Sticking to a budget during the holiday season can be difficult, especially as a college student.  There are many different ways to save money on all the gifts you have to buy this holiday season.

First, check out local thrift stores. Plato’s Closet on Battlefield Rd. offers an alternative to shopping at the mall.

“Plato’s Closet stocks their store with the trendy guys and girls’ clothing you sell to them so you’ll find brands and styles that you see at the malls—but for up to 70% less than mall prices. You’ll find deals on gently used brands like American Eagle, Forever 21, express, Roxy, Lucky and many, many more!” according to the official Plato’s closet website.

Uptown Cheapskate, also on Battlefield Rd., offers name brand clothes at cheaper prices, as well.

“At Uptown, you’ll find new and gently used clothes from brands like Coach, Michael Kors, Express, Anthropologie, J. Crew, Urban Outfitters and more at a fraction of retail prices!” stated the store’s website. Uptown Cheapskate also offers student discounts up to 15% off when you show your student I.D on Mondays.

In addition to thrift shopping, making use of student discounts is another way to save money this holiday season.  Many stores offer discounts for college students when you show them your student I.D.

Amazon offers Amazon Prime for students if they sign up with a student email.  “Amazon Prime Student is a Prime membership program created for college students. As a Prime Student member, you receive a six-month free trial that includes Free Two-Day Shipping on over 50 million items, unlimited streaming of Prime movies and TV shows, unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos, 20% off pre-order and new release video games, exclusive deals and savings, and more! After your six-month trial ends, your Prime Student membership makes you eligible to receive 50% off Amazon Prime, and includes access to all Prime benefits. Join Prime Student today!” says Amazon’s website.

This holiday season don’t break the bank on gifts!  Make use of shopping second hand stores and flash that student I.D. or university email to get extra savings on your holiday gifts this year!

Article written by Marissa Mayfield.