When December hits, college students suddenly become part-time elves running on caffeine and wishful thinking. Between Secret Santas, roommate gift exchanges, club holiday parties, and long trips back home, your wallet starts humming, “All I want for Christmas is…a break.” But here’s the twist—the holiday season doesn’t require big spending to feel special. In fact, some of the most memorable gifts are the DIY ones that look luxe but cost less than a week’s worth of groceries. 

This year, with a spark of creativity (and cash back in your pocket when you shop with participating retailers using CashBack+ Pay), you can craft the perfect gifts that still feel merry, magical, and totally wallet approved. So grab some hot cocoa, queue up your holiday essentials playlist, and let’s unwrap a world of budget-friendly DIY gifting. 

Bake It, Wrap It, Gift It

If you’ve got access to a kitchen (even a dorm kitchenette will do), homemade baked goods are pure gold. Think cookies, gingerbread, fruitcake—festive, personal, and fun to make! 

Where to shop with CashBack+ Pay: 

Wondering how much cashback you can earn on ingredients? Let us add it up for you! 

Eggs (1 dozen) from Kroger ($2.09) + 

All-Purpose Flour (32 oz) from Harris Teeter ($2.79) + 

Granulated Sugar (4 lb) from Kroger ($4.99) + 

Butter (8 oz) from Harris Teeter ($2.99) + 

Holiday Sprinkles from Kroger ($2.99) 

Total spent = $15.85 x 15% cashback = $2.37 saved 

Not huge, but imagine you use CashBack+ Pay anytime you shop—your savings can add up to free ingredients later (just in case you need to bake even more)! 

CashBack+ Pay cashback percentages vary by retailer and are always subject to change. Be sure to check offers in the CashBack+ Pay app before purchasing! 

Crafty Creations That Say “You Care”

You don’t need to be Picasso. Knit a scarf, make a candle, personalize a mug—these crafty gifts feel personal and thoughtful, proof that meaningful doesn’t have to mean expensive. 

Where to shop with CashBack+ Pay: 

Affordable grabs for the perfect homemade gift: 

Candle Making Kit from Michaels ($22.95) 

Mug Painting Kit from Target ($5.00) 

Knitting Kit for Beginners from Amazon ($23.69) 

Personalized Touches That Wow

DIY photo frames, scrapbooks, custom prints—these are cheap to produce, but affectionate to receive. Perfect for your roommate, significant other, or anyone you want to make feel truly special this holiday season. 

Where to shop with CashBack+ Pay: 

Use their photo-printing services, then add your own flair. Let’s say you spend $12 on photo prints and a frame. At 15% cashback: you get ~$1.80 back. Every little bit adds up! 

DIY, Save, and Sleigh the Holidays

This holiday season, ditch the “I’ll buy something cheap and hope they like it” vibe. Use your creativity, pick one (or more) of these DIY categories, and let CashBack+ Pay cushion the cost. Your wallet stays happier, your friends and family feel special, and you get to flex your “look what I made” skills. Happy crafting, baking, gifting—and saving!