The Best Gifts for University and College Students

Whether it's their first year on campus or they're approaching finals, there’s no doubt that university is a stressful time for students.

However grown up they think they are, it can all be a bit overwhelming at times, and thoughtful gifts will definitely be appreciated.



If you want to give the right gift to a student this Christmas, there are plenty of options to pick from to help them get through their three or four years at university.

If they are living away from home in halls or a shared house, there may still be plenty of practical gifts they need.



You can either go for the practical items like a nice duvet set, some decent crockery or a set of wine glasses.

Or give them a nice little piece of furniture or some decorative items that will make the place feel more homely.

A useful bedside cabinet, small bookcase or low table would be useful and pleasant, or something more frivolous like cushions, fairy lights or a cute coat rack.



Give your favourite student a reminder of home with a lovely personalised photo giftt.

The range of  gifts available includes calendars, canvas and prints for the wall, cushions, mugs, photo books, jigsaws, towels and blankets.

Perhaps you could get a photo of Christmas past, a favourite pet or their brothers and sisters made up.  

With high quality printing, these gifts are ones they'll treasure for years to come.


Necessary supplies can also make a fun Christmas gift, for example try arranging pens, pencils, notebooks, textbooks, art supplies or anything else they'll use in a smart wire basket or other fun container that they can use later, you could even pop them in a fancy new bag or backpack.



School supplies are often a much needed resource for students and it will mean they can spend their own money on something else.

Another useful purchase would be a subscription to a service like Scribbr.

With recent news stories it is more important than ever to make sure you are checking for plagiarism so this kind of service can really help to take a weight off their mind.



A good idea for those in their final year to start planning for the next 5-10 years' goals, this gorgeous Personalised Goals Notebook comes with a hardback cover with their name on and plenty of blank pages inside for them to plot out their future.

The pretty blush colour, gold foil writing and bronze wire binding give this notebook a luxe look they will love.



Help them save money by treating them to a fancy new hot or cold drinks bottle.

The Ion8 steel vacuum flask is leakproof and easily refillable.

It is the same width as a drinks can so fits all bottle holders, e.g. on a bike or in a rucksack.

The double wall construction keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours, or cold for 24.

We love the rich Cadbury purple colour too!



Another great idea is to pop a supermarket gift card into a handy new cookbook so you know they area eating well.

Sainsbury's do one that comes in two halves, one for the student and one for the parent/buyer who can then add more money on as and when they want to which is such a great idea

Other supermarkets may offer something similar.



A nice care package complete with all of their toiletry essentials would go a long way towards getting off to the right start for the new semester too.

And again save them some money in the long run.

A student who is into health might appreciate a set of essential oils or a set of Bach flower remedies.



Depending on how much you’d like to spend, electronics can also be a great option for Christmas gifts.  

Many colleges require students to have access to a good basic laptop for a lot of their studies, so you’ll want to make sure your student has a good one.

With many varying prices, a new laptop doesn't necessarily have to break the bank.



You could also look into getting a student some smaller, more basic types of electronics, such as headphones.

A good pair of wireless headphones can be purchased for a relatively low price.

Or how about something like this great LED desk lamp that also charges their phone while they study?



Finally, there's always the option of the good old gift card.

Most students are strapped for cash and could always use something that can get them a good meal or anything else they might need.

Gift cards to specific restaurants, coffee shops, and large chain clothes stores all make for much needed gifts to college students.

Or, get them something like a Visa or multi store gift card that allows them to spend it wherever they see fit.


Other gift guide ideas for students:


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