MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR WISH LIST
Request the green stuff. Do you really need one more knick-knack cluttering up your home? Although you may be tempted to fill your wish list with items you'd really like, it may be more beneficial to ask for what you really need. Getting money to pad your bank account at a time when you're paying for college can give you one of the greatest gifts of all—financial security! If your gift-givers really want to help this is probably the best way. At the very least you may be able to recoup what you spent on the holidays and start the New Year off right.
Ask for help with school expenses.
No one says that you have to be the one writing out the checks for your college expenses. If people aren't comfortable just giving you money ask that they write a check directly for your school-related expenses such as books or fees. Helping to contribute to your degree really is the gift that keeps on giving.
Encourage gift cards towards living expenses. We all have to eat and most of us need fuel for our vehicle. Asking for gift cards that alleviate the burden of everyday expenses such as groceries and gasoline may not be the most exciting gift to receive, but is very helpful.
Suggest gifts of service. Sometimes the best gifts to receive aren't the kind you can open. If you friends and family really want to get you something useful, suggest IOUs for services such as baby-sitting or errand-running. If they have a particular talent, such as home organization or remodeling, then asking them to give you the gift of their service can let you spend your time doing what is most pressing-like homework.
Let them help you splurge. Every hard worker needs a break from time to time. If you are diligent about using all of your spare time and money on your education then receiving gifts that help you treat yourself can be a great joy. Gift cards to the movies, a new CD you've been eyeing, or getting a manicure can help you take a little time for yourself, which everyone needs and cherishes. So if you don't splurge on yourself, go ahead and let someone else treat you this holiday season.