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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

What to get student for Christmas?

52 replies

BringOnTheScience · 09/11/2019 16:30

I'm not often stumped for gift ideas, but I am genuinely flummoxed by what to get DC1 for Christmas.
First year at uni. In furnished uni flat, so they got everything practical needed for that.
All hobbies fully equipped.
Travelling by train, so can't be bulky.
Zero interest in what's fashionable.
Important gig tickets for favourite band already bought themselves.
Has a decent backpack already Grin

Any ideas?
What are you getting for yours?

OP posts:
sleepismysuperpower1 · 09/11/2019 16:42

have they got a good laptop?

aibutohavethisusername · 09/11/2019 16:45

Are any of these ideas of use?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/3725662-University-Essentials?pg=1&order=

Avihoot · 09/11/2019 16:45

Something luxury like some sheepskin slippers maybe? I dont know if it is still true about student flats but I always picture them as not very well insulated.

Lunde · 09/11/2019 16:47

Money?
Amazon giftcard

BringOnTheScience · 09/11/2019 17:11

Thank you all
Laptop is less than a year old.
The thread (which I'm on) is ideas for one going to uni - DC1 is already there & fully kitted out.

Amazon card is OK, but it's not exactly personal. Granny will be giving a cheque.

I'm genuinely stumped.

OP posts:
ritzbiscuits · 09/11/2019 17:12

Student cookbook? It's often easy to waste money when you don't know how to cook the basics.

Mychitchatdays · 09/11/2019 17:13

A stress ball 😂😂 maybe a few if they have to do group work.

orangeisnotmycolour · 09/11/2019 17:15

PJs
Fluffy socks
iTunes voucher
Hot chocolate

AvenueQ · 09/11/2019 17:16

Bluetooth speaker?
Diffuser for nice smells?

Teachermaths · 09/11/2019 17:17

I loved getting the essentials but nice versions, like decent toothbrush, underwear etc. Sounds boring but saved me spending on it.

Is there anything in their university city they might want tickets for?

A supermarket voucher for their nearest shop with the caveat they are to enjoy themselves and buy nice stuff for a week.

Books if they read for pleasure? A kindle as smaller?

ErrolTheDragon · 09/11/2019 18:31

Have you asked him if there's something he's realised would be useful?

Mine wanted Bluetooth headphones and actually did mention slippers though in the event she got those herself.

ErrolTheDragon · 09/11/2019 18:33

She's 3rd year now though so I'm really struggling to think of anything else now!

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 09/11/2019 18:34

Has a decent backpack already 😀😀

A few giftcards as a smallish present? Wagamama, Starbucks, Sainsbury’s, cinema etc

ragged · 09/11/2019 18:40

DS will want something for his car.
DD will want her music streaming subs paid up for next year.
We're not very exciting us.

avocadoincident · 09/11/2019 18:45

How about a monthly food delivery of goodies and alcohol

avocadoincident · 09/11/2019 18:46

A bike

Fairy light for room

Vouchers for an airline

Festival ticket of their choice

HunnyMummy1993 · 09/11/2019 18:48

Noise cancelling headphones?

sendsummer · 09/11/2019 18:50

Subscription for Spotify or Apple music or Netflix or gift card for cinema?

Wizzbangpop · 09/11/2019 18:50

Little luxuries which they wouldn't normally get themselves

Nice pen for lectures, nice diary / calendar for deadlines
Nice smellies
Gift voucher for a supermarket shop
Money for a haircut or beauty
Has she got a uni hoodie yet?
DVD box sets

HerRoyalNotness · 09/11/2019 18:52

A warm dressing gown for the cold. Or an extra fleecy blanket

Hefzi · 09/11/2019 18:53

Books from their reading lists?!

motherstongue · 09/11/2019 19:04

My DS, who drank an inordinate amount of Hot Chocolate during his 1st year at Uni got a Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser for his birthday during the summer which he took back with him to Uni. It has been in constant use and is also loved by his flatmates. Rediculously extravagant and, yes, a bit of a luxury item at £99 but he really didn't need or want anything.

olympicfan · 09/11/2019 20:13

I was asked last year to send my favourite recipe and a fun photo to a family friend as they were making a cookbook for their DD 21st birthday using a photo book website.

I was the DD's first teacher and her mum worked as a LSA in my class for a while. It was a pleasure to do this and a nice idea to make something personal and useful. So if you can combine useful recipes with photos of family and friends it would make a lovely personal gift.

BringOnTheScience · 09/11/2019 20:25

Ooh... I think @motherstongue has done it! DC1 hates tea & coffee so hot choc is their only hot drink. Smile

There are some brilliant ideas on this thread. Let's keep it going for all the other Uni DCs. Smile

OP posts:
avocadoincident · 09/11/2019 20:39

I'm hoping for some inspiration for my 2nd year dd at uni