Writing Sample: Christmas Shopping on a Student Budget

After seven years of college and grad school, I'm pretty much the expert on budget-conscious Christmas shopping. I thought I would be well-qualified to write a how-to list on student Christmas shopping, so here it is! This is going to be another piece for my copywriting portfolio. I wanted this list to be brief (468 words!), entertaining, and informative, and I think I succeeded. Please leave any suggestions for revision you can think of!

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Christmas Shopping on a Student Budget

Looking to please your friends and family this Christmas without taking out another student loan? If you think your student stipend can't make for a happy holiday season, think again! With these six tips, you'll be on your way to playing Santa on a student budget.

1. Plan Ahead. You may think that mid-October is too early to start shopping, but beginning early lets you shop sales and compare prices at different stores. Why buy a CD from a specialty store in December when it will be $5 cheaper at Target next week? Besides, shopping in October lets you avoid crowded stores and the rush of finals week!
   
2. Clip Away! I know what you're thinking: coupons are for Depression-era grandparents and neurotic supermoms. But coupons are a great way to stretch your Christmas cash. Put together gift baskets made up of grocery store staples for friends and family. Try a finals week snack box for a roommate or a winterizing kit (lotion, lip balm, hot chocolate mix, etc.) for a family friend
   
   
   
3. Such Talent! Don't forget that you are your own greatest resource. Know how to knit? Scarves for the whole family! Love to write? Record some of your favorite childhood memories, bind them, and give your grandparents copies! And if you're not artistic, you can always make prints of your favorite photos, arrange them in inexpensive photo albums, and give them to family members.
   
   
   
4. Flour Power. Never underestimate the power of baked goods! A tray of festive sugar cookies will melt any neighbor or boss's heart. There are plenty of recipes out there that are inexpensive, easy-to-make, and incredibly appealing (try Rice Crispy Treats or Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls). Can't bake to save your life? Make one of those gift mixes in a Mason jar—just pour the ingredients in, twist the lid, and you're done!
   
   
   
5. Give the Gift of You. When you're living away from home, sometimes the best gift is just showing up. Rent a movie for your mom and promise to watch it with her (no matter how much you hate Steel Magnolias!), or take your grandma out to tea at her favorite tea shop. They'll be happier than if you had given them an afternoon with George Clooney! Well, maybe.
   
   
   
6. 
   
   Personalize It! Pay close attention to your friends' and family's interests before you spend a cent; responding directly to their passions will make a bigger impact than spending a lot of money ever could. For example, if your sister believes in fair-trade and loves the color purple, she'd rather get a pair of lavender bead earrings from Ten Thousand Villages than diamond studs! 
   

   
   Just remember that it really is the thought that counts when giving gifts and you'll be on your way to having a gloriously inexpensive giving season!