Struggling to find the perfect Christmas gift on a student budget? With finances tight due to the current cost of living crisis, it can be tough to shop for gifts without breaking the bank. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of 10 thoughtful and affordable gift ideas, all under £25, that are perfect for students looking to spread some holiday cheer without overspending.
Food
Food is always a welcome gift to a university student on a budget. It might seem too practical a gift, but there are lots of ways you can dress it up and make it fun. You can put together a box of all their favourite treats or make a hot chocolate set, you can add a mug, hot chocolate packets, marshmallows, or even pre-made hot chocolate bombs. There are also hot chocolate gift sets that are already pre-made and wrapped which you can find online or in stores like Amazon, TJ Maxx, and Primark. You could also put together a Baking Kit with pre-measured ingredients for cookies or brownies—perfect for a cozy winter evening.
Spa Treatment at Home
A spa gift is a set of various items that can be given to someone that will help them stay clean and pamper themselves. You can create a basket filled with a face mask, some bubble bath, body lotion, and perfume, combined with a sponge or loofah, a cooling eye mask, and a bath pillow. Or give them some of your favourite relaxing essential oils and a diffuser, with instructions on how to use them topically and in a diffuser. A vibrating pillow that massages their neck, or a footbath might also be a welcome experience.
Homeware
Homeware gift can still be a great idea, a personalised photo coffee mug with images from home or fun times had at university makes a thoughtful, very personal gift. A coffee machine and thermos are practical for long study sessions while being available in a variety of sizes so as not to take up a ton of space if that’s an issue. A smartphone projector can also be a cute homeware gift that they can also use to relax with friends. If they’re still at University, fairy lights, cozy cushions, or a desk organiser to brighten up their room would be a great gift.
Fitness
Consider ideas like a gym subscription, even if it’s just for a few weeks or months. A phone armband holder, paired with some light hand weights, resistance bands, or workout clothing is another good option. For a fitness-related gift that’s a little less obvious, you might get them a fruit-infusion water bottle to encourage healthy hydration without seeming like you’re trying to send any particular message. If they are into running maybe a fitness tracker would be more practical, the high tech ones can be pricey there are also budget friendly ones available.
Fashion or Jewellery
Clothing and jewellery can often be controversial as gifts. Everyone has their own style and taste, and a gift that doesn’t hit the mark might not be appreciated as much as one that does. If you’re comfortable that you’re familiar with their style, then going all out with a piece of clothing or jewellery that you know they wouldn’t feel comfortable splurging on for themselves can be a great way to go. However if you are unsure if they will like it or not, simple accessories like hats, scarves and plain jewellery is a safe option which they will appreciate. Furthermore a gift voucher to a shop you know they purchase from often will is an easy gift that will be put to good use.
Cosy gift
A cosy gift is anything that can give the feeling of warmth, comfort, and relaxation. For a cosy gift, you can get fuzzy socks, slippers, a pyjama set, hand warmer, a blanket or even a weighted/heated blanket It’ll be the perfect gift as the weather gets colder as well.
Board, Card, and Dice Games
If nothing else, the fact that the whole family is together at Christmas should pretty much guarantee that a card or board game gets used straight away. If you are looking for something for your friends, you can’t go wrong with a good party game. Check out this list with 12 of the best board and card games for everyone.
Beer, Wine, or Spirits Gift Sets
If you’re looking for Christmas presents for a beer-lover in your life, you won’t need to look much further than a good beer gift set. What about wine? M&S is pretty much a guaranteed stamp of quality. They have a good selection of prosecco and chocolate gift sets.
Sticking with the boozy presents. Most stores have good spirits gift sets, check out Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or M&S for ideas. Alternatively, you can put together a DIY cocktail kit with a mini-sized version of their favourite drink, a jar, and a mixer.
Electronics
When you think of technology you may think it’s expensive, but you can still find good tech gifts for under $25, such as portable power banks, portable Bluetooth speakers, book lights, digital clocks, and more. Or you can even get tech accessories like earphone cases, selfie-stick and phone cases. A technology cleaning kit is also a great idea for anyone. tech items are always on sale as well wether its Black Friday, Cyber Monday or even January sales, you can find normally expensive items for much less.
Gift card
A gift card may sound boring to some, but it’s the best option to give someone after money, if you’re not exactly sure what to get. Getting a gift card means that someone can use it to buy something they actually want or need, which relieves you of the worry of what to get them. If you’re unsure of what gift card to get, Amazon, Primark, ASOS, H&M, Uber Eats, and Boots are all safe options because there are many options on what to buy at these companies. Add a thoughtful note or place the gift card in a small festive envelope for a personal touch.
We hope this gift guide works within your budget as a student – after all, it’s the thought that counts!