40 Thoughtful, Useful, And Fun Gifts For College Students
Stock up their dorm with cozy essentials, space-savvy kitchen gadgets, fitness gear, and the latest tech must-haves.
It’s no secret that college students have a colorful variety of styles, hobbies, and interests. While that makes them admirably well-rounded and adept at conquering life outside of the classroom, it also makes them notoriously difficult to shop for. The best gifts for college students can span an array of categories, but more than likely, they’ll always lean trendy, tech-forward, and be functional for everyday use without sacrificing on style.
With this in mind, we took to multiple retailers to find the latest and greatest gift options for college students, whether they’re an incoming freshmen or an upcoming graduate . As you browse, you’ll find dorm-friendly kitchen gadgets, cozy must-haves like snuggly blankets and plush slippers, fitness gear, and more. You don’t have to spend a fortune, either, as many picks are under $50.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
$30 $28 at Amazon.com
Buy at Nordstrom.com
Owala’s best-selling FreeSip water bottle is viral for a reason—it’s sleek in design, comes in a variety of colors, and keeps drinks cool for up to 24 hours with its triple-layered, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel construction . The uniquely-designed bottle features a spout with a built-in straw that allows for easy chugging or sipping, a leak-proof lid, and a carrying loop that doubles as a lock to keep drinks contained. Not to mention, it’s also available in 24-ounce, 32-ounce, and 40-ounce sizes, so they can stay hydrated between lectures, sports games, and other extracurriculars.
Crocs Unisex Adult Classic Clog
$48 at Amazon.com
Buy at Academy.com
Crocs have had their fair share of criticism over the years, but the popular shoe is making a comeback among college students. The classic Croc Clogs are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for sliding on when they’re running late to class, strolling around campus, or hanging out at the dining hall.
They’re made from the brand’s Croslite material, which consists in part of repurposed bio-based materials that yields a rubbery, flexible texture. The adjustable heel straps provide security, while the holes of the upper enhance breathability and allow for fun customization with Jibbitz charms.
Beats Pill
$150 $100 at Amazon.com
$150 $100 at Walmart.com
For the student who’s always listening to music or the latest podcast, the Beats Pill makes an excellent gift. The best-selling speaker is constructed with a slim racetrack woofer and special components, like neodymium magnets, that minimize distortion but deliver crisp, bass-intense, and room-filling audio.
The speaker’s IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating guarantees that it’s built to last, even when handled by the clumsiest of students. It can easily be brought from the dorm to the lecture hall with its removable lanyard strap, and thanks to the powerful battery, the speaker can last up to 24 hours on a single charge.
lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L
$48 at Shop.lululemon.com
When a backpack is just too much to lug around campus, Lululemon’s beloved Everywhere Belt Bag comes to the rescue. Made from a blend of polyester and nylon, the bag is water repellent and will keep their belongings dry—rain, snow, or shine.
With a 2-liter capacity, it’s spacious enough to hold essentials like their phone, car and house keys, wallet, sunglasses, earbuds, and other small accessories. The bag is designed with an exterior zipper to keep everything safe and snug, plus it has an extra exterior zippered pocket and interior pockets for easy organization.
Ninja 8-Quart DoubleStack Air Fryer
Buy at Walmart.com
$220 at Target.com
An air fryer is a college student’s best friend , and this one from Ninja is a space-savvy option that doesn’t sacrifice on power or features. Its slim, stacked design includes two air fryer baskets with two rack inserts that allow them to cook up to four different foods at a time—thus reducing the amount of space, time, and energy typically needed to prep meals throughout the day.
The 8-quart capacity is roomy enough to cook french fries, pizza, chicken wings, fish, and more, while the four cooking modes (air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate) make it a convenient all-in-one appliance for any space.
Champion Powerblend Fleece Hoodie
Buy at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
A hoodie is a must-have for any college student, and they’re bound to love this classic style from Champion. The trendy sweatshirt is crafted with a blend of cotton and polyester that provides a plush, fleece texture for comfort and warmth.
The simplistic design offers stretch ribbed cuffs, a kanga pocket, a double-lined drawcord, and a hood to keep their head snug and cozy. The signature Champion logo adds a touch of flair, and the plentiful color options means they can stock up on their favorites to rotate throughout the week.
JisuLife Portable Neck Fan
$34 $28 at Amazon.com
$34 at Walmart.com
For the college student who plays sports, regularly works out, or needs a way to cool off as intense summer temperatures creep up, a portable neck fan is a game-changer. This nifty gadget is designed with a brushless motor that delivers powerful air without making a lot of noise, so it’s great for use in a number of different settings.
To better suit their preferences, the fan features an adjustable neck band and dual-channel outlets with five speed settings for a breezy, cooling experience. Plus, the rechargeable battery can last up to 16 hours when fully charged, making it great for extended use throughout the day.
Lapgear Home Office Lap Desk
$40 $35 at Amazon.com
$35 at Walmart.com
Sitting at a desk can sometimes be uncomfortable, but with this lap desk, students can work from the comfort of their bed, a couch, or even a bean bag chair. It measures 21.1 inches wide and features a built-in phone holder and mouse pad so they can have access to their devices and use their laptop with ease. The desk is also designed with a cooling dual bolster cushion to support the knees and legs, and a sleek woodgrain finish that complements any aesthetic.
Miady 2-Pack Dual USB Portable Charger
$22 $18 at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
The student whose phone is always in battery-saving mode will appreciate this two-pack of portable chargers. This set comes with two 10,000mAh battery packs that can charge iOS devices like iPhones, airpods, and iPads, Android devices like Samsung and Pixel phones, and other USB-powered devices, like portable fans and smart watches. Each charger weighs less than a pound and easily fits in a purse, backpack, or pocket, so they can always have it on hand.
L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Blanket
Buy at Llbean.com
Out of 26 tested options, we named this plush L.L. Bean blanket the best overall due to its smooth and cuddly polyester material, stain-resistant properties, and lightweight feel that’s suitable for year round use. It’s available in twin, full/queen, king, and extra large king sizes, and comes in six neutral and colorful shades to match any color palette.
Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag
$14 at Backcountry.com
Buy at Baggu.com
For the eco-friendly student, a reusable bag like this one from Baggu is great for bringing to the grocery store, farmers market, or anywhere they find themselves. The bag is designed to carry two to three grocery bags worth of items and can hold up to 50 pounds of weight. It’s crafted with recycled ripstop nylon that’s machine washable and comes in a variety of 39 bold, fun, and unique patterns.
Homesick Candle
$38 $30 at Amazon.com
Buy at Barnesandnoble.com
Students out-of-state can get a taste of home with this unique candle from Homesick. The popular candle is available in scents that cover all 50 states, as well as specific cities. This specific candle embodies the magic of the Sunshine State and features notes of bergamot, spanish moss, orange, and vanilla. It’s made from natural soy wax and fragrance oils, and can burn up to 80 hours thanks to its generous 13.75-ounce size.
Aberlls Monthly Whiteboard Calendar
$17 at Amazon.com
Keeping track of due dates, classes, extracurricular activities, appointments, and more can be difficult amidst the hecticness of college, but this whiteboard calendar offers a solution to help students take control of their schedule. It has a blank printed calendar with space to write the month, days, and to-do’s in each spot plus a corkboard bottom to hang notes, pictures, and other important documents.
The calendar is magnetic, so it can be put on the side of the fridge or other compatible surface, or hung on a wall. Markers, push pins, magnets, and a dry eraser are included as well.
Cozy Earth Essential Quarter Sock 4-Pack
Buy at Cozyearth.com
Socks may not seem like the most exciting gift, but trust us, these ones from Cozy Earth are hype-worthy. For starters, they’re made from mercerized cotton, which yields a buttery-smooth, breathable feel—but that’s not all. The socks are also designed with deep heel pockets and targeted cushioning that provides long-lasting comfort whether they’re walking around campus or working out after class. And to top it off, they come in a range of stylish shades, including black, spruce/eclipse, lilac/arctic, cantaloupe, and harbor.
Renpho Massage Gun with Heat and Cold
$140 $130 at Amazon.com
Buy at Renpho.com
Student athletes and workout enthusiasts are prone to getting sore from extensive training, and a massage gun can help provide much-needed relief to achy muscles and joints. This versatile massage gun from Renpho comes with six massage heads that target different muscle groups and areas of the body, including a hot/cold head that can reach temperatures as low as 47°F and as high as 113°F. The digital touch screen display makes it easy to use, and through the convenient companion mobile app, they can control settings, track usage, and watch instructional courses.
Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera
Buy at Ae.com
Buy at Urbanoutfitters.com
This screen-free digital camera is a fun way for students to ditch their phones and go back to the days of disposable cameras. The CampSnap camera has a retro-inspired design and is available in seven colors, so there’s a color for everyone. It has a built-in filter that captures vintage-style pictures with the click of a button, plus date and time details to make note of when the pictures were taken. A USB-C charger keeps it powered up, and it can take up to 500 pictures on with a single charge.
Beautiful Drew Chair by Drew Barrymore
$298 at Walmart.com
Buy at Beautifulbydrew.com
For students living in off-campus housing, furniture that is functional, stylish, and reasonably affordable is hard to come by. Cue the Beautiful Drew Chair from Drew Barrymore’s Walmart line . The eye-catching chair comes in six stunning shades, including sage and cornflower blue, and is constructed with soft boucle fabric, a solid wood base, and a 360-degree swivel base to easily spin around and pivot from person to person when guests are over. Three cushioned accent pillows are included, too, for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
$100 $80 at Amazon.com
$90 at Wayfair.com
Exams, group projects, morning lectures, and study sessions aren’t complete without a cup of coffee, and this mini Keurig is small enough to fit in their dorm and deliver coffee without a trip to the dining hall or a local coffee spot. The maker measures just 5 inches wide, so its slim design can seamlessly fit on their desk. It has a one-cup reservoir that can brew between 6- and 12-ounce brews in minutes, a tall base that can accommodate a 7-inch travel mug, and an auto turn-off feature that powers the machine down after 90 seconds to conserve energy.
Godonlif Candle Warmer Lamp
$30 at Amazon.com
Lighting candles in dorms pose a fire risk, but college students can still enjoy candles with this candle warmer lamp. The lamp is designed with a metal base and adjustable light pole to modify the height of the light. Speaking of light, the lamp uses a 50-watt halogen light bulb to slowly melt the candle and illuminate their space with gentle, ambient lighting. It also has a button to adjust the brightness and set a timer for 2-, 4-, 8-, or 10-hour intervals.
JBL Tune 510BT Bluetooth Headphones
$40 $30 at Amazon.com
Buy at Jbl.com
For intense study sessions, fast-paced commutes between academic buildings, or lengthy gym workouts, there is no better accessory than a pair of bluetooth headphones. These JBL headphones are a bestseller due to their superior audio quality, comfortable design, long battery life, and hands-free talking capabilities.
They can last up to 40 hours with a full battery charge and also have a quick-charge function that provides up to two hours of listening time with just a five minute recharge. Not to mention, the headphones feature a microphone for easy hands-free calling and voice assistant connectivity that pairs with Google- or Siri-supported devices.
Amazon Basics 3-Tier Rolling Utility or Kitchen Cart
$39 $35 at Amazon.com
Because dorm room space is quite limited, utilizing storage is important to make the most of the space. Storing school supplies, books, cosmetics, toiletries, snacks, plants, and more is a breeze with this three-tier rolling cart. The cart is designed with three stacked bins with mesh bottoms and rolling rubber wheels to freely move it around wherever they see fit. For the utmost durability, it’s coated in an anti-rust paint that can even hold up outdoors as well.
Pottery Barn Recycled Classic Shower Caddy
Buy at Pbteen.com
Communal showers are universally disliked by just about every college student for a number of reasons, one being that toting shower essentials to and from the dorm room can be a bit of a nuisance. This sleek caddy from Pottery Barn helps make the task much easier, as it's designed with four exterior pockets to hold must-haves like shampoo and conditioner , face wash , a loofah, etc.
Made from water-resistant polyester and crafted with a mesh bottom, it dries quickly so there’s no need to worry about leaving puddles behind when they’re done. Plus, there’s even an option to personalize it with a monogram so everyone knows who it belongs to.
Lampat 25-foot Globe String Lights
$15 $14 at Amazon.com
Standard lighting can sometimes be harsh on the eyes and make a space feel less cozy, which is where string lights come to the rescue. This set of 25-foot string lights includes 25 clear G-40 LED bulbs that provide a warm white glow whether they’re hung around their bed, desk, or door frame. With convenient end-to-end connections at each end of the strand, they can attach up to three strands to cover more space, too.
Frigidaire Mini Portable Fridge
$40 at Amazon.com
$39 at Homedepot.com
For cans of soda, snacks like yogurt or cheese sticks, and special skin care products, a mini fridge is a great bedside or deskside upgrade. This one from Frigidaire has a 6-liter capacity that can fit up to six cans of soda at a time, complete with a removable top shelf if they need more vertical space. The retro-inspired exterior features the classic logo in cursive and sleek hardware accents to make it pop.
Hatch Restore 3
$170 at Amazon.com
$170 at Nordstrom.com
Night owls will never miss another morning lecture thanks to the Hatch Restore 3—it’s an alarm clock, smart light, and sound machine all in one. Though it can be used on its own, the device works best when synced with its free companion app that offers calming soundscapes, guided meditations, sleep stories, and a plethora of customizable light options for better night sleeps and relaxing mornings. Plus, it also has a sunrise alarm clock, a built-in dimmable clock, and a bedside light.
Whatafit Resistance Bands Set
$40 $27 at Amazon.com
$38 at Sears.com
The college student who dreads going to the gym can create a comprehensive workout routine in their dorm using this set of resistance bands. It includes five bands with varying levels of weight resistance that range from 10 pounds to 50 pounds, as well as a door anchor, adjustable ankle straps, foam cushioned handles, and a convenient carrying bag to keep it all organized. With this set, they can train their arms, legs, and back without ever setting foot in a gym.
Dash Mini Rice Cooker
$22 $18 at Amazon.com
$18 at Wayfair.com
Cheap, filling, and versatile to use in a variety of dishes, rice is something that college students should always have on hand. For those who don’t have access to a stovetop, this mini cooker can not only cook rice, but it can also make grains like quinoa, pasta, soups, stews, and even oatmeal. It features a 0.5-quart capacity and has a simple cook and warm function to effortlessly whip up dinner in a flash.
What Do You Meme? Core Game
$30 $25 at Amazon.com
$35 at Walmart.com
This game combines hilarious prompts with meme pictures that any student would get a chuckle out of. It consists of 360 caption cards and 75 photo cards for each player to use and create the perfect meme with. It does contain some mature themes, so if this is something your student may want to play with the family, opt for the family-friendly version instead and watch the laughs roll around.
UGG Koolaburra Burree Slipper
$75 at Amazon.com
Buy at Dsw.com
As far as gifting goes, you can never go wrong with a comfy slipper. These slippers are available in men’s and women’s sizes, and are designed with a suede upper and a plush faux fur lining that yields a buttery-soft feel. The durable EVA outsole features an angled tread pattern with grooves at the top and bottom to provide traction and grip for both indoor or outdoor wear, too.
HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer
$80 at Amazon.com
$167 $130 at Walmart.com
The student who loves decorating with photos will love this mini smartphone printer. It uses a special photo paper that requires no ink or toner to print 2- by 3-inch size photos from their smartphone or social media pages. The printer has a companion mobile app that seamlessly prints the photos, and they can even get creative and customize their prints with text, stickers, and decorative borders.
Baublebar Medium Custom Icon Tote
$88 at Baublebar.com
For weekend trips, farmers market strolls, or gym workouts, nothing is better to have on hand than a tote bag to hold essentials, and this customizable tote from Baublebar does it all in style. The medium-sized tote measures 12 inches by 18 inches by 5.75 inches, but it’s also available in small and large options for those needing more or less room. It’s made from a cotton canvas material and allows you to add up to five embroidered icons across food, hobby, zodiac, alphabet, and more categories for a fun, personalized look.
Prep: The Essential College Cookbook
$19 at Amazon.com
Buy at Abebooks.com
For those who don’t want to resort to the dining hall for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this cookbook offers simple recipes that even novice cooks can tackle. The book is broken down into 10 basic lessons that span making eggs, whipping up homemade pizza, preparing pasta dishes, and much more, complete with detailed step-by-step instructions, ingredients, key equipment, and tips.
Big Joe Classic Bean Bag Chair
$44 at Amazon.com
$45 $42 at Walmart.com
Dorm seating options can be limited to desk chairs and beds, but a comfy bean bag chair can offer extra seating without taking up much space. The Big Joe bean bag chair is pre-filled with the perfect amount of filling to provide a cushioned, comfortable feel, while the SmartMax polyester fabric exterior is stain-resistant, making cleaning a breeze. It’s also available in over 15 color and pattern options to match any aesthetic or color palette.
Nutribullet Triple Prep System
$230 $180 at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
Kitchen gadgets and appliances notoriously take up space , and when living in dorms, utilizing space properly is a must. The Nutribullet Triple Prep System combines three useful appliances—a personal blender, a food processor, and a full-size blender—into one compact system.
The 7-cup food processor attachment includes a chop blade and a slice/shred blade to finely dice and chop fruits, veggies, or nuts, and a dough blade for homemade dough . The personal blender cup is perfect for morning smoothies, frozen drinks, or dressings, while the 64-ounce pitcher works great for large-batch beverages.
Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier
$50 at Amazon.com
$50 at Target.com
Students living in dorms can be subject to poorly ventilated air, which can make things like dust, airborne viruses, allergens, and more prone to sticking around. Thankfully, this mini air purifier helps improve air quality by filtering and removing the above mentioned particles from the air.
In addition to removing airborne contaminants, the purifier helps neutralize odors, smoke, and fumes, so their air will not only feel healthier, but also smell better. It’s designed to work in spaces measuring up to 337 square feet and the compact design means it can be transported from the bedroom to the living room and beyond.
TMY Mini Projector
$80 at Amazon.com
Group movie or gaming nights are made more fun and easy with a projector like this compact one. The TMY mini projector boasts a 1080p HD picture, features a built-in bluetooth speaker, and includes multiple connection sources to seamlessly pair their smartphone, tablet, gaming console, streaming stick, or multimedia player to it. Plus, the projector comes with a foldable screen that makes it convenient to take it from dorm to dorm.
Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
$90 $80 at Amazon.com
$90 at Nordstrom.com
No college student should be without a sturdy, reliable, and stylish backpack to get them from point A to point B, and this Fjallraven Kanken backpack checks all the above boxes and then some. Made from a durable vinylon fabric, the backpack is water resistant and built to withstand moisture, dirt, and wear and tear. It features a roomy main compartment, a zippered pocket on the front, and two side pockets to store a water bottle or an umbrella. The versatile design also allows them to carry it on their back using the adjustable shoulder straps or tote it around in their hands with the sturdy top handles.
Uncommon Goods College Cityscape Can-Shaped Glasses (Set of 2)
$38 at Uncommongoods.com
For the student who loves to show school pride, these collegiate glasses are great to have in the kitchen. They’re constructed from high-quality glass and have a classic can shape that’s perfect for enjoying soda, tea, and other beverages on game day. Each 16-ounce glass highlights artwork of notable buildings, mascots, iconic landmarks, and logos from the school of your choice. And with 66 colleges/universities available, there’s something for just about every student.
Etsy Personalized Graduation Jewelry Dish
Buy at Etsy.com
Storing jewelry and small trinkets has never looked cuter thanks to this darling dish. The personalized dish is made from ceramic and is designed with the school logo of your choice, a name written in cursive, and the graduating class year. You can pick from round, square, scalloped, or heart-shaped tray options, and with sophisticated gold detailing around the edge, it’s bound to stand out on their nightstand or vanity.
Cartman Tool Set
$23 $21 at Amazon.com
Buy at Walmart.com
Every college student needs a reliable tool set on hand, whether they’re assembling furniture or tackling a miniscule problem in their dorm room. This 39-piece tool set comes with everything they need for small repairs or do-it-yourself projects, including screwdrivers, pliers, Allen wrenches, a tape measure, hammer, box cutter, and more.
Why Trust Southern Living?
This article was written by Alicia Geigel , a writer for Southern Living who specializes in shopping content. She drew on her knowledge of the best gifts and spent hours thoroughly researching practical and fun options across varying price points and categories to compile this list.
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Read the original article on Southern Living
Post a Comment