Best Gifts for College Students
Do you have a college student on your holiday shopping list this year? If so, we’ve got you covered. Here are several gift ideas to get you started. Make sure to check out our complete list of Gift Guides to help with everyone on your list!
PS – I asked my sister (a 21-year-old college student) for help with this list. She had a few words of wisdom: “Gift cards are great – we just need money! If you know places that a college student normally likes but hasn’t been able to shop at, giving them a free couple bucks to spend to their liking is amazing. We have little to no money to spend on ourselves these days (well, at least I don’t). Gone are the days of buying useless items.”
She really stressed that non-essential “treat” items make great gifts – scarves, snacks, boot socks, gym memberships, fancy pens, etc.
Anyway, on to the list!
1001 Things Every College Student Needs to Know: (Like Buying Your Books Before Exams Start): ~ $10
This book sums up the best tips for college students, whether they’re in their first year or their fourth. Reviewers say that what sets this book apart is it helps college students actually graduate from college, not just get there.
Fiskars Gel Pens, 48-Piece Value Set: ~ $10
Your college student can jazz up his/her note taking with this mondo set.
17.3-Inch Eco-Friendly Canvas Messenger Bag (Green): ~ $31
I loved my messenger bag in college and actually still carry it around on occasion. This one fits 17.3-inch laptops and has a dedicated padded computer compartment as well as a swiveling shoulder strap. Choose from green, black or navy.
Pinzon Basics Overfilled Ultra Soft Microplush Twin XL Mattress Pad: ~ $30
Lemme tell ya – those dorm room mattresses are not the most comfortable things in the world. This microplush mattress pad fits standard dorm room size mattresses.
First Aid Kit (299 pc.): ~ $12
This 299-piece first aid kit comes stocked with a comprehensive set of emergency supplies. It comes in a softpack with zippers, making it easy to stash while still being accessible.
Shower Caddy & Tote Bag: ~ $10
In case they don’t already have one…these babies are a Godsend (and yes, other colors besides purple are available).
Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Easy Clean Lid: ~ $16
Keep that coffee hot with the #1 best seller in travel mugs on Amazon. Choose from 9 colors in two different sizes. The lid-lock prevents the autoseal button from accidentally being pushed.
InterDesign Axis 18 Loop Scarf Holder: ~ $10
Got a college student who wears a lot of scarves or ties? Keep them organized with this 18-loop holder. It has a snag-free, continuous loop design and needs no installation – just store and hang.
Black & Decker Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker with Travel Mug: ~ $15
With this personal coffeemaker, your college student can brew coffee directly into the 15-oz. travel mug and still make it to class on time.
Amazon Student subscription: ~ free for 6 months, then 50% off Prime
Why not give a college student an Amazon Student subscription for a year? It’s free for the first six months, then 50% off Prime (currently $99/year, so $49/year for Student). Perks include free 2-day shipping, unlimited instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV episodes, the ability to borrow free Kindle eBooks, and more.
Kensington MicroSaver Notebook Lock and Security Cable (PC/Mac): ~ $25
Your student can keep his/her laptop secure with this highly rated device lock (it can lock laptops, monitors and any device with a Kensington security slot).
SABRE RED Pepper Spray: ~ $6 (add-on item)
Peace of mind. ‘Nuff said.
Zebra Stripes Animal Print Paper Lanterns (3 ct.): ~ $7
Paper lanterns are a fun and inexpensive way to dress up a dorm room or apartment. If these aren’t your style, there are about a bazillion others to choose from.
The I Love Trader Joe’s College Cookbook: 150 Cheap and Easy Gourmet Recipes (Paperback): ~ $14
The reviews for this book all talk about how easy and delicious the recipes are (and many are not even written by college students!). The proof is in the pudding, ya’ll.
Estone Decorative Washi Rainbow Sticky Paper Masking Adhesive Tape: ~ $6
Hang up pictures and posters with this fun colored tape to avoid taking paint off the wall (a huge no-no for dorm rooms and rentals).
This Is Your Life Motivational Quote Poster: ~ $10
What college student doesn’t like posters? If this one isn’t your style, there are p-l-e-n-t-y more available on Amazon.
If college students say they don’t want gift cards, they’re lying – of course they want to choose their own gift, amirite? Luckily, Amazon has a huge selection of gift cards available to purchase, and many are available to be delivered via email (aka free shipping!).
Case-it Executive Padfolio with Letter Size Writing Pad: ~ $16
Got a college student who’s going to be looking for a job soon? This impressive-looking padfolio includes business card and ID slots, pen and pencil holders, and a letter size writing pad.
Check out more Gift Ideas for College Students, and more Gift Ideas for everyone on your list.
Note: prices and availability can change on Amazon at any time, without warning.