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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UFL chapter.

Since the holidays are quickly approaching, I’m sure you are starting to wonder what you should get your friends for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever you holiday you celebrate! Instead of burning a hole in your pocket and spending all of that money you don’t have, why don’t you just make them a super cute, thoughtful gift that will make them think of you whenever they use it? Disclaimer: This gift only works for friends who live in a separate state!

Supplies:

First, pick up two coffee mugs from the Dollar Store (I did say it was cheap!). You can use any shape mug that you wish, but I chose a flatter, more square-shaped one because it is easier to draw on. Next, print out the two different shaped states in a similar size on regular paper. You may have to try this a few times to make sure the state is the right size for the mug. Also, make sure to choose a simpler version of the state because Florida can get quite complicated. For example, don’t try to outline all of the Florida Keys.

Once you get that all situated, cut out the state with your scissors, and tape it on to the mug. Trace the shape with your pencil. Remove the tape and piece of paper. Outline the pencil marks with Sharpie if you are happy with the look of the state. Repeat with the other state on the opposite side.

Next, draw a heart or dot on the approximate location of the cities you and your friend live in. Then, you can draw cute dashes in a bumblebee-like pattern to connect your cities. Finally, you must bake the mugs in the oven to make sure the sharpie won’t wash off. I baked both of mine at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Put some cute holiday Hershey Kisses inside, and tie some ribbon around it for the perfect gift!

Happy crafting, and have a wonderful holiday!

XOXO,
The Crafty Gator

Cara oversees Her Campus Media's community department and serves as strategic lead for the expansion, development and management of all HCM communities, including the Her Campus Chapter Network, InfluenceHer Collective, College Fashionista, Spoon University, Campus Trendsetters, alumni and high school. She works closely with company leadership to develop new community-related sales offerings and the Integrated Marketing team to support all community-focused client marketing programs from end to end. Cara has experience working with high-profile talent, such as Jessica Alba, Andrew Yang, Amber Tamblyn, Aja Naomi King, Troian Bellisario, Jessica Marie Garcia, Nico Tortorella, Nastia Liukin, Rebecca Minkoff, Cecile Richards and Samantha Power, as well as brands like Coca-Cola, L'Oréal Paris, The New York Times, HBO, Uber, H&M and more. Having been a part of the HC family since 2011, Cara served as Campus Correspondent of the HC chapter at the University of Florida where she studied journalism, women’s studies and leadership. A New Yorker turned Floridian, Cara has a Friends quote for any situation. You can usually find her with her friends and family at the beach, a concert or live sports event or binge-watching Grey's Anatomy or Sons of Anarchy. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @thecararose.