55 Best Gifts for College Students, According to Kids in College

When sharing a space with a roommate, you don’t want to overwhelm them with a fragrance that’s too intense. Glossier You Doux is soft, subtle, and a little woody to make it smell like them, just better. “It gives a cozy vibe,” says Katie M., a University of Delaware student.

If you haven’t heard, friendship bracelets are back. Solidify those sorority sister bonds or celebrate your new roommate-turned-soulmate with a DIY beaded bracelet. “Mine says my sorority name. It means so much to me,” says Amanda H., a recent Loyola University grad.

College kids never quite master avoiding the dreaded “low battery” panic, but with this sleek portable charger that snaps right onto their iPhone, they won’t have to stress. It comes with a built-in stand, perfect for propping up their phone to follow along with lecture slides—or, more realistically, binge-watching Netflix.

For quick trips to the dining hall or campus gym, all they need are the basics. “If I’m not going to class, I pretty much only carry my phone, keys, and ID,” says Ali. This dual-pouch wristlet makes it easy (and stylish) for them to grab their essentials and go.

No more sad, cold coffees when the campus café shuts down during your late-night study grind. With this coffee maker and travel mug hybrid, college kids will always have a fresh brew on hand. “I like how travel-friendly it is since I’m constantly running late to class. And having my own mug means I don’t have to fight over the last clean cup with my roommates,” says Peter L., a University of Connecticut student.

Leggings for college students need to check all the boxes: soft, stretchy, durable, and stylish enough that no one will ever guess they slept in them. “I like these because they also have the right thickness—it’s so annoying when leggings are too sheer,” says Katie.

All the TikTok girlies are obsessed with this celeb-beloved brand. “My housemates and I especially like the sleep mask,” says Kendyl A., a junior at the University of Delaware. Plus, it comes in a cute gift set.

Shimmering rose golds, rich browns, and sultry plums—this eye shadow palette complements every eye color. Whether they’re going for a laid-back, neutral look or a smokey eye for a night out, this palette is everything they need for an eye-catching look.

Let’s just say dorm rooms can sometimes smell a little… funky. This discreet diffuser plugs into any outlet to instantly freshen up your living space. If you have a roommate with a sensitive nose, you can adjust the intensity of the fragrance and schedule it to turn off from the handy app. “I’m really into the grapefruit scent, and it’s nice because you’re not allowed to bring candles into dorms,” says Ali. Plus, it holds two fragrance vials, so you can switch up the vibe whenever you want.

This sleek alarm clock does it all—white noise to block out noisy dorm neighbors, calming night lights to help with dozing off, and a gentle sunrise alarm to make those early-morning classes a little less brutal. Plus, “I love that I can control everything right from my phone,” says Ali S., a recent Rutgers University grad.

Candles might be contraband in dorms, but essential oil diffusers are welcome—and this one doubles as a humidifier while perfuming the air. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also a stellar piece of decor.

Sure, you could give them cash, but this gift card book is way more thoughtful (and fun). Whether they need a caffeine fix, Amazon necessities, a quick Uber ride, or some help with groceries, you can fill this book with gift cards to all their favorite places for the ultimate care package.

We can almost guarantee that Apple’s newly revamped noise-canceling headphones are on their list. And now that the earbuds are on super-sale, there’s never been a better time to gift them.

Who needs frozen pizza when you have all of Trader Joe’s at your fingertips? The budget-friendly grocery chain is already great, but with recipes like acai bowls and teriyaki tofu, this cookbook will take their weekly hauls to new heights.

She’ll need a way to hang up all those photos, so throw in this battery-powered LED lights set that’s perfect for livening up faded dorm room walls.

College kids love instant cameras, and this perennial bestseller would make a great gift for any one of them.

Thoughtful gift incoming: Encourage their best habits with this simple diary, which is designed to increase mindfulness, gratitude, and confidence in just five minutes a day.

These celebrity-approved Ugg slippers are a favorite among young’uns. Despite their slipper-like comfort, they’re substantial enough to survive snowy treks to the dining hall.

Astrology nerds will appreciate this double-strand necklace, which features a gem and a starburst in gleaming gold. (Bonus points if they have an astronomy class on their schedule this semester.)

This addictive game is ideal for college students who always hang out with their floor-mates—and it’s a nice time filler when it’s just too cold to go outside.

If all they’re eating is dining-hall pizza, lead them back in the direction of healthy food with this gadget that turns any frozen fruit into sorbet.

Rosettes are all the rage among fashionable young people right now, and Free People’s option is especially cute. Any student who posts “Get ready with me” TikToks could use one of these adjustable chokers for their accessory collection.

Informally known as “TikTok lights,” these LEDs are exceedingly popular among students and can add color-changing lighting to every inch of a dorm room. Pair this gift with a smart plug to make the lights Alexa-enabled.

Even digital natives can miss trendy TikTok recipes, so treat your favorite college student to a book full of the app’s most delicious treats, from whipped coffee to focaccia.

A sharp watch will help your son stand out during his next internship interview—and this one is so handsome he’ll actually want to wear it to class too.

Late-night study sessions and Netflix binges are so much better with fresh-popped popcorn, wouldn’t you agree? Throw in some kernels and movie theater seasoning and you’re set.

This steepable coffee from Gen Z influencer Emma Chamberlain tastes like chocolate and brown sugar—and it’s cheaper than Starbucks and smaller than a coffee maker.

A mini fridge might not fit in their bedroom, but there’s probably space for this tiny beauty fridge that’ll keep skin-care products (and possibly a can of LaCroix) chilly.

This stocking stuffer has everything she’ll need to survive a campus emergency (like a stain remover, a sewing kit, and hairspray), and it’ll take up virtually no space in her backpack.

Ice rollers combat puffiness and redness, making four hours of sleep look like eight. Midterms just got a little more manageable.

This retro pouch—available with designs referencing universities like Auburn, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech—has plenty of room for pencils, pens, flash drives, and any other campus necessities.

It’s impossible to say what the future holds, but these tarot cards featuring graphic illustrations might give them a hint.

No laptop-owning college student should be forced to use their trackpad all day. This Mac-friendly wireless mouse works on nearly any surface and makes everything from writing to video editing so much easier. (And unlike cheaper options, it doesn’t need to take up a USB port with a transmitter.)

Every student could use another throw blanket for lounging around, and this customized option includes the first letter of their name. It’s a personalized gift that’s guaranteed to impress.

Turn their dorm room desk into a full vanity with this compact makeup organizer that comes in the dreamiest sage shade. It’s the rare practical gift that manages not to be boring. (It also doubles as an office organizer and a home for toiletries.)

This silk pillowcase is soft on skin and even helps prevent flyaways—perfect for anyone who rolls out of bed minutes before their early-morning classes.

Gift ideas don’t have to reinvent the wheel to be appreciated. Case in point: these bright felt-tip pens that’ll be a godsend for dedicated note takers and avid color coders.

College students have to take storage seriously, and these collapsible, stackable crates are ideal for keeping all their bits and baubles organized in a way that’s easy on the eyes.

Dust bunnies and snack spills are no match for this lightweight handheld vacuum, which can be tucked under a bed or mounted on a wall. (When was the last time they actually cleaned their room, anyway?)

Ramen is a reality of dorm life, and this microwavable bowl ensures that it’ll turn out delicious every single time.

For anyone who has trouble getting to sleep, this weighted eye mask is a dream come true. It blocks out light and works to calm nerves, resulting in a more restful night’s sleep—ideal for a care package.

When in doubt, go with a monogram necklace. They’re timeless, elegant, and a great way to remind people of your name.

Plenty of college students get a kick out of tarot cards, especially on nights when they’re wondering what exactly the future holds. Illuminate the answers with this book, which contains the complete story of tarot.

This cute kitchen gadget makes off-campus cooking so much easier. It functions as an air fryer, baking oven, roaster, toaster, and more—basically an all-in-one tool for easy dorm or apartment meals. (It’s also very aesthetically pleasing.) See you never, dining hall!

Equal parts sporty and stylish, this half-zip from Lululemon will be the only thing they want to throw on for class. Quiet luxury vibes all the way.

Gone are the days of being in one building all day; now your student probably has to trudge through all kinds of weather to get to class. Keep them bundled up (and looking good) with this delightfully oversized scarf.

Kids these days love putting bows on just about everything, including their bedding. This duvet cover is just about the cutest thing we’ve ever seen—and it comes in twin XL, the standard size of college dorm mattresses.

College kids have limited free time, and this adorable Advent calendar treats them to a little dose of self-care between cramming for exams. It has everything she needs—a mini LED lamp, various polishes, nail stickers, chrome powder, and more—to add sparkle to her next night out. Consider it a little bit of salon-quality luxury without her having to leave the dorm. Plus, she can share it with her roommates.

Sure, they could stick with that old, worn-out high school volleyball T-shirt, but why not level up to something a little cuter? This super cozy, ultra-soft pajama set brings just the right amount of festive flair—without screaming “holiday”—so it’s perfect for lounging long after the season’s over.

If it’s even remotely possible to make a communal dorm shower feel like a mini vacation, the Sol de Janeiro hair-care set is up to the challenge. This trio includes a smoothing shampoo, conditioner, and a hydrating leave-in conditioner, all designed to repair damage while leaving their hair smelling like they just stepped off a beach in Brazil.

Lecture halls only have two temperatures: sauna or arctic tundra. This incredibly soft cropped hoodie makes it easy to layer, so the thermostat drama isn’t an issue.

Your college kid is washing off their makeup every night…right? For a little more incentive, this cute and cheap headband makes it easier to get stray hairs out of the way—whether they’re doing a late-night skin-care routine or just splashing some water to wake up for an 8 a.m. class. “This helps make it feel like face washing is less of a chore,” says Ali.

A Bluetooth speaker is the perfect gift for the student who’s always got a playlist on deck, especially when it’s water-resistant and packs a surprisingly strong bass punch. Even better? With a 66-foot range and 24-hour playtime, they can DJ anywhere without worrying about recharging. Plus, its compact size means it won’t hog valuable desk space.