If you're anything like 99.9% of the college student population, spending money on gifts over the holidays can be dreadful. Between your roommates, friends back home, new campus friends and family, the list of gifts goes on and on. You can technically choose to leave out gift giving all together and write a few nice letters to your closest companions and not worry about it, but if you're anything like me, giving gifts is one of your favorite things to do this time of year. The only struggle is your bank account. BUT NOT ANYMORE. Here's the "Broke College Students Guide to Gift Giving" with a few ideas for every type of person you may be thinking of giving an affordable and thoughtful gift this Christmas (and no one will ever have to know how much you spent and if they do, remember, it's the thought that counts). Enjoy!
For Mom/Aunt/Grandmother:
1. Make A “Reasons Why I Love You” Flip Book:
Paper, colored markers and a stapler is all you need to create this cute gift for Mom
2. Buy Her A Yankee Candle (Or Any Kind of Delightfully Smelling Candle):
$8.24 (from $10.99) at Bed Bath and Beyond
3. Buy Her a Mug off of Etsy or Make Your Own:
$6.50 off of Etsy (or buy a pack of four and make even more gifts for less - $4.99 at Target)
(Link to Mug Pictured: https://www.etsy.com/listing/255310174/favorite-ch...)
(Link to Pack of 4 Plain Mugs: http://www.target.com/p/gibson-select-entertaining...)
4. Buy Her a Cable Knit Infinity Scarf:
Ebay, $5
(Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/171395968396?ul_noapp...)
For Dad/Grandfather/Uncle/Cousin:
1. Buy Him A Card Game:
Beardos; $10
(Buy Online Here: http://www.marblesthebrainstore.com/beardos.htm)
2. Buy Him A Neck Tie:
City of London Men's Neck Tie - Target $10
(Link: http://www.target.com/p/city-of-london-men-s-neckt...)
3. Buy Him A Lottery Ticket:
Local Convenience Store, $1-$15
4. Buy Him His Favorite Keurig Cups:
Keurig.com, $10-$25
For Your Roommate(s)/Sister(s)/Friend(s)/Cousin(s):
1. Buy Her A New Mascara:
Ulta, $9
2. Buy Her A Notebook/Journal:
Hand decorated spiral notebook; Etsy, $6
(Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/228399876/dreamcatche...)
3. Buy Her Nail Polish:
Essie Nail Polish (Set of 6), $4
(Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/271637226648?ul_noapp...)
4. Buy Her A Headband/Wrap:
Kohl's, $8
(Link: http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2304971/candies-f...)
Kohl's, $14
(Link: http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2232368/apt-9-bea...)
Well, I hope this broad guide of affordable gift ideas helped you at least a little bit as the holidays are fast approaching. Click on the pictures and they'll take you directly to where you can find the items pictured. If any of these ideas worked out for you or you want an opinion on whether or not a certain gift is a good idea for this years gift giving extravaganza, feel free to comment or send me an email: alainamcginley@icloud.com, I'd love to hear from you.
Happy Gifting!!!! And remember, when in doubt...
