When you dare to peek out from the dense forest of exams, you see it, the little spark of light called the Christmas holidays. The end of the year is approaching faster than you think, and soon the well-deserved break will be here. But before that, one last challenge awaits: choosing Christmas presents.

Don't worry, the FH CAMPUS 02 team will help you with a few low-budget gift ideas that will save you not only time and stress but also money.

Team Let's buy a present

The Christ Child doesn't take detours, so why should you?
Here are some gift ideas that you can easily buy online or in stores. You'll just have to wrap them yourself.

• Escape room games: Whether a book or a board game, escape games bring thrilling crime and puzzle moments into your home. For 10–30 euros, you can give a little break from study stress.
• books: A book is the ideal gift for cozy winter days or relaxing hours. Browse in a bookstore of your choice or opt for an online edition, which is often even cheaper.
• Thermos bottle:Practical for university, the library, travel, or work. Keeps drinks and your soul warm while saving single-use plastic.
• Calendar for next year:Time management is crucial, whether in your personal life, at work, or while studying. A wall or desk calendar not only helps with planning but also serves as a decorative piece for the room. For those who like to keep their plans flexible, a notebook-style calendar is just the right choice.
• Scented candle with wooden wick:For cozy study or relaxation evenings, a candle immediately creates a feel-good atmosphere. It becomes even more atmospheric with a wooden wick. When it crackles, it feels as if you have a tiny fireplace right in the room.
• Powerbank:Give energy, because on long days, the last thing you need is an empty phone. Lower-powered models with about 5,000 mAh are available starting at 12 euros. More powerful power banks with 10,000 mAh range between 15 and 25 euros. High-capacity models with 20,000 mAh and fast-charging capability can cost 30 euros or more.
• Anti-Stress-Gadget:Little helpers like stress balls, fidget spinners, or other handy anti-stress gadgets, such as anti-stress rings, provide a brief distraction from everyday life. They help to organize your thoughts for a moment, release tension, and regain better focus.

Team DIY

Homemade gifts are personal, creative, and often inexpensive. Here are a few ideas that you can easily put into practice:

• Candles:Fill a glass or small container with hot wax, insert a wick, optionally add fragrance oil, and let it cool. Your personalized candle is ready.
• Jam:Chop the fruit into small pieces, cook it with sugar and a little lemon juice until it becomes thick. Pour into sterilized jars, seal them, and let cool. Happiness is guaranteed.
• Chocolate truffles and sweets:Melt chocolate, pour it into molds, or make small treats like truffles or filled pralines. Decorate as desired with nuts, dried fruits, or cocoa.
• Jewelry and bracelet:Use beads, threads, leather straps, or cords to braid or string bracelets, necklaces, or keychains. Attach clasps, and your custom piece of jewelry is ready.
• Voucher book with little gestures:Cut out small cards and write down favors or activities to do together on them (e.g., 'Coffee is on me' or 'Movie night together'). Tie the cards together or put them together in a small booklet.
• Canva-gift products:With Canva, every gift becomes unique and creative. Photo books, tote bags, books, sweaters, hoodies, t-shirts, mugs, and many other products can be designed, printed, and delivered straight to your home. This way, you can create unique gifts that are truly personal.

Whether bought or homemade, the important thing is that the gifts come from the heart. With these low-budget ideas, you can make your loved ones happy without putting too much strain on your wallet.

In case you're still unsure what to give as a gift: Give time!

Shared moments are the most precious gift of all—almost as valuable as a piece of chocolate on a long study day.

The CAMPUS 02 University of Applied Sciences team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a successful finish to the year.