Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Chrismahanukkwanzika, or some other winter holiday, you may be looking at the prospect of the upcoming festivities with some trepidation.
As a community college transfer student, most of your money goes towards school (or related) expenses, from tuition, fees, and books, to transportation.
That leaves you little for extras like clothing, dining out, and your morning cup of Joe from Starbucks (lucky your Mom has a Keurig).
So when it comes to seasonal gift giving, you might want to hide your head under the covers and stay there until January.
And yet, the spirit of the season doesn't require you to spend tons of money you don't have on high-priced goods for your family and friends (although plenty of people go that route).
It's really the thought that counts, so if you put some thought into what you're giving to whom, you may be able to come up with some really creative and surprisingly good ideas that will cost you little to nothing.
Here are just a few you might want to consider.
But, what if you're really B-R-O-K-E with no money?
If you really have no money at all, think about snaking some paper from your mom's printer and getting busy with the office supplies.
With some scissors, the stapler, and a box of markers you can create vouchers for your family and friends for services that suit your particular talents (or the needs of your loved ones).
For example, you might give your mom a book of vouchers redeemable for items like household chores or errands (as in "this voucher good for one kitchen cleaning - sans whining").
Or you might give your dad a voucher that offers your services for organizing the garage, mowing the lawn, or playing a pickup game on a Saturday afternoon.
If you happen to be musically inclined you could offer an evening of entertainment for a party.
Or you might give vouchers to your sweetheart for massages or cooking dinner one night.
It's a great way to show your family and friends that you love them and that you've thought about what they might want or need.
Make Handmade Gifts & Explore Your Creative Side
You can also dabble in handmade gifts if you happen to be a resourceful and creative type.
There may be some expense involved, but depending on what you do, it could be minimal.
For example, you might collect fallen pine cones and boughs, buy some heavy duty wire for framing, and make rustic wreaths or table centerpieces, complete with a festive ribbon.
You could also buy bulk beads and make jewelry for the ladies in your life.
Or you might knit scarves or beanies for the guys you know.
And you can always use Michael's or Staples coupons to cut the cost of supplies to make seasonal ornaments.
You could even try your hand at making your own soaps, bath salts, and so on (recipes and tutorials can be found online).
Wait, but now you have some extra cash with little time? Well then...
If you simply do have some money to throw around, and you don't have the time to make gifts, consider donating a small amount to charity in the names of your loved ones.
Often, adults will purchase whatever they want or need for themselves throughout the year anyway.
By donating to charities like St. Jude Children's Hospital, the ASPCA, or the Red Cross (just to name a few), you can not only help others in need, but you can also give a gift that makes you and your loved ones feel good without having to contribute to the consumer machine.
That's the type of present you might call priceless.
