Finals are around the corner, getting home is on your agenda, and starting the holiday season is top of your wish list. Giving gifts to your loved ones is a cherished ritual in American culture. As a college student, I have now entered the world of adulthood... kind of. A part of being a grown up is giving more during the Holiday Season. Giving is my favorite part, but on a virtually non-existent budget, it can add more stress than satisfaction. After doing some gift searching myself, I found a few great and budget-friendly ideas to put under the tree.
Gingerbread Party
Gather around and host a gingerbread house party. Have all your friends and family bring a constructive ingredient and see who the best architect is!
Grandma’s Christmas Cookie Exchange
Instead of exchanging store-bought gifts, ask everyone to bake their favorite Christmas cookies and share the recipes with one another.
Framed Scrabble Tiles
This is a simple and very personal gift! If you have a dusty box of board games in your attic like me, a few missing scrabble letters should go undetected. Make it sweet with a message or personalize it with a name.
Jewelry
Instead of buying expensive costume jewelry, make it yourself. I’m not talking the summer friendship bracelets you get when you braid yarn together. Bend some metal with a few simple tools and add some decorative jewels and stones.
White Elephant
Yes, I mean a literal white elephant toy. I did this at a family white elephant exchange once, and it was wanted among all, but won by one.
Mason Jar Candles
Lighting the nights for months to come, Mason jar candles are easy to make and can be a lasting gift.
Ornaments, Ornaments, Ornaments!!!
Whether it is made of popcorn and string or glass and glitter, you can never have too many personal ornaments on your tree, and neither can your friends and family. Plus, it comes back around year after year, so it's the gift that keeps on giving.
Cookie in a Jar
Dig up your favorite family recipe and do your friend the pleasure of giving them all the ingredients neatly packed in a jar.
Coaster Sets
Coaster sets may seem lame, but they are a necessity in every household. They are usually inexpensive and you can pair it with a drink of your choice. Make it even better by making it yourself!
Lastly, and my personal favorite... Pajamas
No one can go wrong with pajamas in my family. My grandma gives me a set every year. If you go to Old Navy or Target, they usually cost less than $20. Make it silly and get themed ones too!
