As the end of November rolls around, it can only mean one thing for Cambridge. For the more experienced Cantabrigians, that answer will be clear, but for the less seasoned freshers, I won’t leave you out of my, arguably, favourite Christmas tradition: Bridgemas. What’s better than celebrating Christmas a month earlier than its calendar date with all of your friends within the beauty of Cambridge at autumn-cum-winter? Yet amid the excitement of Christmas arriving A WHOLE MONTH EARLY (!!), it’s easy to disregard the Christmas chores that still persist. That’s right: presents. The bane of my notes app and Instagram reels as I save a myriad of ideas which I will never consider again. And let’s not forget the pressure on the student bank account – my Santander is gearing up, ready to be pummelled.

But where, I hear you cry, can I shop for the cutest gifts for my family and friends, which are unique and don’t break the bank? Well, I’ve curated a list of spots to get the Christmas vibes flowing, and to keep the bank account prosperous.

“I have my eye on the Alice in Wonderland in the Haunted Bookshop window if anyone’s buying”

The first spot on my list is Soap and Clay. Located just along from Magdalene, the shop stocks the cutest art pieces, alongside homemade soap and adorable felt animals, none of which will break the bank. For parents or older relatives, soap and bath products are always a safe bet for a present, while Soap and Clay’s special literature-inspired soaps like Lady Macbeth or Wuthering Heights are the perfect gift for an Engling friend or somebody who loves to read.

Since we’re on the topic, you can’t go wrong with gifting a book (because we all need more of those, right?). Whether that’s one your friend or family member has been dying to read for far too long, or one you handpick simply because it makes you think of them, a book is a surefire way to give someone a Christmas glow, and a convenient reason to avoid next term’s reading list. The classic shops are Heffers and Waterstones – both offering student discounts – but if you fancy something more rogue, Bodies in the Bookshop, The Haunted Bookshop, and G.David stock a wide range with special, signed editions of some books. I have my eye on the Alice in Wonderland in the Haunted Bookshop window if anyone’s buying. Books also present you with the perfect opportunity to elevate the present with tit-bits. Hotel Chocolat do the yummiest six-pack chocolates which are very reasonably priced but also add a level of ‘oooh-aaah’ to the present that will make you gleefully proud of yourself. Or why not travel back to secondary school and accompany the book with a bath bomb from Lush? We all need some Snow Fairy now, at the end of Michaelmas, more than ever.

“Don’t get your situationship a present unless you desire an awkward interaction where they haven’t got you one in return”

But the top spot for gifts for your eccentric friends is, of course, the Ark. They do the cutest jewellery – although definitely on the more expensive side – and beautiful accessories consisting of scarves, gloves, and fleece pouches, which can be transformed into potential make-up bags or pencil case, defined so by a cheeky lip gloss or set of fancy pens stashed inside like a Russian doll present. If slightly out of budget, the Ark is perfect just for gathering inspiration by window shopping – Daisy, my fellow Vulture Editor, and myself love taking walks in between setting to browse. 

When you’re on a budget, it’s important to consider who you prioritise. If you’re in a large friendship group, secret Santa is an efficient way to combat costs, while giving Bridgemas an element of surprise. This prioritisation extends to the less central people in your life. Don’t get your situationship a present unless you desire an awkward interaction where it turns out they haven’t got you one in return. Similarly, there’s no need to buy your supervisor a present (unless they’ve truly gone above and beyond and deserve a special thank you) – we’re not in school anymore!

“Knowing you’ve brightened up somebody else’s Bridgemas, or Christmas, is a feeling no present can compare to”

If you have room in your pockets to give a bit more, think of those people in college who may fly under the radar. I find giving housekeepers, maintenance, gardeners or the wellbeing teams and nurses a box of chocolates can provide a much larger thank you than the box may seem. Similarly, Dunelm runs a present-giving scheme, where you can purchase a small item for those who may be lonely this Christmas, or you can donate to charities like Jimmy’s. Although it’s easy to get excited about presents, Christmas is fundamentally about giving in any way you can, and knowing you’ve brightened up somebody else’s Bridgemas, or Christmas, is a feeling no present can compare to.