The holidays are upon us and oftentimes it means spending time with friends and family, exchanging gifts and enjoying each other’s company. However, the calm serenity can become chaos very quickly, when one factors in that they only have twenty dollars to their name. So, what is a broke college student to do? Sadly, until scientists can figure out how to put love and good wishes in a box, college students everywhere are forced to find thoughtful yet inexpensive gifts to give to friends and family. That is where do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts come in handy! Read on to find some great gifts to make this holiday season, all of which are less expensive than your Starbucks cup of coffee.
1. Mason Jars- Mason jars are a great holiday DIY gift idea! Simply put a face mask, nail polish, and a travel sized manicure set in the jar for the friend who is all about DIY spa nights. For the friend who loves to bake, pour in ingredients for their favorite cookies, brownies, or cake. (Make sure you measure the ingredients carefully, so that they have enough). Then, print out the baking directions and glue the directions on the outside of the jar. Mason jars are awesomely versatile and can be purchased at most local craft stores or dollar stores for only one dollar!
2. No Sew Fleece Blanket- Who doesn’t love infinite comfort items? Simply buy two different prints of fleece (one side is often a solid color while the other side is a pattern), place one sheet on top of the other, cut even length strips on both pieces, and tie the pieces together. A simple no sew fleece blanket can be made for less than ten dollars and can be created in under an hour.
3. Salt Dough Ornaments- This idea is super cute to do with kids, but one can easily make them themselves. Simply mix together flour, salt, and water. Mix until the dough is soft and pliable, then using cookie cutters, cut different shapes into the dough. (Hearts, snowflakes, and stars are all great ideas). Make sure that you have a little hole in the top of the dough to put ribbon through later. Then place the dough onto a baking sheet and let them bake in the oven for an hour, once they are done take them out and let them cool. Finally paint the dough with acrylic paint and string the ribbon through the hole on top. Perfect salt dough ornaments can be given to friends and family. They will cherish these for years to come.
4. Expression Letters- This idea is probably the least expensive on this list, however it just may be the most heartfelt. Using notebook paper and regular envelopes, write letters to someone significant, such as a romantic other, a best friend, or a close family member. Title these envelopes, Open When You’re Sad, Open When You’re Mad at Me, and Open When You Miss Me. Inside these envelopes write a heartfelt message that will help bring you and that person closer together. This gift is one that this person will always remember and will be a holiday favorite hands down.
The holidays are a time to bring people together, and life is too short to stress about what to get everyone. These holiday DIY gifts will bring so much more joy than any ordinary gift card. Because these gifts will show the ones that matter the most that you care.
