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Gifts for When You’re Ballin’ on a Budget

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Iowa chapter.

The holiday season has finally arrived! You may be in a time and money crunch. For all my fellow broke college students, here is a guide to make the gift giving season a little bit easier.

1) Canvas

You can never go wrong with a 2-in-1 (personalized and handmade) gift, whether it’s for your mom, friends or significant other.

2) Picture Frame

Pictures hold our most cherished memories, and nothing beats a fairly decorated frame to share with anyone!

3) Mason Jar

Pour all your festiveness into a jar. Fill a jar full of sweets or ingredients for a hot cocoa mix. Personalize the jar or keep it holiday-friendly — it’s all up to you!

4) Candle

This may be a tricky one, but make your way to your local Bath and Body Works or Yankee Candle, and buy the most popular holiday scent. Or you can even get creative and make your own! Remind your giftee to go into the New Year fresh.

5) Key chain

Whether your “giftee” lives in the dorms or is holding down an apartment, making them a keychain fob will keep all their keys in a cute, safe place!

6) Mug or Tumbler

Everyone loves a great drinking buddy! There are so many ways to make a mug or tumbler the perfect holiday gift. Monograms, punny or even tourist-y mugs will make the best and easiest gifts to give.

7) Gift Cards

For those of you who can’t go the crafty route, feel free to do the tradition gift card. Everyone loves Starbucks, right?

Happy Gift-Giving! 

Allison Bradley is a 19 year old Chicago native and full time University of Iowa student with a penchant for DIYs, fashion, and coffee.
U Iowa chapter of the nation's #1 online magazine for college women.