Cheap Gifts for College Friends

Giving gifts in college doesn't have to cost a thing.

For most people, college is one of the most memorable periods in life. Students work hard, play hard, and get to experience life away from Mom and Dad's house for the first time. Part of that experience includes learning to live with the limited budget that students often have. This can make finding the perfect gift for your college buds a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity for creativity and innovation.

Housekeeping

Beat the laundry beast for your bud.

If you are a neat-freak about your own dorm, chances are one of your friends needs your services badly. Since you are good at organizing and cleaning, offer to clean up your friend's messy suite. If your friend is likely to toss dirty clothes onto the floor, offer to do her laundry for a week. Once you get done with the vacuuming and dusting, she may not recognize her own once-dirty dorm.

Regift

One person's trash can often be another person's treasure. If you have items such as books, DVDs, video games or MP3 players lying around that you never use, wrap them up and pass them on. Chances are he will not care when you surprise him with a pre-owned MP3 player after you upgraded to a newer model, especially if he does not have one already.

Performance

If you are the Mozart of your music class, surprise your bud on her birthday with a live musical performance at her party. Not only do you get the chance to showcase your musical talent, but you also get to give a deeply personal gift that shows just how much time you spent practicing. For added bravado, pick two or three musically gifted friends of yours who can help you strike up the band.

Handmade

Handmade gifts often require a lot of time, thought and skill. However, it is worth the investment of your energy to see the look on your friend's face when you present him with a handmade gem. If you are good with needle and thread, stitch together a tote. If you are known for your musical tastes, put together a mix CD of songs your friend would love. If you are artistic, paint a portrait of your bud for his wall.

References

• Money Management International: Regifting 101
• Martha Stewart: Handmade Gifts

Resources

• MSN Money: 12 Rules for Regifting Without Fear