The Holidays are a-coming and the purse is a whole lot lighter. With the crumbling economy crushing any hopes of a lavish Christmas, college students will have to figure out a way to really stretch out their dollar this year. To help the students put their money to good use this holiday season, here are a few tips of shopping on a shoe string.

Table for Six Please – Rather than exchanging expensive gifts this year with your friends, keep it simple and enjoy a night out in the city. Dinner and drinks is never a bad route to go!

Yankee Swap – Let’s face it, buying a myriad of different gifts for different personalities can be tough. Try an Office-styled gift exchange this year, set a limit and go to town! And hey, can't complain if you're the lucky one to get an iPod!

Decorative Drinkware – If your friends insist on exchanging gifts, try bedazzling a college student’s favorite possession – their drinkware. From snazzy shot glasses to marvelous martini glasses, funky home-painted drinkware is always a crowd pleaser.

So save your money for the months of rainy days to come and spend a little less this year on the holiday shopping!