A guide to gift giving on a student budget

When the festive time of year is upon us, all of us at Student Roost anticipate the good stuff that this time of year brings: mulled drinks, mince pies and way too much Mariah. But what about gifts?

Gift giving can be stressful, especially if your student loan has shrunk and any extra income has been spent on uni essentials and your social life. Scale it back though, and gift giving on a budget can be fun, creative and end up meaning a lot more to the lucky recipient.

We hope our student budget-friendly guide makes your cash go further, as well as helping you to think outside the gift box this year. We've profiled five types of seasonal student shopper to inspire your gift giving on a budget - which one are you?

Make a deal with your flatmates or loved ones back home that you're cutting back this year and turn it into a challenge: who can buy the funniest or most useful five or ten gifts, all one pound each, from the pound shop? That way, you're only spending a fiver or tenner on each person but it forces you to get clever. You'll find some handy bits for the home too, for example if your bestie is the head chef in your Roost or you know they'd appreciate a picture frame in their room.

The super Secret Santa

This works with family and friends back home too, but is the ideal setup for you and the gang in our student accommodation. Imagine sitting around all cosy in the communal lounge before travelling home, or even on the day itself if you're staying with us over the festive period, and trading Secret Santa gifts. You know how it works: each pick a name at random and off you go. Everyone still gets a gift but this is a great way to cut down on your present shopping list, where you focus on just one of your friendship group and make their gift extra meaningful to them.

The crafty DIY master

Something handmade or from the heart is always a winner. You don't have to be king or queen of the sewing bee or a poet laureate, but it truly is the thought that counts when you create a one-off for a loved one. Agree with family and friends that you're crafting every gift from scratch this year for a cheaper - and fun! - alternative to flashy gifts. Go for it: make ugly but loveable Xmas jumpers, swap your best hand-painted portraits of each other, or bake something delicious to share. Find some nifty and simple ideas in our guide to homemade Christmas gift ideas for students.

The second-hand saver

With so many marketplace websites selling everything from second-hand books to pre-loved designer label bargains, buying used is a sensibly thrifty approach to gift giving on a budget. Keep an eye out for a description of the item's condition to avoid buying something that's falling apart, and you'll be well on your way to gifting a 'like new' prezzy that would have been twice the price brand new. Remember to check out charity shops, as you could find gift gold in there too.

The generous spirit

Finally, it's worth remembering that December can be tough for a lot of people, even more so against the backdrop of the current cost-of-living crisis. A little will go a long way for whichever charity or cause is close to your heart. We totally get that students don't have loads of spare cash lying around, but generosity is welcome in ways that are as simple as donating a few cans of food. You'll be emptying your fridge and cupboards before Christmas break anyway, so why not take those tins of beans or soup lurking at the back to a food bank or refuge? Speak to a member of your onsite team to find out where you can donate in your city and make a real difference.

We'd love to hear your take on gift giving on a budget this year. Are you doing something a little out there and quirky that's kind to the bank balance, or perhaps giving the gift of time by volunteering or working over the festive period? Let us know on Instagram or Facebook.

Whatever time of year, why not give yourself the ultimate gift and secure your room?? Whether you're new to Student Roost or plan to return for another year of amazing memories, you can book now (including group bookings) to wrap up next year's accommodation - with all bills included, all year long - in a tidy bow!