Holiday shopping can be quite a challenge when considering a college student's limited time and budget.
FOR THE MUSICIAN
Look for gifts that can help them create, play or listen to songs.
Tape Op Magazine is a publication about top-notch recording equipment and music gear. And, best of all, it is now available for free in the United States at tapeop.com/subscriptions/.
At personalizationmall.com, personalized guitar picks are sold in sets of 20, 40, 60 and 80. These can be customized with a message, photo or band logo. The price per pick ranges between 56 cents and 95 cents.
For musicians who collect memorabilia or play vinyl, vintage records are available at most antique stores and prices start under one dollar.
Do you have pages left in your print allotment for the semester? Print some blank staff paper or compile a book of tabs for the musician in your life.
The Behringer BC100 Beatcounter can help DJs of any experience level keep the tempo of a song.
FOR THE GAMER
Buy something to complement their gaming addiction or show off their style. New games are expensive, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for the latest bargain bin party game.
For just $10.53 on Amazon, a Retro NES USB Controller allows gamers to play old school games with online NES emulators.
Pick up some energy drinks for your gamer's all-night trophy hunts. Consider buying in bulk online to save money. Or, cheaper yet — use some of your dining plus.
Check out jinx.com for game-related gear. Sale shirts start around $5. Walmart also carries shirts with Mario and other characters.
New games are expensive, so consider giving last year's favorites or classic games. GameStop and Disc Replay stores offer used games, too.
Virtual Console games — full-length classic game, such as Mario and Zelda — can be given for about $5 via the Wii Shop Channel.
FOR THE WORKAHOLIC
Buy something they can use at work or on their own schedule, but avoid anything that might add stress to their lives.
Pick up an inexpensive day planner or calendar from the Dollar Tree or Target — both stores sell these items for $1. If you're really short on cash, you can print a personalized calendar for free at freeprintablecalendar.net/ with your printing allotment.
Give the gift of relaxation in a basket. Check out the Dollar Tree for candles, bath salts, lotions, facials, novels and more — all for $1. To save even more cash, use a basket you already have, make your own bath salts, re-gift a novel you've never read or make your own facial.
Try the Dollar Tree for a picture frame, mouse pad, paperweight or trinket for their desk. Walmart makes customized photo gifts such as mugs, calendars and bags.
Offer a home-cooked meal, errands or chores. Give the gift of your time to a busy friend or family member this holiday season. This gift won't cost you anything, but it will save a workaholic valuable time.
FOR THE SPORTS FANATIC
Look for inexpensive memorabilia at hobby and antique shops.
Reprints of signed photos are available for about $5 online. Try Amazon or eBay for the best deals.
Does your recipient go to a lot of sporting events? Give a sports ticket album to collect stubs. You can find one on Amazon for $10 or order a personalized book for $22.95 at personalizationmall.com.
Search the local antique and hobby shops for discount memorabilia. The Off-Broadway Antique Mall in Muncie sells clippings from old periodicals, some of which have team logos. You can frame this artwork for a more polished gift. Wait for a half-price day for better deals.
FOR THE HEALTH NUT
Skip the chocolate Santa and buy something organic, for the gym or low-calorie.
The Downtown Farm Stand in Muncie sells organic granola mixes by the pound. Scoop just as much as you want.
Fitness gear goes on sale all the time. No one has to know how much you paid.
Pick up a reusable water bottle and MiO, a zero-calorie water flavor, which is sold at Walmart. Give both for under $5.
Want to spend your dining plus? Create a post-workout snack basket with granola bars and sports drinks. Look for healthy choices.
Are you really short on cash? Reuse a binder from this semester to hold compiled low-calorie recipes printed from cookinglight.com.
FOR THE ARTIST
Give something they can be creative with.
Craft stores usually have a $1 bin in the front of the store. Check this for inexpensive items to add to something you know they will love.
Buy supplies for a craft or art project. Does the person like magnets? Pick up a bag of large, clear pebbles, paint, glue and magnets from the Dollar Tree. They can create customized magnets using photos, magazine clippings or paint.
Pick up an inexpensive, handmade gift from the Ball State University Clay Guild. Look for a bold creation in their favorite color — how about a cup that you can fill with paint brushes or other art supplies for their studio?
If they have a favorite landscape, shoot some pictures, print and frame them for an inexpensive gift. For the best deals on frames, try the Dollar Tree.
FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL FRIEND
Give a stationary kit so you can keep in touch via snail mail during the Spring Semester. Packages of greeting cards can be purchased for about $1 at Walmart, Target and the Dollar Tree.
Or, start a new tradition. Give each other the ugliest gifts you can find under $5, mixed CDs of songs that remind you of each other or exchange favorite memories.
FOR THE NEWLYWEDS
Consider buying a joint gift this year, it saves money and gives them another opportunity to see their names together.
Give something for their home. Decorations and home supplies may be on the wish lists of new couples who are trying to fill their homes. Kitchen supplies can be purchased at the Dollar Tree for $1 and Walmart, Hobby Lobby and Meijer feature home décor. For an even cheaper and more interesting gift, try a second hand or antique store on a half-off day. Look for something that matches their existing décor.
Things Remembered in Muncie and personalizationmall.com sell engraved gifts. Have an ornament made for their tree or a photo frame engraved.
Give an iMovie creation of wedding photos and video clips. This will certainly be cherished for years to come and is very cost-effective.
FOR THE NEW PARENTS
Since earplugs aren't exactly an acceptable gift, try these other ideas for the couple with a newborn.
Get anything with their baby's photo on it. Think Walmart photo gifts — a photo calendar will last all year. A personalized ornament will be used for many holidays to come.
Give your time. Offer to baby-sit or do other favors for the busy couple so they can have a night out.
Baby and toddler toys are available at the Dollar Tree for $1 and Walmart for about $5. At Walmart, look for off-brands such as Kid Connection, which feature generic versions of popular toys. Consider a stuffed animal, rattle or anything that sings.
Are you good at taking pictures? Give the gift of your photography skills, take family portraits and burn a CD of the images.
FOR THE INTELLECTUAL
Buy something intellectually stimulating.
Look for a book with good reviews. Walmart has best sellers at reduced prices. Does the recipient have an eReader? Digital copies of novels are cheaper.
Give puzzles or brain teasers. These are inexpensive and can be found at most stores. If you're really low on funds, print crossword or sudoku puzzles from crosswordpalace.com.
Buy trivia games on their favorite subjects. Consider a trivia game that can be played on a game console or DVD player.
FOR THE GIRLY GIRL
Give a unique piece of jewelry to complement her style. For something different, try an antique store.
Put together a bath basket with items from the Dollar Tree such as a bath puff — 5 for $1, body wash and a perfume, each $1.
Treat her to a manicure. Super Nails in Muncie gives full manicures for about $10 and many salons will offer polish changes for about $5. If you're looking for a better bargain, buy her a manicure/pedicure set at the Dollar Tree. For additional touches, include a magazine, a homemade foot soak or a facial.
Eyes Lips Face sells makeup items and has gift sets for $3 and $5. Go to Kmart or eyeslipsface.com.
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