The frenzied lead up to Christmas can be especially stressful for us students, with limited resources and a student loan that doesn’t arrive until January. To inspire you to have an amazing holiday season, with gifts that mean more and cost less than your standard shower gel/bath bomb combo, we’ve collated our favourite affordable Christmas gift ideas which you’ll probably be more excited to put together than they will be to receive!
1. Organise Secret Santa
This always works well if you have a large friendship group, perhaps as a hall/house or for a bit of fun after your Christmas dinner with the family. Set a budget (below £10) and pick names from a hat to avoid the awkwardness of not mutually buying Brenda from the bottom floor of C Block a pair of earmuffs.
2. Homemade Food
When I think of the perfect Christmas, I mainly think of exceedingly good food! Ingredients can cost very little, so make a batch of Christmas cookies to give to family and friends in simple jars, decorated with cute ribbons. They will be impressed!
3. Homemade Snow Globes
Following the popular jar theme, get creative and fill old jars with small sentimental story-telling figures. You could also curve an old photo into the edge of the jar to create a cool 3D image effect.
4. Think memories, not materialism
As the Grinch once revealed, the best presents don’t necessarily come in a package. Experiences to look forward to may be more expensive, but will definitely be more meaningful in the long term for someone special than a gift neglected on Boxing Day. Concert, theatre or cinema tickets (see below), tickets for a new dance or crafts class, or even train tickets to new cities can make unforgettable gifts. Even better if you can go too!
5. Photo Concertinas
Print your favourite memories in thumbnail size, create this pop-up effect, and place in a small box for added sentiment.
7. Alcohol
Stuck for time? Your best bet is to buy them their favourite drink! Dress it up with tinsel, bows…or even tiny hats and scarves.
Edited by Tia Ralhan
Image sources:
http://www.hercampus.com/school/wisconsin/ultimate-winter-bucket-list
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/433401164118757467/
http://blog.freepeople.com/2012/11/diy-mason-jar-snow-globe/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/312929874079843369/
http://neafamily.com/your-family/holidays/creative-packaging-for-christm…