Christmas On A Budget | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Christmas On A Budget

10 gift ideas that cost little to no money.

Courtney Cummings
Dec 05, 2016
Kappa Alpha Theta
5
Christmas On A Budget
History.com

While Christmas is still over 3 weeks away, it's coming up quickly and the time to buy gifts is now. If you're like me, a poor college student with no source of income, Christmas is a terrifying time for you because it means spending money you don't have on gifts. But never fear! I am here to tell you how you can get meaningful gifts for your friends and family with little to no money. It's Christmas on a budget!

1. Baked Goods

While this might not seem like the greatest gift, never doubt the power of a delicious cookie or brownie. Just taking the time out of your busy schedule to bake for someone shows that you were thinking of them this holiday season.

2. Your Time

Allocating a day for just you and someone else is a priceless gift. Go shopping, go to a sporting event, just hang at home doing nothing. Whatever it is, just spend the day with them doing whatever they want.

3. Small gift bag of trinkets

This gift does require some money but no more than $10 at max. Just hit the dollar store up and find some cute little things your friend or family member might like and throw them in a basket. Boom. Done.

4. Playlist of songs they might like

Creating a mix of songs that someone might like or that reminds you of them is a great way to show how much you care without spending any money at all. Then whenever they listen to those songs they will think of you and the effort you put into making them a playlist.

5. Cook their favorite meal

There is nothing better than coming home to a nice home-cooked meal. Taking the time to make an entire meal for someone shows how much you care. This is an especially good gift for someone who usually cooks the meals at home.

6. Handmade Ornament

This doesn't have to be something extravagant. Just a little craft ornament that you make so they can pull it out every year and remember that you made it for them. Or you can make a Lego ornament, even better!

7. $7 Wine

This requires no explanation. There is nothing better than cheap wine.

8. Favor Coupons

This gift is something that can last a long time. Give your friend or family member 5 coupons for one free back massage or one free cooked meal or one free Starbucks drink. It's up to you but these can be great gifts that people will greatly appreciate.

9. Framed Picture

You can never go wrong with a framed photo of you and your loved one. This is a great way to capture a moment and you can find frames for super cheap at your local Target.

10. Handwritten Letter

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is your words. Tell your friends how much they mean to you. Remind your mom how much you love her. This is a gift they will keep forever.

For even more ideas check out Pinterest's 1000+ ideas for inexpensive Christmas gifts! (https://www.pinterest.com/explore/inexpensive-chri...) Good luck and happy shopping/crafting/baking!!

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

7 Experiences All Girls With Resting Bitch Face Have Had

The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

University of South Florida
1919
girl
Pexels

In case you're unaware, "resting bitch face" is the term used to describe when a person's natural, expressionless face makes it look like they are mad at the world. Whether they are walking down the street or simply spacing out thinking about what to eat for dinner, it's very easy for others to assume that this person is either upset or mad at them. Because of this, those of us with Resting Bitch Face (RBF), and especially us women, have all experienced many of the same situations and conversations, including:

Keep Reading...Show less
rbf
Entertainment

The Stages Of A Crush As Told By The Cast of "Bob's Burgers"

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

Dean College
854
my heart just pooped its pants
Google

We've all had a crush before. Whether it leads to something or nothing, the process has all been the same. The awkward feelings, the stalking, and the stress of trying to keep this huge secret. The feeling of becoming a total spazz is something that cannot be avoided, and the most spazzy family that can relate to this feeling is the Belcher's.

Keep Reading...Show less
bobs burgers
Adulting

Adulting 101: In Sickness And In Self

Everybody hurts sometimes.

Georgia State University
685
you didnt come this far to only come this far lighted text
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

At the tender age of 18, we are bestowed with the title of “adult.” For 17 years, we live under the rules and guidelines of our parents, school, and government, and to stray from any of those rules or guidelines marks us as a rebel. At 18, though, we must choose which college we want to go to or what career we want. We are allowed and encouraged to vote. We can buy lottery tickets and cigarettes. We can drop out of school, leave our household, and do other "adult" things. At 18, we start down a path of thinking for ourselves, when for the entirety of our lives other institutions have been mandated to think and do for us.

Keep Reading...Show less
adulting
Student Life

25 Thoughts Everyone Has When Registering For Classes

May the odds be ever in your favor.

University of Nebraska Omaha
1365
university
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less
class registration
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

University of Kentucky
1803
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less
senior year

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments