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Gift Giving on a Budget

Janice Chan Student Contributor, Purdue University
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Danielle Wilkinson Student Contributor, Purdue University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Purdue chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

As gift giving season approaches, it’s time to find the perfect gift. As we all know, finding the best gift for the perfect price can be insanely difficult. It’s proves to be even harder for those without a job and who are still in school. There’s so much pressure to let people know how much they mean to you through a gift. Everything I want to get for my loved ones is either too expensive or just too hard to get. Thankfully, the dollar section at target, seasonal deals, Amazon and I are here to help those struggling with their Holiday Shopping. Here are ten easy and cheap gift ideas.

1. Movies 

Although most people no longer use DVDs and instead opt for Netflix, Hulu, and streaming, movies are an amazing gift. Even though I could just stream my favorite movies, DVDs offer different features and behind the scenes looks.

2. Books 

I know that many people either don’t read, just read online, or listen to a book. However, there is just something magical thing about having a book in your hand. I personally love reading from an actual book, and I know many others do too. 

3. Small Stuff Like Ornaments 

They can be stocking stuffers, but ornaments can also be some of the best gifts. Ornaments are a cute and fun way to show your gratitude toward a special person.  An ornament that represents another person, or a memory you two shared together can be both a meaningful gift, and a quirky decoration.

4. DIYs

DIY’s are perfect because everyone loves homemade things. The time and effort you put into making something for another person, portrays how much you care about them. Check out some cool DIYs here!

5. Coffee/Tea/Cocoa 

Almost every college student drinks coffee, which makes it the perfect gift. Your friends with early classes will be extremely grateful that they won’t have to stand in the long lines at Starbucks. If your friends don’t drink coffee, tea or cocoa are also perfect gifts. As snow days are just around the corner, a hot drink will warm up your friends and help them feel cozy in the freezing temperatures.  

6. Mugs 

Mugs are amazing because you have the ability to customize them for your loved ones. You can decorate them with pictures or phrases using sharpies. Afterwards, just bake them in the oven to set the ink. Mugs can also be used year round and are not just seasonal.

7.  Makeup/Nail Polish 

Makeup or nail polish are great stocking stuffers. Although makeup can be expensive, depending on the brand drugstore brands like Rimmel London, Maybelline New York and CoverGirl are affordable and can be of amazing quality for their price.

8. Mason Jar DIYs 

Mason jars are still very trendy and deserve their own special place on this list. You can put anything you want into a mason jar, and can also  make them into snow globes or candy jars. I suggest putting dry ingredients for your loved one’s favorite dessert inside. Check out some additional mason jar DIYs to try here! 

9. Baked Goods

Yummy baked goods like cookies always make great gifts. They’re perfect for people on a budget, as they are easy to bake and you can make a surplus.

10. Fuzzy Socks

Although there’s a stigma about giving socks as a present, fuzzy socks are the exception. Every year around this time, I go to Target and buy fuzzy socks. I would love it if someone got me a pair! They keep my feet warm and cozy, and come in various patterns and different styles, ranging from knee-highs to crew socks.

All the way from Phoenix, Arizona, Janice attends Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where she is currently a bioengineering major. Spending her time daydreaming Janice can be found jamming out to any song, watching netflix, or studying for the terrifying tests she has around the corner. You can follow her adventures @janichan on instagram.
Danielle Wilkinson is an Atlanta native and currently a senior at Purdue University studying Mass Communication. She is the co-correspondent and Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus Purdue. She has written for several online and print publications in the past including The Purdue Exponent, The Tab, Society 19, Study Breaks Magazine and Voy Study Abroad. She loves traveling, shopping and everything entertainment, especially movies and TV, but 90s rom coms will always be her favorite. She hopes to move to California one day to pursue a career in marketing. In her free time, she loves YouTube, watching movies with her friends, working on her novel, drinking tea and reading books.