Music major Michael Enriquez finds his wallet to be torn between paying tuition for the 2013 Spring semester and buying gifts for friends and family members.

After paying for 12 units, at $46 each or $215 for out of state and international students, this year’s holiday shopping is taking a toll on Enriquez’s budget.

“It’s just kind of sad, the concept of it all,” he said, “I never thought I would be faced with the hard option of having to choose between paying for school or go Christmas shopping.”

With the holidays just around the corner, people are rushing to get the best deals on gifts for their loved ones at stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, Kohl’s, JC Penny, and Sears.

Online sites such as HDAccessories.com and Amazon.com are also promoting and extending their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals in order to provide easier access to online shopping for the busy schedule.

“I don’t normally shop online and I don’t like it, but I think at this point I am left with no choice but to do so if it means getting better deals and saving money,” Enriquez added, “being broke after paying school fees sucks.”

Cosmetology major Ashleigh Johnson believes students should learn to manage and save their money, rather than complain about how little they have.

“[Students] need to learn how to manage their spending, that’s all. I believe that if they saved up throughout the year, there would be no need for them to be coming up short during the holiday season, even after paying for classes,” she said.

Johnson also commented that students could always use the layaway option some stores offer, which allows the buyer to choose the gifts he or she wants to purchase, have them singled out, and pay a small amount little by little until a certain date.

“Explore your options, looks for deals and specials which may save you money, but most of all, don’t wait until the last minute. That is such a bad idea,” she added.

As for gift ideas this holiday season, Graphic Design major Aryam Gonzalez suggests that students make a home-made gift for their loved ones to save money but to also give more meaning to the gist itself.

“I’ve always been sort of a tradition type girl, and I think that a home-made gift says a lot more to the person receiving the gift because it’s a bit more heart-warming that way,” she said.

Gonzalez explains how a scrap book, a beaded necklace, even a hand crafted art piece could very well light up someone’s day just like a toy, video game, or movie would.

“It’s easier and less expensive to buy the ingredients to make something rather than buying it made, or at least the sentimental value goes up when you do it that way,” she added.

Materials to make gifts such as scrap books, beaded necklaces, or many other gifts are available at most Michael’s Arts and Crafts stores.