The semester is over and the stress has been lifted, or so you thought. As a college student, Christmas can be one of the hardest times of the year. It's hard to buy gifts that show people how much you appreciate them when you have very little money. Here are five gift ideas that are personal but won't put a huge dent in your wallet.
1. Tie Blanket
They're comfy, useful and personalized! The process is easy. You'll need two fleece blankets with complimenting colors or patterns, which you can get from a craft store for like $7 per yard. Lay them on top of each other and cut out 3 inch squares on each corner, and then cut strips out along each side like in the picture above. Tie the matching top and bottom strips to each other all the way along each side of the blanket, and ta-da! You've got a comfy blanket with a personal touch.
2. Blanket Fort Kit
This one's great for little siblings, or the playful grown up. Just throw together a bag full of bedsheets, rope, clothespins, suction cups and matching flashlights. If you're good at bargain shopping, this could end up being $15 or less!
3. Homemade Bubble Bath
Mix a half cup of warm distilled water, a half cup of liquid castile soap (preferably with a relaxing scent), and a fourth of a cup of vegetable glycerin. Add some essential oils if you're feeling especially relaxing. Put the mix in a nice container, and you've got a spa in a bottle. You probably have most of these things laying around the house already, so this may not even cost you more than $5!
4. Hot Chocolate in a Jar
Layer powdered creamer, powdered milk, powdered sugar and cocoa powder in the bottom of a mason jar. Add chocolate chips, crushed candy canes and mini marshmallows until the jar is full. Throw a lid and a printed recipe on top and you've got a sweet treat for cold winter days!
5. Charmed Bookmarks
Cut some ribbon into the length of a book, usually about 9 inches. Get some ribbon clamps, which rarely cost more than $2 for a pack of ten. Put the clamps on the end of the ribbon, stick an earring or charm on the clamps, and you've created a cute bookmark for your bookworm friend!
