Help for Christmas on a budget for university student

[Jessica3456]

I need some help with thinking of things for first year uni student. Money is tight so need to be sensible. For various reasons I can’t do clothes or shoes and she doesn’t like perfume or make up. Any ideas ? I have got her a coffee machine a while ago with the great nespresso deal which was a godsend. Need to just get a few more things to balance out with her siblings .

My dd is tricky too, I can buy her gender neutral clothes but it’s still a little tricky. I have bought her….

Panini press
Tiger Hoodie (from bbc earth)
jellycat cat
pokemon cards
small Lego set (we get one every year for each of us)
Her favourite snacks
Taylor Swift calendar

Last year I got her a mini printer for her phone so she could print photos of her friends to go on her pin board and some fairy lights.

I usually do mine a hamper and fill it with treats. Also agree re panini press - seems to be all the rage at ds2's uni.

My dd loves the Aldi dupe of Jo Malone candles. I forget what they’re called, but you’d recognise them instantly if you saw them

Thanks. I appreciate people taking time to reply. i can’t do food presents or anything food related either hence why I’m struggling. Sorry I should have said that.

Jewellery
Toiletries
skin care
jewellery box
nice wash bag
accessories? (Not sure if that comes under clothes - handbag, cashmere socks, nice gloves, Ugg boot style slippers, that kind of thing)
alcohol (if she drinks - nice bottle of gin etc.)
cocktail maker set (again, if she enjoys a tipple) with some starter ingredients/recipe book)
Alexa speaker
portable Bluetooth speaker
battery pack for phone
new phone/tablet case
posh candle if she likes that kind of thing
new overnight bag / cabin bag
Nice back pack for carting stuff around uni

https://www.dunelm.com/product/teddy-bear-cuddle-cushion-1000204056

This is brilliant for students as it converts your bed into a cosy chair. Very bulky though if she's using public transport to go back after Christmas.

The teddy fleece blankets are lovely too

She already has this one. It’s great

We do a sort of secret santa in the family where we each are allocated a name and spend £30 on one person and thats all we buy for. We can all make suggestions to help the present buyer out or you could get a surprise.

Last year on DS’s list was a rice cooker and an alarm clock with a light to help him wake up. DD wanted new PJ’s.

If the budget is tight I wouldn’t waste it on a lot of shizzle for her kitchen but maybe ask her to suggest half a dozen things she might want up to £30 or whatever and you then choose what to get her.

Dd4 had an issue during 1st year exams where her drink leaked all over her laptop on the way back from the library! Utter nightmare but luckily lovely friend help out by lending a mac. A really really good waterproof laptop holder?

Command strips for sticking up photos without marking walls.

Really good lightweight waterproof coat - she walks in quite often and her really warm winter padded coat is too hot.

Power pack for phone that works really well.

I run out of ideas quickly! We have Christmas then dd is 21 3 weeks later!