10 Student Gift Cards They Really Want

If you’re a parent, carer, or friend of a student that’s recently moved to university, you might be wondering what a good welcome gift would be. Well, one or two student gift cards aren’t a bad place to start! But which ones are the best?

This guide will help you discover 10 that modern students really want, from late night snackers to weekend adventurers. So, if you’re stuck for ideas, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Tesco Gift Card: The Essential All Rounder

Talk to most students and you’ll quickly learn that a Tesco gift card is considered pure gold. Whether you’re doing a weekly shop or just heading to your local express branch, there are Tesco’s everywhere. It’s an affordable place to shop, where your vouchers can bag plenty of essentials or cheeky treats in equal measure.

Why students love it: 

• Available to use at all branches, regardless of size.
• Great for food, snacks, and accommodation essentials.
• Helps out students living on a budget.

➡️ Tesco gift cards make a brilliant choice for everyday student needs.

2. Spotify Premium Gift Card

Wherever the student in your life is studying, chances are they’re doing so with a Spotify playlist in their ears. A premium subscription removes ads and unlocks downloads, meaning students can study offline and without interruptions.

It’s also popular among student athletes and those that are keen on hosting get togethers throughout term.

Why students love it: 

• The ability to listen to music anywhere.
• Great podcasts that can help with studying.
• Unmatched sound quality.

3. Just Eat Gift Card

We all know that students love a good takeaway, nothing beats it after a long day of lectures. Just Eat covers a wide range of student favourites and local treats. It also saves time on washing up, which we know students will be happy about.

Why students love it: 

• Great range of takeaway options, for all cravings.
• Prevents the need to cook for one night.
• Post night out cravings catered to.

4. ASOS Gift Card

Fashion changes fast, but budgets are tight as a student. An ASOS gift card gives them the freedom to kit themselves out without any of the post-purchase guilt. There’s also the ability to combine it with student discounts for the ultimate saving partnership.

Why students love it: 

• Seasonal wardrobes created in one order.
• Student discounts that are the real deal.
• Fast shipping options for night out needs.

Extra Tip: Encourage them to explore the ASOS outlet range for even more deals.

5. Trainline or National Express Gift Card

For the resident explorers among us, there’s nothing like receiving the gift of free or discounted travel. It may also be the push someone needs to come and visit their family amidst the chaos of university life.

For students commuting to campus, it could also help with their travel budget for the month.

Why students love it: 

• Free travel to destinations around the UK.
• Saves money on a cost many students struggle to budget for.
• Encourages them to make a trip home every once in a while.

6. Netflix Gift Card

Similarly to music, the ability to get home and binge watch your favourite shows is a source of comfort to many students. A Netflix gift card prevents the need for shared passwords in your child’s shared flat.

Why students love it: 

• Access to a great selection of films and TV shows.
• A digital comfort blanket after stressful days.
• Stops illegal downloads and streaming.

 7. Starbucks Gift Card

For plenty of students, a good coffee is part of their daily routine. Whether they’re studying in town, waiting around campus, or running on two hours sleep, a coffee gift card hits the spot.

Why students love it: 

• The option for proper coffee on the move.
• Part of many students morning routine.
• Locations on campuses around the UK.

8. Google Play or Apple App Store Gift Card

Between digital textbooks, productivity apps, and the odd mobile game, students spend plenty of time browsing their respective app stores. A gift card for one of them gives you the freedom to download any extras they need or want for every day life.

Popular downloads include fitness trackers, language learning apps, and mobile games.

Why students love it: 

• Not something many traditionally think about.
• Can be used to purchase study aids.
• Book lovers can invest in digital copies of their favourites.

9. IKEA Gift Card

Flat packed furniture and the biggest range of student essentials you can imagine, IKEA helps the equip their room with everything they need for an efficient student lifestyle.

Why students love it: 

• Cheap home essentials that stand the test of time.
• Items that are easy to build and take down.
• Smart solutions to storage issues.

Extra Care: Tag along on the trip to the Swedish superstore to enjoy a plate of meatballs together.

10. Local City Experiences

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t for groceries or furniture supplies. Giving the gift of a great day out can help break the cycle of studying and part time work for students. From tree top adventures to theme park thrills, the UK has plenty of great attractions for students.

Why students love it: 

• The enjoyment of a completely free day out.
• Experiences that they’ll remember.
• Many are valid for a number of years.

If you’re unsure what there is to do in student cities across the country, check out our city specific blog page.

Gifting that Gets Students

Student life can be brilliantly chaotic, and wonderfully unpredictable. These student gift cards don’t just offer convenience, they show you understand what student life really looks like.

Whether you’re helping someone stretch their budget, fuel their next night in, or discover something new, these cards go beyond the cliché and deliver something useful, fun, and flexible.