15 Awesome Gifts For College Students

College students need love, too! It’s all too often that people find themselves wondering what a good gift would be for their special someone. Whether you’re buying for your child, significant other, relative or friend, we’ve put together this list of gifts for college students.

Not to toot our own horns or anything, but we believe it to be a list of the best gifts for college students! Let’s dive right into the good stuff.

Best Gifts for College Students

1. Portable charger

The life of a college student is naturally always on-the-go. Whether the student is attending a traditional campus or studying at an online university, it’s very possible that their phone will run out of juice before the day is over. Given that their phone is their sole line of communication, and often so much more, it’s always handy to have a portable charger ready to re-up their phone’s life. There’s a variety of portable chargers on the market that can suit any budget, so it’s always a good idea to research options based on price.

2. Backpack

Naturally, a student needs a backpack to lug their books, laptop, and other belongings around campus. Even online learners use backpacks or laptop bags to be able to go study wherever they wish to be. While a backpack tends to be a personal preference in terms of style, it’s a solid gift that will definitely be of use to any student.

3. Coffee Maker

The life of a student can be draining. A little caffeine charge is one way to get through the demanding schedule. There are all types of coffee makers, from single-serve coffee makers like this Keurig to fancy, top-notch machines like a Nespresso. 

4. Firestick or Chromecast

In this day and age, it’s no longer necessary to have a cable bill. Instead, many people are turning to streaming services and Smart TVs to provide them with their entertainment. An Amazon Firestick or Google Chromecast is a great addition to any TV, allowing for easy streaming.

5. Planner

Organization is key to success. With the gift of a planner, you can help the student in your life better manage their time. This integral aspect of college life can literally make or break a student’s overall health. With a planner, they can schedule their school, work, and social life accordingly.

6. Bedside Caddy

Whether said student lives on campus in a dorm or has their own residence, a bedside caddy is a neat way to organize the room. Bedside caddies can hold things like books, phones, tablets, remotes, and the like for easy accessibility.

7. Instant Pot

It’s not always easy to cook in dorms. But, to avoid the freshman 15, a healthy, home-cooked meal could be much appreciated. This is made possible with an Instant Pot, which can replace multiple cooking tools like a steamer, warmer, pressure cooker, and slow cooker.

8. Reusable Water Bottle

Every year, more than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean. Plastic water bottles make up a huge portion of this waste. That’s why every person who switches to using a reusable water bottle can make a positive difference. Plus, a reusable water bottle is perfect for college students because most colleges have implemented refillable and purified water stations around their campuses. Some great reusable water bottles that keep drinks cold for hours are S’well and Hydroflask. 

9. Bluetooth Speaker

Music makes everything better. So, what’s better than being able to take your music wherever you go? A portable bluetooth speaker can bring sound to a dorm, the beach, a party or any outdoor activity. Like a portable charger, portable bluetooth speakers are available at virtually any price point, so you’ll be able to give the gift of sound without breaking the bank.

10. Smart Notebook

Smart notebooks combine technology to make it easy to write notes by hand, scan them digitally, and organize and store them for easy review. While another great technological tool for students’ note-taking abilities is having a tablet like an iPad, some students prefer to physically write notes for better memory recall. Furthermore, at a roughly $40 price point, this option is a great addition to a student’s repertoire.

11. College Merchandise

Colleges aren’t always easy to get into, so once a student is admitted, it’s likely to be a source of pride! That’s why purchasing some college merchandise is a nice touch. Whether it’s to wear around study halls or out to sports games, students can be seen all around representing their schools.

12. Wireless Earbuds

Wireless earbuds are all the rage, especially Apple’s Airpods. With a wireless charging case and easy Bluetooth pairing, wireless earbuds like the Airpods remove the hassle of tangled earphone chords. They make for a neat, easy, compact, and stylish way to listen to music or make phone calls on the move.

13. Homesick Candles

If you’re buying a gift for a student who is going to leave home for the first time or study far away, then there’s a scent for that! Homesick makes natural, soy wax blend candles that bring the scent of cities to any room. These candles do more than light up a room; they light up memories of home. In this way, they can be just the addition of warmth a student longs for when studying away from home.

14. Gift Card

There’s always that highly selective someone who is never satisfied with the gift you give. For these students, a gift card can still be the perfect gift. Even if it doesn’t feel so personal, you can create a personal feel by attaching it to a nice, hand-written card. Another idea is to put a photo of you and the gift receiver in a frame, with the gift card taped as an additional present.

15. Suitcase

An especially useful gift for a student who is taking a gap year or studying abroad is a fashionable and functional suitcase. Or, if said student is leaving home to study, then a suitcase will be needed for trips home. Away makes sturdy and beautifully designed suitcases that are a lovely gift for any student/traveler.