56 Best Gifts For College Students When They're Not Just Pulling All-Nighters
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Looking for some of the best gifts for college students? Consider getting them a few useful gifts for their college pad or dorm room! If you have a new student headed off in the fall, you know that the list of things to buy for college can be endless: organization hacks for dorm rooms, decor for apartments, school supplies, and all the high tech electronics.
Thankfully for us, we’ve found some cool gifts on Amazon and online retailers that not only make good gifts ideas for new students, but are exactly what these hard-to-shop-for college girls and guys alike need when away on their own at university.
Best Gift Ideas for College Students
Image: Amazon
Underwear Drawer Organizer
Lifewit
With small spaces common in college dorm rooms, organization hacks are absolutely essential. This drawer organizer allows you to conveniently store undergarments, socks, intimates, and more, while optimizing space in your drawers. This 4-pack comes in a variety of sizes so you can completely customize your storage options.
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Reading Pillow Bed Wedge
Comfortspa
Whether you’re studying in your room or in your dorm, this reading pillow helps support your neck, shoulders, and back while sitting. Super soft and filled with cozy stuffing, this oversized pillow is the perfect lounging accessory for your couch, your bed, or anywhere in your living space.
21 Day Habit Tracker + Weekly Planner (Digital Download)
Swift Wellness
Created by us at Swift Wellness, this uniquely customizable 100-page habit tracker and planner was made with you especially in mind. No matter what habit(s) you want to focus on for the next 21 days, you can tailor each page to suit your individual needs.
You’ll find monthly and daily pages (with plenty of room to write!) as well as daily journal pages to reflect on the day, express gratitude, discuss challenges, draw, set intentions for the next day, or simply brain dump. The perfect gift for a stressed out college student!
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Lighted Makeup Mirror
Weily
Make any table or corner into a customizable get-ready area. This lighted mirror folds down when not in use and provides enough lighting to easily apply makeup and skincare anywhere.
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Travel Backpack with USB Charging Port
Himawari
Long days on campus means that you are going to need a charger. If you don’t have access to an electrical outlet between classes, this backpack is a life changer. Easily charge your phone or laptop on the go while looking stylish at the same time.
Image: Amazon
USB Wall Charger
Amazon
No matter if you have one roommate or multiple, it’s guaranteed that everyone will have more than one electronic that needs charging. This space saving electrical outlet plug-in allows you to make the most out of each socket by increasing the chargeable space, including convenient USB ports for laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Say goodbye to those old power strips!
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Straw Lid Water Bottle
Hydro Flask
The quintessential water bottle, this Hydro Flask wide mouth version has a straw lid that is leakproof and made of stainless steel to be durable and dishwasher safe. Plus it comes in 24-40oz sizes.
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Desk Riser
Simple Houseware
With much of the furniture coming standard in dorm rooms, adding a desk riser can be a simple way to give your desk additional height and storage space, even in the smallest of dorm rooms.
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Wooden Bedside Shelf
Bedshelfie
Why get out of bed if you don't have to? This "shelfie" attaches to the side of your bed, making it a convenient spot to lay your cell phone, dishes, or textbooks without having to get out of bed or waste space with a bedside table.
Image: Amazon
Flexible Long Arm Phone Mount
Amazon
No matter where you place it, this flexible mount allows you to clip your phone and adjust to any angle that you need. Ideal for watching movies, taking photos, or just video chatting with friends or family, this phone mount gives you the hands-free control that you need.
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The 5-Ingredient College Cookbook
Pamela Ellgen
First apartment of their own? Why not give them an easy-to-follow cookbook that combines simple ingredients with fun recipes to make cooking at home fun (and save money on takeout).
Image: Urban Outfitters
Cool Toast Bread Night Lamp
QANYI
Who said that night lights are just for kids? Not this toast, that's for sure!
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Sticky Notes Bundle
Hommie
A sticky note for every occasion, this bundle gives you all the color coded choices that you need for class.
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Marble Laptop Sleeve
MOSISO
Walking to and from class with a laptop in your backpack can cause damage to it or put you at risk for spills! Protect your laptop with a fashionable and fun accessory that not only looks good, but keeps your electronics safe.
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Daily & Monthly Calendar Agenda
Lamare
Organization is the name of the game when it comes to staying on top of school, work, and your social calendar. This convenient planner lets you keep everything in one place and never miss a deadline or event again!
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Glass Weekly Dry Erase Calendar Whiteboard
Yeoux
If your college student is someone who likes to have an organized study space, this glass whiteboard can be mounted on a wall above a desk or near a table to make convenient notes and reminders that you can see whenever you walk by!
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LED Moon Night Light
Logrotate
We first saw this moon lamp on TikTok, but we have to say we’re hooked on a unique piece of decor for your bedroom or your living room. Not only that, but it comes with a convenient remote so that you can control the lighting from anywhere in the room!
Image: Amazon
Bedroom Air Purifier
Levoit
Whether it’s from smelly laundry or seasonal allergies, this air purifier will clean your space to remove odors and increase the air quality in your home. Even better, it’s extra quiet so you can run it all night long without being disturbed.
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Collapsible Travel Mug
Stojo
Early morning classes call for a lot of caffeine. Quickly fill up this silicone travel mug with coffee (or your favorite beverage alternative!) and head out the door in the morning. When you’re done, simply collapse it down into a convenient travel size that saves space in your backpack!
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Slim Storage Rolling Cart
Lifewit
College dorm rooms and apartments are known for being notoriously small. For that reason, it’s more important than ever to make the best use of space possible! This ultra-slim cart can fit into those weird places that are often just wasted space. Try using it in your bathroom for toiletries, in your office space for desk accessories and supplies, or next to your washing machine for a convenient spot to hold detergents.
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K-Mini Coffee Maker
Keurig
Did we mention that space is limited? This single-serve coffee maker allows your college student to remain caffeinated and also save money on coffee from wasting half full pots. Worried about sustainability? We are too — which is why we are happy to see that Keurig has recently started making reusable K-cups that help to prevent unnecessary plastic waste.
Image: Nordstrom
CozyChic™ Throw Blanket
Barefoot Dreams
Sometimes the best gifts for students are the ones that make them think of home. Make their space extra-cozy with a super soft blanket. Cue Netflix movie marathons.
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5-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
Lifewit
You can never get enough storage options! This hanging closet organizer uses vertical space for folded clothes when you don’t have room for a bulky dresser, giving you more room in your closet!
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Clip 3
JBL
This small and portable bluetooth speaker provides great quality audio in such a small package. Not only that, but the carabiner is integrated into the speaker itself, allowing you to attach it to a bag or backpack to take it anywhere with you. And don’t worry about damaging it — it is waterproof and dust proof, too!
Image: Merch By Demand
Coffee Naps & Self-Care Sweatshirt
Swift Wellness
We don’t know about you—but we lived in our comfy sweatshirts and leggings in college. This sweatshirt says all of the things that we need every day, and it is so soft that you’ll be wearing it on repeat.
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Smart LED Strip Lights
VONT
These LED strip lights are the perfect way to customize your room with 16 million colors that can even be synced to music. Even better, the strips can connect to Alexa or your Google Assistant for voice control commands. With a peel-and-stick application, you don’t have to worry about drilling holes or damaged walls when it comes time to move out.
Image: Nordstrom
Waterproof Chelsea Rain Boot
Hunter
No matter what — it’s going to rain on your way to class at some point. Gone are the days of bright yellow, knee high rain boots. These stylish waterproof boots are the perfect solution to soggy pants and squishy shoes from the occasional downpour. Not only do they create a stylish rainy day outfit, but if you live in an area that gets snow in the winter, with a cozy pair of socks, these can double as winter boots, too!
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Large Capacity Clothes Storage Bag
Lifewit
Whether you’re storing clothes for the winter or preparing to move, these massive clothing bags provide what feels like endless amounts of storage to keep all of your belongings safe and stored until you’re ready to use them again.
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Luxury Down Alternative Pillow Set
Fern & Willow
It’s time to toss that old sad pillow! These fluffy pillows have a down alternative that adjusts to your level of fill, regardless of how you sleep at night. Even better, these pillows are machine washable, allowing you to clean and freshen them whenever you need!
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Bamboo Cooling Sheets
Bedsure
With studying, classes, and social events, time is limited enough as it is to not be getting enough good quality sleep. These sheets are an affordable option that comes in a nearly limitless variety of sizes and colors to fit any bed that your college student has.
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Studio 3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Beats
Beats continues to be a leader when it comes to high-performing wireless headphones. If you have a student that wants premium sound with 22 hours of battery life and an all-day comfort fit, these over the ear headphones can’t be beat. Not only that, but these headphones feature the Apple W1 headphone chip, allowing them to seamlessly pair with Apple devices and Siri.
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Portable Shower Caddy Tote
One drawback of dorm life is the pesky shower rooms. Carry all of your toiletries and bathroom products with you in this cute carrying tote.
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Rapid Ramen Cooker
Shop With Green
Save your student a trip down to the cafeteria. This convenient ramen cooker makes it easy to make your favorite soup quickly in the microwave without having to worry about spilling boiling water. An added bonus? There’s a phone holder to read or watch your favorite show while you eat!
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Mattress Protector
SafeRest
In a dorm, your bed is not just where you sleep, but where you do homework, watch TV, and even eat. This mattress protector is waterproof, helping to save your mattress from unwanted spills, but also protects against allergies and dust mites! And, unlike traditional mattress protectors, it won’t change the feel of your mattress. Made of a hypoallergenic cotton material, this protector is breathable and completely machine-washable. We consider this a must-have on any list of dorm room essentials!
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Messy Eater Stain Treater
Hate Stains Co.
Stains are an inevitable part of life, but there’s no worse time to get a stain on your clothing than right before a date or big event. These small bottles of stain treater are a non-toxic way to remove stains quickly and easily without damaging clothes or using chemicals.
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Luxury Goose Down Alternative Comforter
Beckham Hotel Collection
We love a good set of bedding, can’t you tell? Pair this comforter with the sheets or pillows on this list for an off-to-college practical gift care package!
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Magic Space Saving Hangers
HeyHouse
If you need to increase your hanging space in your closet, these clothing hooks are the ultimate space savers. They take advantage of a single hanger to neatly arrange similar clothes together and allow you to fit more clothes into a tiny space.
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Non-Slip Velvet Hangers
zober
Traditional wire hangers can damage and stretch clothes. These thin velvet hangers not only save space, but they keep clothes hanging neatly without having to worry about them sliding off and onto the floor!
Image: Nordstrom
Cropped College Hoodie
League Collegiate Wear
Ask any college student what their favorite piece of clothing is and you’ll likely hear a comfortable hoodie! League Collegiate Wear is a brand that has taken college sweats up a notch and made fashionable and fun clothes, tailor made to any student’s school of choice. A customized idea if you are shopping for gifts for college girls on your list.
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Light Therapy Lamp
Circadian Optics
As the weather cools down, the days get shorter. For some, the change of seasons also comes with one more unwanted change: seasonal depression. These light therapy lamps can be placed on a desk to give daily UV light that mimics the rays of the sun and helps to fight SAD. While there are a variety of sizes, we love this style since it folds up when not in use to save space on your desk or in your room.
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4 in 1 Touch LED Lamp
EZVALO
This bedside lamp does it all. One part wireless charger and phone holder, one part bluetooth speaker! Not only that, but it has a touch-sensitive lamp with four brightness levels to avoid having to turn on overhead lights if you’re sharing a room!
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Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer
Lifewit
Another portable space-saving storage option, this organizer helps to store shoes when they are not in use. With a clear plastic top, you can easily see into each container to quickly grab any pair of shoes that you need. When not in use, the shoe organizers collapse down into foldable fabric that is easy to store.
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Stick On Bedside Wall Shelf
EHKIT
If your college student is headed off to school in a dorm room, this bedside wall shelf makes use of the empty wall space in that top bunk, giving a much-needed place to put your phone and other necessities when you are sleeping.
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LED Fairy Lights
Brightown
Fairy string lights are long, delicate strands of bulbs on flexible silver wire. They’re a safe and energy-saving way to add decoration and a cozy aesthetic to your bedroom, dorm room, or apartment.
Image: Amazon
Weighted Blanket
Quility
Weighted blankets have been shown to help calm those with anxiety, ADHD, and even autism, by wrapping the wearer in a gentle pressure. For a stressed-out student, this blanket can be a relaxing way to decompress at the end of a long day and get a restful and restorative night of sleep.
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Cube Wire Grid Storage Shelves
Amazon Basics
These cubes are lightweight wire shelves that can be put just about anywhere that you need additional space. You can use them in the kitchen for added pantry shelves, a bathroom for towel and toiletry storage, or in your closet as a convenient way to store clothing and shoes.
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Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker
Tile
Frequently lose your wallet, keys, or purse? These bluetooth trackers will help you find your stuff quickly from your phone, no matter where you left it in the apartment. If you can’t find your phone, you can press the button on the tracker itself to page your device, even if it is on silent. You have no reason to be late to class ever again!
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Apple iPad (10.2-inch)
Apple
Apple’s tablets just keep getting better and better. With a 10.2 inch Retina display and up to 10 hours of battery life, this tablet becomes a laptop, notepad, drawing book, and TV all in one.
Image: Madewell
Zip-Top Transport Tote
Madewell
Not a fan of traditional backpacks? This leather Madewell tote is a classic bag (and wardrobe staple!) that has more than enough room to fit your laptop, tablet, and books, while still looking chic and classic for everyday use.
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Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector
Nebula
We can’t believe that this ultra-bright projector with a 360 degree speaker is only slightly bigger than a soda can! Not only is it portable to take just about anywhere, you can cast your favorite movie or television show onto a nearby wall or screen up to 100 inches!
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Percussion Massage Gun
Vybe
If you have an active student on your gift list, this cordless massager provides targeted pressure to relieve aches and pains, whether caused from sports or simply sitting in classes all day. Use three different massage tips to customize the pressure to your body and break up knots and muscle tension. You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy a bit of muscle recovery.
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Himalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan Glow
This salt lamp is made from Natural Himalayan salt crystals and provides a warm, aesthetic glow to help create a soothing and relaxing environment for your college student to unwind in.
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Slim High-Speed Portable Charger
INIU
Called the slimmest power bank on the market, this rapid charger can charge an iPhone up to 78% in as little as one hour. Not only that, but this portable charger has a USB-C In & Out port to fit all devices.
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Hatch Restore
Hatch
This bedside machine does it all. It has a sunrise alarm clock that mimics a natural sunrise to allow you to wake up easier and more gently to support healthy cortisol levels. It can act as a reading light with a soft-glow or you can program a mood with soothing sounds, white noise, or calming light to get a better night’s sleep. It even allows you to customize a night routine to get better rest all via app or touch.
Bonus: It comes with a free trial of Hatch Sleep Membership, which is a subscription app that gives you unlimited access to a library of meditations, soundscapes, stories and more.
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The Original Microwave Popcorn Popper
Hotpop
This silicone popcorn maker makes traditional microwave popcorn a thing of the past. With a collapsible silicone bowl, not only does it save space, but it lets you make tasty popcorn faster than ever. Simply add popcorn kernels, oil, salt, and your favorite flavorings to the bowl and that’s it! Our favorite part? The popcorn maker can double as a bowl, meaning one less thing to clean up!
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Home Office Lap Desk
LapGear
This 21” lap desk comes in a variety of colors and is big enough to support 15.6” laptops, with plenty of space left over for your devices. A device ledge holds your phone without slipping and a built-in mousepad makes it easy to use a wireless mouse. (It also comes in right- or left-handed options!) A micro bead cushion makes it soft and comfortable and is breathable enough to not require a laptop cooling pad.
