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5 Holiday Gifts You Can Make On A College Budget Or Less

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I only have three quarters and a french fry at the bottom of my purse.

ashleyjville1

Nov 14, 2018

Tuscaloosa, AL The University of Alabama

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5 Holiday Gifts You Can Make On A College Budget Or Less

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Spooky season has ended and Thanksgiving is upon us. It's finally November, and we all know that Christmas season is finally here. If you haven't listened to "All I Want for Christmas" by Mariah Carey yet, what are you doing with your life? While some are stressed about having the perfect Thanksgiving menu, let's be honest, the real problem is what you're getting your mom for Christmas.

I'm a broke college student and can barely afford to do laundry on a weekly basis. If you're in the same boat as me trying to find a way to survive the holidays, check out these five heartfelt gifts that will still mean a lot to your family and friends.

The Gift of a Letter

There's nothing like getting into the holiday spirit when you receive your first Christmas card in the mail. One way to cheer up your fellow family members or friends is to write them a meaningful note. Handwritten letters are a great way to show your love to others without having to buy materialistic items. If you want to put your own spin to this gift idea, think about writing "Read Me When" letters to your mom, dad, best friend, or significant other. These letters are a great way to stay in touch with family members and serve as a great reminder for "thinking of you".

The Gift of Teaching

Don't have the money to spend on an expensive gift? Think about sharing a valuable skill this holiday season. A good way to build relationships with others is by spending time with those you love. If you are really good at playing piano, think about offering lessons to someone that is interested in music. Teach someone how to paint, skateboard, or crochet. Whatever you're good at, look at it as an opportunity to share what you love with who you love.

The Gift of a Favor

All of us need a break sometimes, and what better way to help someone out than during the Christmas season? If you enjoy babysitting or dog sitting, offer to take care of children or pets as a way to give back. Parents and neighbors will greatly appreciate a night without the responsibility of having to cater to someone else every minute of the hour. If babysitting isn't your thing, think about raking leaves or washing cars to help a fella out.

The Gift of Listening

Next time a friend needs someone to talk to, lend them an ear to share their story. We often take for granted the number of opportunities we have to learn from others. Take some time to listen to others and give them your whole attention. Stay away from distractions and get to know them. You'll never know what you'll learn about someone until you spark a conversation.

The Gift of Memories

Now, this one may add a little more time and thought than the other gifts, but memories serve a big factor for the Christmas season. If you have printed photos from throughout the year, use an old frame to create a memory album for family or friends. Photos are great reminders of past experiences and good memories. I will always favor personal gifts over materialistic items. The gift of a memory is unlike any other.

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Recommended for you

5 Holiday Gifts You Can Make On A College Budget Or Less

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I only have three quarters and a french fry at the bottom of my purse.

The Gift of a Letter

The Gift of Teaching

The Gift of a Favor

The Gift of Listening

The Gift of Memories

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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