The holidays are fast approaching, and it may be hard for college students to get their loved ones gifts this season.Students often find themselves without money or at least low on funds during the holiday season which means looking for alternatives to expensive gift giving such as homemade, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.“Handmade gifts are better, especially during the holidays when we’re all in a daze,” said Nina Barbuto in a telephone interview Friday. “It’s a positive thing to see how something was made.”DIY Christmas gifts encompass an array of items depending on your budget for the holiday season. Art, baked goods, clothing or household items are all good options. Baking cookies or crocheting a scarf for a loved one costs only as much as the ingredients or craft supplies. Like most college students, sophomore digital arts major Taylor Hornung has little money for holiday gifts, so this year, she turned to crafting.“I don’t know if [loved ones] prefer [homemade gifts] but they’re more appreciative of handmade gifts and more likely not to just throw it out after you leave. If it is a close family member then they realize you put a lot of time and effort into it,” said Hornung in a telephone interview Wednesday.Hornung is using her knitting skills and the advice from those in the Point Park Knitting Club to make scarves for her family members as gifts.Freshman cinema production major Alyssa Briddes overcomes her lack of money around the holidays with homemade gifts including baking and crafting for friends and family.“I find it very difficult to save money for gifts because the only time I can get a job is over Christmas break and by the time I earn money from that, it’s already over. The money I earn from my apprenticeship goes to the school for tuition so it leaves me with little options,” said Briddes in an interview Nov. 21.In order to make holiday costs less of an issue, Briddes has decided to make gingerbread cookies to give to her loved ones which will only cost $15 for the ingredients.“If it’s something that I need, like a knitted scarf, or just something from my kids then I am sure to love it,” said Terri Briddes, Alyssa Briddes’ mother, in a telephone interview. If short on time or talent, buying a hand-crafted item is also a great option. Barbuto, co-founder and organizer of the I Made It! Market, said simply buying something inexpensive that resonates with a loved one will have a similar effect for those people who are not very creative or artistic.  The I Made It! Market is a nomadic indie crafts marketplace showcasing local vendors and artists. It changes its location, travelling around Pittsburgh selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing and more. Its next upcoming event is Dec. 15 at Boyd Community Center in O’Hara Township. Following this type of market and buying from these artists and vendors is a good way to keep any budget in line while getting loved ones creative and thoughtful gifts. “Handmade gifts are better, especially during the holidays when we’re all in a daze,” Barbuto, co-founder of I Made It! Market. “It’s a positive thing to see how something was made.”