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Hey Buffs, it's gifting season! Many college students have to budget their spending money, and this can be particularly challenging during the holiday season. Here are some ways to let your friends and family know you love them—without breaking the bank.

Photo album

A picture tells a thousand words. Show your loved ones how special they are by printing out some of your best photos and creating either a scrapbook or photo album. You can even caption the photos with a description of the memory.

Baked goods

Regardless of your own baking skills, getting a homemade treat is always appreciated. Visit your local grocery store for some boxed cake mix and frosting for a simple but delicious treat.

Or if you’re really feeling adventurous, challenge yourself to bake something from scratch! A simple recipe to try is three-ingredient peanut butter cookies. 

Coupon book

Do you know anyone whose love language is acts of service? Coupon books are a classic way to give the gift of favors. Each homemade coupon can be redeemed for a special reward. Need some ideas? Here are a few suggestions: 

• One free late-night drive
• One free movie night
• One free venting session 
• One free study session

Handmade card or board game

Making a personalized game for you and a friend (or friend group) is a great way to bond over something customized and meaningful. Make sure to incorporate all your friends’ best qualities, references and inside jokes. Show your people how well you know them!

Friendship bracelets

Taylor Swift once said, “So, make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it.”

Whether or not your friend is a “Swiftie,” friendship bracelets can show how well you know them. Each piece of jewelry can be designed with a unique friendship in mind. You can use their favorite colors for beads and words that remind you of them, or them of you. Matching bracelets are also a great way to always stay connected.

Make a Spotify playlist

Were you excited to check your Spotify Wrapped this past week? Gift your friend a specially made Spotify (or Apple Music) playlist, just for them. When crafting their playlist, add in songs you know they love, think they may like or some that just remind you of them!

  Your green gift guide

Non-traditional or reusable gifts can help leave a positive impact.

Hand-written messages

Giving someone a hand-written note or letter can be a really heart-felt sentiment. Some ways to do this are: 

• Writing a poem
• Giving them a story
• Telling them all the things you love about them in a letter 

If you want to go all out for your loved one, you can write in your best cursive and decorate the margins with glitter, doodles, stickers and whatever else your heart desires!

Painting

If you’re artistically inclined, making a work of art for someone you care about is a great gift to give. You may already have the supplies. Not a painter? A beautiful drawing can also suffice. You can even include their favorite colors, symbols and more into your masterpiece. 

Write a song

Put your musical skills to good use by giving your companion a tailored song, written just for them. You can send it to them as an MP3 file or even perform it live, when the time comes.

Hit the dollar section 

The dollar section usually has a mix of weird things, but sometimes you can score things your friends are bound to love. The more effort and thought you put into a budget friendly-gift, the more it is worth. Start with a bag or basket, and grab a few items you know your friend will love. Go to a local dollar or retail store and fill up the container with some less -expensive items. Some examples include: 

• Candy 
• Socks
• Chapstick
• Gum
• Pens
• Stickers

No matter what goes in your basket, your friend is sure to be appreciative of the thought you put into their gift.