56 Gifts That College Students Will Actually Appreciate

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College marks many students’ first foray into adulthood. They’re cooking their own meals, washing their own clothes, and navigating life’s trials without a parent’s helping hand. It’s a joyous rush of freedom and independence, but also a barrage of responsibilities—which is what makes finding the best gifts for college students so tough.

When shopping for this demographic—particularly during the most wonderful time of year—it’s important to consider the unique cocktail of emotions your giftee is likely experiencing. Between the pressure of deadlines, the excitement of new friendships, and—of course—the tight budget, even the smallest gifts (i.e. gifts under $50)—including cute stocking stuffers and gifts for best friends—can serve as a much-needed pick-me-up. Any gesture that lifts the spirits or eases the transition into adulthood is guaranteed to be appreciated. To assist, we’ve rounded up 56 gifts for college students that are both useful and meaningful. Whether they’re into sports and techy gadgets or prefer home décor and beauty must-haves, the college students in your life will actually appreciate these gifts.

Migraine Headache Relief Cap

Two words: Hangover. Cure.

Assorted Flavors Official Variety Pack

We can’t get enough of Celsius’ functional energy drinks as working adults, so can you even imagine if these existed when we were students?

The College Dorm Bundle

Anyday is answering every college kid’s prayers with its innovative line of dishes specifically meant for microwave cooking. No stove? No problem. Steamed veggies, crispy bacon, and mug cakes coming right up.

E-Gift Card

No, gift cards aren’t always impersonal! Sometimes, it’s the smartest gift of all. Dormify is pretty much a one-stop shop for all things student housing. From bed skirts and bath caddies to posters and throw pillows, your giftee can pick out exactly what they like.

I Can’t I’m In Law School Candle

This candle will make them laugh and help them unwind at the same time. Double whammy.

Abstract Face Metal Wire Jewelry Stand

How creative is this jewelry stand!? It’s the perfect adornment for the top of their dresser.

Monthly Meal Subscription

Give them a break from $1 cups of ramen and microwave meals with this major improvement. Factor 75 delivers pre-cooked, healthy meals right to their doorstep—all they need to do is heat and enjoy!

Succulent Assortment with Planters

Problems tend to feel smaller when you have a family to support. Jokes aside, this adorable succulent set will freshen up anyone’s space. The best part is, they require very little water and attention, so they’ll continue to thrive no matter how busy your student gets.

Quencher H2.0

First it was S’well bottles. Then it was HydroFlasks. But the water bottle of today is the Stanley, without a shadow of doubt.

Farnborough Full Length Mirror

Full-length mirrors are a non-negotiable item for anyone in Gen Z. Where else would they take their OOTD pics?

Gift Card

If there’s one universal truth among college students, it's that dining hall food gets old. Treat your giftee to a restaurant-quality meal on you.

RFID Leather Card Case

A sleek card holder is always a good idea—and a safe bet. This one provides RFID tracking for extra safety.

Fireside Cozy Reversible Throw

After a long day of classes, nothing beats snuggling up with a cozy blanket.

Cloud Slides

A house slipper or a shoe for running errands? These squishy cloud slides offer the best of both worlds. Heck, you can even wear them as a shower shoe.

The Bigger Carry-On

Great for long journeys home, business trips, or nearing summer vacation plans, this sleek roller suitcase from the popular luggage brand Away Travel has all their travel needs covered. In addition to being the maximum carry-on size, it also has a built-in charger and an attached bag for dirty laundry.

Quicksnap Flash 400 Single-Use Camera with Flash, Pack of 6

Give a cursory glimpse at any Instagram or VSCO feed, and it’s easy to glean that film photos are back en vogue.

Joy Academic Planner

A planner helps to maintain your schedule, organize assignments, and stay on top of goals. It’s good for improving class performance and for mental clarity. Win-win!

Samba OG Shoes

If you scroll through any college student’s Instagram feed right now, you’ll quickly learn that the Adidas Samba is the shoe to shop right now. They’ll be thanking you big time for this one.

LinkPod Portable Charger

Everyone needs at least one or two of these. Full stop. You never need a portable charger until you really need a portable charger. And when that moment strikes, the student in your life will be grateful for this gift from you.

Large Clear Acrylic Cosmetic Makeup Organizer

Because they need somewhere to put their ever-expanding skincare collection.

Instant Colorful Tea Latte Kits

Take it from take it from a veteran—all those matcha lattes and specialty coffee drinks add up. Gift them this tea kit for the mornings when a good old cup of joe doesn’t quite scratch the itch.

For The Girls

Nothing bonds a group of college-aged girls like some good old-fashioned oversharing. This game gets personal fast, and I felt instantly closer to my suitemates after playing this game during our first week of classes.

Mini Projector, Full HD 1080P Home Theater Video Projector

Turning that dorm or living room into a mini movie theater has never been easier than with this mini projector that’s compatible with smartphones. Customers rave that it’s easily portable and offers great sound and visuals for the price.

Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Is it really a shower if you don’t pretend to headline your own concert? This waterproof speaker with up to 12 hours of battery life will help pump you up while getting ready or set the vibe at any party.

Fire TV Stick

If they don’t already have a TV, this gift is just what they need to binge-watch Only Murders in the Building. The device can plug into any TV and stream titles from services like Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock, while also allowing you to pull up the Internet or Youtube. Additionally, it’s Alexa-enabled and can stream live TV with a subscription purchase.

Mate (2022)

Never lose precious cargo again thanks to Tile’s Bluetooth tracker, which is great for attaching to keys, backpacks, purses, and water bottles. Unlike Apple's popular AirTags, these are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Plus, they not only allow you to find misplaced items via your phone when you connect to the Tile app, but they can also help you locate your phone—even when it’s on silent—with a push of a button.

PowerShot Digital Camera

For the future YouTube vlogger, this Canon digital camera is built to capture high-quality videos and photos and includes built-in Wifi for seamless, on-the-go posting.

Portable Luggage Scale

School might be stressful, but nothing is as worrisome as that 5o-pound luggage limit when it comes time to go home for the holidays. This sleek scale takes up no space at all and saves a lot of trouble.

2022 Apple 10.9-inch iPad (10th Generation)

The latest version has an upgraded processor and camera, sleeker, thinner design, and long-awaited USB port that’s compatible with a range of accessories. Bonus points if you gift a stylus, too.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

An instant camera provides an amazing (and fun) way to document memories they’ll cherish forever. The Fujifilm mini is equipped with a special setting to make capturing selfies a cinch and comes in various cute colors to choose from.

QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

For the gym junkie who doesn’t want anyone to hear them blasting Olivia Rodrigo’s new album in between reps, enter Bose’s Bluetooth over-ear headphones. They should easily connect to your device, have a noise-cancelling feature, and offer up to 20 hours of wireless playtime.

Hydro-Stars®

College exams and papers are stressful enough. These TikTok-viral pimple patches will keep those cortisol-induced pimples at bay and look cute while doing it. Featuring 100 percent hydrocolloid, they’re designed to draw out bacteria while reducing redness and inflammation to speed up healing time.

Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock

Early morning lectures can be rough, but this sunrise alarm clock will gently wake you while still helping you get to class on time. Bonus: It also functions as a soft-glow reading light and sound machine, in case you have trouble falling asleep at night.

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

If cooking is not exactly their forte, an Instant Pot will make it a cinch for them to whip up their favorite meals in no time. With nine built-in functions, this versatile model can do everything from steam and sauté to pressure cook and slow cook with a simple press of a button.

OWS Pro Open Ear Bluetooth Headphones

If your giftee appreciates a more subtle look, these headphones will do the trick. With a unique, lobe-hugging design, they can wear these thoughout their longest study sessions with little to no ear fatigue.

Wild Thing Bra

Your giftee will feel cute and confident strutting into the university gym in this workout top. The triangle silhouette is ultra-flattering on every body type.

Handheld Percussion Massage Gun

Students can’t always afford a spa getaway. Save them the trip (and money) by gifting this massage gun to soothe every kink and ailment. Even if they aren’t on any starting lineup, those backpacks get heavy! The shoulder knots are real.

Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS + Cellular 45mm]

An Apple Watch can serve many purposes, from helping you set fitness goals to establishing a proper sleep schedule. If you’re thinking about gifting one, consider the latest version, which has additional health metrics for tracking your temperature while you sleep as well as your blood oxygen levels in just 30 seconds. It’s also compatible with Apple’s Fitness+ that connects users with workout videos.

Lap Desk with Device Ledge

Bring your desk to bed with this handy lap desk that has enough space for your phone and mouse.

Laptop Carry Sleeve

A stylish laptop sleeve that folds into a stand? People deserve to know about this.

What They Forgot To Teach You At School

You can’t learn everything at college. A helpful primer on emotional intelligence and balanced living is sure to be appreciated by any young adult.

System Tote

A chic leather tote bag that makes them look like they have their life together, even if they were the life of the party the night before. With this gift, you also have the option to add monogramming and a range of accessories that simply snap onto the interior for extra storage.

Turbo Extreme Steam Hand Held Fabric Steamer

This fabric steamer is perfect for the Marie Kondo obsessive in your life who can’t stand to see a wrinkle anywhere. In addition to offering five steam settings for any type of garment, it has a ceramic plate for a smoother glide and built-in creaser for creating any pleats and folds you like.

Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress

The viral TikTok slip dress that doubles as loungewear—or a casual Hinge date getup—is a surefire gift for any lady on your list. The maxi-length style is designed to hug your curves and features adjustable straps for an even better fit.

Landon Carryall Bag

A head-turning bag to bring on a weekend away, this spacious Dagne Dover style has plenty of handy compartments—like a laptop sleeve and two water bottle slots—for storing all their things. Other amazing add-ons include a waterproof bag for holding shoes or laundry and a removable mesh pouch to house technology.

Hydrating Electrolyte Mix

You know what’s always in style? Healthy, hydrated skin. These tasty hydration boosters are perfect for slipping into a backpack or lunchbox. Plus, they’ll help battle hangovers, too.

Hollywood Lighted Makeup Vanity Mirror

A flawless makeup look requires a good mirror like this one. And since it’s giving Old Hollywood vibes, any future thespian will especially love spending hours in front of it.

K-Mini Coffee Maker

For early morning classes and all-nighters in their new home (a.k.a. the dorm), this mini Keurig can craft a cup of Joe in minutes. Also, it comes with a cute travel mug!

Portable Shower Caddy

This shower caddy keeps toiletries organized in a hanging bag, so none of the products get lost. Included are a range of quick-drying mesh and zippered pockets, as well as elastic straps inside for holding bottles upright and avoiding spillage.

Office Accessories Organizer

A clutter-free space equals a clutter-free mind. This gorgeous desk organizer has nine compartments and a drawer to hold every office supply you could possibly need.

Organic Silk Pillowcase

A silk pillowcase will add a touch of luxury to a less-than-desirable living situation.

DZ201 Foodi 8-Quart Air Fryer

Fact: Everything tastes better when it’s air-fried. This eight-quart style has two separate baskets for cooking mains and sides at the same time, or popping in their favorite finger foods for easy, breezy hosting.

Char Perfect Pot

You can cook a slew of different meals in this multipurpose pot, which saves more space than the typical pan set. Offered in a handful of stylish matte hues, it has the ability to boil, roast, bake, braise, steam, and more. And, it comes with a wooden nesting spoon to reduce any messes.

It’s Giving Cozy Bundle

Whether they’re getting ready for a night out or curling up with a good book, a cozy robe is basically a college essential. This one from Christian Siriano’s new collaboration with Olay comes equipped with a bottle of “super serum,” which will address an array of skincare woes.

Maximalist Gallery Wall Set of 20

A little art goes a long way. Help your giftee liven up their space with a vibrant gallery wall.

The I Love Trader Joe’s College Cookbook

They have to learn how to cook someday, and this Trader Joe’s cookbook—packed with 180 easy recipes for low-carb lunches, quick dinners, and late-night snacks—is a good way to get them started.

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