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A Broke College Student's Guide To Gifts

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A Broke College Student's Guide To Gifts
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If you’re anything like me, you probably have $30 in your savings account, you have trouble finding enough quarters to pay the parking meter and you consider getting coffee off campus as a splurge. The holiday gift-giving season is very important and I’m sure you have a ton of special people that deserve gifts. Here’s 13 super cheap and crafty ideas for everyone on your list (without breaking the bank)!

1. Wine

Everyone loves a cheap bottle of Barefoot. My personal favorite is Barefoot Moscato in the green bottle (just tie a red ribbon on top!). It’s about $8 and I’ve never met anyone who says no to free alcohol.

2. A decorated wine glass

Goes perfectly with a cheap bottle of wine. This gift is super easy because you just need to find a clear wine glass (hello Dollar Tree or Walmart) and a few Sharpies! Once you have the design you want, just bake it in the oven and spray it with clear sealant.

3. Candles


My mother always says you should never give people candles, but I completely disagree with her. Candles are a super cheap, great gift (especially for those living in dingy dorms). I’ve also had really good luck making candles in the past if you wanna save even more money.

4. Fuzzy socks

It’s not Christmas without socks. I feel very strongly about this. If we’re friends, chances are you’re getting fuzzy socks from the Dollar Store.

5. A hand-knit scarf/hat/mitten

I’d like to consider myself a good knitter. The best part of being able to knit is that people really go for hand-made stuff… and it takes like an hour to knit a good scarf. Both your grandmother and I will be sending you hats for Christmas: maybe even mittens if you’ve been good.


6. Cookies

Hello? Who doesn't want cookies at all times. I know you have a soft spot for my oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookies. I know that because they’re damn good and if you're gonna insult my baking we're not friends anymore.

7. A picture frame with a really cute picture of you two in it.

You can get super cute frames at Home Goods for like $5. I’ll even put in that photo of us where I look super ugly because its Christmas and I love you.


8. Super cute coffee mugs


You both love coffee: that’s why you're friends. This is a great one for the guys on your list. Anthropology has great mugs for like $8. Check out my favorite one here.

9. Homemade body scrub

My favorite recipe is a coffee coconut sugar scrub. It smells amazing and I swear the coffee wakes you up in the morning. Try my favorite recipe.

10. Journals or notebooks

I love giving journals, especially ones that are super cute. You may never write in it, but that’s okay because they look good lying around too. I’m obsessed with this one from Rifle Paper Co.

11. A succulent

I know that your fish died because you forgot to bring it home over Christmas break sophomore year, not because he was old. So, I'm not getting you something that could die if you accidentally spilled Svedka in it. Succulents are hearty little buggers, not to mention they're freaking adorable. A perfect addition to any desk or dorm. Only condition is that you have to name it after me: if you don't I'm taking it back.

12. This hat if your grandma-status-knitting-skills are not through the roof

Let's be honest: ain't nobody got time for that. Try Gap's Boyfriend link-stitch hat for under $20!

13. A new book

I know you’ll probably never read it, but I think this is a great book and who knows, maybe over break during your eight-hour car ride to see your great aunt, you’ll read the first 20 pages. Some of my favorites are The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling and Anthropology of an American Girl by Hilary Thayer Hamann.

Good luck this season, friends! I hope this guide gives you a few ideas on how to save money this Christmas. As always, take advantage of your student discount. Many stores offer 10 to 15 percent off because they understand that we are broke AF. Happy holidays!

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