Here’s 15 gifts that York students actually want to receive this Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the shelves of Søstrene Grene are emptying out, and the competition at the Shambles flower market is getting intense. However, don’t despair! If you’re still searching for the perfect Valentine’s gift for a York student, there are plenty of ways to win them over while making it look like you’ve definitely put some thought into it…

1. A Long Boi travel mug

The Long Boi travel mug is honestly the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will your Valentine receive a super stylish reusable cup, but also five hot drinks at either the Alcuin Kitchen or the Courtyard. If they’ve been complaining about having no motivation after the long Christmas break, or if they’re caffeine-dependency has reached new heights post-exam season, then this travel mug is the perfect gift for them.

2. A paid trip to Aldi

Although it might not seem like the most romantic of gifts, a trip to Aldi (or whatever supermarket is most exciting to them) without the trek is probably the key to a York student’s heart. Whether you can drive them there, or even treat them to the luxury of an Uber, the gift of being able to buy several canned items without having to haul them back home says more than a bouquet of roses ever could. If you’re serious about them, take the romance one step further by paying for their weekly shop – what more could one ask for?

3. Anything from Give the Dog a Bone

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Of course, Give the Dog a Bone is the go-to spot for gift buying in York – and for good reason. Whether it’s quirky (and probably much-needed) tea towels or a less practical novelty coffee-table book, you’re sure to find something for your Valentine here.

If you really want to show them you care, why not gift them the Jellycat that most reminds you of them?

4. Anything that will help get rid of their cold

If you’ve set foot in the library this term, you’ve probably noticed that nearly every York student is battling a cold. So why not surprise that special someone with a thoughtful care package: tissues, some Berocca, and maybe even a pack of cold and flu tablets? Sure, it’s not the most romantic gift, but let’s be real, all any York student really wants is for this cold to finally disappear.

5. A trip to Leeds Ikea

Forget about a trip to Leeds, why not take them on a visit to Leeds Ikea instead? You can not only treat them to any uni essentials they forgot to pack, but you can even top it off with a five-star dining experience at the Ikea restaurant. It’s the perfect combo of a thoughtful gift and a guaranteed date.

6. Hot chocolate from Whittard or Cocoa Joe’s

If you’ve already bonded over sneaking hot chocolate samples from Whittard, why not treat them to their very own Whittard’s hot chocolate powder? Or, if you want to get extra fancy, and a little more York-specific, why not grab a Cocoa Joe’s Valentine’s Day box? Perfect for this never-ending winter, and a thoughtful gift they’ll definitely appreciate.

7. A Ring doorbell

Looking for the perfect gift for their uni house? How about a Ring Doorbell? Okay, hear me out – not only will it help them settle (or stir) some neighbourly drama, but it’ll also capture all their iconic post-club entrances in glorious detail. You’re basically providing their house with unlimited entertainment. Maybe just make sure their housemates are on board with this idea first…

8. A toastie maker (or anything from Barnitt’s)

If you’re going down the home-appliance route, but want to play it a little safer, then a toastie maker is the way to go. Seriously, it’s the one kitchen gadget that will exponentially improve any student’s life. Plus, if things are going well, you might get treated to a cheeky toastie every now and then.

Or, just wander the aisles of Barnitt’s and inspiration will surely arise. It’s hands down one of York’s most underrated spots for Valentine’s Day gifts. A milk frother? A hot water bottle? Cocktail sets? Tupperware? Who knows what you’ll come out with after spending just a few minutes in this beautiful place.

9. A tourist-y York experience

Tickets to the Jorvik centre or the York Dungeons might not exactly be top priority on the student budget, but there’s surely a small part of every York student that will feel a deep regret if they don’t immerse themself in York’s viking history by the end of their degree. This could be your time to shine, you could make that dream come true.

10. A meal made with love

Hopefully, it’s not yet late enough in the term for those truly questionable struggle meals to start making an appearance. However, a meal that they don’t have to cook (or wash up after) will always be appreciated. No matter your culinary skills, it’s the thought that counts… right? Just maybe try not to give them the gift of food poisoning this Valentine’s Day…

11. The (improved) Ghost Merchants experience

Don’t be fooled, it’s not the ghost itself that York students want this Valentine’s Day. What they really want is for you to stand in that two-hour queue for them, save their spot, and call them when you’re at the front so they can pick out the ghost that truly speaks to them. If that doesn’t win them over, honestly, I don’t know what will.

12. A replica York Minster decorative carving

Want to get them a York-themed gift beyond a White Rose top? Why not go for a plaster cast of a 13th century stone carving from the York Minster’s Chapter House? A unique piece of room décor and a thoughtful, out-of-the-box gift that proves you’re not like the rest!

13. A personalised notebook from Avorium

Or, why not pop into Avorium in town and grab a personalized notebook? Even if it’s a last-minute gift, they’ll inscribe it for you in minutes, instantly making it look like a thoughtful present. Plus, you can write pretty much anything on it, so go crazy!

14. Soctopus socks

After countless Circuit Laundry cycles or months of uni house living, the number of matching socks a York student owns is probably not high. Whether they’re into art, obsessed with Lady Diana, or have a fascination with capybaras, whatever their niche interest, Soctopus will have it on a sock.

15. A book from an independent bookstore

If uni hasn’t completely killed their love for reading, why not head to one of York’s independent bookstores and pick out a book for them? Maybe a gripping murder mystery from Criminally Good Books, or even a signed copy of one of their favorites from the Little Apple Bookshop.

So, skip the last-minute dash to Card Factory – there are plenty of gifts that will bring genuine joy to a York student this Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a thoughtful pick from a local shop, a much-needed uni essential, or even just the promise of standing in a two-hour queue for them, these gifts will show you know what your Valentine is looking for.

There’s still time to head into town (or into the kitchen) and put together something they’ll truly appreciate. Who knows? This gift might just set you on the path to securing that plus one for the summer ball!