While Christmas is still over 3 weeks away, it's coming up quickly and the time to buy gifts is now. If you're like me, a poor college student with no source of income, Christmas is a terrifying time for you because it means spending money you don't have on gifts. But never fear! I am here to tell you how you can get meaningful gifts for your friends and family with little to no money. It's Christmas on a budget!
1. Baked Goods
While this might not seem like the greatest gift, never doubt the power of a delicious cookie or brownie. Just taking the time out of your busy schedule to bake for someone shows that you were thinking of them this holiday season.
2. Your Time
Allocating a day for just you and someone else is a priceless gift. Go shopping, go to a sporting event, just hang at home doing nothing. Whatever it is, just spend the day with them doing whatever they want.
3. Small gift bag of trinkets
This gift does require some money but no more than $10 at max. Just hit the dollar store up and find some cute little things your friend or family member might like and throw them in a basket. Boom. Done.
4. Playlist of songs they might like
Creating a mix of songs that someone might like or that reminds you of them is a great way to show how much you care without spending any money at all. Then whenever they listen to those songs they will think of you and the effort you put into making them a playlist.
5. Cook their favorite meal
There is nothing better than coming home to a nice home-cooked meal. Taking the time to make an entire meal for someone shows how much you care. This is an especially good gift for someone who usually cooks the meals at home.
6. Handmade Ornament
This doesn't have to be something extravagant. Just a little craft ornament that you make so they can pull it out every year and remember that you made it for them. Or you can make a Lego ornament, even better!
7. $7 Wine
This requires no explanation. There is nothing better than cheap wine.
8. Favor Coupons
This gift is something that can last a long time. Give your friend or family member 5 coupons for one free back massage or one free cooked meal or one free Starbucks drink. It's up to you but these can be great gifts that people will greatly appreciate.
9. Framed Picture
You can never go wrong with a framed photo of you and your loved one. This is a great way to capture a moment and you can find frames for super cheap at your local Target.
10. Handwritten Letter
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is your words. Tell your friends how much they mean to you. Remind your mom how much you love her. This is a gift they will keep forever.
For even more ideas check out Pinterest's 1000+ ideas for inexpensive Christmas gifts! (https://www.pinterest.com/explore/inexpensive-chri...) Good luck and happy shopping/crafting/baking!!
