With the holiday reason rapidly approaching and your pockets miraculously lacking in cash, the time has come to put those crafty hands to the test. Whether you want to pull out a showstopper for a significant other or a little something for your roommate, there is an inexpensive gift for everyone. You just have to know where to look! Do not fret over that Christmas shopping list this year, and let Her Campus Illinois be your guide.
Puppy Chow or Other Baked Goods
There is not a single person out there who would turn down free food. Finding recipes online is amazingly simple, and the minimal amount of money is spent on ingredients at the store. You can dress your finished product up as much as you want, but the receiver will be grateful to you no matter what. Trust me, college kids and food go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Customized Scrapbook
This gift is definitely more sentimental and is suited to girls more than guys. Whether you are documenting a friendship or their accomplishments, a scrapbook is nice to display in your dorm or apartment. Plus, memories nowadays are always digital and less personal. Giving someone a physical embodiment of a memory is so much better than a picture on Facebook.
Handmade Accessories
For the crafty gift giver, making a friend a scarf, mittens or any other accessory is always appreciated. You can make these in a variety of different patterns and colors from a wide range of materials. Since the winter weather is only going to get colder, any kind of relief from the cold will bring a smile to your loved one’s face.
Holiday Treats in a Festive Mug
Many college students drink tea or coffee in mugs, and adding one more to their collection will not hurt. Nothing looks classier than a shiny new mug from a place like Starbucks stuffed with delicious chocolates and other foods. Not only will they have snacks to chew on, but also they will have a useful item for the daily grind.
Gift Certificates
Putting the choice of the gift into the hands of the receiver is at times the best option when you are unsure of what they would want. If you know your friend is particularly fond of a certain clothing store, buy them a gift card for that place! It does not even have to be that much. Being given a small sum to get a new shirt is always a pleasant surprise.
Recipe Book
Everyone has a friend who absolutely adores cooking. For the cook among us, get them a recipe book full of interesting meals they may have never thought of. If someone enjoys making drinks, there are even books for that. These are especially useful if you know someone who enjoys having get-togethers at their apartment.
Novelty Flask
This gift is always great for a laugh even if you do not drink. Any type of warm beverage can be kept in these. You can often find interesting ones at Urban Outfitters and other stores. From mustaches to amusing personalized messages, this is one novelty gift that every college student should be exposed to at least once.
“A Day” Journal
Yet another unique gift from the shelves of Urban Outfitters is the “A Day” Journal. Gifts like this are increasing in popularity in universities. You can get them in multiple formats from “Line A Day” journals to “Drawing a Day” journals. This is an awesome project to undertake, and years from now your friend will thank you for this cool way to keep track of their memories.
Painting or Drawing Projects
When it comes to the holiday season, the artsy folk have it easy. If you are one who is gifted in the arts or just creative when it comes to decorating, start a project and make your friend something special. Since it came from the heart, the gift will have a lot of sentimental value. In the end, that is what is most important in the game of gift giving.
A Personalized Case of Jones Soda
This is a personal favorite of mine that never ceases to be an awesome gift idea. By going to Jones Soda’s website, you can put any picture you want on a case of Jones Soda and send it to someone as a present. Nothing says happy holidays more than a caffeinated beverage with your face on it!