Gift-giving: it’s something that many people find stressful but has always brought me joy. Handpicking or crafting the perfect – and slightly obscure – present probably brings me more satisfaction than it does the person receiving it. However, gifts are not usually accounted for in a student’s weekly budget and can (especially these days) take up quite a large chunk of it. Whether a family member’s or friend’s birthday is approaching, a special occasion is coming up, you’re bookmarking this list for Christmas, or even just treating yourself, I’ve tried to showcase gift ideas that suit a wide range of budgets and, importantly, come almost solely from independent local shops.

Soap & Clay

Nestled at the corner of Northampton Street and Magdalene Street is a tiny shop specialising in artisan soap and bath products, along with locally sourced pottery and artwork. I spoke to Jason, the owner, who explained to me how his wife, Vicky, has been making soap for around six years. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit and Vicky was furloughed that the couple decided to take the plunge and open their shop, which has now been running for three years.

When I asked Jason what he thought would make the best gift on a student budget, he showed me a few options. First, his wife’s organic, handcrafted soap bars – made with clays, natural plant dyes, botanical infusions and essential plant oils – which range in price from £5.50 to £7.25. The scent options are wonderfully varied (the ‘Lady Macbeth’ one particularly caught my eye) but they also stock many others, including a non-scented bar soap suitable for sensitive skin. Jason explained that sustainability is a priority for Soap & Clay – with zero plastic packaging, this would be a great gift for eco-conscious buyers. Jason also pointed out that the soap dishes pictured are sourced from a local arts centre and charity called Rowan, which provides adults with learning disabilities the resources and workshops to create art.

“Handpicking or crafting the perfect present probably brings me more satisfaction than it does the person receiving it”

If you’re looking to gift some unique artwork, Soap & Clay also sells beautiful prints of Cambridge scenes and colleges, all created by local artists. The work of Sarah Beth Hsieh, a local illustrator, is pictured above. Although on the pricier side, these prints capture some of the most gorgeous, quintessential Cambridge locations and would make a perfect gift for art-lovers – or, if you’re treating yourself, a lovely addition to your room décor.

What The Fleur

It’s hard to dislike flowers. They come in all shapes, colours and sizes, and brighten up any space, which is why I think they are an ideal gift. What The Fleur is a quaint shop located on Magdalene Street, bursting with colour on the inside.

If flowers are too high-maintenance a gift, or if you’re looking to buy something that will still brighten up a room but last longer than a week, What The Fleur offers a wide array of plants, suitable for a range of budgets. Speaking to Emily, a member of the What The Fleur team, about what she thought would make a unique gift, she pointed out these colourful and uniquely patterned handmade plant hangers from the independent homeware brand Sarora Knots. All the planters are handmade and upcycled from fashion textile remnants and garments destined for landfill, making them another beautiful and eco-conscious gift.

Fitzbillies

Founded in 1920, Fitzbillies is undoubtedly one of the most iconic spots in Cambridge. Although its Chelsea buns are a local culinary staple, their short shelf life makes them less ideal as a gift. Instead, I would suggest picking up some pristinely wrapped shortbread, biscuits (they even have a Chelsea bun flavour) or sweets – an ideal gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their preserves – ‘Cambridge Marmalade’ and ‘Raspberry Jam’, both under £5 – would also make a thoughtful gift for food lovers. Fitzbillies’ sweet treats are an affordable option, with all of their wrapped sweets and biscuits priced at under £6.

Ark

Located at the very centre of town, Ark prides itself on sourcing unusual products, with the promise of ‘Gifts For Interesting People’ painted in bright pink letters at the front of the shop. When you enter, you are met with an explosion of colour. Ark stocks quirky items, such as these colourful steel mugs (starting at £15) pictured, handpainted in Jaipur, India and exclusively sold at Ark. However, I was told that their most popular items come from their own range of leather goods, which they design and manufacture. An affordable option from this range is their leather bookmarks (£10.50), which come in unexpected designs – from Aphrodite and David to otters and tulips.

Heffers

Heffers is another iconic Cambridge spot. This bookshop has long been a part of the literary scene in Cambridge, selling books in Cambridge since 1876. However, it was acquired by Blackwell’s in 1999, making it the only non-independent shop in this guide. Heffers is almost daunting in its vastness, with several expansive floors – you are never short of options if you’re looking to buy a book as a gift. To recommend a specific book in this gift-guide would be a futile endeavour, as book taste is so subjective. What I’d like to draw your attention to instead is Heffers’ extensive stock of Cambridge Imprint stationery, conveniently located at the front of the shop.

In my opinion, personalised gifts are the best kind of gifts. Of course, a Cambridge Imprint notebook would make a lovely gift on its own – the paper is high-quality, and the colourful patterns are playful yet sophisticated. However, if you pick up one of the plain exercise books (under £6), print some pictures out, and add some sentimental notes to stick in, you can create a completely personalised gift for a very reasonable price.

This article idea gave me a convenient excuse to spend a day pottering about town. Even if you don’t have any upcoming occasions to buy a gift for, or don’t have the spare change to treat yourself to something from these shops, I can attest – managing to discover a level of financial self-control I do not usually demonstrate, as I did not spend a single penny during this research – that you can just browse these shops as a way to take your mind off academic stress or as inspiration to explore the plethora of lovely independent shops Cambridge has to offer.