stay-at-home moms.

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson: Next, this is among my top ten favorite books of all time. Lawson describes how she hilariously handles life living with anxiety and depression and brings the reader along for an epic, funny, and uplifting adventure. I cant recommend this book more.

What Now? The Young Persons Guide to Choosing the Perfect Career by Nicholas Lore: This is, hands down, the best book-gift I ever received. I read this book cover-to-cover and was able to decide, with confidence, my career path! This is the perfect gift for your favorite college student, high school senior, or young adult who is still trying to figure out their future.

Adulting: How to Become a Grown Up in 535 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown: Speaking of young adults, this is another great book for your favorite 20- or 30-something. This is a step-by-step guide to being a functional adult.

You Are A Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living Your Life by Jen Sincero: This best-seller makes the perfect gift for anyone! It is an uplifting, motivational, and inspirational book that will pump anyone up to chase their wildest dreams and quit letting fear get in the way.

Looking for more book ideas? HERE is the list of 100 books everyone should read before they die!

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller: This classic, best-selling novel should be on everyones shelf! It is a humorous war novel and one of the most celebrated books ever written.

Eat, Pray, Love: One Womans Search For Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert: Next, this best-seller is the perfect book for your favorite traveler. It follows a woman through her travels across the globe and what she learns along the way.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin: Another great classic is this gorgeous copy of Pride and Prejudice. It is a humorous, love novel about five women and their mothers attempt to marry them all.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Next is this best-selling novel that takes place in 1939 and follows a young foster girl who, you guessed it, steals book. It is widely known as a life-changing book and a must read of all ages.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien: My final book-gift recommendation is the first book in the Lord of the Rings series. It is a must read for everyone and is the perfect way to make someone fall in love with reading!

Related: 21 Life-Changing Books every 20-Something Should Read

Gift Ideas for the Chef

Next on the best gift ideas under $25 list is the top kitchen gadgets that are perfect for anyone looking to up their food game! Actually, I really think kitchen items make some of the best gifts for anyone really.

Tupperware Set: This is such a useful gift for anyone who has recently moved into a new or larger place.

Drinking Glasses: Another great gift for someone moving into a larger place or who is in desperate need of new drinking glasses (which is a surprisingly large amount of people!)

Plate Set: Again, another great gift for a newly move-in.

Silverware Set: The last of the kitchen essentials, silverware. A must have!

Silverware Organizer: Know anyone who just tosses their silverware into a drawer? Yeah, this is for them.

Kitchen Towels: A great gift for anyone! Plus, you can find some really fun seasonal sets and colors.

Kitchen Knives: A good knife set can really be life-changing. As a bonus, you can even include a knife-sharpener!

Taco-Holder: This is one of those cute little fun gifts that are perfect to add to a larger kitchen-themed gift!

Cookbook: There are so many great cookbooks out there that make perfect gifts. THIS is my current go-to book because it has everything!

Cookbook Holder: This is so useful when baking. Especially when you have messy fingers!

Looking for a bigger kitchen gift idea? Instant pots are where its at!

Kettle: These are amazing! I use mine everyday and would be lost without it! They are perfect for tea drinkers or anyone who boils water on the regular.

Waffle Maker: This is another fun gift that is great for anyone! (Makes the PERFECT exchange gift!)

Utensil Set: There are so many people out there who need this.

Noodle Strainer: A great, basic addition to any kitchen.

Smoothie Blender: These are perfect for your favorite health nut!

Cute Apron: Every good baker needs a cute apron.

Coffee: When in doubt, coffee makes a perfect gift.

Tea: Likewise, tea is a great gift too! You can never have too much.

Tea Infuser: These are great for people who are serious about their tea drinking.

Snacks: Finally, if youre really unsure, snacks/food make great gifts because you know they will be used/eaten up!

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Healthy on a Budget and a Time Crunch

From food, snacks, utensils, tools and more, kitchen goodies make the perfect gift for anyone!Click To Tweet

Gift Ideas for the Commuter

Next, lets discuss some of the best gift ideas under $25 for your favorite commuter. This could be someone who drives everyday, takes the train, or simply has a bit of a walk before they reach their daily destination.

Coffee Travel Mug: Everyone can use a new travel mug.

Multi-Tool: Perhaps a more boring but definitely useful gift idea.

1 Month Audible Membership: Commuting can be incredibly boring, especially with traffic. Spice it up for your favorite commuter with some audiobooks!

Cute New Sunglasses: Sunglasses often get lost or broken throughout the year so they make great gifts (because you know everyone could use an extra pair!)

Headphones: Likewise, headphones dont last forever. Lucky for you, that makes them perfect gift ideas.

Portable Charger: Portable chargers can seriously be lifesavers when commuting.

Cute (and useful!) Keychain: Finally, a cute keychain can be the perfect addition to any gift.

Pin this post for later!

Gift Ideas for the Homebody

This next gift ideas section covers everything related to the home. These gifts are perfect for anyone who has recently moved into a new place or perhaps is in need of some new decoration. These also work great for anyone who likes to stay in on the weekends!

Flameless Candles: Most rental units (dorms, apartments, etc.) dont allow candles, which is why flameless candles are so great!

Picture Frame: A cute picture frame with a photo inside makes a great personalized and meaningful gift.

Monogram Cork Holder: These are so cute and are perfect for someone who loves wine!

Blanket: Cozy blankets make perfect gifts and are always useful.

Curtains: Curtains are like giving the gift of more sleep, especially with blackout curtains!

Cozy Socks: Cute, fuzzy socks are classic gifts and great for anyone who lives in a colder climate.

New Movie with Popcorn and Candy: Movies are always great gift ideas!

Diffuser: Every home needs a good diffuser. They serve double duty as a humidifier too!

Cute Throw Pillows: Throw pillows are a great addition to any home.

Plant Terrarium: These are so cute to add to any home and require very little maintenance.

Twinkle Lights: Lights can really transform any space into a cute and cozy atmosphere.

Re-Usable Bags: Many cities are getting rid of plastic bags. Help fight for the environment and give the gift of reusable bags! (They are SO useful too!)

Related: The Ultimate College Packing List for Dorms and New Apartments

Gift Ideas for the Workaholic or Student

Now, lets talk about some gift ideas for the workaholic or student in your life. These are perfect for anyone who often sits at a desk or uses a computer often. They can turn anyones ordinary desk supplies into extraordinary!

Student Planner: First, planners are among the best gifts you can get! THIS planner has everything your favorite student will ever need. As a bonus, it is printable! So you can download the files onto a USB and give them a copy so if they need an extra page of a certain layout, they have it at their fingertips.

Cute New Mug: A good coffee/tea mug is something truly special.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Many people spend countless hours in front of a screen. Make sure their eyes are protected (and headaches avoided) with a nice new pair of blue light blocking glasses.

Cordless Mouse: A good cordless mouse can make a huge difference to productivity. THIS is my favorite mouse, I swear by it.

Thumb Drive: Honestly, one can never have too many thumb drives

Laptop Case: When moving a laptop from place to place, it is incredibly important to keep it safe and secure.

Laptop Vinyl Stickers: These are so fun to add to any laptop and make a great gift!

Keyboard Cover: Keyboards get dirty so easily, a good cover is a great way to avoid this issue.

Tablet Stand: For frequent tablet users, a good stand can make a big difference.

White Board and Markers: These are perfect for a student who studies often!

Wooden Block Desk Calendar: Finally, these desk calendars make the cutest addition to any desk!

Related: College Backpack Essentials 21 Items you Must Carry With you at all Times

Gift Ideas for the Stationary Nerd

In addition to desk and computer supplies, lets cover some fun stationary as well! I love stationary, so I thought it deserved its own category. These gift ideas are relatively cheaper than the other ideas, so multiples can be paired together under $25 to make a great gift!

Bullet Journal: First, bullet journals are great productivity tools and make wonderful, slim journals that you can take anywhere!

Washi Tape: Add a pop of color or design to anything with removable washi tape.

Coletto Multi-Pens: These multi-pens make the perfect gift for anyone who loves pens. They are great for color coding tasks, drawing, and so much more.

Mildliner Highlighters: These make great highlighters, art markers, and more. They are much better than regular highlighters because they are less bright and have two different tips. They are perfect to pair as a gift with a bullet journal.

Stedler Fineliner Pens: Next, these are among the most popular pens on college campuses today.

Sticky Note Set: Everyone goes through sticky notes so quickly, which means they make great gifts!

Fancy Pen Set: A good, fancy pen is always a great gift! These make great pens to showcase in the professional setting.

Pen Case: An organized, new pen case is a perfect gift for anyone!

Cute Notebooks: Finally, a few cute notebooks is always a great gift for a stationary nerd.

Related: The Only Student Planner Youll Ever Need in College!

Gift Ideas for the Fit & Health-Nut

Next up includes a short list of gift ideas for anyone who is into fitness. These make perfect gifts for people who are often in the gym or workout on a daily basis.

Water Bottle: Many water bottles wear over time, making them great go-to gifts.

Infusion Water Bottle: Speaking of water bottles, check out these infusion bottles!

Yoga Mat: Yoga mats should also be switched out quite often, so they are killer gifts as well!

Yoga Dice: Speaking of yoga, these yoga dice are so fun!

Running Belt: These are perfect for runners who need to carry a few items but have no pockets (like most of us)!

Silicone Rings: Jewelry can get really banged up at the gym, prevent this with some fun silicone rings!

Exercise Bands: These are perfect for anyone who likes to workout at home or on the road traveling.

Meal-Prep Containers: Finally, meal-prep containers make great gifts and double as Tupperware!

Gift Ideas for the Traveler

Next, these gift ideas are perfect for anyone who travels often. This travel doesnt have to be far! It could just be frequent camping trips on the weekends, or perhaps they simply just spend a lot of time in their car!

Warm Scarf and Hat Set: First, it can be cold out there in the world! So a nice set of mittens and a scarf makes a great traveling gift.

Carwash Kit: Know someone who is always traveling in their car? A good carwash kit just might be what they need!

New Cosmetic Bag: Finding the perfect travel cosmetic bag can be difficult, which makes it the perfect gift! Check this one out.

Hammock: On the road, on the trail, in the airport (maybe?) hammocks are great travel companions if you need a good rest.

Coin Savings Jar: These are great little additions to anyones home and perfect to use to save up for an upcoming trip!

Shower Tote: Sometimes, traveling with toiletries can be a pain, but a good travel shower tote can take care of this!

Bluetooth Speaker: Speakers are perfect while traveling and can be used while hiking or staying in a hotel.

Scratch-Off Travel Map: Let your favorite traveler check off their destinations with this cute scratch-off travel map!

Travel Wallet with RFID Blocking Sleeve: Tourists are often vulnerable to identity theft and they dont even know it! Protect your favorite traveler with one of these fantastic RFID blocking wallets.

Packing Cubes: These are a great way to organize any suitcase!

Related: The 10 Hiking Essentials Everything You Must Carry With You On Your Next Hike

Gift Ideas for the Gamer

Last but not least are games! Board and card games make the perfect gift for so many people! They usually make great gift-exchange ideas and are perfect for anyone young at heart.

Sushi Go: First, this is a simple and fun card game perfect for 2-5 players. It involves picking one card, then passing it to the next player until all the cards have been picked.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf: This is such a fun party game! It is for 3-10 players and involves everyone closing their eyes and listening to the game app for instructions, then you must figure out who the werewolf is!

Flux: This classic 2-5 player game is a quick and fun draw-one-play-one card game.

Exploding Kittens: This is another fun card game where you loose if you find an exploding kitten. Super fun!

We Didnt Play Test This: This is a ridiculous 2-10 player card game that only takes about 1-5 minutes to play with very simple, yet strange rules.

Uno: Next, Uno is such a classic game I had to add it. It is perfect to throw into someones glove box for a rainy day or to add to anyones game collection.

Looking for more game ideas? Check out Amazons top selling games HERE!

Codenames: This game is slowly becoming one of my favorite party games. You break into two teams and choose one person per team to attempt to use just one word to have you guess images/words.

Exit The Game: SO. MUCH. FUN. This is like having an escape room in your own home!

Catchphrase: This classic timed game is perfect for parties and is always a blast to play!

Punderdome: This is a fun card game for pun-lovers.

Joking Hazard: Another fun card game that allows you to move comic-style cards around into a fun story!

Pictionary: Finally, this classic should also be in everyones game collection! Such a fun party game.

There you have it, my top 99 gift ideas under $25. I hope you found some amazing ideas and are ready to hand out some amazing gifts to your favorite people! Now, it is just time to wrap them up!

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out my Ultimate College Student Holiday Gift Guide with over 50 fantastic gift ideas!

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What could these gift ideas be used for?

I am glad you asked! These gift ideas under $25 are perfect for any of the following occasions:

Birthdays for friends and family

Anniversaries for a significant other

Going away parties

Housewarming parties

Graduation parties

Holiday parties or dinners

Stocking stuffer or gift-exchanges

Looking for more holiday gift ideas? Check out my Ultimate College Student Holiday Gift Guide

99 Gift Ideas Under $25

Alright, lets dive right in! Below, I have sectioned off each of these gift ideas under $25 to help you better navigate.

Gift Ideas for the Book Worm

Each of these are classic books that never get old. They are perfect for any individual looking to better their life, need a pick-me-up, or simply just love to read!

Looking for more book ideas? HERE is the list of 100 books everyone should read before they die!

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller: This classic, best-selling novel should be on everyones shelf! It is a humorous war novel and one of the most celebrated books ever written.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin: Another great classic is this gorgeous copy of Pride and Prejudice. It is a humorous, love novel about five women and their mothers attempt to marry them all.

Related: 21 Life-Changing Books every 20-Something Should Read