Gift ideas for the budget-conscious student

By Simren Jhalli, Second Year, Comparative Literatures and Cultures

Christmas is fast approaching, and so is the stress of gift giving, especially when your bank account has been drained after term one’s shenanigans. Don’t panic though! Here’s a list of affordable and thoughtful gift ideas that’ll make your loved ones feel special without breaking the bank account.

Charity shop gifts

Bristol is full of charity shops and quirky, affordable additions waiting to be claimed.

'Second-hand books are an easy, accessible option' | Epigram / *Simren Jhalli*

Second-hand books are an easy, accessible option. If your friend studies a humanities subject, you might want to try and look for something that will come in handy, but this is not always necessary - you can simply choose a book that either you love or think they’d enjoy. To add a personal touch, write a short note inside the cover. It’s a small gesture that turns a simple gift into something they’ll keep forever.
It’s not always easy to find what you’re looking for in a random charity shop, but The Last Bookshop on Park Street is a great option. They aim to sell books for under five pounds and have a brilliant selection of affordable posters ranging from books illustrations to film prints, perfect for brightening up student accommodation.
Mugs are a staple of university life, yet somehow you can never have enough. Skip the mass-produced ones (as cute as matching flatware may be) and browse charity shops for something more unique. You’ll find plenty of quirky or funny designs that make for a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift.

Gifts with memories

Sentimental gifts always bring a smile and a tear. University life can be rough, and it’s important to cherish the memories that make it worthwhile.

'Sentimental gifts always bring a smile and a tear' | Epigram / *Simren Jhalli*

Create a playlist of songs that mean something to both of you - ones you love, they love, and the ones that have played in the background of your shared experiences.
Print out some memories: apps like FreePrints make it easy to order photo prints; alternatively, you could use one of the many photo booth strips you’ve collected on nights out. Pop them in a second-hand frame from a charity shop, and decorate the border with scraps of newspaper, magazines, or left-over wrapping paper. It’s a personal and creative way to capture the good times.
Channel your inner poet and write a letter filled with your shared highs and lows. A heartfelt letter is something they can keep forever and revisit whenever they need a reminder of friendship or laughter. It costs nothing but thought and time, and that is priceless.

And if these ideas aren’t for you…

Sentimentality and hunting down items may not be your thing, but there are still plenty of easy, low-cost ideas.

Put your culinary skills to the test! Bake your friend their favourite sweet treat, wrap it in parchment paper and you have a rustic gift made with love. Or, if baking isn’t your strongest suit, go to your friend’s flat with ingredients and make a night of it together! Blast some music, share in the chaos, and enjoy the reward of freshly baked goods and unforgettable memories.
Another one of Bristol’s treasures is Village situated in The Clifton Arcade. Filled with trinkets, jewellery dishes, prints, and candles, you can find small, decorative gifts to make your friends’ room feel cosy and personal.
Take a clipping from one of your plants or buy a small succulent - an affordable way to add some life to their space (and test their plant-parenting skills).
If all else fails, funny socks are always a classic. They’re practical, cosy, and always good for a laugh - especially when you pick a pair with a ridiculous pattern or beloved character.