The Indy 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday season brings high spirits, festive music, and the dreaded stress of finding the most spectacular gift for just about everyone in your life—a list that somehow keeps growing as the semester wraps up. The Indy’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide has you covered, with curated picks for Harvard students, whether you’re looking for something funny, thoughtful, or a classic can’t-go-wrong gift in between. 

For the Academic Weapon

Blue-light glasses are a must-have when you’re staring at a computer screen for what feels like every waking second of the day. Check out Amazon for some chic options, or stop by Warby Parker in the Square if you’re looking to splurge. While some see this accessory as merely a fashion statement, blue-light glasses can help reduce eye strain and defend against long hours of screen time exposure, taking the edge of Lamont all-nighters and helping you look somewhat awake. 

For Your Roommate

You sleep next to each other every night, so you might as well do it in style. For that roommate that everyone already jokes you’re married to, nothing says commitment like matching pajamas. Not only is it a fun, personalized gift, but it also makes crawling into bed after a long day of class even more appealing. In fact, any shared dorm accessory would do—a candle to produce a calming scent, a succulent to take care of together, or a new wall print to add some decoration. 

For the Coffee Addict 

No Harvard gift guide would be complete without mention of a Blank Street or Blue Bottle gift card— staples in the Square. Given the incredulous caffeine consumption that takes place on this campus, you can’t go wrong with either. I bet no one would turn down free coffee for a week, especially during finals period. If they have their own coffee machine, consider a bag of roasted beans from Pavement or a monogrammed tumbler they can show off. 

For the Friend Who’s Always on the Go 

We all have places to be, but there are some people who never catch a break. For those running from meeting to meeting across campus, a dependable and large water bottle is essential to staying hydrated throughout the day. Owala’s are campus favorites for a reason; the plethora of color options and reliable insulation will ensure they stay hydrated and their water stays cold no matter how many times they speed-walk through the Yard. Though, we all could benefit from a new water bottle, so consider this your sign. 

For Your TF 

Stationary is a classic gift, and Bob Slate Stationer has you covered for just about anything stationary-related. Your TF will appreciate a Moleskine notebook, a box of chocolates as an office-hours snack, a fancy black pen to help their grading sessions, or even an apple just to complete the stereotype. 

For Your Best-Dressed Friend

It’s hard to get a gift for the person who always looks put-together in a stylish outfit, no matter what time of day. As the weather gets colder in Cambridge, a pair of knit gloves is a forgotten accessory that goes with every outfit while also keeping them warm. Check out the boutique Mint Julep in the Square or trek out to Boston for options at J. Crew or Aritzia. While neutral colors are a classic, a pop of color might also be appreciated—burgundy, forest green, or navy to elegantly brighten up winter layers. 

For the Friend in their Wellness Era 

We all know that one person who is obsessed with getting eight hours of sleep and a workout every day. While definitely on the pricer side, an Oura ring is the perfect gift for anyone looking to track their sleep, recovery, heart rate, and other metrics to improve their physical and mental health. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, try a new yoga mat they can bring to their hot pilates class or even a set of workout classes to Handle Bar or Breathe. 

For Your Club’s Secret Santa Assignment

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve gotten assigned someone I’ve met once and barely spoken two words to—and I know I’m not alone. When you’re searching for a personalized gift to get someone you aren’t personal with, it’s best to stick to universally loved items. Everyone loves a bag of gourmet chocolate or candy from Cardullo’s, or a variety of minimalistic school accessories from Muji which just opened in the Square. And, maybe suggest doing a White Elephant next time. 

Meena Behringer ’27 (meenabehringer@college.harvard.edu)has no idea what to get her Secret Santa.