This post has been paid for by Cal Poly Corporation’s University Store, and does not reflect the editorial coverage of Mustang News.
With the conclusion of fall quarter at Cal Poly comes the pressure to sell all those textbooks students likely never want to see again.
The University Store’s buyback program runs Dec. 7-12, meaning students can get money back for the textbooks they purchased 10 weeks ago. How you spend that money is your own choice, but we here at Mustang Media Group decided to translate that cash into something else.
Because it’s holiday shopping season, we researched some of the trending holiday gift items in 2015 and matched them with popular Cal Poly textbooks of the same estimated buyback value. We also threw in a few options that we think will resonate with Cal Poly students in particular.
Here’s what your textbooks are worth:
1. MLA Handbook For Writers of Research Papers
Estimated Buyback Value: $4.95
Our Pick: In-N-Out
Price: $2.10-$5.35
Whether you go before or after finals, you deserve this.
2. Practical Argument
Estimated Buyback Value: $19
Our Pick: Two Pairs of CP Socks
Price: $19.98
Show off your Cal Poly spirit with these stripe tube socks. A great holiday gift choice for mom and dad.
3. Principles of Macroeconomics – With Access (Looseleaf)
Estimated Buyback Value: $16
Our Pick: Planner
Price: $15.67
Just because the quarter’s over doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for the next one. Try this planner to get yourself in the zone for Winter 2016. Who knows, maybe you won’t be starting that essay last minute again.
4. Cultural Anthropology: A Toolkit for a Global Age
Estimated Buyback Value: $34
Our Pick: The USB Humidifier, Mister and Diffuser
Price: $35
“Provides relief to cold and flu symptoms, and adds moisture to air in the immediate area.” Sounds like something Cal Poly students could use. Just stick it in your water bottle. It can also be used with cold water for hot days.
5. Women’s Voices, Feminist Visions
Estimated Buyback Value: $50
Our Pick: UDI U818A 2.4GHz 4 CH 6 Axis Gyro RC Quadcopter with Camera
Price: $47.99
To finish off the year of the drone properly.
6. Meditations on First Philosophy : With Selections from the Objections and Replies
Estimated Buyback Value: $5
Our Pick: Pocket Notebook
Price: $7
Yes, you’re trading a textbook for a notebook, but it might come in handy next quarter. A better grade is probably worth those extra $2 you’d pay to cover the difference.
7. Theatre : Collaborative Acts
Estimated Buyback Value: $20
Our Pick: Phone Charger
Price: $20.99
Raise your hand if your phone is perpetually dying. Never fear, the portable phone charger is here. It’s lightweight and can fit in your pocket — professors won’t even notice it.
8. Introductory Musicianship : Workbook
Estimated Buyback Value: $12.50
Our pick: minibru Coffee Press Mug
Price: $14.99
Your French press in a mug. Perfect for when you’re rushing to class and need that caffeine fix.
9. Lecture-Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Estimated Buyback Value: $8
Our Pick: Arm Band + Key Holder for iPhone
Price: $7.95
Because “getting back in shape” will likely be on everyone’s New Year’s resolution list.
10. Seeing Through Statistics
Estimated Buyback Value: $56.95
Our Price: Zooka Wireless Speaker Bar for iPad/Bluetooth
Price: $57
The fire is crackling, the family is gathered in the living room and you’re bumping Michael Bublé on these speakers. Happy holidays!