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When you're shopping for a college student, there are a few different product categories to consider. College students want a gift that's functional yet cool, fits in their dorm room or apartment, and makes their lives easier. The best gifts for college students satisfy all this and more.
We've rounded up a list of the best gifts for college students to help you out this year. During the holiday season, we're seeing our readers gravitate towards one gift in particular in this guide. The collegiate pouches from Uncommon Goods are most popular right now, allowing the college student in your life to show their school spirit and stay organized for their classes.
This list includes a Sponsored Product that has been suggested by Bombas. It also meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods Collegiate Pouches
If they're all about school spirit, go for a gift that celebrates all of the little things that make their college a special place. These pouches do just that. Each pouch features a woven design that was handdrawn with input from each school's community (alumni, fans, faculty, etc.) to make sure it accurately encompasses the essence of that place. It's a super cute way to store cash, toiletries, or any other trinkets with a touch of campus pride.
Amazon
K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker
College likely involves a lot of caffeine, and they're not always going to be able to trek to the dining hall or local coffee shop in the late, late hours of finals prep. Help them out with this mini Keurig, which is tiny enough to fit into even the smallest dorm room kitchens.
Bombas
Bombas Women's Holiday Calf Sock (4-pack)
Walking around campus can take a toll on one's feet, and a set of good socks is key. This pair from Bombas provides sweet relief to tired feet. We've reviewed tons of different styles of Bombas socks and the brand consistently delivers with thoughtful design and durability.
*Sponsored by Bombas
Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Uber Eats Gift Card
No matter how good their dining halls are, chances are they're sick and tired of being on a meal plan. An Uber Eats gift card will let them indulge on something new and exciting to eat every once and a while. If they go to school in a more remote area where Uber Eats isn't accessible, go for a gift card from a local restaurant instead.
Lisa Eadicicco/Insider
Apple AirPods Max
Long days in the library call for a pair of great headphones to stay in the zone. The Apple Airpods Max have noise cancelling technology to drown out the background noise, a cushiony design for comfort, and come in a variety of fun colors.
Slip
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask
For the nights when their roommate needs to stay up late studying, this silk eye mask will help them get some quality rest.
Rhode Skin
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
College kids are always up to date on the latest trends. Any beauty-obsessed student is sure to have heard the hype about Rhode's replenishing lip treatment that works like a balm but looks like a gloss.
Cuts Clothing
Cuts is the perfect brand for college students who value both style and comfort. With their high-quality clothing, Cuts offers a range of essentials that are versatile and easy to wear. Whether you're rushing to class or hanging out with friends, their pieces are designed to keep up with your busy college lifestyle. From their signature T-shirts to their cozy sweatshirts, Cuts combines modern aesthetics with premium fabrics for a perfect blend of style and comfort. Upgrade your wardrobe with Cuts and experience clothing that is tailored to your needs as a college student.
Amazon
ALLOBUB Cactus Toilet Plunger and Brush
This Cactus Toilet Plunger and Brush Set is a fun and practical gift for college students. This set features a cute cactus design that adds a touch of whimsy to bathroom cleaning. The cactus design not only brings a playful element but also serves as a functional handle for easy grip and use. It's a great gift idea to make cleaning more enjoyable and stylish for college students as they maintain their own living spaces.
Casetify
CASETiFY Self-Love By Mirrors Reflect You Phone Case
The mental health-focused phone case by CASETiFY is a gift that goes beyond just being a phone accessory. It serves as a symbol of support, encouragement, and advocacy for mental health. By using this phone case, college students can carry a reminder of the importance of prioritizing their mental well-being and promoting self-love. It also acts as a conversation starter, allowing them to engage in meaningful discussions about mental health with others.
James Brains/Insider
Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven with ClearCook
Air fryers are all the buzz for how they can turn just about anything into a warm, crispy delight. Plus, they save a ton of time, which every college student can appreciate. Instant makes some of the best on the market today, the Vortex Plus snagging the top pick in our guide to the best air fryers.
Apple
iPad Mini 6th Generation
If you visit a college campus today, you'll probably see iPads all over the place — and for good reason. These slim rectangular boxes make notetaking, reading, Netflix, and leisure drawing easy to do all in one place. The iPad Mini (2021) is our favorite small iPad, making it perfect for stashing away on their commute to class.
If they already have an iPad, you can think about getting them an Apple Pencil ($129), which will level up their gadget even more.
Away/Facebook
Away The Carry-On
Away's popular suitcase deserves the hype. Its hard shell is lightweight but durable, its 360-degree spinner wheels make for seamless traveling, and its external (and ejectable and TSA-compliant) battery pack included can charge a smartphone five times over. Find our full review here.
We also recommend Calpak for other luggage options.
Bed Bath & Beyond
HoMedics TotalClean 4-in-1 Air Purifier
For college students living in a traditional dorm room, a breath of fresh air is more than welcome. This air purifier creates cleaner air no matter how small the space is, clearing pollen, dust, smoke, pet dander, mold spores, and germs for easy breathing. Bonus points: It has an auto shut-off timer, a built-in night light, and a three-year manufacturer's warranty for optimal satisfaction.
Suzy Hernandez/Insider
Hatch Restore
Using your phone as an alarm clock makes it a lot more tempting to start scrolling on your phone first thing in the morning, which isn't the healthiest habit. A sunrise alarm clock can help your student have a much better start to their day than immediately checking emails or scrolling on Instagram. The Hatch Restore is a great sunrise alarm option with a ton of special features.
Walmart
Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera
The Kodak Ektar camera is a great gift for college students who have an interest in photography or want to explore film photography. The Ektar camera is known for its exceptional image quality and vibrant colors. It provides a manual shooting experience, allowing students to learn and experiment with different settings and techniques.
Amazon
VINSGUIR Pickleball Set
Pickleball is easy to play and a great way to get some exercise while enjoying downtime after classes. This set includes two paddles, four balls, and a carrying case, so they can play with friends or practice their swing on their own.
Everlane
Everlane The ReNew Fleece Oversized Half-Zip
If they are usually rolling out of bed right into their morning classes, a cozy fleece is exactly what they'll want to wear while doing it. With an oversized silhouette, this one will envelope them in warm, plush comfort.
Crystal Cox/Insider
Luzdiosa Candle Warming Lamp
If they're worried about setting off the dorm fire alarm, get them this chic lamp instead. It slowly melts candle wax to activate the scent — and all without needing to light the candle itself.
Birthdate Co.
Birthdate Co. Birthdate Pendant
A perfect birthday gift for any astrology lover, this custom necklace includes four gemstones and crystals (chosen for their birth date) embedded in a gold or silver pendant, along with their birthdate, zodiac sign, and initials engraved on the back.
Coop Home Goods
Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
Make sure they're optimizing their sleep with the best pillow. 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.
SucculentBarShop/Etsy
Succulent Bar Shop Hang in There Care Package
This sweet care package includes a wooden card with a cute message, a succulent with a planting kit, and a pot, all to remind the college student in your life that you're thinking of them. You can make the gift even more special with optional add-ons, from face masks and bath bombs to candy and notepads.
Crystal Cox/Insider
BestSelf Self Journal
For any college student with a big goal in mind (even if that goal is just being more organized), this sleek planner will help them get far. It lasts for 13 weeks, making their goal feel more approachable while also helping them set a new journaling habit.
wine glass
Sophistplate Modern Stemmed Wine Glass
For the 21 and up college students who want to make their space feel a little more adult, these reusable plastic wine glasses from Sophistiplate are a great place to start. They're BPA-free, top-rack dishwasher-safe, and sure to make whatever they're sipping feel a little more sophisticated. And they don't have to worry about breaking fancy glasses.
The Sill
The Sill Succulent Assortment with Planters
If they're looking to spruce up their dorm room, this trio of potted succulents will make a wonderful gift. Not only will the plants bring life to the often drab dorm setup, but they're easy to care for and virtually impossible to kill.
