As college kids, we ALL know what it's like to be poor, and we all know what it's like to struggle around the holidays. We want to buy so much for our families because we know they deserve the world, but a lot of the time we're ballin' on a serious budget, so to make this year a bit more simple, here a few great Pinterest DIY gifts that are inexpensive, and straight from the heart.
1. Personalized coffee mugs
Honestly, they're so cute and it's amazing what can be done with a few permanent markers or nail polish. Pinterest has thousands of cheap, easy ideas that would please any coffee (or tea) drinker in your life! Find more ideas here!
2. Cookie mix mason jars
Cookies are always great, Christmas wouldn't be complete without them. Cookie jars are so smart and simple, and it might even be the gift that keeps on giving if the recipient decides to share their cookies with you. Find more yummy ideas here!
3. Hand-knit scarves
Okay I know you're probably thinking how the hell am I going to knit a scarf!? Well, between Pinterest and YouTube, there are dozens on dozens of tutorials on how to knit, whether you want to use actual knitting needles, or you want to get super fancy and even use your arms!
4. Sugar scrubs
Sugar scrubs are great because they're personal, they smell yummy, and they take very little ingredients. There is not a single person who doesn't love getting something for Christmas that makes them smell good, and makes their skin soft! Check out these awesome Pinterest recipes!
5. Food/candy trays
We all know there's nothing better to give (or get!) for the holidays than food. Except maybe a puppy, but that's not always possible. Seriously, nothing says 'I love you' to your kin more than a plate of yummy stuff that makes you fat. Cookies, fudge, buckeyes, rock candy. It's all so great. Find inspo for your holiday tray here!
6. Alcohol
I lied before- alcohol is the gift that keeps on giving. To keep it real simple, all you'd have to do is pull out your emergency fifth of Smirnoff, put some sort of candy/fruit in the bottle, and voila! You've got a fancy, expensive looking bottle of liquor that you threw together at last minute.
7. Christmas tree ornaments
I don't know a single person who doesn't love handmade Christmas ornaments. Growing up, our Christmas tree was covered in handmade ornaments from Kindergarten through high school, and it's a special reminder of your heart-felt gift every year when the tree gets decorated again. Find fun, yule-tide ideas here!
8. No-sew knot blankets
These are the greatest inventions! They're so simple, and they only cost around $20 to make. Pinterest offers hundreds of tutorials and different styles!
9. Christmas Eve boxes
These were my favorite growing up -- new pajamas, fuzzy socks, hot chocolate, and a cute mug. They're great for a significant other, a roommate, or even a younger sibling! Plus you can always find pajamas really cheap around the holidays! You don't have to get too fancy like some of these, it is the thought that counts!
10. Hot chocolate mixes
Honestly, I feel like you can put any sort of mix in a Mason jar and call it a gift, and that what makes these so simple and fun. I don't know a single person that doesn't like hot chocolate, especially for the holidays! You can even add a boozey treat for the adults in your life! There are so many ways to be creative with these jars, too!
No matter what you give, or how you give it, your loved ones will know that it came straight from the heart and that's all that matters! It's a struggle being broke in college, but one day when you have that shiny degree, you'll (maybe) have a job you love, and you can buy your family members everything they deserve!
Happy Holidays from one poor college kid to another!
