Cheap Gifts for Starving Students

I am a starving college student this year, as I was last year. Maybe even the year before. Having been in school now for awhile, I know what it means when the Christmas season rolls around and it is time to choose between buying the little brother a gift or buying milk.

Decisions, Decisions. I still see no reason why college students cannot give great gifts, though. I say, why not share the love with everyone this year? Just because you are a poor student trying hard to get by, does not mean that you cannot come up with some killer gifts for the fam or your beautiful, wonderful, oh-so-worth-it girlfriend, right?

Here are some great gifts that can be purchased for under $10

1. Bottle of Sparkling Cider. This can be purchased just about anywhere. Just make sure you complete the item with a tied red ribbon.

2. $5 Movies. If you are not yet aware of what I am talking about, then shame on you! Go check out any Walmart, Target, K-Mart or even grocery store and they will be there.

3. Magnets. Do you have a lot of gifts you need to give to the family for Christmas? Please, go find your best photo and put it on a magnet. Google photo magnets and see what happens.

4. Candy. You can buy candy. You can make candy. You can sell candy. Personally, I will be making white-chocolate dipped peppermint sticks this year. Yum.

5. Hand-made Cards. If you are a handy, dandy crafter, you might already have the scrap-book supplies to make these. All it really requires is a little bit of creative thought, some great paper, pens and pretty handwriting. Create-away! (You can also buy $4 packages of gift cards at Ross)

6. Magazines. Either buy someone a subscription or visit the closest thrift store and find some old magazines and wrap them up in a pretty ribbon. No one hates the gift of knowledge.

7. T-shirt. Three words: Walmart Photo Center. Check it out. (Maybe your younger brother’s secret wish is to have a t-shirt with your face on it)

8. Family Photos. Its always great to get everyone together and take a family photo. Being the one to initiate the event (call the photographer, make an appointment, pick the outfits) is a gift in and of itself.

9. Frankencense and Myrrh. If you are feeling traditional, wanting to remind people that Jesus is the reason for the season, Frankincense and Myrrh can be found at organic grocery stores. But please! Make sure you burn incense at least in a bowl, away from a fire extinguisher – it can get messy and smoky, though it makes a great satchel for someone.

10. Ross. One word: Ross. Check them out. They have aisles upon aisles of marked-down, home accessories from department stores. You can find almost anything, and it is likely to be a name brand like Calvin Klein too.

Happy Gift Buying! I hope you steal some deals on Black Friday! Rest assured, I will probably be nestled in my apartment writing papers instead of racing to get a toaster oven first.