spices as a present for uni student aged 21.

[GaryBaldbiscuit]

What do you reckon?
cumin, coriander, paprika?
she is a vegetarian

Chilli powder, cumin, turmeric and oregano were my veggie student store cupboard

great thanks

Would she not have spices already? I bought mine booze, posh coffee syrups and season ticket for football.
If you do get spices, how about a cookery book or course to go with it?

her db has bought her a cookery book, posh coffee syrups sounds fab

I'd have loved that. I'd love it now.

Ground cumin, cumin seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, chilli flakes, chilli powder, paprika, maybe a blend like moroccan or cajun too.

Non-spices like a nice salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, garlic granules etc. are all good if they are on a student budget.

You could get her some more rare and luxury spices, something like Saffron, Cinnamon Sticks etc.

How about a nice olive oil (handy for dressings) and a vinegar?

oh she would appreciate that

TKMaxx do some lovely mortar and pestle sets too - usually from c£5 upwards.

Smoked paprika is a nice one for turning something very ordinary into something interesting with very little cooking experience.

Another vote for saffron: I couldn’t afford it as a student and it’s just gorgeous.

Yes, definitely saffron. She could make lots of lovely paella, cheap and filling. Get her some cheapo tiny bottles of white wine for it too.

Oh, a nutmeg and a tiny grater. Lovely for milky puddings and drinks.

If her db has bought her a cookery book I'd probably look through that and see what the most commonly used spices are. Do you know what cookery book it is?

Vegetarian student cooking or something

Good ideas

Rosemary,chillies,oregano,sage and mustard powder(or a jar of Colmans)and a string of garlic.(Italian influences,here) is what DS took with him.

Vegetarian student cooking or something

I think that's the one I got my DD when she went to uni (she's not a veggie but squeamish about cooking meat). IIRC it didn't call for anything unusual (sensibly enough).
Someone mentioned posh coffee syrups but prerequisite to that is some nice ground coffee. Interesting teabags may also be welcome ...

If no-one has mentioned garlic oil, I'll do so - what student CBA to wash a garlic press?

Pink peppercorns
Himalayan sea salt
Tarragon

Ok bit more expensive but what about a spice grinder? Used mortar and pestle for years and great, but the grinder for whole spices was a revelation. So fragrant you know. And definitely some saffron under the tree! Good luck.

I'd get some blends in there as well

Ras al Hanout
Baharat
Za'atar

Also if veggie/vegan, things like pomegranate molasses, sumac, lime leaves are ubiquitous in Persian food etc. - which is great for non meat eaters.

Oh yeah and good smoked paprika is a revelation - makes everything absolutely delicious.

The James Martin coffee and spice grinder is really good and not too expensive.

Such a good idea. Don’t get a set from TK Max though - make up a box from Waitrose or similar.

I got my sons gf a spice rack from Dunelm... https://www.dunelm.com/product/schwartz-16-jar-herb-and-spice-rack-1000114430?skuId=30443259&branchCode=450&cmmmc=plaagoogle--PLA%2520-%2520GS%2520-%2520Cook%2520-%2520PSB%2520-%2520LIA---Spice%2520Racks%2520-%2520New--keyword&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp6y98Mq13wIVFOh3Ch14WAH9EAQYAiABEgKinnDBwE

She was really pleased and has used it loads. There are cheaper ones available with less spices.

My daughter loves chilies do I also bought her a set of a collection of small bottles of various chilli oils