What is a good gift for a student going to university?

Practical and slightly nicer than they would buy: good earbuds, a laptop bag, an insulated bottle and tumbler, a desk lamp, a decent set of bedding or towels. Save the fragile and the decorative for when they have their own flat.

What do you get a student for Christmas?

The thing they have been living without since October — usually headphones, a keyboard, a proper coat or a bag. Money towards it is welcome; the thing itself is a present.

Is money a better gift for a student?

Usually, and it is never wrong. If you would rather give an object, a wishlist tells you the one they would have spent the money on anyway.

Gifts for students

A student needs things and has no money, which makes them the most grateful person you will buy for this year. The trick is buying what a student actually lacks, not what a parent imagines they lack.

Here is what they lack: earbuds that cancel the library, a keyboard for the laptop, a bag that is not a rucksack from school, a bottle, a lamp, the toiletries that are nicer than the supermarket own-brand. Real UK prices, in stock.

Students are the best wishlist-keepers in the world, because everything on it is something they would otherwise have to buy. Ask.

30 products · prices and stock checked October 2026 · every link goes to the shop

Zara Striped Trunk Bag
£25.99
9
Stanley Cold For Days Outdoor Cooler - 28.3L
£150.00
9
Rains Valera Bum Bag Micro
£79.00
9
The North Face Base Camp Slide III TNF White / TNF Black
£28.00
9
Stanley Quencher® ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler - 0.89L (Fall Refresh)
£55.00
9
Rains Messenger Bag
£100.00
9
Garmin Lily - Classic Edition
£199.99
8
Herschel Classic™ Crossbody Black
£35.00
8
Stanley Ideal Mate Bottle - 1.2L
£70.00
8
Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro Mini Plus Pink
£159.00
8
Omorovicza Hydration Set
£84.00
8
Carhartt WIP Kilda Backpack Polyester Popli Thyme
£116.00
7
Rains Laptop Bag 15″/16″
£69.00
7
Zara Leather Shoulder Bag
£109.00
7
Rituals Sport Shampoo & Body Bar
£14.00
6
Garmin Dash Cam 65W
£199.99
6
rhode Lip Case (Grey)
£38.00
6
Zara Hair Hydrating Hair Mask 200ml
£11.99
6
Herschel Little America Mid Ba Raven Crosshatch
£78.00
6
Herschel Classic Xl Backpack Ivy Green
£56.00
6
Keychron K2 Max QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
£119.99
6
Rituals The Ritual of Hammam Shower Oil
£10.90
6
Rituals House of Rituals Toiletry Bag Transparent
£22.90
5
Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Shower Oil
£23.00
5
Onitsuka Tiger Shoulder Bag Black
£125.00
5
NARS Cream Cheek Brush
£41.00
5
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Body Scrub 220g
£29.25
5
Elemis Superfood Essentials Routine
£54.00
5
NEOM Organics London Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Body Butter 200g
£31.20
5
Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream
£17.99
5

Make the list, stop getting guessed at

Save anything from any shop to a free wishlist, share the link, and let people buy you things you actually want. Reserved items stay hidden from you, so the surprise survives.

Create your wishlist

Make the list, stop getting guessed at

Questions people ask