The Boots going to uni gift guide
Olivia Perl
Gifting
Reading time: 6 minutes
From pamper kits to film cameras, we’ve rounded up great gifts for everyone from first year freshers to post-grads
Whether they’re heading to university for the very first time or going back for another year of studying and socialising, it’s always nice to send them off with a great gift for their uni rooms, to help them to settle in for the upcoming year.
Gifts for uni students don’t have to cost the world – the thought is really what counts here because for some it will be their first time moving away from home, which can be an equally nervous and exciting time.
Practical gifts such as shaving kits and electric toothbrushes may not sound the most glam but they'll remind them of home comforts and add a little bit of luxury to the famously frugal student lifestyle. Meanwhile, pamper kits are not only restorative but social ways for new housemates (whether that’s in halls or later down the line) to bond over a face mask in front of the TV.
Going to uni is an exciting time, so we've pulled together some of our best gift ideas for students from memory makers to little details that remind them of home.
14 back to uni gifts
Uni gifts for pampering
1. Soap & Glory Tip to Toe Pink Pamper Gift Set
• Includes four products
• Suitable for all skin types
• Includes AHAs
Getting a mani-pedi can be expensive, so save them some pennies with this back to basics pamper set. Including the Heel Genius Foot Cream, Mini Hand Food Hand Cream (perfect for popping in their uni bags), A Cuticle Above The Rest Cuticle Cream and a nail file, they’ll be prepped and ready to get painting in no time and at no cost to them. Thoughtful or what?
2. Skinny Tan Wonder Tanning Collection Gift Set
• Includes five products
• Suitable for all
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
Fake tan isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and with the rise of awareness around the effect of tanning combined with more sophisticated formulas it’s an even better way of getting that holiday glow all year round. Arm them with the crème de la crème of tanning gift sets; this collection comes with Skinny Tan’s cult favourite Face Tanning Drop, the iconic Wonder Serum and all the accessories you need for a smooth, seamless application.
3. My Mood Nail Polish Duo Nothing But Neon
• Includes two colours
• Suitable for adults and children aged 12+
• Vegan
A lovely gift for someone going to uni that requires barely any packing space, this neon nail duo from My Mood is bold enough to give a pop of colour without being too loud. The vibrant pink and orange colours can be worn by themselves or as statement nails with neutral colours. Perfect for a student night.
4. Morphe 18W Natural Wonder Artistry Palette
• 18 colours
• Highly pigmented mattes and shimmers
University is known for being a time for self-expression, so gift them this Morphe Artistry palette. With 18 creamy shadows, they’ll be able to choose between blendable matte purples and mauves and highly pigmented, shimmering gold and jewel tones to create both daytime looks and evening masterpieces.
5. Ted Baker Spritz & Go Gift Set
• Size: 50ml each
• Includes three body sprays
• Cruelty-free
A great gift idea for those starting university is fragrance. But, as we all know, buying someone else a scent can be a tricky task, so giving a gift set with a couple of options can be a good way to get around this. Enter Ted Baker’s Spritz & Go Gift Set. Coming in three distinctive scents – violet and bergamot, rose and cassis, and raspberry and orange blossom –these body sprays cover different fragrance families so they’re bound to love at least one of them.
Uni gifts for grooming
6. Clinique for Men Starter Kit
• Size: 30ml, 60ml and 15ml
• Includes three products
• Fragrance-free
Whether they’re heading to university for the first time or going back, grooming products are always a thoughtful gift. This ultra-hydrating starter kit from Clinique is the perfect gift for boys who could do with a toiletries bag update. Plus, these three travel size must-haves are perfect for any trips abroad.
7. Harry’s Men’s Chrome Gift Set with 3 Razor Blades + Shave Gel
• Three razor heads
• 100% recyclable gift packaging
• Ergonomic handle
This stylish set from Harry’s comes in a sleek chrome that will look good in any uni room or bathroom. Inside, there are three sharp and effective five-blade razor heads and a foaming shave gel for a smooth shaving experience. It comes in 100% recycled premium packaging, which gives the gift an extra luxe twist.
8. Percy Nobleman Beard Survival Kit
• Contains four products
• Travel sizes
• Not suitable for vegans
Have they got a beard they’re trying to nourish rather than shave? Then the Percy Nobleman Beard Survival Kit is a perfect gift for them. The signature beard oil provides the hydration and protection that growing beards need for that silky smooth finish without greasiness. Plus, it has Percy’s signature fragrance of tobacco, amber, musk and vanilla. Also in this set are a moustache wax, taming beard balm and beard softener for the healthiest facial hair they could hope for.
9. Vo5 Matt Longlasting Hold Hair Clay
• Size: 75ml
• Long-hold
• Matte finish
For a five out of five long-hold hair clay that keeps every strand in place, the Vo5 long-lasting hair clay is a must. Sculpt into any style by simply running some of the product through dry hair for texture. It’s not always as straightforward for men to experiment with their look, so this clay is a simple way for them to change up their hair or try new styles. Something you know they’ll get use out of without breaking the bank? What more could you look for in a gift?
10. Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Electric Trimmer MB6850
• Up to 60 minutes runtime
• Corded or cordless usage
• Three year guarantee
Beards are everywhere at the moment and if they have one, then this is a great gift to keep it neat and tidy. With up to 60 minutes of runtime and the option to use cordlessly or plugged in, it tidies up edges and vacuums the hairs away quickly and easily as it goes. It has a main beard trimmer, adjustable comb for different lengths and a storage pouch. Make sure to keep it dry though because it’s not designed to be used with water.
Special uni gifts
11. Philips Series 7000 Wet & Dry Electric Shaver with Charging Station and Pouch
• Wet and dry shave
• 60-minute battery life
• One hour charging time or five minute quick charge
Go all out by buying them the ultimate electric shaver – this one from Philips gives a close shave even on day three growth. The flexible head follows the face contours for a super-smooth and comfortable shave and the Skin IQ technology prevents friction to minimise irritation. Ready to be even more impressed? It connects to an app which analyses their shave and helps to master technique for the best shave possible.
12. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum 100ml
• Size: 100ml
• Fruity, floral scent
• Base note of amber
Fragrance is often associated with memories so a great time to gift one is when they’re heading off to uni. Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf is an iconic scent and if you really want to treat them as they head off, then this fruity, floral perfume is a truly special gift. With top notes of tea, bergamot and freesia – offset by the depth of amber at the base – it’s a sophisticated perfume that could end up being a reminder of their time at university in the future. Sentimental and sophisticated.
13. Bobbi Brown Deluxe Size Vitamin Enriched Face Base
• Size: 100ml
• For normal to oily skin
• Formulated with vitamins B, C and E
Getting one of your first truly premium products can feel like such an important moment, so gifting a deluxe version of the lusted over Face Base is not only thoughtful but could end up being a product they use for life. Formulated for normal to oily skin types, it uses vitamins B, C and E and shea butter to add moisture to the skin. Evening out the skin tone, it’s a lovely base for under make-up as well as being a hydrating moisturiser on its own.
14. Oral-B Smart 4500 Black Electric Toothbrush with Travel Case
• Rechargeable
• Gentle on gums
• Compatible with Oral-B app
Although a toothbrush may not scream perfect gift, it’s actually a really great option for a uni student because a sophisticated one, like this smart option from Oral-B, will probably be something they wouldn’t think to buy themselves. Sleek, lightweight and portable with multiple settings, it’s gentle on gums and gives that seriously clean feel we’re all after. Wondering where the smart comes from? You can connect it to your phone to help improve your brushing. Fancy.
For more ideas, check out our gifting section.
