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Top practical presents university students will ask for this Christmas

Culture

Shampoo and conditioner, bedding, socks and slippers, and cleaning products, are among the top “practical” gifts students will ask for this Christmas – as they struggle with the rising cost of living.

Nearly half of university students (49%) admit they would rather have toiletries or tins of food bought for them so they can save the money, according to a poll of 1,000 undergraduates.

And with 51% feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, a laptop bag, study supplies, money towards energy bills, and even underwear are among the other sensible presents on their wish list this year.

But one in three are still hoping for an average of four expensive gifts from their parents this Christmas, the survey found.



Half of students would rather be gifted shampoo or conditioner so they don’t have to buy it themselves

Alex Gallagher, chief strategy officer at UNiDAYS, which commissioned the research, said: “Priorities are changing for many students this year.

“With prices rising, asking for those more practical presents for Christmas provides students with financial peace of mind – as they won’t have to fork out for essential items themselves.

“Money is understandably tight, so it’s important that we help support cash-strapped students and give back to them over the festive season, so they can have the best experience possible.

“To help, we are sharing the “Affordable Gift Guides” on Instagram, so members can get the best offers for their most-shopped Christmas categories – from electronics to clothing.”

The study also found a quarter of students plan to buy fewer presents for their friends and family this year compared to last.

And while 38% feel relieved at the thought of buying less, 37% feel sad about it – and a quarter feel embarrassed.

But 31% have had to be more frugal with their spending since the cost-of-living crisis – with 47% dreading this Christmas, because they don’t know how they’re going to afford it.

As a result, three in ten (29%) now class some items they used to see as ordinary essentials as more of a luxury since the price increases.



And they are also likely to ask for money, to put towards energy bills or mobile phone bills

Food prices, petrol prices, and bills are the top three things that have surprised students the most following the increases.

But it’s not just Christmas that has been affected, with a third claiming the cost-of-living crisis has had a negative impact on their university experience in some way.

And of those who took part in the study, via OnePoll, almost three-quarters (73%) said they already work two part-time jobs alongside their studies.

A spokesman for UNiDAYS added: “There is no doubt that the word on Gen Z’s lips is “value”, and UK students will be particularly determined bargain-hunters this holiday season.

“Despite their financial concerns, the holiday spirit is still going strong, with students taking savvy measures to complete their Christmas gift lists – proactively seeking discounts to help make the things they want and need more affordable, as shown in our recent Holiday Report.

“You can still celebrate Christmas on a budget, and there are lots of discounts out there that are available exclusively to students and graduates.

“So, it’s now more important than ever to make the most of these offers that are available, especially at this time of year.”

PRACTICAL PRESENTS STUDENTS ARE ASKING FOR THIS CHRISTMAS:

  1. Laptop bag
  2. Shampoo and conditioner
  3. Bedding
  4. Socks
  5. Slippers
  6. Food
  7. Stationery and planners
  8. Study textbooks
  9. Boots
  10. Cosy jumpers
  11. Cleaning products
  12. Winter coat
  13. Money towards mobile phone bill or contract
  14. Towels
  15. A dressing gown
  16. Hairdryer
  17. Pants
  18. Bath products
  19. A speaker or headset
  20. Money towards energy bills
  21. Thermals
  22. General study supplies
  23. An air fryer
  24. Scarves
  25. Bicycle
  26. Electric blankets
  27. Hot water bottle
  28. Toilet roll
  29. Tupperware
  30. Money for rent and other bills
  31. Money towards car insurance or Rail card
  32. Desk lamp
  33. Blankets
  34. Printer
  35. Kitchen items e.g. pots and pans
  36. Dehumidifier
  37. Storage solutions
  38. Kettle
  39. Supermarket voucher
  40. Prescription glasses

FESTIVE MONEY-SAVING TIPS:

To help students and graduates have the best and most affordable Christmas experience possible, UNiDAYS has partnered with financial expert Ellie Austin-Williams, from This Girl Talks Money, to share her top money-saving tips and gifting inspiration for a fun, yet cost-effective, Christmas.

  1. Shop second-hand gifts. The best thing about shopping second hand? It’s far more sustainable for the environment than purchasing new items, and it can often save you money. Upcycling, regifting, and reusing items is good for the planet, so shopping second-hand for gifts can be a great way forward.
  2. Get crafty. Are you skilled in the kitchen, or a keen craftsperson? If you’ve got a creative side, make homemade treats to gift to your nearest and dearest this year. Whether you bake some mince pies or pour homemade candles, you’ll score points for the thought and effort, as well as delivering unique gifts that, quite frankly, money can’t buy.
  3. Make the most of student discounts. Before you hit the stores, whether you’re shopping online or in person, don’t forget to make the most of your student discount, if eligible. Whatever your budget, your student discount can save you some valuable cash, and you’ll be surprised how many retailers offer a discount. Even if it isn’t advertised, don’t forget to ask at the checkout and you might be surprised.
  4. Give the gift of time. Stressed out family members? For anyone short on time – in particular, anyone with small children – why not create a handmade voucher, and give the gift of time? Offering to babysit can feel like the best present in the world to tired parents, plus it costs you absolutely nothing. Get some popcorn in, put on a film, and gift your family or friends a rare night off.
  5. Organise a Secret Santa. Organising a family-wide Secret Santa is a great idea to make Christmas more affordable for everyone. Collectively decide on a budget that suits all involved. That way, you know each person will get a gift of equal value, and you can relax in the knowledge that you only have to buy one gift.
  6. Compare to save. Whenever you’re buying branded gifts, go online and carry out a price comparison before you head to the checkout. It’s easy to default to buying from the same retailer, but you might be missing out on discounts from other stores. Use Google Shopping to search and find the best price available right now – and don’t forget to check for additional student discounts that might be available too.
  7. Use cashback when you shop. You might not believe it, but you really can get paid for doing your Christmas shopping! Earning cashback when you shop is a great way to save. Simply set up an account, choose your retailer, and when you complete your purchase, the cashback site will share the commission they earn with you and pay into your account.
  8. Have festive fun with friends. One of the best parts of Christmas is spending time with friends – but the costs can spiral when you head out for dinner and drinks with multiple friendship groups during the winter months. Get savvy and organise to EITHER go out for festive activities OR buy gifts for one another this year, instead of doing both.

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