10 Budget Friendly Christmas Gifts

by Bristol Cox, Staff Writer

The holiday season is upon us, and for many college students, the thought of Christmas shopping can be daunting. Normally the average college student has a small budget to work with, but don’t let this put a damper on your holiday cheer! With a little creativity and effort, you can create meaningful, inexpensive gifts that your friends and family will love.

Here are some homemade gift ideas that are both affordable and can be personalized:

1. Air Dry Clay Magnets

Air dry clay can easily be found in most stores and is just $6 with magnet backs only being $3. You could create magnets that are tailored to your friends or family rather it be hearts or even a hamburger, you can mold the air-dry clay into anything. Once the clay dries, paint it with acrylic paints and seal it with a clear varnish. Attach a small magnet strip to the back, and you’ve got a cute and artistic gift!

2. Charm Keychains

Charm keychains have been very popular this year since they can be put on anything like tote bags, lanyards, or bags. Use charms, beads, and small trinkets that reflect the recipient’s interests or favorite colors. String them onto a keychain ring using wire or sturdy string. Now you have an inexpensive gift which doubles as an accessory.

3. Photo Book/Collage

Memories make the best gifts! Gather your favorite photos of you and your friends or family and create a collage. Use free design platforms like Canva to make digital collages that can be printed or simply print pictures which can be framed or put in a scrapbook. Frames can often be found at thrift stores for really low prices!

4. Personalized Playlist

With streaming services being so popular, you may as well capitalize off it. A personalized playlist can be a deeply thoughtful gift. Curate a list of songs that remind you of your shared memories or that you think your friend or family member will love. Write a short note explaining your song choices and present it alongside a small treat like their favorite snack.

5. A Painting

If you enjoy painting, then you can create a custom piece of art as a gift. A painting is a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift that doesn’t need to be expensive. Even beginners can create beautiful pieces! Mini canvases are affordable and are the perfect size since you won’t feel overwhelmed with a huge project. Supplies like acrylic paints and brushes are inexpensive, and you can even use cardboard as a canvas.

6. Hand-Painted Tote Bag

Staying on theme with painting, you can get a plain canvas tote bag to decorate. Use fabric paint or markers to design a bag that matches your friend’s or family’s personality. It’s a practical gift that’s great for carrying books, groceries, or anything in between.

7. Baked Goods

A sweet treat always makes for the perfect gift! Bake some cookies, brownies, or fudge, and package them in festive tins or boxes (available at most dollar stores). You can even include a handwritten card for a personal touch.

8. Candles

Candles are always a good inexpensive present idea, and you can even make your own which is easier than you think. All you need is wax (you can recycle old candles), a wick, and a container like a jar or tin. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance and let dry. You now have a classic holiday gift that can be given to anyone.

9. Custom Mug

Personalized mugs are a practical and thoughtful gift. You can purchase plain white mugs at a dollar store or thrift shop and decorate them with oil-based paint pens. Add a friend’s name, a funny quote, or a festive design. Bake the mug at 350°F for 30 minutes to set the design. Pair it with a packet of hot cocoa or some tea bags for an extra touch.

10. Knitted and Crocheted Gifts

If you know how to knit or crochet, consider making simple items like scarves, hats, or coasters. Yarn is relatively cheap, and handmade items like these are both cozy and heartfelt. There are a lot of easy Youtube videos that you can follow which teach you how to crochet most items.

Some Tips:

• Plan Ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to gather materials and create your gifts.

• Keep It Personal: Think about the recipient’s personality, hobbies, and preferences.

• Don’t Stress Perfection: The beauty of DIY gifts is their uniqueness and the effort behind them.

Homemade gifts aren’t just easy on the wallet, they’re also a way to show the people in your life how much you care. So, this holiday season, ditch the mall and break out your craft supplies! Happy crafting and happy holidays!