40 Best Gifts for College Students That Are Fun and Practical
Useful gifts to make the transition a little bit easier.
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Do you need the perfect for gift for the college students in your life? Whether they're freshmen or seasoned sophomores or juniors (we also can't forget about seniors who just graduated), a thoughtful present is an easy way to show your support for their four-year journey. That's why we're sharing our roundup of gifts for college students that will make their school-life experience the best one yet.
We've included useful presents for girls and boys, along with tech gifts that will entertain any gadget-lover. We have practical buys that are even ideal college graduation gifts, and some gift ideas under $20 for everyone on your shopping list. And if they're obsessed with social media, there are some cool TikTok-worthy options and creative care packages that can be delivered right to their campus. Items range from cozy oversized hoodies and long-lasting portable chargers to personalized planners and plant message pops (for those with a green thumb looking to deck out their plant babies). When it comes to college students, determine what they might want and, more importantly, really need to set themselves up for success. Luckily, with this list, we've got you covered. And as a bonus, feel free to browse our assortment of high-school graduation gifts if you're in the market for one too. There's a lot more than just gift cards.
While this cooler is ideal for storing food, drinks and snacks, it's also the perfect place for serums, moisturizers and other beauty essentials that would benefit from being chilled. It's lightweight, modern and compact, making it great for a small dorm room.
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Featuring a delicate scalloped design and round metal legs, this nightstand is more than unique enough for their dorm room or bedroom. There are two spacious drawers for storing clothes or supplies. Plus, it's described as being both fun and flirty, with the ability to last longer than a school year due to its durable and powder-coated steel construction.
If they're worried about their personal items being exposed, this portable safe is a cheap solution. They'll set their own four-digit combination to protect their phone, cash or credit cards. It's also water-resistant and small enough for travel.
Design a handy PopGrip just for their phone. Pick one of their own photos — a shot of their adorable pet or favorite artwork, for instance — for use as a grip or stand for their device. PopSockets also offers custom grips available for MagSafe.
Yoga pants are a necessity when it comes to workouts or casual walks around campus. With more than 10 colors to choose from, this high-waist option, not only stretches, but has a hidden waistband inner pocket.
Polaroids are fun for capturing all of the special moments that they're bound to experience. With this bundle, pick their favorite color for their Fujifilm and remind them not to use all 20 sheets of film it comes with in one day.
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Almost every college student has a pack of ramen in their food bin. It's easy to make and tastes delicious — a no-brainer for those rushed mornings before class. This set comes with a large soup bowl on the bottom, a drain bowl in the middle and a small bowl on top, which helps to save cooking time in an efficient way.
Their side of the room will be one of the best-decorated ones of the year with these photo lights. They come with 50 clips to display images or other small items. Plus, there are eight different modes of lighting (from twinkle and slow fade to chasing and flash).
Who doesn't love a good oversized hoodie, especially one with long sleeves that'll cover your arms completely? Made of sherpa and fleece, this blanket sweatshirt will be one of the coziest additions to their closet.
Fenty Beauty's gloss bomb will not only keep their lips soft and moisturized, but it'll also give them the ultimate glow and shine to make them feel ready for the day.
No need to use a stove for this cooker. This electric hot pot has a non-stick coating and overheating protection to cook and
sauté their food at any time.
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Personalize this planner for the next school year with their name and any short phrase you'd like displayed on the front. Bonus: Every one comes with 12 water-resistant monthly tabs.
Known as America's "first cultural game," Black Card Revoked is a fun way to celebrate Black culture. Test your friends to see how much they know about HBCUs, pop culture and history.
With this stick, they'll have more than 200,000 free movies and TV episodes to choose from for movie nights. With a subscription, they can also stream music and popular shows, including Netflix and Prime Video.
Say bye-bye to invisible germs on your phone with a device that'll do all the zapping for you. The process is simple: Place your phone inside, attach the charging cable and close the lid so the ultraviolet lights can clean it up. The good news is that you can still listen to music or use the alarm while it's getting cleansed.
Everywhere you go, you're sure to find someone who wears Crocs or has them hidden in their closet. Believe it or not, these clogs are unique (they have ventilation ports), and they're comfortable to walk in.
They won't have to worry about their phone dying while hanging out with friends. This purchase gives you two durable chargers that are light and easy to carry.
Is Starbucks their favorite place? Do they love hot or iced coffee in the morning or throughout the day? If so, then this personalized tumbler will make sipping drinks the best one yet. The container holds up to 24 ounces and it comes in 15 colors and 10 styles.
Their bed is their safe haven, so make it as comfy as possible with a sherpa pillow that'll allow them to relax and recharge.
Whether their bathroom is in their dorm room or hallway, this shower caddy makes transporting their daily essentials easy. It's durable enough to hold multiple bottles, and it can even be folded when it's not in use.
Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.
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