Whether you’re a college kid trying to knock out some Christmas shopping, or you’re trying to find a meaningful stocking stuffer for the student/alum in your life, don’t underestimate the power of university bookstore shopping.

On a recent December morning, I scooted across Buffalo in my little Ford Focus to peruse the holiday gift offerings at the D’Youville, Medaille and Canisius bookstores. I was specifically looking for Christmas ornaments, as I’m now in that stage in my life where I have my own little tree that’s in need of a good decking. I didn’t find blatantly Christmas-y baubles at every bookstore, but I did collect a few neat collegiate winter gift items.

Here’s what I found:

D’Youville College had a nice mix of Christmas gear and winter gifts. They had two school ornaments—one in a deep cherry red to match the official school colors—and the standard variety of beverage mugs that would be nicely paired with a coffee or cocoa gift basket. The ornaments and mugs all fell in the $8 to $15 range.  I also really like the sweatshirt blanket. At nearly $40, it seemed a little rich for my blood. But it’s a cute gift no less, and a more tasteful alternative to a Snuggie. I’m just being real.

Medaille College, quaintly tucked between Canisius College and Delaware Park, has a no-frills bookstore that still manages to pack a punch for the gift-giver. While this store does not offer any Christmas-specific gifts, there are plenty of coffee mugs and winter gear embroidered with the school’s name and logo.

Canisius College had the largest selection of gifts suitable for holiday giving. From ornaments, to striped scarves and Christmas cards, Canisius boasts a healthy list of gifting options. I ended up buying two ornaments, being a proud alumna, myself. I brought one for my brother, too, who graduated from Canisius a few years before I did. Shh. Don’t tell him. Meh, I doubt he’s reading this anyway.

Next week, I’ll head out to a few other area schools to see what types of holiday gift options are out there. Just remember, if you’re looking to buy gifts from a university bookstore, check store hours in advance. Many stores are not open on weekends and close before 5 p.m.