There's Christmas on a budget and then there's Christmas on a COLLEGE STUDENT budget. If you're a family member or friend of a college student, please appreciate anything we buy for you even if it's a pair of socks that you probably already have. But, because socks sometimes aren't the most creative gift, here's how to still have Christmas, just on a budget!

1. D.I.Y.

D.I.Y.'s might seem a bit intimidating because there's the potential of screwing up an important present for somebody, but everyone knows that it's the thought that counts. It's a cheap and fun way to instantly personalize a gift. D.I.Y.'s can actually be inexpensive if you're able to buy most of your supplies at Dollar Tree or a cheap craft store!

2. Online shopping

Shopping online has saved me SO much money on Christmas presents. Typically you can find things online that might be more expensive in the store. Plus, online shopping means getting to stay in your PJ's and lay in bed while simultaneously shopping for your loved ones. You can't beat that!

3. Go to cheap stores

Since being in college, stores like Dollar Tree and Five Below have saved my life. In most college towns, there almost will always be dollar stores or cheaper stores either in your town or nearby. Stores like Five Below (a store where everything is literally five dollars or less) is perfect for gift giving! They have cute stocking stuffers, cheap wrapping paper/gift bags and anything you could ever imagine under the sun -- just cheaper.

4. Thrift shop

Always check out your local thrift store. Sometimes you can find a few diamonds in the rough that you can't find anywhere else! I would even advise you to go to thrift stores before hitting up any other stores!

5. Coupons

It may sound time-consuming, but finding some coupons either in a catalog or online can save you some money, even if it's only a few cents! We are college students, you know.

6. Apps

Recently I've used two apps for all of my shopping needs. Groupon is an app that you can download onto your phone or you can go to their website and log in. Groupon saves you money on restaurants, traveling, goods and more! Also, I love the Honey app. You download Honey onto your browser so when you're shopping on Amazon or eBay or any other online shopping sites, Honey instantly finds coupon codes that you can apply once you checkout! I've personally used only these two apps, so there might be more like these, but these are some that I swear by. You can thank me later.

7. Don't buy any gifts

To some people, this may seem like a total cop-out. To me, I totally understand if my friends can't afford to buy my presents because I know the struggle of being a college student and not having a ton of money. If you can't afford it, you can't afford it and it's as simple as that. Don't feel guilty or upset or selfish, shit happens.

Hopefully, this cheap guide to buying Christmas gifts (or not buying gifts at all) was helpful and hopefully, you don't hot glue your fingers together while making a D.I.Y. Happy shopping and happy holidays!