Your new flatmate’s birthday is coming up this week but you have no idea what to get them. We’ve all been there. Buying birthday gifts is always difficult but when it’s for someone you don’t know too well it can seem impossible. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of gift ideas that can work for anyone and are pretty budget-friendly too.
Travel mugs are a great gift. Not only are they super practical (especially when you need a morning coffee to make it through your 9 AM lecture) but with so many designs to choose from they can also look pretty cute. Even if you don’t know your new flatmate particularly well, you might have picked up on some of their interests, meaning that you can make this gift more personal.
This particular cup would be ideal for a cat person (maybe someone who’s mentioned that they miss their cat) or anyone who likes animals. It’s also eco-friendly which is just another added bonus.
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Notebooks are always a good backup option if you can’t come up with a gift idea. All students will need one at some point, whether for fun or academic purposes. However, a standard notebook may just be so practical that it comes across as impersonal. That’s why these personalised books are great. Not only will your flatmate be guaranteed to use one, but you can make it feel thoughtful by adding their name.
They also look very high quality while still being budget friendly with the velvet finish and metallic letters giving it an expensive look.
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If you want a more original gift, and something that’s not just practical, then a light box is a fun idea. It’s the ideal decoration for a student dorm room that doesn’t take up too much space or assume too much about their personal taste. It’s also the kind of thing that everyone thinks is cool but wouldn’t buy for themself meaning that it’s the perfect gift.
If you want to make it feel even more personal, you can change the message on it, whether you make it an inside joke from freshers week or just a birthday message. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to write because your flatmate can always change it for themself later.
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Buying decorations is usually a great gift idea but when you don’t know someone very well it can be intimidating. You don’t want to buy something that will clash with their personal style so sticking to something small is a good idea. This tiny koala plant pot is a great example. Everyone has pot plants in their dorm and so it can be practical, but it is also something cute and different.
There is also a flamingo plant pot that you could buy alongside this koala, as well as an avocado tea light holder so, if you know anything about their interests, you can buy the one that suits them best. If you can’t choose, why not buy them all? They are super budget friendly after all.
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Students always need extra kitchen supplies and mugs are a great option because there are so many options out there. But, if you don’t know enough about your new flatmate to buy a mug that directly relates to something they’re interested in, just get them something a bit fancy.
This tropical toucan mug is the perfect example. The cheese plant pattern looks great and the little ceramic toucan sat at the top of the handle gives it a quirky twist that they’re bound to enjoy. If you want to make the gift extra special, fill it with some nice hot chocolate sachets or fancy, flavoured tea bags.
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Fairy lights are a staple of student dorm rooms and, if your new flatmate doesn’t have any, they’re a great gift idea. There are plenty of options out there, with fairy lights coming in different colours and even shapes (we’ve seen love hearts, gingerbread men and even alpaca lights), however, as you may not know your new flatmate too well yet, it’s fine to stick to normal lights.
If you want to fill out this gift even more, you could buy them command hooks to hang them up with or some cute pegs that they can use to hang photos from the lights.
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Students are always looking for spare change (especially when you’ve burned through your loan in the first week) so a money box is a practical solution that can also be fun. There are so many possible designs out there that if you know anything about your new flatmate you can definitely pick something that they’ll like.
If you really can’t think of a design they’ll like, this little dinosaur is perfect. Not only is blue a pretty neutral colour that anyone can get behind, but who doesn’t love dinosaurs?
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Having a reusable water bottle not only saves you money but is also good for the planet, so why do we never buy them for ourselves? They’re the kind of thing that everyone needs but goes right to the bottom of the list when prioritising your student loan. That’s why they make a great gift.
This marble style bottle with a rose gold lid looks really stylish. It’s the perfect thing to carry around campus and can even keep hot drinks warm or cold drinks cold.
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Every student loves a pot plant and succulents are the easiest to care for. So these little succulent magnets are the ideal gift for a new flatmate whether they keep them in their room or put them up on your shared fridge.
They’re also a gift that you can use more than once. Throughout the year you can buy each of your flatmates a funky, fridge succulent. Everyone will be waiting for their turn!
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Portable speakers are really useful for student parties or impromptu flat hang outs. They also come in so many cute designs that you’re bound to find something your flatemate will like.
If you’re feeling stuck on which one to choose, this panda design is will work for anyone. The black and white design is subtle enough to fit in any room but it also looks pretty adorable.
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