Last week’s fees and tuition have left some students penniless. In the most extreme cases, buying presents could mean scrounging to find any change that fell between the couch cushions in the attempt to come up with enough money to buy gifts for all the people on the holiday shopping list.

But instead of resorting to getting your mom another candle from the dollar store, here’s another solution to consider: don’t buy it, create it.

Freshman Abbie Huxley has found a way to be creative with her gift giving, opting to spend time instead of money to create presents for her friends.

“I bake chocolate chip cookies and put them on a festive plate for each of my friends,” Huxley said.

But baking cookies or making other sweet treats is only one of many simple alternatives to purchasing a gift to put friends in the holiday spirit.

Oftentimes, something that required effort to put together is more memorable than something easily picked up at a store.

“One time, a close friend gave me a jar of ingredients for making lasagna and she decorated the jar and the wicker basket she put it in herself,” Guy Barnes, a freshman music major said. “It was interesting because normally I just receive clothes or gift cards that require minimum effort, so this thoughtful present made me feel more appreciated.”

Not a very good cook? To do something creative for everyone on your list, it’s all about using your talents.

For example, if writing sounds like a good idea, try writing a poem for that someone on your list you really care about.

If you’re a music lover, make a friend a mixed CD of Indie songs they might enjoy, but probably haven’t heard.

For those who like using the computer, designing a custom made greeting card is an option –– the list of artistic gift ideas is neverending.

“I am making a hat and scarf for my friend who is going to Europe for the holidays, so he will be nice and warm,” said freshman economics major Janet Forelo. “Knitting a gift is great because I feel accomplished after I finish an item. I used my talents, and I put dedication into the gift so there is love in every stitch.”

But what’s the most obvious payoff for getting creative? Making your gifts also saves you money.

For example, most of the yarn and other crochet materials Forelo is using to make a hat and a scarf are under $5 at a craft store. Other items, like scrapbooking materials, can range from $3 for a pack of stickers to an album for up to $20 –– which is still much cheaper than most gifts.

Clearly, spending a little time can save you a lot of money and put a smile on the faces of your friends and relatives. So get busy, be unique and this year don’t be the one who got your best friend another Wal-Mart gift card.