62 Genius Gift Ideas for College Students They Actually Want to Receive
Not sure what to get the college student in your life for the holidays? Here are 62 top gift ideas for college students you didn’t think of.
When it comes to finding a gift for a college student, there are some things that they need and will use all of the time. But we all know they aren’t the most helpful when asked what they want for Christmas.
No worries, I am here to help you find the perfect gift for the college student in your life that they will actually use and love. In this post I ams sharing all of the best gift ideas for college students from gift ideas for college students female, gift ideas for college students male, gift ideas for college students traveling abroad, and more.
From unique gifts that you never thought to give them to the popular items that every college student can’t get enough of, there is something for every type of college student on this list.
Whether you need to find a gift ASAP or are still browsing for the perfect gift, I am here to make your holiday shopping stress free.
So find a place to cozy up and get ready for a post dedicated to the ultimate gift ideas for college students.
This post is all about the best gift ideas for college students that they will get a ton of use out of.
The Top Picks:
Best Overall: Homesick Candle
“This is a cute and clever way of giving them something that reminds them of home. There is a different candle and scent for every state, so they can be reminded of home while making their room smell dreamy.”
Best Under $25: Memory Journal
“Such a great way for college kids to keep track of their favorite memories so they have something to look back on when it’s all over.”
Best Under $50: Oversized Hoodie
“Amazon has seriously stepped up their game when it comes to fashion. This sweatshirt is the perfect staple that every girl could use in her outfit rotation.”
Best Under $100: Memory Foam Pillow
“A good pillow is a game changer for better sleep. Any college student can attest that they can almost never get enough sleep. Between a heavy work load, a social life, and possibly a job, the few hours of sleep they do get needs to be good enough to get them through the next day.”
Best Luxury Gift: Carry-On-Suitcase
“Whether they are in state or out of state for college, a good suitcase is something every college student could use. Especially a quality piece that will get them through college and several years after.”
Most Popular: Air Fryer
“An air fryer is one of the best gifts you can get a college student. Even if they don’t like to cook, it’s super easy to make quick and yummy meals in these and it’s almost impossible to mess it up in the air fryer.”
Best Value: Coffee Maker
“If they weren’t a coffee drinker before college, they probably are now. It’s like every students super power when it comes to staying up late or pulling an all-nighter to finish their work or study for an exam.”
Mable’s Favorite: College Crewneck
“These crewnecks are so soft and have really cool vintage college logos that are both unique and trendy. They will get so many compliments wearing one of these crewnecks around campus.”
Best Gift Ideas for College Students:
1. College Crewneck
These crewnecks are so soft and have really cool vintage college logos that are both unique and trendy. They will get so many compliments wearing one of these crewnecks around campus.
2. Keychain
The perfect little keychain she can clip onto her bag or even her keys so she doesn’t have to go rummaging through her bag to find her lip balm or hand sanitizer. Plus it’s too stinking cute the way it’s like a mini backpack.
3. Memory Journal
Such a great way for college kids to keep track of their favorite memories so they have something to look back on when it’s all over. College is some of the best years of their lives, but it goes by so fast. This way they can live in the moment and look back on some of their favorite memories.
4. Magic Keyboard
If they have an iPad, a Magic Keyboard is the ultimate accessory to make their lives so much easier. A lot of college students like the convenience of an iPad and how lightweight it is, but with a keyboard it can do practically anything a computer can do and more. It’s the best of both worlds!
5. Natural Deodorant
One of the best natural deodorants with some amazing scents. It’s a great everyday deodorant that will leave you smelling like a dream (no joke).
5. Air Fryer
An air fryer is one of the best gifts you can get a college student. Even if they don’t like to cook, it’s super easy to make quick and yummy meals in these and it’s almost impossible to mess it up in the air fryer. They will be endlessly thanking you for this one.
6. Shearling Birkenstock
Birkenstocks are definitely a shoe that has made its way across college campuses. These one’s have the original style that everyone loves with shearling lining inside for extra comfort and warmth so they can even wear them during the winter.
7. Safety Alarm
If there is one thing every college girl needs, it’s a personal safety alarm. They can just stick it on their keychain so they always have it with them. When they pull it, a super loud alarm and flashing lights will go off.
This is one of those things that might not be the most glamorous gift, but she will sure be glad she has it.
8. Memory Foam Slippers
Slippers are always a great gift for college students. They’re cute, comfy, and literally the first thing she will reach for when she gets home from a long day of classes. She will probably end up wearing these more than any other shoe haha.
9. Custom AirPods Case
Almost every college student has AirPods. They are one of the few things that makes the long walk to class everyday bearable. A cute case with her initials is a great gift to make sure she never loses them or gets them mixed up with somebody else’s.
10. Tote Bag
A sturdy tote bag with plenty of space for her laptop and other school essentials is a great gift that she will get a ton of use out of and is way more stylish than a regular backpack.
11. Car Freshener
This car freshener will make their car smell like a cozy cabin in the woods. It’s a great subtle yet amazing scent that will get them compliments left and right on how amazing their car smells.
12. Dual Pouch Wristlet
This keychain set is super popular for a reason. With a cardholder and an extra little pouch for her essentials, it has everything she could possibly need on her keychain. It’s also a really nice option so she doesn’t have to take a purse with her whenever she goes out.
13. Hairstyling Set
This set will help her achieve that perfect slick back that every girl is obsessing over. There is nothing better than knowing you have an option for when you want to make it a couple of extra days until hair wash day.
14. Carry-On Suitcase
Whether they are in state or out of state for college, a good suitcase is something every college student could use. Especially a quality piece that will get them through college and several years after.
This is one of those things they wouldn’t think to buy for themselves, so they will be extra grateful for this gift.
15. Rhode Set
If she loves that minimal “clean girl” makeup look, this set will be her best friend. This lip balm and blush are the perfect neutral combo that looks natural while giving her a little extra color. These will definitely become a part of her everyday makeup routine.
16. Film Camera
There is something about a film camera that makes taking pictures and capturing memories so much more special. They also come out a lot cuter with the retro film look. They will definitely have a lot of fun taking pictures with their friends with a film camera.
17. Cozy Wide Sweatpants
If there is one thing that college students could never have enough of, it’s sweatpants and sweatshirts. As amazing as they are for lounging around, they are even better as a cute and cozy option to wear to class.
18. Homesick Candle
This is a cute and clever way of giving them something that reminds them of home. There is a different candle and scent for every state, so they can be reminded of home while making their room smell dreamy.
19. Coffee Maker
If they weren’t a coffee drinker before college, they probably are now. It’s like every students super power when it comes to staying up late or pulling an all-nighter to finish their work or study for an exam.
20. Platform Slippers
These slippers are something every college student would love to receive. They are stylish, comfy, and a socially acceptable slipper to walk around campus in and go to class. Quite possibly the way to every college student’s heart.
21. Conversation Game
You may not have thought to get them a game as a present, but when it comes to game nights with their friends, this one is a fan-favorite that will get everyone involved with good conversations going.
22. Quilted Case
This pouch is a great size to hold all of her essentials. That way when she switches bags, she can just throw this pouch in and doesn’t have to worry about digging through her bag to find all of her must-have items.
23. Gold Huggies
A good quality pair of gold hoops is something every college girl could use. These are simple yet chic, so they are the perfect everyday pair that will have her jewelry game looking on point.
24. Sweatshirt
A cute sweatshirt with the perfect oversized fit that will make her seriously never want to take it off. Also comes in so many cute colors! It doesn’t get much better than this.
25. Self Tan Sleep Sac
Every college girl aspires to keep her tan all year round. But let’s be honest, that’s almost impossible without a little help from a spray tan during the winter months. This sleep sac makes sure her tan won’t rub off on her sheets so she can go to bed with a tan without worrying.
26. Oversized Hoodie
Amazon has seriously stepped up their game when it comes to fashion. This sweatshirt is the perfect staple that every girl could use in her outfit rotation. It’s super plush, comes in great colors, but won’t break the bank. She will definitely be wanting more colors in this (it’s that good).
27. Lip Masks
A great way to level up any spa or self care night. These lip masks will leave her lips feeling so soft and hydrated.
28. AirPods Max
A good pair of noise canceling headphones makes all of the difference for a college student. They can wear them walking round campus, studying, or even to tune out their annoying roommate (we’ve all been there). These will be their saving grace to get them through college.
29. Tweezer Set
Something you probably didn’t think to get them and they definitely didn’t think of getting themselves. A good tweezer set will never not come in handy.
30. Lip Głowy Balm
An amazing everyday lip balm to keep her lips nourished and hydrated throughout the entire day. She will never leave the house again without this balm.
31. Body Wash Set
You wouldn’t normally think to get someone body wash as a gift, but for college students, a good quality body wash will make them feel clean and human again after a long day. This one also just smells amazing!
32. Sheepskin Insole
If there is one way to immediately elevate any shoe, it’s with sheepskin insoles. This will make them feel like they are wearing UGGs all of the time. And who doesn’t want that? Especially when it’s cold outside.
33. Memory Foam Pillow
A good pillow is a game changer for better sleep. Any college student can attest that they can almost never get enough sleep. Between a heavy work load, a social life, and possibly a job, the few hours of sleep they do get needs to be good enough to get them through the next day.
Even if they don’t have the most comfortable bed (ahem dorm beds) a good pillow will immediately make their sleep so much better.
34. Portable Charger
With the amount of time college students spend on their phones, they are going to need a portable battery if they want to make it through the day without their devices dying. They can just stick this one on the back of their phone so they don’t have to worry about dealing with any annoying cords.
35. Bluetooth Speaker
A good speaker is something any college student would get a ton of use out of. Whether they are going camping, to the beach, on a trip, or just hanging with their friends, listening to their favorite music on blast is something every college student loves.
36. Maroon Pebble Case
A chic laptop case will immediately make them feel more put-together! It’s always more motivating to go to class when you’re excited to use your cute school accessories.
37. Mini Essential Oils Diffuser
Since most dorms don’t let you burn candles, or even have them, an essential oil diffuser is the next best way for college students to make their room smell good. This mini one is a great size so it won’t take up too much space and they can take it with them on the go.
38. Chunky Beanie
When it gets cold, a good beanie will be a wardrobe staple! Especially a neutral-colored one that goes with every outfit.
39. Ankle Socks
It may not be the most glamorous gift, but socks are something every college student is always running out of or could use more of. These are super thick and cushy so they are extra good for the colder months.
40. Skii Goggles
If they love skiing or snowboarding, a pair of stylish goggles they can hit the slopes with is a gift that will make them love you even more. There is no better feeling than a new pair of goggles to boost your confidence. You know what they say, look good feel good!
41. Silk Set
The ultimate silk set with everything they need to keep their hair and skin protected while they sleep. Every college student could use a little bit of luxury in their lives.
42. Stain and Water Repellent Spray
This spray is a life savor! They can spray their shoes with this before wearing them out to make sure they are protected. It also makes cleaning their shoes 100x easier, even with UGGs.
43. Neutral Adidas Sneakers
These Adidas sneakers have a cult following, and for a good reason. They are some of the most comfortable shoes, and with a good neutral color, they’ll be wearing these non-stop! They’re a great everyday shoe – cute and comfy!
44. PJ Set
She will absolutely love this PJ set! It’s butter soft and absolutely adorable. You may even want to grab a pair for yourself after you feel how cozy they are.
45. Ice Roller
She can put this in her fridge or freezer and use it to de-puff her face in the morning for a healthy and glowy complexion. This is one of those things she didn’t know she needed until she tries it and she’s obsessed.
46. Pepper Spray
Something every college student should keep on their keychain for safety purposes. Always good to be prepared. This one is glow in the dark which is especially helpful at night.
47. Photo Printer
These are amazing for printing cute photos that they can hang up in their room or around the house with all of their favorite people and favorite memories.
48. Poo-Pourri Set
When you are living in a shared space with other guys or girls, this is something that should always be handy in the bathroom. Nothing is worse than walking into a smelly bathroom.
49. Mini Projector
This is great, especially if they don’t have a TV. All they need is an empty wall and this little projector to make it feel like they are in their own personal movie theatre. Movie nights with your friends are some of the best college memories, so they’ll definitely appreciate this gift!
50. Mini Perfume Set
This is a great way for her to try out a bunch of different perfumes without having to commit to one scent. This set has some amazing scents that will make her smell clean, fresh, and will have everybody asking what she’s wearing when she walks by.
51. Personalized Leather Passport
No one likes looking at their ugly passport covers. A leather passport cover is a great custom gift that will make them feel like they’re traveling in luxury.
52. Mini Perfume Set
This is the gift that they didn’t know they needed, but totally do! Especially if they’re in a dry climate. Adding some moisture back into the air will help them sleep better and get rid of a dry scratchy throat when they wake up in the mornings.
And if they’re living in the dorms, this gift is extra valuable!
53. Mini Perfume Set
Let’s be honest, getting your nails done is expensive. And as a busy college student, carving out a couple of hours to go get their nails done is a lot harder than you think (not to mention hard when you’re on the broke college budget haha).
When they want to feel extra put-together, these nails will make them feel a little more glamorous. And they last up to four weeks, which is pretty darn good for press-ons!
54. Leather Pencil Case
This might just be one of the most beautiful pencil cases. When you’re in college, it’s worth having some nicer school supplies – like a level up from your high school pencil pouch.
55. Workaholic Mug
Talk about the perfect mug for a college student! For someone who is working non-stop, this mug is super fitting, and just plain cute! It’s also on the bigger side, which is perfect for when they need a little extra caffeine.
56. Blue Light Glasses
Blue light glasses are a no-brainer for college students. For people who are constantly on their screens in lectures, doing homework, and studying, their eyes could use a little help so they’re not so strained all of the time.
These glasses also look identical to the Miu Miu ones that everyone is going crazy over! The only difference is, these ones are a lot more affordable!
57. Hand Sanitizer Set
College campuses are some of the germiest places! Seriously, everyone is getting sick all of the time and spreading their germs like crazy. So you best believe they’re going to be using hand sanitizer religiously!
A pack of hand sanitizers will hep them get through the year without getting sick all of the time. It’s hard to prevent, but hand sanitizer definitely helps!
58. Decorative Jewelry Storage Box
This coffee table book is actually a jewelry box. Pretty cool, right? Not only does it double as decor, but it will also keep their jewelry out of plain sight.
59. Privacy Screen Protector
When you don’t have a whole lot of personal space in classes and lecture halls, it’s nice to know that you have some sort of privacy to keep people from reading your texts or looking at your phone.
60. Mini Perfume Set
If they use an Apple Pencil, they absolutely need a grip! This one is under $10, so super cheap, but it makes such a big difference when writing. The pencil won’t slip out of their hands and it’s a whole lot easier to take good notes when your handwriting is much clearer.
61. Insulated Water Bottle
There is so much walking on a college campus! So a good water bottle is a must have. And while tumblers are cute, it’s definitely nice to have the option to throw your water bottle in your bag and not have to worry about it leaking everywhere.
62. Bluetooth Tracker
They can put this in their college bag, wallet, or going out purse. Just in case something happens, it’s nice to know you can quickly track your items!
This post was all about the best gift ideas for college students that they will get a ton of use out of.
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