Winter Break is coming up (thank goodness!) meaning that soon we will all be at home with our families or friends. This anticipated break includes holidays, such as Christmas or Kwanza. Holidays usually mean the giving of gifts to loved ones- something that I adore. But giving meaningful gifts is hard on a college budget. In fact, dropping lots of money on gifts can put one in a “daze.” So here are some college budget friendly gifts if you are scrambling this holiday season!
1. Brown Paper Packages Tied Up with String
The title seems pretty self-explanatory and echoes one of my favorite musical numbers from “The Sound of Music.” Although I have never given this gift, it’s a cute and creative way to give your friends or family some of their favorite candies, knick-knacks or clothing items. I can already imagine putting pencils, Sour Patch Kids and mittens in this for my sister, Kelsey.
2. Anthropologie Hacks
While procrastinating my work away, I stumbled upon this awesome BuzzFeed that gives instructions on how to make some of those super cute crafts similar to Anthropologie. My favorites include making your own hair ties, tagged journal, lace embossed dishes and monogrammed mugs.
3. Blinged- Out Friendship Bracelets
As a camp counselor, nothing frustrates me more than walking into Madewell, American Eagle, or Forever 21 and seeing those friendships bracelets with jewels on them sold for $10. I always look at them and think, “ I can make those….”. Now I understand that not everyone comes from a summer of friendship bracelet making but fear not, ladies of DePauw, if nine year olds can learn to make friendship bracelets, you can too! Add some pretty glittery things in between knots and you’ve got a perfect present!
4. Quotes
Maybe I just love looking at quotes to make me feel better but I think that some inspirational words never did anyone any harm. So pick a quote (or two or three or four) and put them on a canvas with some paint. Maybe write the quote in stickers and paint over them, then peel off. Or you could create words out of pictures from magnazines. The possibilities are endless and everyone loves getting words that inspire their soul.
PS Moms seem to really dig this gift.
5. Your Presence
This one is really cheesy but so true. Sometimes, the best gift you can give is yourself. Just being there with your loved ones and really focusing on the moment means more to them then we know. After all, for 9 months of the year, we don’t even live with them.