The Best Gifts for College Students
The transition from high school to college can be a major one, as most students move out of their homes and start their lives in a new place with strangers. Homesickness and anxiety are some of the most common challenges that a lot of students face. During this time, it is important to let them know that you are there for them and are thinking about them. Whether you are immediate family, a relative, or a friend, sending them a thoughtful gift for college students is a great way to show your care and concern. These gifts can range from gadgets that are useful for living independently or something small like a planner.
There are quite a lot of ideas that you will find online, but it can get confusing to select from them. Our list of the most popular gifts for college students of 2024 will help you in making this decision.
There are quite a lot of ideas that you will find online, but it can get confusing to select from them. Our list of the most popular gifts for college students of 2024 will help you in making this decision.
Buying Guide: Gifts for College Students
Buying a gift for college students can be pretty challenging because you want to find one that is both useful and compact enough to fit in small spaces. This brief guide is designed to provide you with unique ideas for finding the perfect gift for college students.
Things To Consider When Purchasing Gifts for College Students
Some people say that college is the most memorable time of a person’s life due to the things they get to do and the people they get to meet. Even though this is true, it should also be kept in mind that students can be overwhelmed by the transition to college. Having to juggle assignments, internships, projects, and extracurriculars, along with maintaining a social life, can be quite stressful. A thoughtful gift can be very helpful, even if it is something small and inexpensive. We believe that a gift for college students should have the following characteristics.
Practicality
It is important that you think of something that the student you are purchasing the gift for does not own, but will benefit greatly from. Most students find it difficult to manage their finances, especially if they are just starting out. For this reason, think of an item that will actually be useful to them. Look for gifts for college students like journals, notebooks, and pens, and if you are feeling generous, maybe an iPad. In today’s day and age where everything is digital, it is important that a college student owns the right gadgets, like an iPad or a laptop.
Compact
Most college students reside in dorms, while some live in apartments. This means that they do not have a lot of space available, so giving them something that will clutter their dorm and make it messy is not ideal. Look for items that are collapsible or foldable so that they can be stored easily. For example, if you are thinking of purchasing an appliance like a coffee maker or microwave, make sure it is small enough to fit in compact spaces. Do not hesitate to communicate with the student beforehand to make sure they have space for the present you plan to give to them.
Aesthetically pleasing
An aesthetically pleasing environment is necessary in order to maintain a student’s mental health and well-being. Their dorm or room is going to be their personal space, and it is important that they are satisfied with the way their room looks so that they can unwind after long and stressful days. If you are thinking of giving them a piece of furniture like a bean bag, an ottoman, or a desk, make sure that it matches the overall aesthetic of the dorm. Anything that looks out of place will destroy the environment of the entire room. Again, communication with the student beforehand or having an idea of how their dorm looks will be important here.
Thoughtful
One of the most common feelings that college students feel is homesickness. Even if a student is not showing it, there is a high chance that they are feeling lost and miss home, so it is essential to let them know that you are thinking about them with a gift for college students. It may be a good idea to send a message along with the present. Also, make sure you are checking on them from time to time to make sure they are doing okay.
Presentation
Last but not least, the presentation of a gift for college students is also something you should focus on, even though it may seem unimportant. If you are purchasing the gift physically, make sure you wrap it up properly. For a more personal touch, you can add a short, handwritten note.
Bliss Collections Monthly Planner
Best Overall
Get ready to indulge in unparalleled organization with the Bliss Collections Monthly Planner! Crafted to perfection, this planner is one of the best gifts for college students because it is intentionally designed to help you achieve your goals. Simultaneously, it also assists people who want to maintain a balanced life amid their busy day-to-day schedules.
With its elegant layout, this monthly planner features spacious spreads with ample room for everything you need to jot down. From important dates and appointments to reminders and more, each page is printed on high-quality paper. That way, you can trust that your writing experiences will be as smooth as possible no matter if you’re writing with a pencil or pen. Featuring a sleek and minimalist design, this gift for college students is practical and functional. This monthly planner is also eco-friendly, and together, all of these details make this gift for college students our #1 pick.
Bedsure Five-Piece Twin XL Comforter Set
Most Practical Gift
The Bedsure Five-Piece Twin XL Comforter Set is a thoughtfully curated ensemble tailored for the unique dimensions of Twin XL beds. Ideal for college dorms or other spaces where Twin XL mattresses are prevalent, this set combines comfort and style for a perfect fit. The set includes a plush comforter designed to fit the longer Twin XL mattress seamlessly, ensuring a neat and tidy appearance while providing cozy warmth for a restful night’s sleep.
Accompanying the comforter are matching pillow shams and coordinating decorative throw pillows, creating a cohesive and well-coordinated look for your bed. Crafted with attention to detail, this set not only delivers comfort but it also offers a touch of personal style to any space. Choose from a variety of designs and patterns to suit your aesthetic preferences and enhance the overall ambiance of your bedroom. This comforter set is an ideal balance between tailored design and cozy comfort, making it a great practical choice.
IRON °FLASK Insulated Water Tumbler 30 Oz
Most Useful
If you’re on the lookout for the perfect gift for a college student, the IRON °FLASK NEW Sidekick Insulated Water Tumbler might just be the ticket. This stainless steel, leak-proof tumbler not only fits nicely in cup holders but also comes with a straw and foldable handle for easy portability. Your gift recipient won’t have to worry about cleaning up spills or lugging around a heavy water bottle; the Sidekick Tumbler takes care of all that.
As the name implies, this tumbler is a real sidekick when it comes to keeping drinks at the right temperature. College students, whether they’re studying late in the library or hitting the gym, will appreciate its ability to keep their drinks hot or cold.
The non-slip base ensures the tumbler stays put, while the 30 Oz capacity means fewer refills throughout the day. Available in an enchanting Aurora shade, this travel mug doesn’t just perform well, it looks good doing it too. So, if you want to make a college student’s day, consider gifting them the IRON °FLASK NEW Sidekick Insulated Water Tumbler. It’s a practical, stylish, and thoughtful gift that they’ll definitely use and appreciate.
Frito-Lay Snacks Variety Box
Great Care Package
This Frito-Lay Snacks Variety Box will make an amazing gift for college students, especially if they like to munch on snacks while studying or in their free time. The package includes chips, crackers, cookies, and nuts, which makes it an all-in-one box. It includes 50 pieces, which means that it will last a while. Everything is wrapped individually, so each piece will stay fresh. This variety box is ideal for different occasions including parties, road trips, and stocking the kitchen.
There are several options that you can choose from, depending on which snacks you prefer the most. Some are designed for those with a sweet tooth in mind, while others are a mix of chips and other snacks. They are well-packaged which makes them ideal for sending as a gift to college students.
Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
Best for Traveling
One thing that college students need to do often is traveling. It is important that they own the right luggage and gadgets that can make traveling convenient for them. This Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack is an excellent option because it has spacious compartments that allow students to organize their essentials. There is a separate laptop compartment that can accommodate laptops that measure up to 15.6 inches.
The front compartment has several pockets that can hold essentials like keys, phone, headphones, chargers, and plane or bus tickets. The external USB and headphone ports make it easy to charge your phone or listen to music. The zippers are made using durable metal, and there is a lock which is password protected to keep your essentials safe from theft. The design of this backpack is unisex, so it makes the perfect gift for college students.
Bunny James Snack Care Package
Most Healthy
The Bunny James Snack Care Package will make a good gift for college students who love snacks but want to incorporate a healthy lifestyle. The package includes a mix of chips, nuts, fruit snacks, protein bars, cookies, and more. The savory and sweet options will cater to students with different taste buds, and they are low in calories.
The packaging is beautiful because it has been hand-crafted and ornamented with glass. For specific dietary requirements, you can choose from keto, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free packages. Each item is wrapped individually in their original packaging, which means they can be stored for prolonged periods as long as they fall within the expiration date. There is an option to package it as a gift, which makes it perfect for a gift for college students.
Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper
Most Creative
If you are looking for something that is unique and will be appreciated by your college-going child or friend, you should consider this Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper. It will make the perfect gift for college students who like to watch movies or just like to munch on popcorn in general. It has a collapsible and space-saving design, and it is made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone.
This gift for college students is microwave safe and allows you to make popcorn without any oil. The grab handles make it easy to use and take out of the microwave once the popcorn is done. Since oil and butter is not needed, cleaning this popcorn popper will be very easy. The material used in its construction is very durable and will withstand regular wear and tear. It is dishwasher safe, which makes it convenient for college students.
Adidas Men’s Shower Slide
Best for Lounging
Even though these Adidas Men’s Shower Slides are designed specifically for men, they can be a good gift for college students who are girls as well. It is essential that students have a pair of slides that are comfortable enough to wear around their dorm, and have a good grip that will prevent them from slipping during a shower or a pool party. The good thing about these slides is that they have a contoured footbed that comes with a soft cloudfoam. This ensures that your feet dry up quickly, and you can wear them for prolonged periods without tiring your feet.
The single bandage design makes them trendy, and the classic three-stripe design is an Adidas staple. There are 35 design options available, so you will definitely find the right gift for college students with these slides.
Tree of Life Turn Back Time Advanced Bundle
For Skincare Lovers
The Tree of Life Gift for College Students is an all-in-one package that offers unparalleled benefits for your skin care needs. This bundle includes four serums specifically designed to help with overall skin health. The vitamin C serum is designed to visibly brighten and reduce the look of dark spots. The tea tree serum is formulated to soothe and calm the skin, and the retinol serum helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Lastly, the hyaluronic acid serum helps to hydrate, smooth, and plump the skin. Each formula utilizes thoughtfully chosen ingredients to provide the best results.
All of Tree of Life’s products are cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested, suitable for all skin types and tones. Applying these serums is straightforward and easy. After cleansing your face, apply 3-5 drops of each serum. Don’t forget to use sunscreen daily as retinol may increase sun sensitivity.
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Charging Station for Apple
For Tech Lovers
The ESR Qi2 3 in 1 Charging Station sets a high bar for compact multi-device charging solutions, making it an essential gift for college students. This charging station powers up an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once, effortlessly managing multiple devices. With its certified Apple Watch charger and Qi2 15W MagSafe charger stand, it accelerates the charging process, ensuring that your devices are ready to go when you are. The inclusion of a travel bag adds convenience, making it easy to carry and organize your charging needs on the go.
What distinguishes the ESR Qi2 from other charging stations is its seamless integration with Apple devices. It fits snugly into any dorm room or study space without cluttering the area, addressing the limited space issues common in college settings. The charging station adapts to the user’s busy lifestyle, keeping their tech fully charged during late-night study sessions or on-the-go days. As you hunt for the best gifts for college students, the ESR Qi2 3 in 1 Charging Station stands out for its practicality and efficiency, offering a sleek solution to stay charged and connected.
People Also Asked
A: Yes, gift cards can be very beneficial for college students, because a lot of them can be struggling financially. A gift card to their favorite store or restaurant can help cheer them up.
A: Even though everyone has their own unique problems, common issues include social anxiety, family pressure and expectations, financial problems, feeling homesick, and lack of motivation.
A: In today’s digital day and age, it has become essential for every college student to own a gadget like a laptop, tablet or an iPad.