It can be tricky enough to buy presents for your loved ones around the festive period, and when on a strict student budget, it can be even more challenging. With this in mind, we have put together a list of potential Christmas gifts for inspiration. Read on to find out a few of our suggestions.
By Elsa Tatam. Published 12 December 2022. Last updated 11 January 2023.
Socks
You can rarely go wrong with socks- we all need them after all. Why not purchase a pair of quirky avocado socks or comfortable fluffy socks to keep your friends feet warm and cosy in the colder months? You could even pay for a sock subscription such as Awesome Socks Club, a service where the recipient gets a new pair of socks designed by an independent artist every month (with all the profits going towards helping build healthcare systems in disadvantaged communities).
Journal
A journal makes a great gift for someone special in your life. It can be a way to help them keep track of their thoughts and feelings and it can be a great aid if their new year’s resolution is to be more organised and to practice more mindfulness. This gift could also be perfect for that friend who is always late for lectures and can’t ever remember when they scheduled that study session. New stationary is also one of the best things you can give someone to get them excited about going back to uni in the new year. A couple that we think will inspire people to get writing are:
- Notes and Thoughts Journal from Papier
- Moomin: Dangerous Journey by Flame Tree Notebooks
- Personalised Distressed Leather Journal from Not on the Highstreet
Tech accessories
Technology was designed to help us, however there are now accessories you can buy that will help your technology. For the students who know what to when their laptop crashes (that isn’t just turning it on and off again), there are all kinds of kit you can gift to spice up their desk space or deck out their tablet. A few of our favourites are:
- Apple Air Tag
- Portable power bank
- Phone stand
- Shower speaker
- Lap desk
- Cup warmer
Etsy boxes
Etsy is the home to some of the best small businesses that will help make the season’s celebrations feel special- even when on a budget. Whilst you can find a gift box that will suit all interests and personalities, a couple that we think will make your loved ones smile this year are:
- Relaxation Spa Gift (a selection of teas, face masks and snacks)
- Cadbury Chocolate Bar Sweet Hamper (perfect for any sweet tooth as this is an accumulation of all things Cadbury in one space)
- Autumn Cosy Box (fluffy socks, fluffy head bands, scented candles… need we say more?)
- Honey and Chamomile (all your bath needs beautifully packaged and ready to gift)
Room accessories
Wanting to make your student accommodation feel like home is something almost everyone wants to be able to indulge in, however often can’t justify. So room accessories can make the perfect gift, and they often don’t have to be expensive. Shops like Etsy and H&M have large homeware sections where you can find lamps, cushions, throws, duvet covers, photo prints and more that are budget friendly. Not too sure of their style? Don’t risk it. You can treat them to a gift card and explain your idea for it. A personalised idea, but no chance of getting it wrong.
Finally, spending times with loved ones and forging lasting memories is what the holiday season is all about so a thoughtful experiential gift is the perfect present for anybody. There are so many to choose from to suit all budgets from a cinema outing to a high adrenaline experience.
Although the holiday season is loved by many, it can also be the toughest time of the year for others. If you’re a University of Law student who needs advice on money or wellbeing, remember that our Support Services are there to help.
