Let's be real: when you're a broke college student, you have to lower your expectations for holiday gift giving. Your friends and family have curated lengthy Christmas wish lists that include clothes, accessories, and items from high end stores while you can barely afford to satisfy your daily Dunkin' Donuts craving. And although you know that the spirit of the season is more important than material objects, you still want to give your loved ones something that will show them much you appreciate them without breaking the bank.
If this sounds like your current life dilemma, worry not! Here are some simple, inexpensive DIY presents that are way more creative and heartfelt than the standard gift card.
1. Painted Canvas Quote
Who doesn't love a good piece of room decor? Personalize this DIY canvas quote with a cute or inspirational saying and give it to a friend! Wall displays are an easy way to take any room from drab to fab.
2. Homemade Bath Bombs
Not all of us can afford to drop a serious amount of cash on luxury body products as Lush, as tempting as it sounds. For a cheaper alternative, spend an afternoon in the kitchen and whip up these beautiful bath bombs in scents like peppermint and lavender. This gift is perfect for the spa lover in your family or a fellow college student in need of a major de-stress session after finals.
3. Mason Jar Plants
In every group of friends or family there's always that one person who really, really likes plants. These paperwhites set in mason jars are easy to put together and guaranteed to brighten up any space you place them in. If you're looking for another similar gift idea, use the mason jars or any spare containers around the house to make a mini terrarium of plants, dirt, and small flowers!
4. Flavored Coffee Beans
This delicious coffee DIY is so simple that all it takes it a trip to the grocery store! You can add in different flavors based on your loved ones' personal preferences to upgrade their caffeine fix to a whole new level. Parents, adult relatives, and sleep-deprived teenagers alike are sure to appreciate the thought behind this useful gift.
5. Sharpie Mug
If you're unable to put a ton of time and effort into holiday gifts (or maybe you're just lazy), this crafty DIY is perfect for you. The only requirements are a mug, permanent Sharpie markers, an oven, and your imagination. Pro tip: kill two birds with one stone and pair this present with the flavored coffee beans!
6. Homemade Body Scrubs
The creator of this DIY originally intended it as a Mother's Day gift, but it works for the holiday season, too! We all love to be pampered but often forget to carve some time out of their busy schedules to put ourselves first. These all-natural scented body scrubs serve as a reminder for the special people in your life to follow the "treat yo self" philosophy.
7. Christmas Baking Kit
Stuck on a gift idea for Mom or Grandma? Put together this adorable Christmas baking kit that they can use to make batches of soft, gooey cookies for the family on a cold winter's day. This DIY is the easiest of all because it's so interchangeable -- you can use the tin as a base and add in other ingredients and cookie cutter shapes, or swap out items to create a totally new theme for all of the different interests within your group of family & friends.
