- The best gifts for college students can make a big impact on their quality of life, not least of all because they’re probably juggling their classes and social lives on a shoe-string budget.
- Below, I’ve rounded up 50+ gifts that, as a recent college grad, I’d wager most college students would love to receive.
- Still looking for gifts for a recent or upcoming grad? We’ve also put together lists with ideas for college graduation gifts for him, for her, and graduation gifts under $100.
If you’re looking to make a big difference with a gift, shopping for a college student is a good place to begin. They have classes, internships, second jobs, social lives, and relationships to manage, and they probably have far less money to support themselves than they wish they did.
Useful and thoughtful gifts can make a disproportionate difference in their quality of life, especially when it’s something they’ll both use frequently and couldn’t afford on their own.
As a recent college graduate, I can tell you from experience that the list below is a really good place to start your shopping.
Below are 51 of the best gifts for college students:
An Amazon Echo Dot for hands-free calls, alarms, music, updates on the weather, recipes, and more
Echo Dot (3rd Generation), available on Amazon, $49.99
The Amazon Echo Dot is the most popular Amazon device for a reason – it’s compact and has all the capabilities of Alexa (weather updates, recipes, music, news), which is the main reason most people buy an Echo device. The newest version – the third generation – has a speaker that’s 70% louder than the second, and comes in a fabric design that better matches home decor. Find an Insider Picks comparison of the Echo devices for fast reference here.
The world's most comfortable shoes
Wool Runners, Men, available at Allbirds, $95
Wool Runners, Women, available at Allbirds, $95
Startup Allbirds makes wildly popular shoes out of soft, sustainable materials. Their Runners made out of super-soft merino wool have been nicknamed "the world's most comfortable shoes." You can find a full review here.
Popular wireless over-ear headphones for quality noise-canceling during studying, traveling, and working out
Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones, available at Best Buy and Amazon, $299.95
If there's one thing every college student needs, it's good wireless headphones. They'll use them at the gym, at the library, and commuting to class and internships. This brand-new Beats pair has rich sound, active noise canceling, and up to 22 hours of listening time. And if they let the battery run out, a 10-minute charge converts to three hours of playback. You can also find steep discounts on other Beats headphones now that a new model has launched.
If they like to study in public spaces, you can't go wrong with Bose's pricey but unbeatable QuietComfort II headphones either. If they're a runner and need something lightweight and in-ear, you should opt for Jaybird Vista.
The newest version of the most popular Fitbit for fitness and sleep tracking
Childlike cereal for adults
Four Flavors, available at Magic Spoon, $39
Subscription, available at Magic Spoon, $35.10 per month.
Magic Spoon is a new "childlike cereal for adults" that's high in protein and low in sugar - and all four flavors are delicious. Here's one way to show college kids it's completely possible to transition to adulthood without losing all the joy of being a kid. You can read more in a personal review here.
A great game for a night in with friends
Cards Against Humanity, available at Amazon, $25
Grab a fun card game they'll inevitably end up pulling out to play with friends on the weekend nights and snow days. Check out What Do You Meme, too.
A professional, compact backpack that can go from school to internship
ICON Lite Pack, available at Incase and Nordstrom, $99.95
A backpack is the most versatile bag for a college student that's transitioning from internship or job to classes - but they probably don't want to bring their banged-up JanSport into the office. A plush, faux-fur padded sleeve keeps their laptop safe, and the exterior is professional, sleek, and slim enough to be work- and public transportation-friendly. Find a full review here.
A splashproof portable Bluetooth speaker for messy college events that call for music
JBL FLIP4 Bluetooth Speaker, available at Amazon, $89.95
Beach days, tailgates, outdoor parties of any kind - grab this under-$100 Bluetooth speaker with over 5,500 five-star reviews on Amazon for the many occasions when loud music and a spill-friendly speaker are going to come in handy.
A savvy suitcase for traveling on holiday breaks
Carry-On, available on Away, $225
Away's hyper-popular suitcases deserve their hype. Their hard shell is lightweight but durable, their 360-degree spinner wheels make for seamless traveling, and the external (and ejectable and TSA-compliant) battery pack included can charge a smartphone five times over so they never have to sit behind a trash can at the airport for access to an outlet again. It's also guaranteed for life by Away. Find our full review here.
A book about capitalizing on the huge choices to make in your 20s
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter - And How to Make the Most of Them Now, available at Amazon, $11.98
The decisions you make in your 20s can greatly impact the rest of your life. The best defense is a good offense and your grad should know now, before any life-altering events crop up, how to get the most out of their "defining decade."
A gift card to ClassPass so they can go to tons of boutique fitness classes without the expense
Gift Card, available on ClassPass, from $50
Boutique fitness classes are expensive. ClassPass makes them less so. With ClassPass, college students can drop into diverse exercise classes at tons of different specialized studios for $15 or less per class (about half their traditional cost). If they like to be active, are looking for a newfound favorite class, or like yoga as much as boxing classes, this is a great gift they'll actually use.
A box of college merchandise for game days, tailgates, and spirit events
College Teams, available at FanChest, from $59
Particularly if they're going to a school with a big sports team, you can be sure they'll both need and appreciate all the fan gear.
One of the all-time best facial cleansers for a clean and effective routine
Luna 2 Facial Cleansing Device, Men, available at FOREO, $169
Luna 2 Facial Cleansing Device, Women, available at Sephora and FOREO, from $169
FOREO's cult-favorite Luna 2 cleansing device gently and effectively cleans with thin, antimicrobial silicone touch points, and it removes 98.5% of dirt and makeup residue without irritating the skin. Plus, it's 100% waterproof and the battery life lasts for a few months per charge. Find a full review from a female reporter and a male reporter here.
A candle to remind them of their favorite place or hometown while they're away at school
Homesick Scented Candle, available at Amazon and Uncommon Goods, from $27.99
If they're away from family and friends while at school, a reminder of home is a wonderful thing to have around.
A wireless charging case for their Bluetooth devices
mophie Power Capsule External Battery Charger, available at Amazon, $25.03
This travel-friendly case charges wireless devices on the go - perfect for students with packed schedules and a lot of tech that they love using.
An iPad for Netflix binging in their room, as well as for quick trips home that don't warrant a laptop
Apple iPad with WiFi, 32GB, available at Best Buy, $209.99 with a two-year contract
Budget-friendly: Fire HD 10 Tablet, available at Amazon, $149.99
They won't want to lug their laptop everywhere, and they may either already have a TV in their college house or not have the room for one. A tablet is small enough to be travel-friendly but large enough for convenient Netflix binging or note-taking. If you want more iPad options, find them here.
A monthly subscription of personalized new makeup, hair care, and skin care samples delivered to their door
Birchbox Three Month Subscription Gift Card, Men, available at Birchbox, $30
Birchbox Three Month Subscription, Women, available at Birchbox, $45
College students like to look and feel good, but tight budgets aren't conducive to trying a lot of new, often expensive grooming products. Birchbox sends samples of new and beloved products once a month, so they can test out new finds and discover products they may want to buy a full size of in the future. It's also just fun to get a monthly gift that's all about them.
The best electric toothbrush overall
Oral-B White Pro 1000, available on Amazon, from $37.99
We rated this the best electronic toothbrush you can buy overall. If you're looking for something a little trendier, you should pick up a Quip toothbrush.
A Brooklinen gift card for really nice sheets
Gift Card, available at Brooklinen, from $50
Few things sound so nice as comfortable, beautiful sheets that you don't need to buy for yourself. Brooklinen is one of our favorite startups to shop at, and we ranked their sateen cotton sheets (from $129) the best luxury sheets you can buy.
A funny but useful book full of expert and student advice on everything from finances to relationships and dorm life
The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College, available at Amazon, $12.18
For everything from sharing a bathroom with 40 strangers to social network do's and don'ts, this funny but useful New York Times bestseller runs the gamut.
Framed memories
Gift Card or Frame a Memory, available at Framebridge, from $25
Help them bring some of their best memories to their college home - whether it's from friends now studying across the country, family, or best-loved locales. Framebridge is relatively affordable, but decor is one of the luxuries plenty of college students shirk to save elsewhere - even though it can make their home a much more inviting, happy place.
An inexpensive way for them to get the iced coffee they love at home
The Takeya Cold Brew Maker is an inexpensive, easy way to make cold brew from home - something that can save them hundreds of dollars per year. Find a full review here.
A monogrammed leather shave bag so they can keep all their things in one place that isn't a plastic shower caddy
The dreaded truth of college is that you'll most likely need to schlep your shower belongings to a communal area if you live in the dorms. No one wants to rely on a plastic shower caddy to do that. Grab them a leather shave bag that they'll use for years to come - they probably wouldn't justify the expense on their own, and they'll be grateful to have it.
If you're looking for a chic aesthetic, Dagne Dover also makes a great neoprene toiletry bag named the Hunter (from $35) that's built to accommodate makeup. If they have a lot of toiletries, you'll probably want to get the large size for $55.
A really nice blazer they can wear to an internship or interview
The Oversized Blazer, available at Everlane, from $170
Bonobos Jetsetter Slim Fit Stretch Wool Blazer, available at Bonobos and Nordstrom, from $350
Most college students probably don't have a wealth of professional clothing to pull from for high-pressure situations like interviews and a big internship. Help them make a good impression, and see your money go to good use, with a blazer they can use repeatedly and for years to come. We've also created a list of our personal favorite workwear stores - plus the best styles to buy from each one.
The best portable charger you can buy, which charges an iPhone twice as fast as the original iPhone charger
Jackery Portable Charger 6000 mAh, $32.99
I said before that college students primarily need a good pair of wireless headphones. They also need a portable external charger. This gift is extremely convenient - whether for traveling, stalled subway rides, or nights out trying to connect with friends. It will also give you peace of mind to know the odds of them getting stuck somewhere unfamiliar with a dead phone are lessened.
We rated this model by Jackery the best portable charger iPhone users can buy. It reportedly charges iPhones twice as fast as the original iPhone charger. If you're shopping for an Android user, pick up this one.
A nice watch they can wear to internships from a popular startup
Gunmetal Sandstone, Men, available at MVMT, $135
Lexington, Women, available at MVMT, $125
MVMT makes beautiful watches for men and women at great prices, and they feel more contemporary to wear than most on the market. It's a versatile, sentimental gift you can feel good about giving because you know they'll feel good - and perhaps more put-together - wearing it.
A cult-favorite tumbler to keep their drinks just the right temperature for hours spent in the library
Hydro Flask 32 oz.Water Bottle, available at Amazon, $39.95
This HydroFlask will keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours with the lid on.
A laundry hamper with adjustable straps so they don't need to drag laundry blocks or flights of stairs
iwill Hanging Nylon Laundry Bag, available on Amazon, $11.99
Not all dorms have elevators, and if they have to travel downstairs or across the street to do their laundry, they're not going to want to drag a hamper.
An Amazon Prime membership
Gift an Amazon Prime membership, $119
An Amazon Prime membership is one of those things that immediately makes life easier and ultimately better. If you decide to gift one, the recipient will enjoy free two-day shipping; access to the Prime Now app, which provides free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items; Prime Video, Amazon's streaming video service; Prime Music; the Kindle Lending Library; Prime Reading; Prime Audible Channels; unlimited photo storage, and more.
If you want to see how Amazon Prime ($119 for the year) actually gives you a lot more than free shipping, you can read our overview of the service here.
Concert tickets to enjoy with friends
Live concert and game tickets, available at StubHub, from $15 per person
Life doesn't stop just because you're studying. Encourage your loved one to take time to enjoy activities outside of campus with friends by giving them a solely-for-fun allowance (ie a gift card) to spend on concerts, games, and plays.
A cookbook made for mornings where food is necessary but complicated recipes are absolutely not
The Hungover Cookbook, available at Amazon, $8.95
This cookbook is filled with everything they need to know to assess and improve a hangover, including dozens of comforting recipes.
The most comfortable lounge pants we've ever tried for lazy weekend mornings
The Lounge Pant, Men, available at MeUndies, $68
The Lounge Pant, Women, available at MeUndies $68
MeUndies is a popular LA startup that makes some of the most comfortable underwear we've ever tried. Their lounge pants, however, are the real hidden gem - perfect for lounging around on weekend mornings or heading to the dining hall, and they're sleek enough to avoid looking too unkempt for the comfort.
A key-, wallet-, and iPhone-finder
Tile Mate with Replaceable Battery, 4-Pack, available at Amazon, $41.98
You can't go wrong with a tracker for their keys, wallet, or phone. The Tile Mate is compact, thoughtful, and useful for everyone - especially an oft-frazzled college student.
Tools they will undoubtedly need and be grateful to own, but likely won't buy themselves
They're going to need tools at some point, and they're probably going to be underwhelmed by the prospect of spending money on such an unexciting purchase. You could also send them off with a First Aid Kit.
The best pillow you can buy
Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow, available on Coop Home Goods and Amazon, from $59.99
Make sure they're optimizing their sleep with the best pillow you can buy. Thanks to the shredded memory foam, they'll get the support and comfortable "sinking in" sensation of a traditional memory foam pillow, but none of the excessive heat or firmness that can be a problem with solid foam. Read more in our Buying Guide here.
A lightweight, business casual laptop bag
Ryan Laptop Bag, available at Dagne Dover, from $135
Weston Laptop Bag, available at Dagne Dover, from $135
They can take this laptop bag everywhere from class to the library to their office internship without batting an eyelash. Which, considering how much college students juggle, is a big convenience. Find a full review of the laptop bags here.
An undated planner that uses efficiency hacks to break down a 10-year plan into daily stepping stones
BestSelf Co. Undated Daily Habit Planner, available on Amazon, $31.99
The Best Self Co. Journal breaks down daunting long-term plans into bite-size steps that make forming good habits easy, efficient, and stress-free. College invites you to plan for the rest of your life - and decide all of a sudden what you want to be - and the question can feel ambiguous and daunting. This should help. Plus, it has no dates so you can give it for any occasion - not just the New Year.
Gift a customized Grafomap poster, from $49
Commemorate their college town, hometown, or favorite place in the world with this customizable graphic map so they can keep it with them wherever life takes them.
A five-minute breakfast that will save them money and time
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Maker, available at Amazon, $24.99
This looks gimmicky, but it makes breakfast sandwiches in as little as five minutes and takes up little space in a crowded college house. Find a personal review of it here.
The most comfortable socks they'll own
Ankle-Sock Gift Box, 4-Pair, Women, available at Bombas, $56
Ankle-Sock Gift Box, 4-Pair, Men, available at Bombas, $56
Bombas makes the best socks on the market. They benefit from upgrades like a supportive honeycomb stitch, blister tabs built into ankle-height styles, and a Y-stitched heel and "invisitoe" that minimizes annoying bumps. Even if it seems like socks aren't an exciting gift, comfort is pretty much always a hit in college.
It was also founded to address that socks are the number one most requested item in homeless shelters. Every time customers buy a pair, they give a thoughtfully designed pair to someone in need. The company has donated more than 8.6 million pairs of socks to homeless shelters since 2013.
A hyper-useful extra-long, reinforced phone charger
Native Union 10-Foot Extra-Long Charging Cable with Leather Strap, available on Amazon, $34.99
If they're going to be tethered to devices, you may as well make it a long leash. Dorms often have sparse or inconvenient outlets, and everything is pushed up against and covering any would-be useful outlets anyway. This long charging cable means no matter where one is, they'll have power - and they won't have to sit at the foot of their bed to reach it.
A weighted blanket
YnM Weighted Blanket, available at Amazon, from $69.90
Similar to the comfort created by swaddling babies, weighted blankets utilize deep-touch therapy to help users get deeper, more restful sleep, while also helping to reduce anxiety and stress - something they'll probably text you a big "thank you!" for during finals week. This fan-favorite option from Amazon is relatively affordable and comes with over 3,000 five-star reviews. Read more in a personal review here.
A gift card to a popular wine subscription club
Gift Card, available on Winc, from $60
Winc is a personalized wine club - and we think the best one you can belong to overall. Members take a wine palate profile quiz and then choose from the personalized wine suggestions. Each bottle has extensive tasting notes and serving recommendations online, and makes it easy to discover similar bottles.
However, it's worth noting that this works best for students living off-campus. It may not be convenient for students who live in dorms and have to walk far to a campus post office.
An instant coffee maker for busy mornings
Keurig K55/K-Classic Coffee Maker, available at Amazon, $79
If they drink coffee, they're going to appreciate having easy, fast access to it for the many rushed mornings ahead. A Keurig is intuitive and ubiquitous. If you'd rather steer them away from single-use plastic K-Cups, grab these reusable and compatible cups as an accompanying gift. If you're looking for something with a few more steps, we think the Bonavita 8-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker ($93.99) is the best you can buy overall.
A comfy Patagonia pullover they'll rely on a lot
Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover, Men, available at Patagonia, $119
Women's Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece, available at Patagonia, $99
It's a good bet that many of their peers will also have this Snap-T pullover from Patagonia. It and the Better Sweater are long-held favorites, and both are comfortable classics that they'll no doubt come to rely upon.
A Patagonia sweater is also a particularly good gift for students who are invested in sustainability. The company has been turning plastic bottles into polyester for its clothing since 1993, and continues to do so today.
A gym bag that can transition to a professional setting
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag, available at Nordstrom, from $85
Just like bringing a beat-up JanSport into an office, lugging a multi-colored nylon gym bag in isn't ideal for anyone looking to prove their gravitas despite being the youngest person there. Herschel Supply Co. makes reliable, versatile bags, and this one has a separate compartment for gym or dress shoes.
A NutriBullet blender for fast, easy smoothies
NutriBullet Pro 13-Piece Set, available at Amazon, $89
Whether they're moving in with roommates or finally moving in alone, they need a NutriBullet. It's convenient, doesn't require a ton of space, and makes fruit smoothies in under 30 seconds. This is particularly great for the health-conscious, or anyone who can't finish fruit or veggies fast enough; if it gets a little too ripe to eat, throw it in a smoothie to avoid waste.
A microwave-safe ramen cooker for the most stressful or time-crunched nights
Rapid Ramen Cooker, available on Amazon, $5.99
There will be plenty of late nights filled with cheap and tasty ramen. If they're going to eat it anyway, at least let them make it quickly and perfectly every time.
A media streamer that transforms a normal TV into a smart one — so it plays shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other streaming services
Roku Ultra 4K/HDR/HD Streaming Player, available on Amazon, $98
Most college students aren't forking over a monthly payment to cable. This streaming player is the best one you can buy overall, and it transforms an otherwise 'dumb' TV into a smart one that can stream shows and movies from their Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Prime Video, and others all in one spot.
A super soft throw blanket they'll find themselves cocooned in many times
BEDSURE Sherpa Fleece Blanket, available at Amazon, $23.99
Grab their favorite candy, this sherpa-lined fleece blanket with over 4,400 five-star reviews, and a Hulu gift card to make sure they spend at least a few nights in, relaxing and watching movies with friends.
Gift cards — perhaps the best gift you can give a cash-strapped college student
What a stressed, broke college student needs most is money and probably a hug. If you're looking for a way to gift maximum convenience, gift cards are a surprisingly thoughtful way to do that - either for their favorite restaurant, transportation, school books, or music to keep them occupied during long library hours. Check out more gift card gifts here.