Christmas shopping on a budget for the cash-strapped student, 7 helpful tips

Some much-needed financial advice just in time before the student loan dries up

Students the world over: follow these money-saving tips and you can be sure to have a Christmas to remember

‘Tis the season to be jolly, however, how jolly can you be when you have Christmas presents to buy but not much money to buy them with? Fear not students, we understand the student loan is just about drying out at the end of this semester, so here are some ideas and tips for the cash-strapped student:

1) Decide on a budget

Once bills have been paid and train tickets have been booked home, decide on a budget. The best way to save money is to decide how much you want to spend and stick to it. Also, break down how much you want to spend on each person you have to buy for. Be realistic - your family and friends know you’re a student, so they aren’t going to be expecting expensive gifts.

2) Make a list - and check it twice

Boring, yes, but crucial for saving money. Make a list of the presents you want to buy before you go out and purchase. Impulse buying is risky and can cost a lot of money. Go Christmas shopping prepared with a clear idea of what you are going to buy - it’ll be so much easier to stick to your budget then.

3) eBay

As the saying goes: “Another man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. eBay is a saving grace for great deals on products which could cost double in shops. However, be sure to check the quality of the product you are buying, and it’s also worthwhile to check whether the seller accepts returns. If you are going to buy gifts online, be sure to order them in sufficient time as deliveries take longer than normal over the festive period.

4) Secret Santa

You can never be too old to do Secret Santa, especially if you have a large group of friends to buy for. Secret Santa means you only have to buy for one of them as well which is, obviously, an added bonus. Agree on a spending limit with your mates and you can get some great presents for £5, even if it is small.

5) DIY

Handmade gifts are great. People really appreciate gifts which are personally made, and it shows a lot of time and effort went into their gift. Art students: this is your calling. Use your talent and create some incredible paintings and sketches, buy a cheap frame and you have a great personal gift for a loved one.

6) Mary Berry: eat your heart out

Baking is another great alternative for presents. You can buy baking ingredients really cheap and create something delicious. Cookies, cakes, brownies - the possibilities are just about endless. If you put your creations into a pretty box with ribbons, you can’t go too wrong.

7) Re-gifting

Be honest: we’ve all done it in the past. There’s always that box of body lotion - a birthday gift - you never used which is sitting in the back of your wardrobe. Wipe the dust off, rewrap it, and you have a perfectly good gift to give somebody. Be considerate, though, and make sure what you are passing on is in good condition. Added tip: please make sure you don’t give the gift to someone who bought you it in the first place.

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