Low budget buyer

The guide for Christmas shopping on a student’s budget

Christmas is only 18 days away; you’re on a budget and out of great ideas. Unless you started shopping in July, your procrastination has left you hopeless. If your only source of income is the slight chance that the bookstore will buy back your books at reasonable rates, then you need to do some serious brainstorming.

The first thing to consider is who you really need to buy Christmas gifts for. Making a list of the people in order of importance is a good start. This way if you run out of money you can always skip out on the people toward the bottom of the list. After all, there are always Christmas cards to show that you thought about someone. And it is the thought that counts, right?

What could be more personal than a handwritten note? If you are getting really desperate, you can always make your own cards on construction paper, or even the computer. Creativity is greatly appreciated, so show your artistic side.

Gifts can have two meanings. One says, “hey-I got you this, it should remind you of me.” And the other one says, “I know you really need this.” So your gift is either going to remind them of you, or it is going to be something they need.

Bags and baskets are can also make for a creative gift. You can put anything and everything in them. From family to friends, co-workers to bosses, baskets can serve as a multi-purpose gift with a personal flavor to it. Watch out, though, baskets can add up if you’re not watching what you’re putting in them. And don’t forget about fillers to take up the extra space.

A filler is anything and everything that consumes space. Home-baked cookies, candy, and baked goods make wonderful fillers. For 99¢ you can buy a tube of cookie dough and have your own Mrs. Fields right at home.

The best baskets have themes. Each person in your life requires a different theme. You certainly wouldn’t give your boss the same things as your roommate. And by differentiating your theme, your basket will either be personal or impersonal.

For the more impersonal recipient, the best gifts are, well, let’s just say generic. You could with a coffee theme and put coffee, tea, a mug, and then some fillers. You could also do the ever-so-overdone bath basket. This could include lotions, soaps, and bath gels-anything that’s colorful and fruity.

For the more personal basket of goodies, contents should have more meaning to them; something that resembles you, but at the same time suits their needs. Tickets to sporting events and concerts can be pricey, but are always appreciated. Chances are you will be the one that holds that other ticket.

Clothes are a good idea, but only if you really know their style and size. You could get in a lot of trouble if you think you can guess their size. So just look at their tags — guessing is bad, very bad. Just remember that clothing is cutting-edge pricey and could cost you more than you intended to spend.

Picture frames, photo albums, movies, CDs, and books are great ideas for the budget shopper. Each can be customized according to the recipient’s taste. Photographs and songs can really take someone back to the time thatŠ

The safest way to give a gift is to purchase a gift certificate. Okay, okay, so it may seem a bit insincere but it can also be the best solution to a gift crisis. Avoid giving cash. Gift certificates are the best option if you want your pal to have room for options. Try $20 to the local movie theater, bookstores, record shops or even juice or coffeehouses.

Regardless of how you put your gifts together, being creative is the trick of the trade. And creativity, if handled correctly, can equal fewer out-of-pocket expenses.