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The (Unrestriced) Christmas Gift Guide On A Budget

How to not hold back while still managing your money.

Dec 13, 2016

The (Unrestriced) Christmas Gift Guide On A Budget

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It's that time of year again where we want to give everyone we love the whole world and more, but our bank accounts beg us to withhold some of that love. Nevertheless, there are some definite ways to spread all the joy that you have to give without breaking the bank.

1. Coupon.

Know who has what you're looking for, what deals they have going on and when they'll have the best sale. I promise that there's nothing you'll be shopping for that will be the same price at every source for the entire season. Do your research and you're good to go.

2. Budget.

The best possible way to do this is to make a list of what you'll be getting everyone, plan out how you're going to get it, and take cash out before you go shopping. The best way to not go over on your budget is to never touch your card.

3. Crafts.

One of my personal favorites, crafting, is a genuine, thoughtful and cheap way to express your love. You have to commit and it will most likely take a lot of effort, but just think- there's no one else that can give them what you are, and a lot of the time, that means more than any price tag. Always remember: Pinterest is your friend.

4. Know that it's okay to split gifts.

If you know someone who really wants something BIG that you could never afford on your own, get other people in on it. My stubbornness and independence usually stops this idea from popping into my head, but it will in no way lessen the joy of giving if it's what someone wants.

5. Give the gift of quality time.

Most of the time, this means more than any gift can. For Christmas this year, plan a day and have that be a present. Experiences speak volumes, especially with those you don't get to see often.

All in all, the holiday season shouldn't harm more than it benefits, and you should go into it knowing that you can give all that you truly want to without completely going beyond yourself. More than anything, the joy of the season should overcome any amount of stress that may come with it, and the gifts that you give should be a reflection of your affection- not your bank account.

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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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Recommended for you

The (Unrestriced) Christmas Gift Guide On A Budget

​How to not hold back while still managing your money.

1. Coupon.

2. Budget.

3. Crafts.

4. Know that it's okay to split gifts.

5. Give the gift of quality time.

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For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

27. When you get assigned the most incompetent group of people possible for a group project.

28. I need a comfort dog so I can avoid all life and school responsibilities.

"A Christmas Story" is the star on top of the tree.

Who isn't stressing out over finals right now?

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