The holidays are here, and so is the strain this season puts on our wallets. Here are 15 recipes, gifts, and events to get you in a festive mood without cleaning out your bank account.

Eats and Treats

Muffin, Cookie, and Cake Mixes (Less than $5): Liven up boxed mixes with this basic vanilla frosting recipe. Add food coloring and sprinkles and invite some friends over for a holiday-themed cookie decorating party.

Peppermint Bark (Less than $10): This classic winter recipe yields two pounds of candy—more than enough to pass out to friends and family.

Rice Krispie Treat Wreaths (Less than $10): A single family-sized box of Rice Krispies can go a long way.

Candy-Coated Pretzel Sticks (Less than $15): If you’re in a bind and need a quick snack to take to a party, this fast, easy recipe is the perfect treat.

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies (Less than $15): Adapt this fun recipe to your budget by using pre-packaged peanut butter cookie dough or a bagged cookie mix.

Handmade Decorations and Gifts

Paper Snowflakes (Less than $5): You probably already have everything you need to make these whimsical decorations.

Pine Cone Tree Ornaments (Less than $5): A little paint, a little glitter, and you’ve got an inexpensive decoration or gift from your own backyard.

Salt Dough Ornaments (Less than $15): They may look like delicious sugar cookies, but don’t be fooled—this is not a spoon your roommate is going to want to lick.

Yarn Wreaths (Less than $20): A yarn wreath can add a festive glow to your dorm room and serve as a visual reminder that the holidays are right around the corner.

Canvas Art (Less than $30): Like yarn wreaths, canvas art is a simple way to make a personalized gift for anyone. For this tutorial, substitute holiday-themed scrapbook paper or paint your own holiday message. 

(You can get more handmade inspirations at Paper and Clay, the craft center located on the third floor of the Student Center.)

Events

Santa’s Favorite Christmas Music (Free): Performance of holiday-themed chamber music at Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum.

Larry, Carols, and Mo! (Less than $5): A chance to enjoy carols, “A Christmas Story,” and “mo” at the Fox Theatre on Dec. 9.

Life University’s Lights of Life Display (Less than $10): More than a million lights in a mile, depicting a Christmas tree, nativity, menorah, and animated displays. ($5/car)

Winter Wonderland at Fernbank (Less than $20): Celebrate all winter observances and cultures at this Fernbank exhibit. Free with museum admission. 

Invasion: Christmas Carol (Less than $25): A twist on the classic, with plenty of adult humor injected, by the Dad’s Garage theater company.

For more baking, decorating, and gifting ideas, search key words like “holiday baking” or “holiday crafts” on Pinterest. Want to give someone a handmade gift but don’t have time to make anything? Check out the annual ICE Pop-Up Shop in Candler Park before it closes on Dec. 30. Consult this article for a list of other upcoming holiday-themed events you can enjoy with friends or family.