Strapped for cash? Not much of a budget for presents? But still want to show your loved ones you care? The good news is you can still give great gifts to friends and family – that won’t cost a fortune. Check out some of our top gift ideas below – all available on a student budget!

1. Indulgent treats

If there’s one time of year when it’s acceptable to overindulge in your favourite treat, it’s Christmas. So, if you know a family member or friend has a soft spot for a certain snack, why not bake up a batch and present them with a festive decorated jar, box or dish full of their much-loved treat? From cookies and brownies, to cupcakes and gingerbread men, the options are endless.

2. Photo memories

You may have gone your separate ways to university, but it doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten about your oldest and closest friends from back home. Make sure they know that by capturing some of your best memories over the years and putting them together in a multi-pocket frame, clipping them to photo clip stands or pinning them to a cork board for them to hang in their room.

3. Festive novelties

Nothing says Christmas more than novelty, festive ornaments to brighten the place up. Whether it’s decorated candles and candle holders, or handmade snow globes and Christmas tree decorations, dig out your arts and crafts box and show off your creative streak. Plus, this special festive gift means the recipient can put it on display every Christmas for years to come and be reminded of you.

4. Sweet jars

Cheap and cheerful, this Christmas gift idea is perfect for those people in your life with a sweet tooth. Simply fill a mason jar or similar with a mix of sweets. Whether you’re filling them with chewy love hearts and rings for the love in your life, bonbons and pear drops for the nostalgic family member, or pic ‘n’ mix favourites for everyone to enjoy, customise the jars and give a gift with a personal touch.

5. Pamper packages

If you’ve had your eye on that expensive beauty gift set for someone but really can’t afford it, then why not make your own? Sometimes pre-made gift sets aren’t all that great; they can be expensive, the products inside can often be smaller and sometimes you end up with items you don’t really want.

So, buy your own beauty bag or even just a simple paper gift bag and then hand pick individual items to go inside. You’ll likely find full size products for a similar price – if not cheaper, than the convenient travel sized items. So, you’ll be getting more for your money and you can tailor the products you put inside to each individual instead of a ‘one fits all’ pre-packed gift set.

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Whether it’s one of the above, or something totally different, if you’re making your own gifts this Christmas we’d love to know. Share them with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and use the hashtag #HoHoHost. Keep an eye on our news page for even more great festive tips.