University Students' Christmas Wish List Essentials

University students can be a tricky group to shop for, but there are plenty of thoughtful Christmas gifts that can help them adapt to school and feel more at home. Practical gifts are always a good idea, such as quality noise-cancelling headphones, a set of beautiful sheets, or a stylish yet comfortable pair of boots. For students who enjoy photography, an instant or film camera could be a great option. Those who experience homesickness might appreciate a candle with a familiar scent or a reminder of home, like a photo frame.

Practical and fun gifts to make their dorm feel like home

University students often need help making their dorms feel like home. Here are some practical and fun gift ideas to achieve that:

Blankets and Rugs

A fleece blanket can be a great addition to a student's couch or futon. It can help them get much-needed sleep or simply relax between classes, studying, and homework. Blankets and rugs can add warmth to a dorm room, both literally and figuratively!

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

A pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a great gift for students who need to focus on their studies in crowded campus locations. They provide the gift of concentration, focus, and silence, which is especially valuable during exams.

Candles

Candles with specific scent blends can help students who are feeling homesick. They can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, reminding them of home or different states across the U.S. Just be sure to check the rules of their dorm regarding candles.

Comfortable Seating

A comfortable backrest pillow can be a great solution for students who spend a lot of time studying or relaxing in their dorm rooms. Throw pillows can also add a touch of personality and comfort to their living space.

Study Essentials

A collection of small study essentials can be very useful for university students. Colour-coded sticky notes, pastel highlighters, and stylish pencil bags filled with tools like X-Acto knives and markers can make studying more enjoyable.

Home Decor

You can also consider home decor items that align with the student's interests and personality. For example, if they are into photography, you could gift them a stylish picture frame to display their favourite memories. Or, if they enjoy reading, a comfortable reading chair or bean bag could be a great option.

Gifts to encourage exploration and adventure

Christmas is a time to show your loved ones how much you care, and if you have a university student in your life, there are many ways to encourage them to explore and seek adventure. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas to inspire their curiosity and excitement:

Gift Cards and Vouchers

A great way to encourage students to explore their surroundings and try new experiences is by gifting them gift cards or vouchers. You can research and curate a bundle of gift cards to various restaurants and cafes in their area, allowing them to embark on a culinary adventure and discover new favourite spots. Don't forget to include a variety of options, from cosy cafes to exciting eateries, to cater to different occasions and cravings!

Air Miles

If you're feeling generous, consider donating your extra air miles to your university student. This will enable them to take a trip, whether domestically or internationally, and explore a new city or country. It could be a summer trip to engage in mission work or a study exchange, combining adventure with educational pursuits. What a memorable way to broaden their horizons!

Camping Gear

For the outdoorsy type, a lightweight camping hammock is an excellent gift. It's easy to set up, requiring just a pair of sturdy trees. Imagine your student friend lounging in a peaceful forest or by a serene lake, book in hand, enjoying nature's serenity. It's a great way to encourage them to explore the great outdoors and create lasting memories.

Adventure-Ready Accessories

University students often appreciate practical gifts that enable them to explore their surroundings safely and comfortably. A sturdy, yet fashionable, pair of rain boots, like Chelsea boots, will keep their feet dry during wet-weather adventures. Additionally, a warm and stylish fleece blanket will not only add cosiness to their living space but also accompany them on picnics, stargazing nights, and road trips.

Adventure-Themed Games and Books

Encourage your university student to explore their playful side with adventure-themed games and books. From board games that spark curiosity and excitement to guidebooks offering unique ideas to explore their city, there's something for everyone. These gifts will inspire them to create their own adventures and make lasting memories with friends.

Tools for academic success

Tablets

An ultra-thin note-taking tablet can be a great investment for university students. These tablets allow for easy note-taking during classes and enable users to convert their notes into digital copies for future reference. This makes studying more manageable and eliminates the need to worry about losing important notes.

Noise-cancelling headphones

A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a student's best friend, especially during exams. They provide the gift of concentration, focus, and silence, which can be hard to come by in crowded campus study areas.

Study essentials

A collection of small study essentials can go a long way in making a student's life easier. Colour-coded sticky notes, pastel highlighters, and mechanical pencils are examples of affordable yet valuable tools that will be used frequently and appreciated immensely.

E-readers

E-readers, such as a Kindle or a Nook, offer students a chance to relax and unwind with a good book. They can load numerous books and have access to fun reading material wherever they go, making study breaks more enjoyable.

Instant cameras

Instant cameras, like the Kodak Ektar camera, combine the excitement of analogue photography with the convenience of digital images. They provide a manual shooting experience, allowing students to develop their photography skills and experiment with different settings and techniques.

Gifts to help them relax

University life can be stressful, so Christmas gifts that help students relax are always welcome. Here are some ideas to help university students unwind and find some calm:

Blankets and Comfortable Bedding

A warm and cosy blanket can be a great way for students to relax and get much-needed sleep. Blankets and rugs can also add a stylish touch to their living space. Beautiful, comfortable sheets are also a good option, especially for winter.

Candles and Scents

Candles with specific scent blends can help students feel more at home and relaxed. Some candles can even help to alleviate homesickness, with scents from different states across the U.S.

Coloring Books

Coloring books are not just for kids! Studies have shown that coloring can relax the mind and reduce stress. A coloring book with animals, mandala designs, and picturesque scenery can be a great way for students to take a break from studying.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

A pair of quality noise-cancelling headphones can be a godsend for students who need peace and quiet to focus or simply want to block out distractions.

Sleep Masks

For students with roommates, a sleep mask can be a great way to block out the light and get some rest, especially if they have differing schedules.

Instant Cameras

Instant cameras can be a fun and exciting way for students to document their college experiences and take a break from the digital world.

Restaurant Gift Cards

A thoughtful gift for a student is a bundle of gift cards to local restaurants near their campus. This gives them an excuse to leave campus, explore the area, and broaden their culinary horizons without worrying about the bill.

There are plenty of gift options to help university students relax and de-stress during the busy academic year.

Gifts to help them stay connected with friends and family

University students often feel homesick, so gifts that remind them of home or help them stay connected with friends and family are always appreciated. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas to help university students stay connected and feel closer to their loved ones:

Technology for Staying in Touch

University students will appreciate gifts that make it easier to stay in touch with their loved ones. Long-distance calls or video chats can be made more enjoyable with good audio and visual quality. Consider gifting a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, which offers excellent sound quality and extended playtime on a single charge, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Alternatively, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be a great gift, providing students with the ability to focus during online classes or enjoy uninterrupted entertainment.

Streaming Services

Streaming services like Amazon Prime, which offers a six-month trial for students, provide access to thousands of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. This can be a great way for students to unwind and connect with others, discussing the latest shows and movies everyone is talking about.

Instant Cameras

Instant cameras, such as the Kodak Ektar, are a fun way to capture memories and share physical photos with friends. The Kodak Ektar is known for its vibrant colours and exceptional image quality, offering a manual shooting experience that encourages experimentation. For the digitally-native generation, instant cameras provide a retro and exciting way to document their university years.

Gift Cards for Dining Out

Students will appreciate the opportunity to explore new dining experiences and take a break from their usual meal plans. Gifting a bundle of restaurant gift cards or air miles can encourage students to treat themselves to a night out with friends or a trip to visit loved ones.

Comfort Items

Comfort items that remind students of home can help ease homesickness. Soft blankets, comfortable pillows, and eye masks can make their living space cozier and promote better sleep. Scented candles that evoke familiar scents from home can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere in their dorm room.

Frequently asked questions