We all know the struggle of trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on a college budget. The series of thoughts go something like this:
1. “I’m good this year.”
You started shopping over Thanksgiving break while your bank account was healthy and you thought you were ahead of the game. You thought you would have your shopping done weeks before Christmas, with money left over...
2. “I’m so behind.”
Now it’s almost Christmas and all you have bought is what you bought when you were home for Thanksgiving. So, you’re scrambling to find Christmas ideas and money, all while you’re trying to finish the semester. The stress is kicking in…
3. “I don’t have as much money as I thought.”
Once you figure out who all you have to get a gift for, you realize that you really are broke. You’re going to have to get creative this year with Christmas gifts. Your bank account is not what it once was.
4. “I should ask my siblings to share some costs.”
One way to save money is to make other people buy things. You see what you can do and try to go halfsies with someone on your dad’s Christmas gift. Your sister feels bad for you because she understands the amount of money that you don’t have, so halfsies becomes more like you pay a fourth of the price and they pay the rest. That way, everyone gets credit AND saves money… it’s genius if you ask me.
5. “Does this store have a clearance section?”
Don’t even look at the front of the store, it’s all full price. You walk in and head straight to the back in search of a clearance rack gem.
6. “Ooh you know who would like this? Me.”
While you’re shopping for others you see things you know you would like, but you can’t do anything about it because a.) you’re broke and b.) it’s Christmas.
7. “Homemade gifts it is.”
After a day of shopping, you realize that you are going to have to make some gifts in order to have enough gifts for everyone. So you look on Pinterest and hit up the Dollar Tree to see what masterpieces you can create.
8. “Never mind.”
You realize you aren’t as crafty as you thought you were, so now you need to go find more ideas or more money. Again.
9. “This is stressful.”
Now you are re-evaluating everything you ever bought that you didn’t need, regretting the money you wasted that you could have right now.
10. “It’s Christmas.”
You remember that it is Christmas, what is supposed to be the least- stressful, most joyful time of the year. You remind yourself of the real meaning of Christmas. Everyone knows you are a broke college student, working on your grades instead of a job, and you aren’t expected to buy anything for anyone. Everyone is just happy you are home for the holidays!
