If you’re a student in college, money tends to be scarce, trust me, I know. But it’s that time of year again when we all have to scrounge up the money we have and figure out how to get something for everybody on our list on a tight budget. Fear not, I have some great gift ideas that are inexpensive.
Photo albums are also a popular gift idea for someone on a budget. I also like the idea of creating scrap books for people. These are gifts that can be very sentimental and but also won’t cost more than you’ll want to spend. All you’ll really need is pictures, which the cost of printing pictures has gone down drastically. I usually send them in to an online site which usually helps get you more bang for your buck. You can get hundreds of pictures developed at various sites on line for less than $40. Also, don’t bother purchasing a scrap book set; just buy your own stuff. This usually tends to cut the cost down as well. Buy different colors of paper, stickers, ribbons and anything else you can use to be creative in a scrapbook. Wal-Mart usually has the actual scrap books for less than $10 if you buy all the other stuff yourself. These gifts would be perfect for mom and dad, friends, siblings, grandparents and pretty much everybody else. I also had the idea to make mom and dad a scrapbook of ‘what I do in college’. Take pictures of yourself doing college related activities to give to your parents to let them know that you’re not just chugging beer and chasing the opposite sex. They will appreciate it and also really treasure this gift.
I also like the idea of what I call, ‘A box of love’. These are perfect gifts for friends and it’s usually what I tend to get my closest friends for Christmas and every year they have seemed to love it. Take note of their favorite things, even down to their favorite non-alcoholic or alcoholic drink. Get a bunch of things that you know your friend likes and place it within a basket, bag or box. You can decorate the basket, box or bag depending on what it is that your friend likes. For instance, I got my friend a large basket, tied with a purple bow on the top (her favorite color) and filled it with things I know she loves. These don’t have to be expensive things. For example, I knew that she likes to use post it notes so I got her a variety of colored post-it notes and a pack of colored sharpie markers. Also, I know she loves to drink red wine so I put two bottles of her favorite inside. Also, adding a framed picture never hurts. People also love pictures, especially framed ones. It’s something they can also look back on and remember you. Think of small things your friends likes such as; things for a pet they own, journal books (if they like to write), planners, mixed CD’s, posters of their favorite things, flowers, ect. The list could go on and on.
Gift cards and gift certificates are also another great way to give someone a gift they will use and love without spending too much money. Get them gift cards to their favorite shopping location, favorite restaurant or anything other thing you can think of.
It’s tough shopping for Christmas when you’re on a budget and I hope some of these ideas will help out another struggling college student.