It’s that time of the year again. Christmas is right around the corner; and just when students think that they’re free from the stress of finals they are confronted by the dreaded list, the dreaded Christmas shopping list.

So how do students shop for Christmas without having to worry about affording next semester’s tuition?

Sac State students agree that homemade gifts are a great option for a Christmas present.

“Make cards, photo albums, scrapbooks, picture frames, homemade beads and jewelry. Be creative,” said Claudia Ruiz, pre-med major.

Alla Kuznetsov, senior business major, believes that making homemade gifts is a great way to save money because it’s cheap to make, and homemade gifts means more to the person they’re giving it to.

“Obviously the cost is a benefit. But what’s more is that it’s more personal for families to receive,” she said. “You took the time to make it. It’s a labor of love.”

Daniel Herrick, health science major recommends starting at Michaels. It’s a huge arts and craft store that will have most of the materials needed in making a homemade gift.

“They have everything to do with cooking, baking, stickers and flowers. They offer classes for wreath making, sewing, arts and crafts,” she said.

Students also advised not to underestimate shopping at stores like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Target. Michelle Anglade, senior communication studies major recommends finding basic items or accessories people will generally appreciate.

“Buy basics things like scarves, hats, and purses. Best Buy always has cheap movie deals no matter what the season,” she said.

Anglade also recommended visiting Netflix, an online video rental store, where you can buy older movies for a cheap price.

For the typical last minute shopper, buying a gift card is a great default gift for someone. Matthew Paul, 21-year-old kinesiology major recommends a Starbucks or Best-Buy gift card.

“It’s easy to get. They’re never going to run out. I can pick it up at work. Besides, I can’t keep a secret anyway,” he said.

Shopping earlier in the season also helps. Avoid the stress of last minute shopping, and shoppers don’t have to worry about not finding the items they want because of the last minute Christmas rush.

Students also suggested browsing major department stores online. Stores like Wal-Mart or Target where local sales will be posted.

Matt Dorias, computer science major, recommends looking online for deals but buying at a local store.

“You might think it’s cheaper to buy online but most people forget about the shipping cost. Buying online and buying locally usually end up being the same price,” he said.

Planning a budget and starting early on the shopping also goes a long way. Kuznetsov recommended knowing how much you can spend on presents. Know what you want to buy for whom and when to go shopping for it.

Charles Weinstein can be reached at [email protected]