The college student budget is really small, most likely close to $0. We are still socially expected (and want to) buy gifts for our family and friends this holiday season. Those close to us are so supportive and each deserve an island but we can't even afford to get them a $25 candle from Yankee Candle. I have come up with a list of easy, inexpensive, last minute gift ideas for your friends and family that will still hold some meaning.
1. Bake Something
Everyone likes a batch of cupcakes, or fresh baked cookies. You can pick up an easy make package from any grocery store for less then $5. All that's left to do is borrow Grandma's cookie sheet and pop them in the oven.
2. Dollar Tree Finds
Dollar tree has tons of underrated, cheap makeshift gifts. There are lots of cheap makeup items for your young cousins, holiday bins, glassware and storage necessities for Mom, school supplies for anyone, a cheap selection of frames and desk decor items for everyone on your list. Dollar tree also has a selection of cheap toys for any kids on your shopping list.
3. Five Below
Five below is the perfect place to go for gifts for any adolescent boy or girl. They have phone cases, movies, makeup, nail polish, pillows, t-shirts, socks, storage, room decor, games, workout materials, yoga mats, free weights, chargers and a host of other things that make awesome gifts for lot of people (and it is all $5 or less!)
4. Homemade Gifts
Homemade gifts are relatively cheap and will make the recipient glow with joy. Pinterest has thousands of possibilities but anything works. Make a paper ornament with a meaningful message, a personalized mason jar full of candy, a wooden letter painted someone's favorite color or even a framed printout of Google Maps showing a favorite place.
5. Flowers and a Card
This is probably the least time consuming gift and it should cost $15 or less depending on where you go. Any dollar store will have cards for really cheap and flowers can be bought at most grocery stores.
6. A Photograph (or two)
Walmart has 1 hr prints available for less than a dollar. Find a few cute snap-chats of you and your gift recipient, head over to the photo center and print them out. If you are too broke to buy a frame, that's okay! Put the photos in a card you picked up from the dollar store in lieu of a frame.
7. A Book From A Used Bookstore
Used bookstores are everywhere and they are usually really cheaply priced. Find your friend an awesome novel, classic find, or something our of the ordinary. I guarantee that your gift will be the most unique!
8. Good-Will and Other Thrift Shops
Thrift shops are sorely underrated. It is true that it may be a hit or a miss as far as finding anything but there is something there for anyone.
