Let’s face it. We’re in college. Our wallets know it, and we just _cannot_ always buy the latest and greatest gifts for everyone we know. That said, it’s always possible to make them all gifts — and they don’t look as cheap as our wallets.

**For your significant other:**

The love of your life (right now) deserves something as wonderful as he or she makes you feel.

A simple way to show your love is by buying a small pack of playing cards, which you could buy for just one dollar at Dollar Tree. These along with some Sharpies will create the perfect gift for that one special person.

Since there are 52 cards in a deck, think of one thing to write on each card. You could use a common theme for the whole pack such as date ideas, things you love about your significant other or your favorite moments between the two of you. Then, simply write one thought on each card until all 52 are filled.

Once you’re done, you can simply put them back in the package, or you can get a little more fancy by punching a hole in each of the cards and putting them on a key ring.

**For your parents:**

These two incredible people raised you and may or may not be the ones sending you to school. Treat them to special DIY gifts that you know they’ll love.

_For mom:_ A spa-style scrub will be just what your mother has needed since you left for college. Instead of stressing about you making it on your own, she can sit and relax knowing that you have everything under control.

To make your own citrus scrub, just peel a lemon or an orange and remove the seeds. Purée in a blender, and add a cup of sugar. This should make the scrub the perfect volume and just what your mom needs after a long day.

_For dad:_ Many dads have come to the point where they’ve run out of room to put all the ties that they use for work. Make it a bit easier on your dad by concocting a tie holder.

To make this, all you need is a hanger, some shower curtain rings and some yarn. Simply take the hanger and tie the curtain rings to it with small pieces of yarn in a 3-ring-by-2-ring grid.

If you make two of these grids and place them side-by-side on the bottom of the hanger, it will create the perfect tie holder for your dad.

**For a sibling:**

They may annoy you at times and always beat you at wrestling, but they don’t want another gift card this Christmas. Your siblings may not normally enjoy DIY gifts, but this one outdoes everything they could have imagined you making.

A duct tape wallet is an easy but creative present to appease your siblings — especially the younger ones. All you need to buy is duct tape, in whatever color or pattern you would like, and then follow these simple instructions:

1. Cut a strip of duct tape about 8.5 inches long and place it, sticky side up, on a table.
2. Cut another piece the same length and place it sticky side down covering half of the first piece.
3. Fold the sticky part of the first strip up and over to meet the bottom of the second strip.
4. Flip the two strips over and place a third strip sticky side down to cover the remaining sticky part of the second strip.
5. Repeat this process until your sheet of duct tape is about 7 inches long, not including the final sticky part.
6. Fold the last sticky side down, and then trim the sheet of duct tape so that it measures 7-by-8 inches.
7. Fold the rectangle in half and tape the two sides so that it makes one large pocket.
8. Fold the pocket in half again to make the wallet.

**For Your Best Friend:**

Whether he or she is here with you at MU or across the country, your best friend will appreciate the thought and work that you put into this gift.

Make your customized mug with a cheap ceramic mug and a pack of Sharpies (both of which you can find at Dollar Tree). All you have to do is draw on the mug! You don’t have to follow a specific design; you could simply write inside jokes between you, favorite movie quotes or random pictures you feel like drawing.

After you’ve finalized your design, set your oven to 350 degrees. Once the oven has heated up, stick your designed mug in for 30 minutes. This will make the design completely permanent.