Some UT students have found creative ways to complete their holiday shopping without having to empty their wallets.

Paul Cleckner, junior in communication studies, said he is trying to avoid the malls this year because he is on a tight budget.             

"Instead of going out, I might make things for my family," he said.  "I'm thinking about maybe creating picture frames, collages or paintings to save some money."

Instead of going out, I might make things for my family. I'm thinking about maybe creating picture frames, collages or paintings to save some money. Paul Cleckner, junior in communication studies

Cleckner, who works at a fitness center in West Knoxville, said he gave homemade gifts to some of his relatives and friends last Christmas, which significantly reduced his spending.

"If I do actually buy gifts, I'll go to Wal-Mart or another discounted store so I can buy cheaper things," Cleckner said.  "I will also search for gifts that are on sale, and maybe even use coupons to get a greater discount."

Cleckner is not alone in this decision.  According to a survey conducted by Deloitte, most Americans will shop at discount department stores this holiday season, while 46 percent of the respondents revealed they intend to print coupons from the Internet.

UT basketball player Emmanuel Negedu said he is still becoming accustomed to the American tradition of gift-giving during the holidays.

"Back at home [in Nigeria] we don't give each other gifts, so I have a problem shopping," he said.  "When you get someone a present, they might not like it, so sometimes I end up spending more than I want to."

Negedu said he only plans to give presents to his girlfriend and a few of his close friends.   

"I will only buy things for the people I think will buy me a present," he said.

Negedu also said that instead of buying traditional gifts, he might make a Christmas card by hand or design one on his computer.

"I think making my own gifts would be kind of cool," Negedu said.  "I might give my girlfriend a picture of us in a frame or something."

Long Kwan, junior in accounting and finance, said the economy has not directly influenced his holiday spending.

"Even though the economy has not affected me, I am still a full-time college student without a steady income," he said.

Kwan said he has found alternatives to traditional holiday shopping, such as purchasing items on-line or looking for things that are discounted.

I always try to find deals on eBay and use strategies such as price matching from advertisers. Long Kwan, junior in finance and accounting

"I always try to find deals on eBay and use strategies such as price matching from advertisers," Kwan said.  "I also try to purchase items during Black Friday because that is when things are usually the most affordable."

Like many other college students, Kwan said he is simply going to refrain from overspending this Christmas.  According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation this year, young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 plan to spend an average of $362.32 on holiday gifts.  This is less than the $507.90 the average American is expected to spend.

"This year, I'm not going to splurge," he said.  "I will only limit my holiday spending to close family and friends."

Kwan said holidays are not supposed to be focused on spending and receiving.  Instead, he believes people need to concentrate more on being together.

"The most important thing is just spending quality time with family and friends," he said.