Holiday Gifts Without Breaking the Bank

By Alyssa Irby on November 8, 2012

taken by Alyssa Irby

That merry time of year is quickly approaching, and we are all beginning to think about what gifts we should get for our friends or possibly how we are going to pay for them. But, fear not! These are few things you can think about for those holiday times that are cheap, easy and filled with love.

You don’t have to give a gift that is expensive, but a cheap gift doesn’t have to look that way either. There are ideas all over the Internet about how and what there is out there to make for your friends, but you don’t necessarily have to rely on these ideas. You know what your friends like and what they would want to have.

A couple ideas may be things they could hang on their walls in the dorm. Craft stores have many less expensive options for these kinds of items. One option for this would be to paint your friend’s favorite colors or logos onto a wooden board that they could hang pictures or mementos on. These come in all shapes and sizes and can be found at craft store or your local hardware store. You could also decorate picture frames, jewelry boxes or even door hangers that would make their rooms more homey.

Another great thing about craft store, is that they usually have some type of “craft corner” in which the showcase crafts that most people can do. This would be a great place to look for ideas and get feedback on your own ideas. As a bonus, there are usually step by step instructions provided here for those of us who are creatively challenged.

Food is not outside the realm of possibility during the holiday season either! Whether you give them a brownie in a jar, where you mix all of the dry ingredients and put them into a decorated container with a recipe, or just bake them their favorite cookies, a tasty treat is always an appreciated gift. Men always love food too, so keep your dad, brothers, and guy friends in mind!

If you are a Pinterest user, this holiday season can be wonderful too! There is an entire page of DIY (do it yourself) options that can easily be turned into holiday gifts. These include coasters, scarves made from old t-shirts or sweats, and many more. I personally have found many great ideas on Pinterest. The great thing about this website is that it provides gifts for people of all ages. I have made gifts for my young cousins, friends, and my grandmother. You may find more DIY gifts ideas for the men in your life on this site than in craft stores as well.

The holiday season is one that should be filled with joy and happiness, not stress for the perfect gift. Your friends will love you just as much if you give them a gift from the heart and not one that cost more than you could afford. Have fun with it and enjoy the holidays!

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