A Student's Guide to Gifting on a Budget

When you're a student, your budget probably feels pretty restricting, but birthdays and holidays don't stop coming. The good news? You don't need expensive presents to show someone how much you care. Thoughtful gifts rely more on intention than price tags, and figuring out how to gift well on a student budget is honestly a skill worth having. 

 

Be Meaningful 

Something hand-picked will always beat something high-priced. Before you buy anything, think about: 

• What do they actually enjoy? 

• What would benefit them in their daily life? 

• Can you build on a shared memory? 

A £5 gift paired with a personal note will always mean more than a £50 gift card with no sentiment behind it.

 

Always Keep an Eye on Deals 

You'd be surprised how many places give student discounts if you just ask. When you're gifting on a budget, there's never any harm in asking, so try: 

• Student Beans & UNiDAYS – They'll show you where to find brand discounts, plus they give you a digital ID to access them. All you need is your university email to sign up. 
• Charity shops – Perfect for unique finds you won't get anywhere else. Think cookbooks or biographies for your parents, usually around £2. 
• Vinted and eBay – You'll find an unlimited variety of discounted items in brand-new condition. Something that retails at £40 might only cost you £11 and still be in its packaging. 
• Seasonal sales – Black Friday's passed, but the sales don't stop, especially for items less likely to sell over the holidays. And if you're not seeing someone until after the holiday anyway, keep an eye out for those post-holiday sales. 

 

Never Underestimate DIY 

Homemade gifts aren't just cost-effective—they're personal: 

• Customised framed photos 

• Handwritten letters 

• Playlists (or if you're handy, burn them a CD for that vintage touch) 

• Homemade baked goods 

• Painted mugs 

• Digital artwork based on something you share or their favourite hobbies (Canva makes this easy) 

• Crochet or craft items to keep loved ones cosy when it's cold 

• Annotate their favourite book and point out everything that makes you think of them 

When it comes to parents and grandparents, DIY is perfect. 

 

Experiences to Remember 

Sometimes the best gift is just spending time together: 

• A movie night – Level it up with snacks and pyjamas that fit the film 

• Home-cooked dinner – Bonus points if it's their favourite meal or something they talk about fondly from their childhood 

• A day trip – Use all the travel discounts you can find on Student Beans and UNiDAYS 

• Picnic date – Maybe save this one for a warmer holiday or birthday 

• Learn a new skill together – If they've always wanted to learn something, finally give them that chance

 

 

Re-gift It 

It's wasteful not to re-gift, not tacky. If you've been given something you'll never use, you can thoughtfully pass it on—just don't give it back to the person who gave it to you. Always make sure: 

• It's in original condition 

• It's something the recipient will actually be happy to receive 

• It suits them 

 

Give Group Gifting a Go 

Pooling money with friends or siblings means: 

• You can get a higher-quality gift without the stress of handling the whole cost yourself 

• The gift might end up being more useful for the recipient 

• Less hassle when it comes to birthdays and handing everything out 

 

Plan Early to Spend Less 

This one might be harder to follow at this time of year, but starting early means you can: 

• Compare prices properly 

• Order online without paying extra for rushed shipping 

• Buy in person without worrying it'll be out of stock 

• Take advantage of every deal you find 

• Avoid that last-minute panic-spending that happens in the final week 

Even a short head start will benefit everyone. 

 

Golden Rule: Add Thought, Not Cost 

You can always elevate a "simple" present by adding: 

• A thoughtful message they can look back on as a reminder of your love 

• An inside joke 

• A memory you both look back on fondly 

• A small personal detail that shows you pay attention 

Something cheap like a candle becomes meaningful when you attach a note referencing the smell and what it'll mean for them. 

 

Gift-giving doesn't mean proving something—it's just a way to show someone they matter to you. Uni's already expensive enough, so don't feel pressured to spend what little you have left. Even the smallest budgets can create a smile if you follow this guide. 

 

Written by Grace, a 2nd year Creative Writing student. 

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