Calling all York graduates, here are five must-have gifts to treat yourself

It’s finally here, graduation season! A huge congrats to the York class of 2024, you should all feel super proud and excited about the upcoming celebrations. Grad ceremony and then a nice meal, anyone?

Of course graduation day is amazing, but what you really need is a little special something to remember your time here at York. We’ve searched the city’s busy streets for five small gifts, the perfect uni collectables to cherish forever. Well done you!

A York snow globe

If there’s one thing that students walk straight past, it’s the tourist shops. Why would we need to go in? We live here… but it seems that we’re missing out massively. York’s extensive tourist shops are packed full of cute souvenirs perfect for graduates this summer. A snowglobe is the ideal little gift to yourself, a visible memory of the beautiful city that is York.

York hoodie

To be honest, a hoodie with YORK plastered across the front is the only reason I’m getting a degree. Plus, the american college style font just tops it off. New York, USA or York, UK? No one has to know… Hoodies in the local souvenir shops sell from just £15 in all different colours, sizes, and styles. A matching tote bag also wouldn’t hurt, because every student (even graduated) needs a tote bag.

Jellycat

Jellycat soft toys have been trending on social media for months now, and graduation is the perfect occasion to treat yourself to a little fluffy friend (or another one). In fact, Jellycat have even come out with a soft boiled egg with a graduation cap on! Soooo cute.

York’s Give The Dog A Bone, located on Fossgate, has a whole wall dedicated to Jellycat’s – ranging from £12 to £110! Crazy. The independent shop is also filled to the brim with the sweetest gifts and collectables, so if soft toys aren’t your thing, you’ll definitely find something.

A famous ghost

I’ll set the scene. It’s Freshers’ Week, and you turn up to the Shambles to see a two hour queue for the Ghost Merchants. You and your mates agree you’ll come back another time. Suddenly you’re graduating and still don’t have a bloody ghost (and the queue is still two hours long, maybe three). But you’re graduating! Go get in that queue and treat yourself to the most famous gift that York can offer – you potentially won’t regret it.

University official merch

Of course, the uni’s official merchandise shop is probably a good bet for graduation gifts. They stock clothes, bags, keyrings, ties, cufflinks, stationary, and more. The Graduation pack of 2024 contains a hoodie, teddy bear, duck keyring, tote bag and pen all for £50. The shop is located in Market Square on Campus West, right above the Nisa (and they have an online store for convenience!)

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