It’s that time of year again: shop till you drop. But this year, challenge yourself to find the most thoughtful, creative gift out there.
As every student knows, shopping, let alone gift giving, can be very expensive around the holidays. So, how can poor college students battle the price-gouging, gift-giving holiday extravaganza? For starters, write a holiday shopping list. Then find out how much money you have to spend. It’s time to get creative.
A few simple, inexpensive gift ideas that will really rock the socks off of your holiday shopping list include the following:

The Roommate

Gumby with a note attached, “Thank you for being flexible.” Remember turning on your Saturday morning cartoons as a small child? Every once in a while a classic episode of Gumby and Pokey would find its way on to the regularly programmed line up and you’d wonder, “Who thought this was cool?” While the cartoon isn’t great, the Gumby action figure is, and it just so happens to be pretty inexpensive too. Priced around $6, Gumby is located at most toy stores, and is found online at njcroceco.com. Giving Gumby is a great way to say thank you to an awesome roommate that’s been there for you through thick and thin.

The Sibling

Most siblings typically buy each other clothes, gift cards or electronics that become outdated before the next holiday. This year, instead of buying your sibling something that will bring immediate pleasure, get something that will take them longer to enjoy. That’s right, advocate literacy by buying your siblings a book or two about something they really enjoy. World traveler? History buff? Artist? Rock ‘n’ roll enthusiast? Steer clear from films, CDs and iTunes downloads; they buy enough of those throughout the year. Get creative and write your own story and print it for $20 at a copy shop. Remember: most gifts are awesome in the moment, but few are cherished forever. (If you really wanted them to remember, make a big impression by creating a YouTube video of their childhood mishaps. Just wait to give them the link when you’re in another room).

The Mom

Moms adore photographs; however, you probably are well aware that she does not need another picture frame adorning the wall. Digital picture frames cost big bucks and printed digital photos stuffed in an envelope are, well, boring and lack presentation. So, transform those pictures into something really amazing by creating an album at shutterfly.com. You can choose from various sized books that arrive bound with your own captions and photos. Though the costs of creating the albums start out relatively inexpensive around $15 to $30, your wallet will quickly thin if you don’t pay attention to the rising dollar sign.

The Father

When it comes to buying gifts, dads are difficult. Most fathers take pride in what they do, but finding the balance between a chintzy, useful and thoughtful gift can trigger a headache. Nonetheless, it doesn’t have to become a discouraging challenge. Just think about what your father enjoys. Stick to hobbies. Is he fanatical about sports cars? Art film? Classic rock? Acknowledge that you thought of his personality, his passions. For example, find those fathers who love the outdoors gadgets for camping and hiking. On a tighter budget, make a hiking recipe book, or find maps of awesome hiking/biking/camping trails around his local area.

The Professor/Friend/Relative

Looking for the gift that says, “Thank you for making an impact in my life”? Well, there is hope at philosophersguild.com. This quirky Web site offers finger puppets of famous artists, philosophers and religious figures. Gifts include the Disappearing Planet Mug, where the continents slowly disappear as the cup grows hotter; Nietzsche “Will to Power” chocolate bars and “Freudian Slippers.” If you dig around long enough on this site you will find hilarious odds and ends to complete any gift.
If you have to buy gifts for small children, remember kids love scavenger hunts; make them have to hunt for their gifts. Grandparents love anything handmade or homemade. Make your grandmother stationary or candies. Keep the gift simple.
No matter who or what you’re buying for this holiday season, remember: Have fun, be creative and think thrifty.