'Tis the season to be frugal. With gas prices fluctuating daily and time to buy spring semester books just around the corner, making instead of buying holiday gifts may offer relief to cash-strapped Tigers.
Homemade gifts can offer college students feeling high on creativity but low on cash an economical and thoughtful way to spread holiday joy.
"Homemade gifts mean more than store-bought gifts because the person had to put time and effort into making it," said Jason Matthews, a senior economics and management major.
"I think homemade gifts are more personal," said Shirah Lowery, a junior history major.
According to Brenda McKinnon, department manager at Michaels Arts and Craft at Wolfchase Galleria, homemade gifts are always a nice touch to the holidays, but the trends change each year.
"The hottest thing this year is jewelry and candle-making," she said.
Michaels Arts and Crafts is now offering jewelry-making classes and sells candle-making kits in the store.
For Tigers who don't have time to take classes and are in need of something quick and inexpensive, www.allfreecrafts.com lists hundreds of easy ways to make crafts that require only a few materials.
"A few years ago, I made a plaque for my best friend's kitchen. She loved it, and it only cost $7 to make," said Tonya Ham, a senior journalism major.
"I saved money and gave her a great gift," she said.
Christina Watkins, a senior studying public relations, enjoys receiving homemade gifts each year.
"My aunt makes all of us something unique every Christmas. It makes you feel special when someone puts so much time and thought into a gift for you," she said.
However, not all homemade gifts are successful.
"Sometimes people use homemade gifts as a cheap way out and will give you anything," said Stephanie McKinney, a sophomore nursing major.
Watkins offers a hint to the wise when it comes to making gifts:
"Don't give people something you're not proud of and wouldn't want to receive."
