Let's be honest: even though we continually say that the holidays aren't meant to give and receive presents...it kind of is. Which kind of sucks if you're a college student - especially a broke college student who barely has enough money to get food sometimes. But this doesn't mean that you can't get gifts for your friends and family on a budget! A lot of these ideas also involve your own personal touch, a bit more creativeness overall may be better than other expensive alternatives.
There's also no shame in not having enough money to give out gifts! It is completely valid and nothing anyone should be ashamed of doing or not doing. So don't stress it nor sweat it! All these gifts only require a bit of effort (probably less time than what you spend browsing through Amazon), are thoughtful, and show that you made the effort! Even if with your limited budget!
1. Baked Goods
You see a lot of people buying artisan loaves of bread, cheese board kits, and food subscription boxes as food gifts, which is not to say that these gifts are bad, just that you could easily create any of these goods that will taste and look 100% better if they're homemade. Some ideas are cookies (decorated icing cookies!), macarons, loaf sweet-breads, brownies, etc. And if wrapped in a little box (still inexpensive!) would look even better!
This is also considering someone who has at least some basic cooking/baking skills, so if you're not that great in the kitchen, maybe going onto the next list would be best!
2. Cute Stationary
Honestly who doesn't like cute stationary. Or maybe not even cute, just stationary in general. From different colored pens, MUJI notebooks, journals, etc. This is especially true for those friends who always seem to be writing - be that with studying, journaling or writing for Odyssey even!
3. Cookbook
Also depends on the person but especially for a person who loves cooking. Or maybe for that college friend who does not know how to cook and needs that extra push! So get them a cooking for dummies book or a simple recipe book of breakfast recipes, desserts, or recipes from a culture they are not familiar with!
4. Lotion/Lip Balm Kit
Winter means cold weather. Also chapped lips and dry hands which is not the best feeling. So who doesn't happily accept these moisturizers? Depending on their tastes, get it in a specific scent that they like or even go with scentless!
5. Quirky Mug
Is it for coffee? Hot chocolate? Or maybe a little bit of wine? Either way, mugs are easily on the lower side money wise, especially if undecorated. If you're really artsy, go ahead and create some designs on an empty mug. Or even some websites allow you to personalize mugs with quotes, or inside jokes between you and the recipient. Or you could even go the route of buying personalized/decorated mugs off of Etsy-- not only are you saving money, but you're also helping small business owners!
6. Small Knit/Clothing Accessories
This could be fuzzy, decorative scarfs, beanies, gloves, headbands, knitted/crocheted coaster, etc. They're cute, but also practical.
7. Personalized Cards/Letters
It honestly is an amazing feeling when you get a handwritten letter that is thoughtful and you know it took some thought from the giver. So whether you add a little note to your gift, make your own Photoshop-made design or even a simple folded over handmade holiday card. Literally anything works!
8. Keychains/Fridge Magnets
Especially if you're an out-of-state college student, you could easily bring some tourist souvenirs back home, especially fit for relatives or to be used as small gifts.
9. Chocolate
Who doesn't like chocolate (crazy people that's who)? So it doesn't necessarily matter if you get the Trader Joe's Chocolate (which is really expensive, to be honest) or the simple Golden Ferrero Rocher from most grocery stores, most people will be happy.
10. Personalized Photos
This could be photos from early in the year that you've taken with them, or if you're a skilled landscape photographer, this could easily be put in a frame and given as a gift for household decoration. Even adding a personal note behind the photo would add a nice touch!
