cheap gift ideas college
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Cheap Christmas Gifts For Your College Friends

Let's be real, we are all ballin on a budget.

266
https://unsplash.com/photos/vJz7tkHncFk
Ben White

If you're anything like me, you want to spoil your friends—you want to give them "all the things" for Christmas because they deserve the world. But if you're really like me, you're broke AF. If you're a college student, you get how it is; but, I found a way to cheat the system. Here are five really good Christmas gift ideas that aren't from Urban Outfitters and don't cost the same amount as your first born child.

1. CDs or playlists for their listening needs. 

media.giphy.com

I know, no one uses CDs anymore—BUT, it's different, cheap, and nostalgically adorable. Finding different CDs for their different moods or for different reasons is not only super sweet but it's also thoughtful. If your friend has no way to even play a CD, make them multiple playlists. Sharing music is a spiritual experience, tbh. It makes the perfect Christmas gift.

2. Coupons for ~fun~ times. 

media.giphy.com

I am not saying to get trapped in the disappointing "IOUs" gift fiasco. But I AM SAYING that gift coupons are dope gifts. Offer fun times and fun experiences because, to be honest, material presents are pretty overrated. Make coupons for a "spontaneous road trip," a "home-cooked meal," or even a "photoshoot for the gram, makeover included." Fun things to do with your best friends are better than gifts and the memories last forever.

3. Three words: thrift shopping, baby!

media.giphy.com

Thrift shopping is the epitome of finding the diamond in the rough. No one is denying that it can be hard to find something, but with dedication and perseverance, thrift shopping is the BEST way to shop. If you're worried about the clothes not fitting, bring your friend and pay for it at the end. If you want it to be a surprise, get them accessories—vintage jewelry is beautiful. Old styles are recycling into the now. I'm just saying, you can find the same clothes at thrift stores that you find at Urban Outfitters for less than half the price. Food for thought, baby, food for thought.

4. Let's get personal.

media.giphy.com

If they're truly your friends, they know everything about you. That being said, they know your passions, your aspirations, and your favorite things to do. So, if you give them something personal, they'll know how much it ~truly~ means. For example, try giving them your favorite book, a keychain of your favorite animal, or a ticket to your favorite museum. They'll love it because it'll remind them of you and they'll especially love how you are sharing your favorite things with them (specifically couples, this is a good tip).

5. When in doubt, get crafty. 

media.giphy.com

I can't craft if my life depended on it, but a lot of people can so craft away! It's cheap, it's creative, and it's the perfect way to save money. If you got the talent, flaunt it baby, and craft until you can't craft anymore. Check out Pinterest, they got loads of ideas.

It's hard being a broke college student with amazing friends. You want to splurge on their gifts but you also want to eat something that's not cereal.

A budget shouldn't stop you from making your friends smile during the most wonderful time of the year. Check out these five ideas that'll let your friends know you care. After all, it's the thought that counts, not the price.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

5593
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

7453
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

25527
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

4700
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

6366
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments