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John Lewis Student Discount: Real Student Christmas Gifting Inspo

  • Writer: Lydia Kah-Pavlou
    Lydia Kah-Pavlou
  • Dec 12, 2025
  • 4 min read

Suddenly it’s December, your seminar readings are piling up, and your family group chat is asking what you want for Christmas… again. If you’re spiralling about Christmas gifts for friends, flatmates, partners, family (and let’s be honest, yourself), a trip to John Lewis is the move.


With everything from big-deal tech to beauty, home comforts and even boujee wrapping, John Lewis is the calm, organised core of your gifting chaos. The best part?


Every product in this guide is pulled from what students actually bought last year with their John Lewis student discount, so these aren’t random suggestions – they’re tried, tested, and student-approved gift ideas for everyone on your list.


Top key insights


Apple AirPods remain undefeated



Apple AirPods are the main character of student gifting. They just fit student life: blocking out flat noise, zoning in during library marathons, and making icy walks to campus feel like a music video. If you’re stuck on what to get someone who’s constantly plugged into podcasts, playlists or lectures, or your headphones could do with an upgrade, check out the selection of AirPods from John Lewis.


Instant camera film turned memories into actual fridge pics



Fujifilm Instax film quietly became the add-on gift everyone was obsessed with. Instead of more clutter, you’re giving a reason to capture flat parties, home-for-Christmas chaos and New Year’s moments in real life, not just on someone’s camera roll. It’s low-pressure, fun and ideal when you need something small but surprisingly thoughtful for Secret Santa or as a bonus extra.


Beauty and self-care treats were the term-end reset button



By the time December hits, everyone’s running on caffeine, instant noodles and vibes. Beauty and self-care gifts stepped in as that little reset: think cult lip colours, glow-up hair tools and glam extras that make getting ready for winter nights out or Christmas dinners feel fun, not like another task. They’re spot-on for best mates or siblings who deserve a “you survived the term” reward.


Cosy home comforts turned halls into winter hideouts



Students leaned into comfort in a big way, snapping up tumblers, soft pillows and cosy homeware that made basic rooms feel more like personal caves. Gifting something that upgrades their space – warmer, softer, or just more “their vibe” – is perfect for homebodies, freshers in new halls or that one mate who always volunteers their room for movie nights and hot chocolate sessions.


What students were loving last festive season


Product Name

Why Students Love It

 

Perfect for blocking out noisy flats, powering through study sessions and soundtracking icy walks to campus. A guaranteed “no way, you got me these?” reaction.

The dream upgrade for getting ready before Christmas nights out, parties and NYE. Salon-level hair from your tiny bedroom? Elite behaviour.

A small but iconic gift for capturing flat parties, post-exam chaos and Christmas morning chaos at home. Ideal for Secret Santa or as a fun extra.

A big-ticket present that actually works for student life: lectures, weekends away, internships and trips home. Chic, durable and very “I’ve got my life together”.

Ideal for book lovers and course readers who are done lugging heavy books around. Great for train journeys home and quiet winter evenings in.

Built for hot coffee on 9am starts, tea on library nights and staying hydrated during revision marathons. A trendy, practical gift they’ll use daily.

An easy win for beauty lovers: flattering, wearable and perfect for adding subtle festive glam to everyday lectures or Christmas parties.

*Based on purchases made from John Lewis with a Student Beans discount code between 1st and 31st December 2024.


Why students love shopping at John Lewis for Christmas gifts


John Lewis is basically your one-stop for student gifting. You can sort presents for flatmates, siblings, parents, partners and yourself in one hit – from headphones and Kindles to beauty, bags, cosy home bits and even the wrapping to finish it all off.


Everything feels considered, useful and built to last beyond one festive season.

Factor in our John Lewis student discount and suddenly those “maybe one day” presents become realistic options. Grab your John Lewis student discount code, and you’re set to pick out quality gifts that actually fit real student life – commuting, studying, chilling, going out and heading home for the holidays. If you’re stuck on Christmas gifts, this student-approved list is your ready-made bank of ideas so you’re not the one panic-buying on Christmas Eve.


Unlock even more with Student Beans


All your favourite brands at your fingertips, from fashion and beauty to food and drink, available to college and uni students aged 16 and over. Dive into our blog to find tips and advice to help you navigate student life, from applying to uni to life after graduation.




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