The HCCarleton Guide to Gift Giving on A Student Budget

Just when you thought you wouldn’t make it out alive after one more exam, the winter break is finally here!

It’s a glorious time of the year when we bid a short farewell to anything that resembles a textbook, and reunite with our families and friends back home. It’s a time when cities and towns are magically lit up with endless Christmas lights and the supermarket and shopping malls’ repetitive Christmas playlists are finally socially acceptable. It is also a time when stress instantly melts away with the smells of assorted baked goods and a good glass of eggnog (and by good I mean spiked!).

However, the problem for us students during the month of December is the lack of prep time. It’s hard to find time to enjoy this wonderful holiday, shop for presents, plan holiday events, and of course send a detailed wish list to Santa when we’re fresh out of exams!

Here at Her Campus Carleton, we are going to channel our sentimental feelings and focus on the positives and stress-free aspects of the holidays by helping you get rid of some of the guess work with some creative gift ideas for your loved ones. Regardless of what life throws us (empty pockets and a bad bus system), we’re going to make the best out of it. You heard me, Mr. Grinch!

THE CUTE AND THE QUIRKY

With an ironic title, thisiswhyimbroke.com is the perfect site for thoughtful and original gifts for everyone! It compiles crazy and fun items from the internet all on one site that’ll have you scrolling for hours with all the cool gadgets on display. From the practical and romantic to gag gifts, you won’t be disappointed and may even find something for yourself.

Here are a couple of my favourites: 

D.I.Y. FOR DAYS

Literally have zero dollars in the bank, and are in no position to acquire any extra dough? Well if you have time and are crafty, you’re in luck! If not, well, baked goods and a thoughtful hand-made card always does the trick!

In my opinion, homemade DIY gifts are always the best. It shows how much effort and thought you put into the perfect gift. Don’t worry if you’re not too crafty, because most DIY projects come with easy tutorials! Check out some easy and cheap DIY gifts you can make without going in to debt here. 

For example: create ‘love coupons’ for date nights. Simple, fun and personal, it’s a way to show your partner some love without compromising your finances!

Who knew you could be an instant photographer and interior designer all at once? These Instagram printed pictures are perfect to create coasters for a friend’s apartment. 

GOING THE DISTANCE

Have a friend overseas where it is nearly impossible to send a gift? Or maybe you simply want to make someone’s day? Something thoughtful and hilarious is elfyourself.com, an e-card maker that puts your face on dancing elves. It’s guaranteed to make anyone laugh, in any place.

The holidays are a time to reflect on the year and be grateful for everything we have. It isn’t all about the gifts, but the celebration of bringing families together. So this holiday, I hope everyone gets some well-deserved sleep, real food and lots of love.

Whether you’re celebrating this break by eating endless amount of gingerbread men while washing it down with some eggnog, or simple lounging around the house in pajamas watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or another holiday classic, make sure it’s with the people you love!

Happy holidays, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Merry Christmas to all!

XO,

LIZRD