It is about that time again.

Christmas shopping is now in season, but many are strapped for cash. So what is a student to do? Here are 10 easy tips for giving meaningful and exciting gifts for the holidays, whatever your budget.

Know who you are shopping for

Before you head out to buy a great gift, jot down a few notes about your target. For example, if you are buying for mom, where does mom spend most of her time? — at work or in the kitchen? Where does she like to shop? What does she already have? Is there anything that she currently needs? Also, write down what you want to spend, stick to it, and stick to what you know about the person. And yes, get something mom will actually use. There is nothing wrong with a cookbook stand or new oven mitts, especially if they are personalized.

Cruise down Memory Lane

This season, revisit some old memories to invent new gift ideas.

For example, for my father’s birthday this year, I tried to make him a cookie cake. I purchased the cake mix and cookie crust at a dollar store, and whipped up the cake at home. Well, my father was delighted to see the cookie cake, but was turned off at first bite. He just did not like the taste of dollar store chocolate. This Christmas, I have decided to revisit this special memory, and I am remaking my dad a cookie cake, this time with his favorite cake brand and in the shape of a camera.  I am also adding in a digital photo album keychain! My dad loves photos, and the digital album is only $12.50 at Brookstone. So here is an affordable way to say, remember the time? Let is make more memories AND tell someone they mean the world to me.

Are there any inside jokes, or silly mishaps you can recapture this Christmas? Buy a picture frame and paint an inside joke on the border. Go to Walgreens.com and design a photo gift and include memorable phrases. Even beyond inside jokes, try to simply recapture a special memory. A first date — do the whole thing over. Highlighting memories shows a person that you pay attention to the details of that relationship.

Create, Customize, and Add on!

You want to make something from scratch? As far as Christmas creations go, there are great options. How about creating someone their own recipe? This Christmas my step-dad asked for a home cooked meal. He is a truck driver, and mostly eats on the go. So, I have decided to create him his own recipe. This can be as simple as taking a recipe from a cookbook and adding food coloring, or a fun topping! It can also be as simple as changing the way you serve an item. Purple pancakes with Reese’s pieces anyone?

Jewelry, pottery, home decor, or dishes? Color Me Mine has great options for customizing cups, vases, and more. They provide the object, you paint it to your fancy, and they gloss it over with a protective layer, personal and professional. “That’s so special when someone takes the time to do something for you,” said Valerie DiPinto, Office Assistant III for Student Services. DiPinto said she loves giving out handmade Christmas ornaments. She makes them out of bread dough and customizes each ornament, using different shapes, paint colors, and adding on names. DiPinto even dates the ornaments to make them extra memorable.

Customizing never gets old. You can customize anything, from hats, scarves, and t-shirts. Try Rhine stoning in initials on a hat. As for add-ons, is there something your boyfriend has that you can add on to? Sound-Suppression Headphones? What about his car? Or maybe he needs new tools? And if you do not feel confident about picking the right add-on, do not worry; simply pick the right gift card.

Gift Cards are not the enemy

Gift cards are not necessarily an easy way out of personalized gift giving. You can personalize a gift card in minutes. And if you have ever received a good gift card, you know the fun in choosing your own Christmas present. First, purchase a gift card that suits the person. Observe where they shop. You can even get them hooked on a new store you think they might like. For example, as a student, I appreciate anything — from WinCo gift cards to Bebe gift cards. To go that extra mile, wrap the card in a cute scarf (you can get great scarves for stellar prices at thrift stores, discount stores, or Forever 21), a fun tie, some cozy toe socks, new Christmas tree ornaments, or even some fun material at Wal-Mart.

Cynthia Barrajas, a student at Fresno City College, purchased her sister a gift card for Christmas last year. Instead of simply placing the gift card in an envelope, she placed the card in a small box, and put the small box inside of two bigger boxes, each box stuffed with tissue paper. Her sister had to dig for her gift card, but according to Barrajas, the goofy gesture had her sister smiling all day.

A good alternative to a gift card is a date card. Give someone a card that says Lunch and Shopping with Mom, limit $50 or Breakfast on Me, any Restaurant You Want, limit $25. This is a fun way to give time and money to people you care about. When it comes to giving, you can buy massive amounts of gifts, but nothing quite hits the heart like quality time.

Themes and Packs are the perfect match

There are holiday packs all over the stores, but what about stringing together your own pack this year. Some themes, like Star Wars (one of my personal favorites) will be hard to manage on a tight budget, but there are great themes for the taking.  Here are a few: How sweet you are pack; Remind someone of just how sweet they are with creative candies, baked goods, great smelling candles, and irresistible lotions. Great stops for sweet stuff are Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Bath and Body Works, and your kitchen! Ever tried making your own candy or customizing baked goods? Well maybe it is the year to start. Store bought or homemade, this pack can cost as little as ten dollars. And to make it sparkle, wrap it in colored cellophane or magazine pages.

Back in the day pack — This pack is for the older folks. Make Grandpa feel good about being 60 this year. Hunt for a popular CD from his time or an old movie, and think of things he did when he was younger. Was he a track star? Steal an old track photo and have it made into a poster. (Walgreens.com)

Energy Pack: Is your son always telling you how tired he is? Create an energy pack for him. Toss in some instant coffee, a new travel mug with an inspirational quote, and some pajamas, reminding him that sleep is a must.

Winter pack: This idea is pretty standard. It gets cold in the winter time, and being well stocked on gloves and scarves is part of surviving the cold. So gift your girlfriend the basics — a stylish scarf and pair of gloves, but add in a Starbucks gift card, and some warm socks. Note: The Starbucks card can also be replaced by a cute puppy or kitten.

Last Christmas, Christian Shapazian, ASG Senator, gave away a theme pack as a white elephant present. Shapazian was at an LAE (Lamda Alpha, Epsilon- American Criminal Justice Association) party, and he chose law enforcement as his theme. He included fun dollar store items, like fake guns, a few games, and a picture of himself in a frame. Shapazian said the recipient of his pack, Mr. Hill, loved the gift. Instead of taking his chances on a different prize during the white elephant game, Mr. Hill stuck with the theme pack.

Hunt to save your BUCK

With a busy schedule, it can be tempting to just go to the nearest store and make the purchase, but bargain hunting is often worth the extra hour or two. Do not settle for the first toaster you find. Check out a few different stores to weig
h out your options. Tell store sales reps what you are looking, and be clear on how much you want to spend. It is their job to help you. And as a last note, don ot be afraid of big brand stores. During the holidays, it never hurts to search the mall for sales. I am infamous for staying away from name brand stores for fear of spending way too much money. However, I recently got a job at Fashion Fair mall, and on my breaks, I walk up and down the mall, just to scope out sales. You would be surprised how low prices drop during this time of year; these stores are more than worth checking out. However, if you find it nearly impossible to make the time for shopping, why not try online! The internet has tons of deals, and your packages are shipped right to your home. Just don’t say yes to the first deal you see.

Use the sale, do not let it use you

The key to sale shopping is to be intentional. Make a list of everything you want to get, and STICK TO IT. Clip the coupons before you go, and have them handy. Also keep in mind there are a ton of coupon sites. If you have a few minutes before you shop, hop online and google specific coupons. Some people see a SALE sign or a page of coupons and are ready to SPEND, SPEND, SPEND. If you have this problem, I urge you, snag a shopping buddy, someone who is not a shopaholic and will keep you accountable for what you spend. This way you will stay within your budget AND spread some holiday cheer.

Use your talents

Maile Glover, FCC Student Center College Center assistant, suggests writing a song for a loved one. Even a poem can be a memorable. What is your skill or hobby? Do you play with Legos on your free time? Why not build a Lego sculpture for someone! Even if your h earrings. That is ok, just pick something and go with it. Trust your instincts and how well you know that person. A gift says, “I appreciate you, and here’s a reminder.” Who can resist that, even if it is another package of their favorite candy?

Remember what is MOST important

When it comes to gift giving, it truly is the thought that counts. During these hard economic times, many have come face to face with the fact that money isn’t everything. Jobs can be cut off in a day and money can varnish overnight. Bottom line — motive is more impressive than a $100 gift. Give to the most important people in your life, and give what you can.