Spread the magic in Halls this festive period

'Tis the season for giving gifts!  Whether you're giving to a friend or a flatmate, a thoughtful present doesn't need to cost as much you might think.

Here's our mini gift guide for affordable, thoughtful festive gifts for a friend or flatmate this holiday season.

1. For the book lovers 📚

Gifting a book for a friend is always a nice gesture but even more so when it's pre-loved! Winter is the perfect to cosy up with a book and hot chocolate so why not pop to a charity shop and find a pre-owned book to gift that'll cost you just a couple of pounds? 

On Bold Street (just 10 minute walk from campus/Halls) you'll find a few charity shops such as a British Heart Foundation, Oxfam and Barnardo's. 

We're taking inspiration from below! If you've got space in the budget, add a tea bag or hot chocolate sachet 🍫

2. For the ones with a sweet tooth 🍰

You can't go wrong with gifting a sweet treat this festive period. Why not bake something delicious to wrap up or gift a baking kit for you and your friend to do on a rainy day?

For a gift that truly keeps on giving, make delicious cookie dough so that your friend can bake something warm and delicious whenever they want - here's some inspiration below! 

If you have some of kitchen staple ingredients already, you can try this freezable cookie dough recipe for under £5!

3. For the green fingered 🌱

Gifting seeds and plants will give your friend something to nurture all year long. If you think they'd like to add a bit of a green to their room, here's some seed and plant gifts you could try:

🎄 Plant your own Christmas tree seeds (click here for an example)

🪴Indoor herbs such as chives, rosemary and thyme (click here for an example)

Add an extra personalised touch by writing a 'care' note with tips on how to be the best plant parent!

New to planting herbs? Look out for a Sustainable Halls pot painting and herb planting session in the new year!

4. For the movie lovers 🎥

Build the ultimate movie night in box for you and a friend to enjoy together! Put a date in the diary and unwind from revision and exams coming up with a cosy night in.

Take an old box and wrap it in some Christmas paper or google 'popcorn box template' to print out and fold into a holder. Customise your box with your friends favourite snacks and movie suggestions to make it extra thoughtful. Items such as popcorn, chocolate, sweets, hot chocolate will go down a treat.

5. For those who enjoy self-care 💖

With the exam period coming up, a thoughtful touch this Christmas would be a gift that encourages self-care and relaxation. Here's some ideas that you'll find in shops for £5 and under:

• £5 coffee voucher - give the gift of a coffee during exam period 
• Calming face masks - encourage a friend to take 10 minutes to indulge in a face mask and take a break 
• Cosy socks - the perfect warming gift for winter 
• Notepad, pens etc - help your friend get in the zone this exam period with a new stationary set 
• Herbal teas - set your friend up for revision breaks with a delicious tea to look forward to (hint: camomile is great for sleep, ginger and turmeric are a guaranteed mood booster, mint is great for digestion, fruity flavours are a great caffeine-free alternative)
• 'You've got this' box - package up your friends favourite snacks for when they need a boost during exam season
• A reed diffuser - while candles aren't permitted in Halls, a reed diffuser is a great way to add calming aromas to your friend's bedroom (hint: scents like eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree will instantly bring stress-free feel to the room)

Staying in Halls over the festive period? Pop down to your Hall's reception from 10am and pick up a Christmas gift from under the tree. Happy Holidays from the Halls Life team - find out more here!