The holidays can be an exciting time. Between fuzzy socks, scenic snow, warm beverages, and amazing music, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. That is unless you are on a meager, broke, college student’s budget. Figuring out what to give the people you care about most while also being able to pay rent can be super daunting. Here are some easy ways to give thoughtful gifts without overspending!
Do It Yourself
Believe it or not, DIY projects are no longer just for kindergartners making their parents macaroni jewelry and cotton-ball Santas! There are some amazing and simple DIY projects and tutorials on Pinterest and YouTube that are super budget-friendly. Some of them can even be made from dollar store items. My personal favorites are mugs and wine glasses! There are some simple tutorials for both the mugs and wine glasses. For other great holiday DIYs, check out other fun tutorials!
Present them with a basket
If you are not particularly crafty, don’t fret! There are still easy and inexpensive ways to give a thoughtful present on a budget. One of my personal favorites is a gift basket! Check out the dollar section at Target and even your local thrift stores for a cute basket or container to start out with. Then, make it personal. For a holiday basket, fill it with hot chocolate, candy canes, a favorite holiday CD, fuzzy socks and cute pajamas. If your friend is a movie fanatic, fill it with popcorn, candy, a few $5 movies, and a little gift card to the theater. If your present is for a lady in your life who needs some relaxation, toss in some face masks, nail polish, bath bombs, an adult coloring book and some herbal tea with a cute mug. Baskets are easy to make if you search for particular items with frugality in mind! Plus, they can be just as personal as they are cute.
Write Away
If you want to be extra sentimental, try writing letters. These are great for siblings, best friends and significant others who you know well. Grab a handful of envelopes and label them with different situations that allow them to be opened. Examples include “open when you are feeling upset,” “open when I am annoying you,” “open when you could use a hug,” “open when you are in the mood for coffee,” and many others. These envelopes can be filled with little gift cards, pictures and, of course, thoughtful letters that will brighten up that person’s day – even past the holiday season.
Experience It Together
Is your mom dying to go to Ravinia this summer? Is your dad hinting at Rolling Stones tickets? Is your little cousin a sucker for the zoo? Does your partner love hiking adventures? Perfect! Give your loved one an experience, especially something you can do together. Gifts are great, but making memories is certainly better.
One Gal’s Junk is Another Gal’s Present
If you have a big bundle of friends and are in a big panic about what to do for presents, suggest a white elephant exchange! Not only is this budget-friendly for everyone, but some super hilarious gifts can be brought, too. From the Barbie dream house to a tacky penguin statue, you never know what you didn’t need until you get it with a white elephant exchange.
Happiness is Homemade
As the saying goes, the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Baking is a great way to go for a simple gift. Holiday cookies and treats or even a nice meal is just what some people need during the holiday season. Check out some suggestions on holiday dinners and desserts to get your culinary inspiration going.
While the holidays are not about presents and what you get, they are about giving back to those around you. We would all love to give the people we care about amazing and lavish presents, but it’s the thought that counts – especially when you are a broke college student! Don’t feel bad about finding ways to make the holidays brighter without making your wallet lighter. Your family and friends are sure to love the thought and time you put into these budget-friendly gift ideas.