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29 Best Gifts for College Students – From Freshman to Graduate
College students are often in need of practical and functional items as they navigate through the challenges of higher education. However, finding the right gift for them can be a difficult task, especially with so many options available. That’s why it’s important to keep in mind the needs and interests of the college student you are shopping for.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the best gifts for college students. From practical items to fun and creative gifts, we’ve got you covered with a list of 33 options that are sure to please any college student. Whether it’s for a special occasion like Christmas or just to show them you care, these gifts will make their college experience a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
So, whether you’re shopping for a college student guy or girl, we’ve got a range of options that are sure to make their day. Whether it’s a practical item like a new laptop or a fun gift like a board game, we’ve got you covered with the best gifts for college students. So, start browsing and find the perfect gift that will make their college experience even better.
- our favorite
Students are grateful for a Keurig that makes a cup of coffee quickly when they cram for exams. This machine brews three sizes – six, eight, and ten ounces. The button controls are simple. Insert a k-pod, select the cup size, and brew excellent tasting coffee in less than 60 seconds.
+Programmable shut-off feature-First cup takes longer than a minute to brewBuy from Amazon
The distance between parts and the position can be rotated and adjusted to fit the needs of the college student. This desk organizer is ideal for plants, books, documents, and office supplies. It is a five-unit organizer that is easy to carry and transport.
+Options to meet student's needs-Tricky assemblyBuy from Amazon- most popular
Enjoy full high definition, fast streaming. It comes with Alexa Voice Remote Lite. Your voice instructs Alexa to search and launch shows across various apps. The thousands of apps, Alexa skills, and channels include HBO Max, Apple TV, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, and Netflix. Some apps have a subscription fee. You have more than 20,000 free TV shows and movies.
+Easy to set up-TV controls not includedBuy from Amazon- our favorite
Take the AirPods from the charging case. When placed in your ears, they immediately connect. You are immersed in high-quality, rich sound. Effortlessly connect to an iPhone. All it takes is a one-tap setup. The devices are capable of sensing when they are in the ears and pause when taken out.
+24-hour battery life-PriceyBuy from Amazon
You can bring your desk to bed with the handy desk lap. It fits laptops as big as 15.6 inches and most tablets. There is enough space for a mouse and cell phone. The innovative dual-bolster cushion keeps you comfortable and cool as it conforms to your lap. A flat, smooth surface allows for proper airflow, recommended by laptop manufacturers.
+Available in six colors-Best used while sitting uprightBuy from Amazon
Keep your toiletries organized and prevent losing them with this portable shower caddy. It is designed to be large enough for all your toiletries and compact enough for travel. The caddy is made from 600D polyester. Both the premium quality zippers and handle hold up under stress. It has quick-drying mesh ventilation.
+Four stylish colors-Bottom is not mesh for instant drainingBonus Tips: Excellent travel accessory for camping, the gym, and road trips
Buy from Amazon
College gifts cover a wide range of products. This Smartphone charger and sanitizer is intuitively designed. Charge and sanitize at the same time. The wireless charging and UV sanitizer uses Qi Wireless Technology to provide fast-charge for a Smartphone. The package includes a User Manual and USB Type-C Cable.
+99 percent sanitation effect-Wall charger not includedBuy from Amazon
Among the best gifts for college students is a laptop backpack. This one is the ideal size to hold a laptop up to 15.6 inches. There are pockets conveniently located on the outside for clothes, books, binders, charger, iPad, etc. Inside pockets are for your phone and wallet. A slanted front pocket is perfect for your ID and keys. Use the two side pockets for a compact umbrella and water bottle.
+Has a safety and anti-theft lock-No battery included with the USB cordBuy from Amazon
This cookbook keeps students well-fed whether they have access to a full kitchen or an electric kettle and microwave. It contains quick breakfast, backpack-friendly lunch, study break snack, dormmate dinner, and microwave mug cake recipes. For novice cooks, the book gives safety tips, budgeting guidelines, nutrition information, term definitions, and essential tools to use.
+Available in hardcover or Kindle format-Not much bigger in size than a dollar billBuy from Amazon
The water bottle has time marks on it to indicate the recommended daily amount of water. There are encouraging quote reminders that inspire you to drink more water. The reusable bottle is leak proof and environmentally friendly. There are no plastic odors or tastes. Wash with vinegar and baking soda.
+An excellent gift for the fitness-minded-Not dishwasher safeBuy from Amazon
Here is an electric kettle that was referred to above. It is an easy and safe way to boil water. The kettle is handy for fixing quick meals and making warm drinks, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It features an anti-slip handle and borosilicate glass, which will last a lifetime. The kettle shuts off automatically after the water boils.
+Comes off the base for easy pouring-Lid only opens about halfwayBuy from Amazon
The BPA-free silicone popper lets students make a healthy snack. Use kernels and your favorite seasoning. It comes in eight colors. The popper folds for easy storage. It is dishwasher safe and features side handles. The popcorn popper makes as much as 14 cups of popcorn
+No oil needed-Silicone lid keeps moisture inBonus Tips: Also great for RV campers with a portable microwave
Buy from Amazon
Storage space in a dorm is often limited. These under-bed storage bags provide an organization option that does not take up usable living space. They are made of a sturdy plastic board inside and Cationic fabric and Oxford lining. The bags are washable. They are easy to assemble and dismantle.
+Luggage locks can be attached to the zippers-Zippers sometimes hard to closeBuy from Amazon
When looking for gift ideas for college students, remember they have to wake up to an alarm away from home. This device serves as a night light and digital alarm clock. It is multifunctional, with a Bluetooth speaker and MP3 player. There are three levels of brightness that create a comfortable atmosphere.
+100 percent quality guarantee-Programming a bit confusingBuy from Amazon
This game came to be enjoyed as a result of lockdown boredom. It is a fun tabletop game. The set is a miniature bag toss game. Players take turns launching four tiny bags. They earn three points when the bags land in the hole and one point when it rests on the board.
+Addictively fun-Takes some practiceBuy from Amazon
While others lug their broken laundry baskets up and down five flights of stairs, this laundry backpack provides a comfortable and convenient way to transport laundry. It has adjustable torso length and shoulder straps to fit a variety of people. There is extra storage for detergent and fabric softener. A hanging hook allows it to be used as a hamper.
+Waterproof, machine washable, and tear-resistant-Straps a bit awkward to adjustBuy from Amazon
These toolsets come in eight colors. They can be gifts for college guys or gals. There are 39 essential tools in the set. The hard case keeps tools organized, secured, and clean. They are manufactured of high-grade steel alloy that is chrome-plated to resist corrosion. The tools have non-slip comfort grip handles that provide extra torque.
+Lifetime warranty-Some tools do not stay is assigned positionsBuy from Amazon
The carry-on has a front pocket. You can lock the main compartment and the front pocket and in a TSA locking pad that offers safety and convenience. It has a textured finish that guards against scratches. Laptops up to 13.3 inches, documents, and other items are easily placed in the front pocket.
+Adjustable handles-Main compartment holds less when front pocket is fullBonus Tips: Can be purchased separately or as part of a set
Buy from Amazon
You can purchase the playing cards in packages of four or six decks having either two red and two blue decks or three decks of each color. Bicycle decks have the patented air-cushion bicycle finish. The Sandwich construction and softly beveled edges make for enhanced play. You cannot go wrong with playing cards as college gifts.
+Has instruction and rule cards-Some cards off-centerBuy from Amazon
There are 100 comprehensive first aid treatment pieces in this kit. It meets the US FDA Medical Device Regulatory Standards. The interior is fully organized with compartments that provide quick access. It has a high-density, sturdy plastic case that is impact resistant. The kit is portable and fits nearly anywhere.
+Easy Slide Latches secure locks in place-Nothing for burn reliefBuy from Amazon
This set is among the good gifts for college students. It is a universal multi-charging cable that meets various everyday needs. The cable supports most cell phones. It is a four-in-one device that has USB-C and Micro-USB connectors. The nylon braided cord is unbreakable and tangle-free. High-quality, heat-resistance terminals increase durability and reliability.
+Charge multiple devices at one time-Not fast chargingBuy from Amazon
The compact multitool is perfect for rugged outdoorsy types. Essential implements maximize usefulness and keep bulk to a minimum. It has a wire stripper, cap lifter with screwdriver, small and large blades, scissors, and multipurpose parcel carrier/hook. The Swiss army knife weighs three ounces. It has a polished collider handle.
+Limited lifetime warranty-Blades quick to dullBuy from Amazon
An umbrella turns rainy days from miserable to untroubled. This is a Teflon-coated umbrella that is among the best available. Its strength withstands extreme weather. Touch a button, and it folds to a size that fits nearly any bag. The umbrella is known for its size, functionality, and durability.
+Lifetime replacement policy-Not totally windproofBuy from Amazon.
College students have been known to take salt and pepper shakers from restaurants when they discover how often they come in handy. Save the college student on your gift list from thievery. The shakers have a glass bottom and a high-quality stainless steel top. They are marked ‘S’ and ‘P’ to distinguish them.
+Practical holder makes carrying easy-Twisting too tight cracks the capBonus Tips: Supply the college student with other condiments like sugar, ketchup, mustard, and mayo packets.
Buy from Amazon
Memory foam pillows are gifts for students they would not likely buy for themselves. This pillow strikes the perfect balance between firm support and soft bliss. It has the feel of down and the firmness of memory foam. A zipper allows controlling the needed amount of foam.
+Lifetime warranty and replacement-Some complaints about a chemical smell.Buy from Amazon
The foldable bike lock was approved by young men when asked about the best gifts for college guys. The hardened weatherproof, waterproof bicycle protector provides peace of mind with its sturdy anti-tamper rivets. It has a multi-locking guard system to stop thieves. The flexible lock opens to an 85 CM chain-link circumference.
+Easy to use and carry-No cover for keyholeBuy from Amazon
College guys and baseball hats go hand in hand. The organizer also met approval for gifts for college students guys. It holds 18 caps for display and storage. There are two options and hardware to hang the organizer over a door or on the wall. Two straps allow placing in different rooms.
+No assembly required-Works best on caps with adjustable strapsBuy from Amazon
The care package includes a mix of spicy, salty, and sweet snacks. It has popular brands of crackers, bars, candies, cookies, and chips. The snacks make an excellent care package for college students. They provide a little piece of home. It is sealed in a corrugate box that keeps the snacks protected during shipping.
+Shareable-Not for those with peanut allergiesBuy from Amazon
The lamp has multiple charging functions. There is a wireless charger and a USB charging port. Two devices can charge at the same time. Remove the clutter from a desk. The user can set the alarm, manage their calendar, read the temperature and time, and use it for a smartphone prop.
+Reduces eye strain-WiFi lamps have no USB portBuy from Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gifts are appropriate for college students?
Depending on the student and their interests, some common present choices include useful items like laptops, backpacks, and study tools as well as enjoyable and memorable items like posters, gift cards, and experience-based gifts.
What should I take into account when purchasing gifts for college students?
It’s important to take into account the student’s personality, hobbies, and practical requirements as a college student. Additionally, keeping in mind your budget and the occasion for which you are purchasing the gift may be beneficial. Also, if you’re shopping for a student who is just starting college, you might want to think about things that will make them more at ease in their new environment and help them transition to college life.
What unique gifts can you give college students?
Depending on their personalities and interests, college students have a wide variety of innovative gift options. Custom photo books, personalized water bottles, and one-of-a-kind pieces of art are a few examples. Additionally, think about giving experience-based gifts like concert or cooking class tickets. The goal is to consider what the student would like and find useful in their everyday lives.
Conclusion
Shopping for college students is challenging. College is about living life on a budget. Gifts that students will use are the best gifts for college students. The gifts listed above are both practical and gifts college students will appreciate. Whether you are a friend, relative, or parent of a college student, one of them will fit your budget.
