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Being at university during the holidays is no easy feat. Deadlines pile up, homesickness reaches an all-time high, and the bone-chilling cold reaches new heights. On top of all that, the holidays are right around the corner, and the thought and time that getting gifts for your friends and loved ones requires can feel like too much to handle. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the idea of searching for the perfect gift to give, have no fear, I have come up with ideas of fantastic gifts to give your friends based on their degree, to add a touch of personalization and care, while still making sure you are gifting a present they will actually use and appreciate.
International Relations:
While International Relations majors may seem to have everything together, it’s usually a mask covering their stress from the constant research, writing, and reading they have to catch up on.
To make their life a little more organized, a personalized leather-bound journal is perfect for jotting down lecture notes or planning their next trip. Since IR majors are constantly evaluating the international perspective of theories and the global industry, a luggage tag is the perfect practical gift that you can customize to your friend’s personality with colors and designs.
English:
English majors are some of the strongest scholars at the university, largely because they have to haul so many books around all the time. Therefore, the perfect gift for them is a new tote bag, preferably one strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of heavy novels constantly being thrown in there.
The LL Bean Tote Bag is sturdy and cute and can be used for everything from lectures to a quick beach trip. You could also give a personalized tote based on their favourite book. Another perfect addition to an English major’s life is a lap desk, where they can curl up with their book, a cup of tea, and write an essay all from the comfort of their bed.
Sciences:
Chemistry, biology, physics, and all other spheres of science are insanely time-consuming and require constant devotion. Between late-night labs and failed experiments, science majors seem to be in constant need of caffeine.
A coffee machine is the perfect gift that will get lots of use from any demotivated STEM major, and is ideal for inside any dorm or flat. If your science-studying friend needs an extra reminder to relax and let loose for the holidays, a set of beaker shot glasses will get them in the holiday spirit, and they are the perfect way to celebrate finals coming to an end.
Economics:
Econ majors seem to be always on their computers, analyzing spreadsheets, debating policies, and rationalizing why their coffee costs as much as it does.
A perfect stocking stuffer for them is a pair of blue-light glasses. These are great for preventing headaches and are the perfect accessory to get your friend in the headspace for a late-night study session. Another great gift is a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, ideal for drowning out background noise to focus on economic indicators and complex models.
History:
The History majors are deeply intellectual and constantly reading, researching, and writing about obscure events or time periods.
Whether all this studying takes place in the library or their beds, a ceramic teapot and bedside lamp are quintessential gifts to accompany them as they scramble to finish their essay, or de-stress and provide much-needed comfort.
Anthropology:
Constantly exploiting human connection and making connections with people around them, the perfect gift for Anthropology majors is a set of stationary. These are so easy and fun to customize to the recipient based on their interests and aesthetics, and are perfect for their social, striving attitudes.
Another gift to add to the already eclectic anthropology major’s collection of knick-knacks is a scent diffuser. These are great for elevating a room and calming any nerves exam season is bound to induce.
Math:
Math majors live in a completely different world. Surrounded by numbers, proofs, theories, and variables, their brains are constantly working on overdrive. A migraine headband is a necessary gift for math majors, after staring at numbers becomes too all-consuming, and their brains begin to hurt.
Another useful gift is a Hatch Alarm Clock. Since math majors are constantly grinding, these clocks, which wake you up with soothing lighting or specific noises, are bound to settle the chatter going on in a math major’s head.
Wellness:
The future healers of this world are nothing if not hard workers. Their countless hours of determination and dedication are admirable, but are the result of many sleepless nights. Medicine majors deserve some comfort and rest, so a silk sleeping mask is the perfect gift, and will hopefully convince them to get some much-needed rest.
However, if that is not enough of a hint that your friend needs to relax, a weighted blanket is an essential in every flat and dorm alike, and its comfort is bound to alleviate some stress about all the work medicine majors still have ahead of them.
The holiday season at university can seem impossible, especially when you add gift shopping onto the already strenuous load of coursework and homesickness. However, tailoring your gift to your friends’ academic lives and majors guarantees a present they will not only love but also get use out of, both in and out of school. So set aside those shopping nerves, and give a gift that celebrates your loved one’s determination and dedication, and shows how much you appreciate them.