Hi, I’m Lily, an English student in my second year at Loughborough University from Essex! As Christmas approaches, I am here to share some tips for Christmas shopping and celebrating the holidays on a student budget. Being a student, especially at the end of term, means having to be mindful of our finances, but trust me, you don’t need to spend a fortune to give great gifts. Whether you’re buying presents for friends or hosting a Christmas celebration, here are some of my favourite ways to keep costs low whilst still making Christmas special!

Student Discounts: Maximise Your Savings

Being a student means you’re eligible for loads of discounts, so take full advantage of them during the Christmas shopping season! All these discounts are accessible on both Unidays and Student Beans.

• Online shopping: Websites such as ASOS, Boohoo, and PrettyLittleThing offer student discounts of 10-20%. You can apply your discount to both clothing and accessories, so it’s easy to find affordable gifts for your friends.
• Food & Drink: If you’re planning to take someone out for a festive meal, check out places like Bill’s (20% off total bill), Pizza Express (£7.95 pizza), or Franco Manca (£9.95 pizza and drink), which all offer student discounts. A meal out can make a great, affordable Christmas gift or a way to celebrate with friends.
• Entertainment & Experiences: Don’t forget about experiences! Many cinemas, like Vue and ODEON, offer student discounts, and apps like UNiDAYS have a lot of other student-friendly deals for activities like bowling, theme parks, or comedy shows.

Outlet Shopping: Find Branded Gifts Without the Price Tag

One of the best-kept secrets for student Christmas shopping is outlet shopping. Outlet stores are filled with discounted items from big-name brands, and with a little digging, you can find some fantastic deals that make for great Christmas gifts.

• Fashion & Accessories: If your friends love fashion, you can find stylish gifts like jackets, scarves, or even branded bags at outlets like Nike, Levi’s, or Adidas. I’ve managed to find some amazing Christmas presents at these places, and the best part is that they’re usually up to 70% off retail prices.
• Homeware & Decor: A lot of outlets sell home goods like candles, mugs, or small decor items at reduced prices. These make lovely, inexpensive gifts for roommates or friends who enjoy decorating their space.
• Sales & Clearance: Always check out the sales racks; some of the best finds are tucked away on clearance. You’d be surprised at how much you can save by shopping smart!

Secret Santa: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Tradition 

If you have a friend group or a family that loves exchanging gifts, Secret Santa is a perfect way to keep costs down while still showing your appreciation for one another. Secret Santa exchanges not only help keep the gift-giving manageable but also make the holiday season a bit more fun and exciting!

• Set a Budget: Agree on a price limit, such as £10-£15. With this fixed amount, you can focus on finding something personal and thoughtful, rather than stressing over buying a gift for everyone.
• Get Creative: The key to a great Secret Santa gift is creativity. It doesn’t matter if it’s inexpensive; what counts is the thought behind it. Consider small, personalised gifts like a handmade mug, a quirky notebook, or even a funny, personalised playlist.
• DIY Ideas: If you’re really strapped for cash, you could also give something you made yourself—like a custom photo album, some homemade cakes or brownies, or a coupon book for things like “one free coffee” or “movie night in.”

Charity Shops: Unique and Meaningful Gifts

Another fantastic way to shop on a budget is by shopping at charity shops. These stores are full of hidden gems, and with a little time and patience, you can find unique and meaningful gifts for your loved ones.

• Upcycling: One of my favourite things to do is buy cheap photo frames or vases from charity shops and then add a personal touch by painting or decorating them. A quick upcycle can turn a £2 frame into something that looks like it came from a high-end store, and it’s fun to make!
• Books & Records: If you know someone who’s into reading or music or puzzles, charity shops are perfect for finding second-hand gifts without the price tag.
• Home Decor: Whether it’s a retro mug, a cosy throw, or a quirky piece of decor, charity shops often have a great selection of unique items that would make perfect Christmas presents. Plus, you’re supporting a good cause by shopping there.

Experience Gifts: Create Memories Without Spending Much

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things — they’re experiences. If you’re trying to stay within a tight budget, think about giving the gift of an experience instead of something material.

• Cook a Festive Meal: One of the most meaningful gifts I’ve given is simply inviting a friend over for a homemade Christmas dinner, a tradition my housemates and I have started at university. You don’t need to spend much; delegate one aspect of the dinner, such as the potatoes or vegetables, to each person and enjoy a homecooked meal all together!
• Movie Night or Game Night: Host a cosy Christmas movie marathon or a board game night. You can create a festive atmosphere with fairy lights, hot chocolate, and some Christmas snacks. It’s a fun way to spend time together without spending much money.

Conclusion: Thoughtful Gifts, Not Expensive Ones

Christmas is about spending time with the people you care about, not about how much money you spend. Whether it’s shopping at outlets, using student discounts, finding unique gifts at charity shops, or giving experiences, there are so many ways to make the holidays special without overspending. I hope these tips help you have a stress-free and budget-friendly Christmas season! Merry Christmas!