In this article, we will explore some great gift ideas for college students that will help them to stay organized, focused, and comfortable during their time in school.
Understandably, with the stress of final exams and papers, it can be easy to forget about gift-giving. Whether you’re a student looking for gift ideas for yourself or your fellow college friends and family members, a few things should be on every college student’s wish list.
From practical items like textbooks and office supplies to fun and creative gifts, there’s something for every type of college student on this list. So, if you’re wondering what to ask for this Christmas or what to give a college student on their birthday, read on for some great ideas that will make your college experience even better.
How This List Works
As you scroll, you will find various categories full of ideas for gifts for college students. By clicking on the links and pictures, you can purchase them directly! Keep in mind the pictures are my recommendations, while the links will show you various other options. Happy shopping.
Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas
There are many practical gifts for college students that they’ll appreciate and use. If you’re on a budget, all of these gifts are reasonably priced and will surely be appreciated by any college student.
Coffee Mug
A budget-friendly option that makes for a great gift. Perfect for those early morning classes or late-night study sessions. A nice coffee mug is a great gift! Want to go the extra mile? Customize it.
Reusable Water Bottle
Whether to the gym or class, taking water with you is essential. A reusable water bottle can help college students stay hydrated, which is very much needed, while also being eco-friendly.
Portable Phone Charger
Be the lifesaver in your friend’s life and ensure their phone never runs out of battery while on the go. A portable phone charger is a must-have for students hopping from one class to the next.
Desk Lamp
Say goodbye to reading and studying in bad lighting. A powerful desk lamp for late-night study sessions is a must-have.
Laundry Hamper
Laundry is no fun. But it’s nice to keep their dirty clothes separate from clean ones. Get rid of the chair you fill with your clothes and get a laundry hamper.
Portable Speaker
To listen to music or podcasts while studying or hanging out with friends, get a portable speaker. It makes for a great gift. Brownie points if you get a waterproof one to sing in the shower.
A Set Of Utensils
Perfect for the friend with only one knife, fork, and spoon. You know who you are :/ Help them save money on takeout and be more sustainable by getting them a set of utensils. Maybe they’ll start cooking more often.
Headphones
Studying in a noisy environment is no fun. But listening to music while commuting is a must-have. A nice pair of headphones are great. No need to get them Airpods, a nice pair of wired ones can come in handy from time to time.
A Set Of Hangers
Organizing clothes in a cramped dorm room is easier with enough hangers. Be a good friend and get your favorite college students a set of hangers. Even better if you make all the hangers match.
Mini Fridge
Who needs to get out of bed when you have a mini fridge? It is fantastic to keep snacks and drinks cold in their room without having to go to the communal kitchen. Plus, if they like makeup/skincare, they can also store those in there!
Gymrat And Fitness Gifts
Staying healthy and fit is essential for college students, especially when they spend long hours studying and sitting in classes. These gifts can be great for encouraging college students to prioritize their health and wellness and can help them maintain a healthy lifestyle during their time in school.
Fitness Tracker
Make sure to get those steps in with a fitness tracker. This is an excellent gift for your college gym partner. Now they can track their steps and heart rate and set fitness goals.
Yoga Mat
Is your friend into Pilates or Yoga? Get them a gorgeous Yoga mat for at-home yoga practice or stretching. Either way I’mma Namaste at the gym!
Resistance Bands
Having resistance bands around makes strength training exercises at home so doable. With a pack of variating difficulties, it can be done anywhere.
Blender
There is nothing better than a protein shake or smoothie for a quick and healthy meal. Make this process easier by buying them a blender. They will be one button away from a delicious and refreshing treat. Plus, they can always take it to go!
Running Shoes
Late to class? No issues. Get them some running shoes for jogging or running around campus. It is the best way to ensure you get to class on time.
Jump Rope
A true gym rat will appreciate a quick and effective cardio workout. A good jump rope can be a fast replacement for a daily workout.
Healthy Cookbook
If they are into cooking, you can aid them by giving them some recipes to follow along. A healthy cookbook will help them learn new and healthy recipes. Maybe they’ll invite you over for something too!
Water Bottle With Fruit Infuser
Getting all the nutrients you need can be difficult. To encourage them to drink more water and stay hydrated, get them a water bottle with a fruit infuser. Ahhh, that refreshing cucumber water.
Hand-Held Massager
To ease muscle tension and soreness after a workout or a long day of sitting, get them a hand-held massager. They will get rid of all those muscle knots in no time.
Fun Gifts
College can be stressful, so it’s always great to give college students something fun and enjoyable to help them relax and unwind. These gifts can help college students take a break from studying and have some fun with their friends or on their own.
Bluetooth Headphones
Nothing like a good jam session to melt all the midterm stress away. A pair of Bluetooth headphones are perfect for listening to music or podcasts without any cords getting in the way.
Board Games Or Card Games
Looking for a fun game night with friends? Buy and bring or gift some board games or even card games. They can spice up any night and bring out your competitive side.
Puzzles Or Adult Coloring Books
Do you think they need to relax and de-stress? Nothing better than a pretty puzzle to keep them busy. Maybe the “The Hundred Thousand Dollar Puzzle by David Dobrik?” Or an adult coloring book with lots and lots of pages.
Virtual Reality Headset
For a fun and immersive gaming experience, get them a VR set. This will definitely have them entertained for a while. Maybe they’ll invite you over to play? Have some fun swinging at golf or fighting bad guys.
Popcorn Machine
Bring the snack to them! Get them a cool popcorn machine and wait for an invite for a movie night in their dorm room. Bring some butter.
Polaroid Camera
What is better than capturing and sharing memories with friends? Do it with a Polaroid camera. Don’t forget a Polaroid album to store all the pictures you’ll take! Oh and smile, you’re on camera.
Tech Gifts
There are a lot of great tech gifts that college students would appreciate. They are perfect for a geeky friend, someone into technology, or, let’s face it, computer science majors.
Laptop Stand
A laptop stand can improve ergonomics for college students who spend a lot of time on their laptops and help keep their work area organized.
External Hard Drive
An external hard drive can be used to back up important files and data or to store large files like movies and music. Keeps their computer clean, and they get some sweet, sweet storage.
Smartwatch
A smartwatch can help college students stay on top of their schedule, track their fitness goals, and stay connected without constantly checking their phones. There are plenty on the market, such as the Apple Watch and Google Watch.
Streaming Device
A streaming device like a Roku or Chromecast can allow college students to watch their favorite shows and movies on their TV without paying for cable.
Smart Speaker
A smart speaker like Amazon Echo or Google Home can be a great addition to a dorm room or apartment, allowing students to play music, set reminders, and ask for information without picking up their phones.
Video Game Console
Playstation or Xbox? That is the question. For gaming alone or with friends, a video game console lets everyone have fun.
Useful Gifts
College can be challenging and stressful for many students, and having the right tools and resources can make all the difference. That’s why giving a useful gift to a college student can be a thoughtful and practical way to show your support.
A Planner Or Organizer
College students have a lot of deadlines and activities to keep track of, and a planner or organizer can help them stay on top of everything.
A Tool Kit
A basic tool kit can be a practical gift for college students who need to make minor repairs around their dorm room or apartment. But don’t blame me if they need help putting some furniture together!
A Backpack
College students need a way to carry their books and other supplies, and a sturdy backpack can be a helpful gift.
A Gift Card
When in doubt, a gift card to a local grocery store or popular restaurant can be a practical gift that college students will appreciate.
Final Thought
In conclusion, there are a plethora of gift ideas for college students that can help them navigate the challenging and busy lifestyle that comes with being a student.
There are plenty of practical and thoughtful gifts, from noise-canceling headphones and portable chargers to cookbooks and mini-fridges.
These gifts for college students can help them stay organized, focused, and healthy throughout their college journey. Whether for a birthday, graduation, Christmas, or just a way to show your support, giving a useful gift can make all the difference in a college student’s life.
