How to buy great gifts on a student budget

Find the perfect gift at a price students can afford

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Surrounded by family, friends, indulging in delicious food and treating yourself to a few (too many) Christmas tipples (to name a few of my favourites about the festive season). And I simply can’t forget gift giving. Finding that perfect gift for a loved one, and seeing the look of appreciation and happiness when they open it, has got to be one of the best feelings. But, being a student, you might think that ‘perfect’ gift is out of your price range. Never fear, here are some of my tips to make your gifts thoughtful and affordable.

Budget

Make a list of who you want to buy for and how much you want to spend. Doing this means you know exactly where your money is going and how much you want to spend on each person. Now, it’s all well and good making a budget, but sticking to it isn’t so easy. Focus on one person at a time, don’t buy ‘here and there’ or you’ll end up spending more than you first intended; trust me, I’ve been there. So, make a budget and stick to it. You’ll thank me in the long run!

Sell, sell, sell!

Any old clothes? Not played that guitar for years? A great way to earn some quick cash, especially around Christmas time, is to sell some of your unwanted items. As long as they’re in good condition and you’re happy to part with them, everyone is looking for a good deal so you’ll earn some extra money for that budget in no time.

Shop Around

Like I said above, everyone is looking for a good deal, and so should you. Don’t be afraid to shop around, there are loads of places to snap up bargains, like ebay and B&M, as well as charity shops. If you take the time to look through all the deals and discounted items, you’re almost guaranteed to find something of good quality for a good, affordable price.

Homemade gifts

You’ll be surprised how much people love homemade gifts. You don’t have to be the most creative person, after all ‘it’s the thought that counts’ is never more true than when referring to homemade gifts. Most people appreciate the time, thought and effort rather than the amount of money you’ve spent. Try these simple ideas for starters:

Here are some of my favourite homemade gift ideas

DIY vouchers

These are a great idea and so easy to do. Come up with a few things your parents/family/friends would LOVE you to do: ‘I promise to call at least once a week’, ‘one day of quality time together’, ‘do the washing up for a week’. Make some vouchers and let your loved ones’ cash them in! Very cheap and very popular (especially with mum and dad).

Photo albums

My family love a photo album so I’ve always got a back-up plan if ever I’m out of gift ideas.

Collect a few photos of you and the person you’re making the gift for, think of some funny anecdotes and (as artistically as you can) place them in a photo album. Easy, right? If someone as uncreative as me can do it, you definitely can. Photo album: £6, photos: £3. Easy.

Hampers

They look expensive and thoughtful but they can cost next to nothing! Fill a hamper with lots of (cheap) favourites: food, mini bottles of alcohol, socks. Maybe a homemade gift or two, candles, jams, mini photo album. Anything and everything! The good thing about hampers is you can make them as small or as expensive as you like; just remember that budget.

So, Christmas can be affordable as long as you’re willing to put in some thought and effort. But remember the most important thing about Christmas: your friends and family. They value your presence over your presents (sorry for my poor attempt at a pun). Merry Christmas!