Gifts from the heart

In college, many people are involved in serious relationships. These are, ironically, the same years when many people are struggling through the poorest years of their lives. So what to do for that special someone without spending a lot and still making the gift meaningful and heartfelt? The answer is a sentimental, homemade present - the perfect gift for a romantic interest to unwrap.

For some, homemade gifts invoke images of the plaster handprints fourth graders make that were given to parents for proud display on the walls. To others, a homemade gift equals a cheap gift. Neither of these is true. A homemade gift can be more meaningful than a generic gift bought from a department, as long as the gift-maker considers several things.

The first rule when making a present for someone is to tailor the gift to a lover's personality as well as the relationship you are involved in. A newer relationship may call for a simple, humorous or whimsical gift, while a pair of high school sweethearts may want their gifts to reflect the serious tone of the relationship.

The gift-maker must also be aware of his or her abilities. The gift list compiled below can be adjusted per one's abiliy. Don't take on too much, at the risk of ruining what was supposed to be a special present.

And finally, remember that presentation is of utmost importance when making a gift rather than buying. The wrapping paper, ribbon and card become even more significant with a homemade present. The whole gift comes from the heart - let it reflect that.

Memory coffee tumbler

Starbucks and other beverage companies carry an array of mugs and drink containers that can be custom-designed. An outer layer of clear plastic covers the cup, and small mementos can be slipped underneath, showing through to the outside.

Just about any small, paper item reflecting a relationship can be used to decorate these beverage holders. Let the imagination run free for this gift. Those tacky photo strips from the booths at the mall? Use them. Or, use movie stubs from movies you've gone to together, favorite quotes or even cut out his or her favorite comic strips to brighten the mood.

A coffee tumbler is a practical gift for anyone who needs a caffeine boost in the early morning. For a coffee lover, there can be no better combination - a favorite beverage in a cup decorated with reminders of a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Photo screensaver

A digital camera may need to be employed here, so if you don't have one, find a friend who does. The trick to this homemade, cost-free gift is to make a photo collage of a couple's relationship. If a vacation has been taken together, use pictures from it. Or, document the moment you met, or a first date.

Compile a collection of 10 to 15 good, quality photos, arrange them in a proper order and burn the photos onto a CD. When he or she opens the present, offer to start up the computer and use the "my pictures" feature in Windows XP to create a slideshow. Then, go to preferences, screen saver and scroll down to "my pictures slide show."

The gift maker gets to explain to the recipient whey the pictures were taken. Use this as a moment to reflect on the happy memories in a relationship.

Photo session

Enlist a friend who loves photography and who has his or her own camera for this gift. Then, wrap an IOU certificate in a box for a significant other, and when he or she opens the gift, set a date for a photo shoot the two of you can participate in.

This present eliminates the expense of sitting for professional portraits, but can be treated the same way. Make sure both parties look their best - wear nice clothes and spend some time styling hair.

Together, pick a beautiful spot to have pictures taken, and have the friend behind the camera poses the couple in a variety of ways.

If there's a little money left over after the pictures are developed blow one up to 8x10 size and frame it.

Baked goods

Is the way to a man's heart really through his stomach? Does the same apply for women? The answer is yes, especially in college, when students will eat whatever they can get their hands on.

This is one gift where it is very important to consider one's skill level before attempting anything fancy. Presentation of the final product will save you here.

Simple baked items, like decorated sugar cookies or brownies, can go a long way if they are wrapped up in a nice box with a sweet note attached. For the more advanced cook, a candy like peanut brittle or fudge may be appropriate.