December has begun, and there is no avoiding it any longer: it’s beginning to look an awful lot like Christmas. But week 8 got to you, the mountain of deadlines occupying every spare moment you had. All of a sudden, term is over and you find yourself met with the realisation that you have not even begun your Christmas shopping, with time slipping from you faster than Bridgemas formal tickets sold out. But fear not! Varsity’s fashion team has you covered, with suggestions of gifts for friends with all kinds of needs. Look no further for gift inspiration...

Muhammad Syed, Fashion Editor

For the friend with Raynaud’s

There is no easy way to say this: some people have stubby fingers. It often keeps me up at night how their engagement photos would look once they flaunt their ring. Or how others would react when shaking their hands. While I am fortunate to have slender fingers that pianists pine over, my dearest friend does not share such privileges. Winter is coming (or rather has arrived) and her Raynaud’s have been unleashed in full force. What once were recognisable fingers are now swollen, red stumps. So to your friends with Raynaud’s, I implore you to do God’s work by gifting them mittens and gloves. Cambridge’s very own independent store, ARK, does really cute ones so head on over and save the poor fingers of your nearest and dearest this holiday season.

Olivia Rhodes, Fashion Editor

For the beauty-obsessed friend

We all have that friend who is somehow miraculously turned out whenever you see them — skin flawless, eyebrows groomed, winged eyeliner sharp. It can be impossible to know what to gift these friends, especially on a budget: you’ve seen their make-up bag bulging with Charlotte Tilbury and they won’t stop talking about how the Dyson Air Wrap is top of their wishlist. But a gift that won’t break the bank and yet still oozes luxury (as well as being genuinely useful) is Easilocks’ silky satin pillowcase, available on ASOS. This gentler fabric prevents hair breakage, and reduces that mortal enemy of frizz, as well as being softer on the skin to retain moisture and glow, adding an always-needed touch of glamour to their coveted beauty sleep.

Eva Morris, Fashion Columnist

For the friend who is still a kid at heart

For that friend who peaked in their childhood and never really moved on I recommend a bunny ear beanie hat. I recommend this as, speaking as the friend who peaked in childhood, it manages to give just the right amount of nostalgia without getting too many odd looks. You can get them (or variations) all over Depop. In particular, I like the ones thegeneralspace sell (for only £14). It’s playful without being over the top and would make anyone smile. Perfect for any childish fashion icon.

Eliane Bedu, Fashion Columnist

For the glamorous friend

With the imminent return of Emily in Paris right in time for Christmas, what would be more appropriate than a flashy beret and an Audrey Hepburn pair of sunglasses to scream “I am an it-girl”? With it, add some sparkle, whether it’s a shimmery pair of fishnet tights or a silver phone pouch, and you’ll have the indispensable Paris Hilton touch that your outfit lacks.

Eleanor Antoniou, Fashion Columnist

For the arty, creative friend

If you’re looking to buy something unusual and arty for that creative friend who spends their time doing DIY projects, in art galleries or browsing vintage stores, then this beautiful handmade hairband is a gorgeous gift. It adds an undeniable spark of creativity to any look with its bright, botanical pattern, but can also be worn in reverse for a more sleek style to instantly elevate any outfit. This is an accessory certain to win your friend compliments for its unique design, and the ethos behind the independent business is equally wholesome.

Anna Chan, Fashion Contributor

For the friend who doesn’t dress for the season

We all know most people cannot wait until it gets cold “so they can really start dressing”. I count myself as one of them — tonnes of layers, cosy knits, a good coat. But it does get to a point where it goes from some moderate layering to looking like George from Seinfeld in his huge Gore-Tex puffer (a look which I personally appreciate). If your friend doesn’t want to hide their cute blouses under fleeces, doesn’t want thousands of layers bursting under their coat, or just braves the cold despite shivering, Uniqlo heat-techs are a good gift to keep them warm. Heat-techs are super thin thermals ranging from tank tops and long-sleeves to turtlenecks and leggings, meaning they can be layered under T-shirts or jeans without being bulky. There are loads of different colours and levels of thickness you can choose from according to their needs. If you ever wondered how influencers at fashion week in the dead of winter wear shirts with chic, thin coats (and your friend essentially treats walking down King’s Parade as their fashion week), Uniqlo heat-techs are the answer.