It's the holiday season. A time for family, food, celebration and buying presents. The only problem with that is that it's the end of the semester and you don't have any money left to spare. Somehow you managed to spend all your summer savings on pointless fast food runs, going out when you should be studying, and who the heck knows what else. So what do you get people when on a budget without looking like a jerk who went to the dollar store? That's a good question, and as a poor college student aficionado, I have a few ideas:

1. Crayola Adult Coloring Book: I know it sounds lame and a gift for someone much younger, but this new line of coloring books is unreal. They have intricate designs and come with a box of markers and colored pencils. Not only is it so much fun when you are bored while watching TV or sitting between classes (during class if you are not feeling like listening that day), but some studies have shown that coloring helps with stress and anxiety, which we all know is not in short order among college students.

2. Amazon Gift Cards: Maybe you don't have enough money to buy the whole gift that you want to get someone, but with an Amazon gift card they can put your money towards something bigger.

3. Baked Goods: I know you are not a grandmother who spends all her time cooking or a girl scout looking to make a prize off your high cookie sales, but everyone likes junk food. Gifts are great, but food is forever desired, and making a batch of cookies, a loaf of bread or some other kind of holiday snack is cheap and brings good eats to everyone.

4. Give Back: If you are really REALLY poor and can't afford to spend any money at all, you can try to make a pact with family and friends to give something back instead of giving to each other. Thousands of organizations around the country offer opportunities for holiday volunteering and donating. That way you can either only spend your time on a gift, or give something away that you already have, but no longer need.

5. Your Last Option: If you are feeling a little Scroogy and not up for volunteering, but you are just way too poor to buy things, you could be a real grease ball and do some old fashion re-gifting. Look in the back of your closet, that fleece blanket you don't really use anymore? Gift! The gift card to Subway with $4.23 left on it? Gift! And of course, that half used candle is the perfect gift!

It's fun giving people the perfect gift, but that's not always an option for all of us, but don't get too stressed. Being a part of group secret Santa exchanges and giving gifts to everyone you have ever met is not why the holidays are important. The holidays are important because they are a time when naps are in abundance. So when you can't afford presents, just remind people the true meaning of the holidays: naps. Always naps.