Students have no money. It’s true. It strikes us as a little selfish that our friends and family still expect us to use what’s left of our hard-borrowed cash to buy them Christmas presents, when they’ve already got loads of stuff to start with.

With just less than two weeks to Christmas you’re probably stressed about getting presents. But if you’re student loan is nowhere to be seen and you’re already penny-pinching, follow these tips to have a (relatively) successful Christmas on the cheap.

You’re welcome.

A hug

Nothing says you care like a good, tight, ever-so-slightly too long embrace. And they’re totally free (although they may make things a little bit awkward).

A meal or drinks voucher

Why take them out for dinner, when you can stay in and do a much better job. Give a voucher to be redeemed whenever the recipient wants? Everyone loves food and you probably picked it up free somewhere.

Why not put those free entry and drinks vouchers you picked up at freshers to good use?

An IOU

(It’s for when you actually have money).

As a student you’re probably poorer now that you ever will be – giving people IOUs to be redeemed when you have a job and money may work, especially for parents because lets face it, you’ll see them every Christmas.

Food samples

Supermarkets are always giving out free stuff. Cubes of cheese. Cubes of cold meat.

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Check out the continental market and make a collection of all the free chocolate you get offered. Sorted.

A present you received last year or the year before that

It costs nothing and looks like thoughtful. And apparently it works

Shameless Law first year Emily Sanders says: “I once gave someone else a present I got and didn’t like. They loved it, so it worked out well.”

Just make sure you don’t give it back to the person who gave it to you. That can get awkward.

Also, watch out for those charity shops, you could end up with the same present you tried to get rid of.

Geography student Carla had a nightmare experience. She says: “One time my granny bought me a dodgy bag…it ended up in the charity shop.

“Granny bought it from the charity shop the next year, so I’m stuck with it again.”

Recycle your own stuff

Bath sets that no one actually ever uses are excellent for Christmas presents.

Sorry boys, you may have to steal your sisters or girlfriends to give to your mum, but it could work.

Good luck.