Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas For A Student Budget
Christmas gift ideas to suit a student budget without going into your overdraft.
Christmas is the most magical time of year: fairy lights, roast potatoes, presents.
But, what about those on a student budget? Student maintenance loans don’t exactly cover much already, and with Christmas on the horizon, it might send some students into a worry about their finances.
Of course, Christmas isn’t just about the presents, but we know it’s not a great situation to be in when you can’t afford to give much to your loved ones this Chrimbo.
Some people want the latest iPhone, others want Trump out of the White House — some things are just out of the budget.
As your Fairy Christmas Godperson, we’ve got some cheap Christmas gift ideas that should suit the student budget. Merry Christmas! Now, pass the pigs in blankets please.
Got a friend who just started uni? They might like one of these gift ideas for students starting university.
In this guide:
Cheap Christmas gift ideas
It’s one of the most expensive times of year, but that doesn’t mean you have to fork out a fortune as a student. We’ve got some great cheap Christmas gift ideas that your loved ones will appreciate nonetheless.
Shopping for mum and dad? Save money by checking out the best joint presents for parents this Christmas. They’re basically one person, right?
Christmas gift ideas for her
Shopping for your mum? Maybe your sister has given you a book’s-worth of gift ideas that you can’t afford? Or maybe you want to treat your bestie for always being by your side?
If so, we’ve got the best cheap Christmas gift ideas for her.
If you have a bit more of a budget, and want to try and be more eco-friendly, take a look at our sustainable Christmas gifts guide for inspiration.
Candles
You can never go wrong with buying a candle (or several) as a Christmas gift. Scented, unscented, tealights, pillar candles, wax melts, gorgeous candlestick holders, there are so many options, you’re bound to find the perfect candle to gift someone for Christmas.
Save even more of your student budget by signing up to Student Beans and unlocking exclusive student discounts like a 15% Candles & Oud student discount.
Mugs
Let’s face it, a lot of time in uni is spent drinking tea or coffee. If you know someone who can’t go without their morning coffee, they’ll probably need a good mug to enjoy it in. Plus, like candles, you really can’t go wrong. You can never have too many mugs.
Here are some of our favourite mugs right now from Oliver Bonas — don’t forget to use our Oliver Bonas student discount for 10% off!
“Would drink here again” ceramic mug
Head chef and Sous chef mugs
DIY pamper set
We know pampering isn’t just chucking on a facemask and some cucumbers; pampering can look like a lot of different things, like reading a book with a cuppa, or going for a wild swim. But, as a student, who really has time for those things?
Pampering is pricey work. Getting your hair done, your lashes and nails, all the skincare and makeup, too!
But, a DIY pamper set might be a good cheap Christmas gift idea that won’t cost as much as booking someone to get their hair done. Opt for some face masks, a cheap perfume dupe if your budget can stretch to it, add in a pair of fluffy socks and some chocolate, and you’re good to go.
In fact, you can change it up according to your recipient. Buying for your dad? Add some pork scratchings and some beard oil into the set. Or if you want to treat your tutor, add in some foot masks for their tired feet. The possibilities are endless.
Christmas gift ideas for him
Shopping for men is hard. A bottle of Lynx just doesn’t cut it anymore. So what do you buy? Here are some cheap Christmas gift ideas for him.
Worried about your finances over Christmas? We’ve got what to do when you can’t afford Christmas presents to help alleviate some anxiety.
A bottle of alcohol
Is it a bit boring? Perhaps. But, will it still be appreciated? Absolutely. Grab a bottle of their fave alcoholic drink, add a bow and voila! It saves them forking out over a tenner, so they’d appreciate it.
If they don’t drink, grab their favourite brand of coffee or soft drink, whatever it is that they love! I’m sure many people would appreciate a 24-pack of Diet Coke, too.
Sofa Caddy
Where’s the best place to be? On the sofa, relaxing and snacking. So, if you’re looking for cheap Christmas gift ideas for him, this one might be a winner.
A sofa caddy or organiser is essentially a pocket for your bits and a tray to hold your inventory.
This one from Amazon is perfect — 5 spacious pockets, a laptop/magazine holder, a tray for your drinks and snacks, and super easy to use. Just chuck it over the sofa’s armrest and bingo, you’re all set for a night of cosiness.
Sofa organiser with tray
Socks
You can’t ever go wrong with socks.
We’ve all experienced the missing sock syndrome, so gifting a pair of socks for Christmas is actually a pretty good gift, not to mention fairly cheap compared to other gifts you could get, that just wouldn’t be as practical.
Use our Happy Socks student discount to save 15% on your order.
Christmas gift ideas for friends
Friends can be hard to shop for, especially when on student budget. Here are some cheap and cheerful Christmas gift ideas for friends.
Cinema gift vouchers
Know someone who loves movies? Cinema gift vouchers or memberships make a great Christmas gift, as these can be saved, used by everyone and there’s plenty to watch all year round.
Check out our Student Beans cinema student discounts for amazing savings.
A framed photo
Whether it’s for one friend or a group, a framed photo is a lovely, sentimental gift idea for your friends.
Get matching frames for the group, or even get the glue gun out and tap into your crafty side to make some homemade frames. How sweet.
Baked goods
You can hardly go wrong with gifting food, especially if it was specially-made by you.
Baking cookies, brownies, even a little cake can be simple enough, and it shows your friends the effort you put into their gift. Check for easy recipes online or on social media and give it a go; just try not to eat everything yourself! Hard work, we know.
When in doubt, I’m sure no one will turn down a share-bag of crisps from the corner shop. It’s the thought that counts!
Sign up to Student Beans and unlock exclusive student discounts.
