Gifts For Students

37 Gifts College Students Will Actually Appreciate

August 25, 2021

Table of Contents

Shopping, in general, is an obstacle in itself. But shopping for a college student is an entirely different beast. You spend weeks bookmarking items to purchase for their new dorm or apartment, yet somehow end up forgetting something they need. No amount of pre-check-in reading will prepare you for this experience—trust us. Bed-in-a-bag and instant oatmeal are essential, but we guarantee there are a few other important knick-knacks you left off the Amazon registry

Whether a freshman or super senior, college looks a bit different for students this year—and likely will remain this way for the foreseeable future. To help ease the pain, we compiled a list of classic college goods (bed sheets, desk supplies, etc.) and pandemic essentials (phone sanitizer, masks, etc.) your student will actually use. Ahead, the 36 best gifts to get the student on your list.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Pixel Buds

$100.00

The Pixel Buds comfortably rest in your ear while providing a crisp, polished sound.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress

$78.00

The viral TikTok slip dress that doubles as loungewear or a casual Hinge date getup.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Char Perfect Pot

$165.00

You can cook a slew of different meals in this multipurpose pot, which saves you more space than the typical pan set.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Smells Like T.H.E.M Candle

$32.00

Febreeze can only do so much. Blk Sunflower’s candles have a throw like no other that quickly fills up a room.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings

$50.00

Half the fun of going to the gym is dressing up in a cute Gymshark outfit.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

The Bigger Carry-On Flex

$275.00

Away’s Flex line was specifically designed for over-packers. Heading home for a weekend or holiday break? This suitcase comes equipped with double zippers that expand to fit all the outfits they’ll need to flex on hometown haters.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

10.2-inch iPad (8th Gen)

$299.00

Everyone who has an iPad is automatically better than everyone else. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Start ‘rs Bundle

$75.00

A star skincare bundle for your star pupil.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

System Tote

$275.00

A tote that makes them look like they have their life together, even if they were the life of the party the night before.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Paisley Shorts (Yellow)

$100.00

And the award for the most stylish person on campus goes to…

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Classic Clog

$49.99

Slides are so yesteryear. Introducing the new “it” shoe of the pandemic: Crocs. They’re comfy, lightweight, and versatile—sport mode or slip-on? You haveoptions.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Easy Beauty Bundle

$68.00

Zoom ready in five minutes—no beauty filter needed.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Deluxe Brush Set

$69.00

Invest in the budding beauty blogger with a quality makeup brush set that includes every tool they need for a full face beat.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Air Max 270 Premium Sneaker

$112.50

Sure, no one will see their fly kicks through Zoom, but that’s what Instagram is for, right?

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Fire TV Stick

$39.99

How else will they binge-watchThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel?

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Classic Duvet Cover

$109.00

Upgrade their typical bed-in-a-bag with a soft, fluffy duvet cover that screams peace and comfort.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Air Fryer

$159.99

Everything tastes better when it’s air-fried.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Ilsa Elite Carryall

$110.00

For the Gossip Girl-obsessed.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Flawless Candle

$36.00

For the person who burns the midnight oil to prep for a midterm, here’s a soy wax candle that burns for 80 hours long.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Office Accessories Organizer

$19.97

A clutter-free space equals a clutter-free mind.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Apple Watch Series 6

$449.00

Apple Watch serves many purposes, but the tech brand recently announced the arrival of its newest service: Apple Fitness+. The new program provides users with workout videos on top of the many health services the pint-size gadget offers.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

$99.95

Is it really a shower if you don’t pretend to be headlining your own concert?

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

September 2020

$24.99

College exams and papers are stressful enough. A beauty subscription service will help to keep those stress-induced pimples at bay.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Mini Video Projector

$88.99

Turn their dorm/living room into a mini movie theater—socially distanced, of course.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Black History Expansion Pack

$12.99

College doesn’t teach youeverything.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Hollywood Lighted Makeup Vanity Mirror

$239.99

A flawless makeup look requires good lighting.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Classic Core Sheet Set

$99.00

Luxurious sheets will make them feel at home.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Acid Lime Jowa Hoody

$83.00

The perfect hoodie does not exi—

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Shades of Legs

$25.31

Spruce up their dorm room by decorating their walls with unique artwork.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

K-Mini Coffee Maker

$77.95

For early morning classes and overnighters.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Lap Desk with Device Ledge

$29.94

Bring your desk to your bed with this handy lap desk with enough space for your phone and mouse.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Goal Getter Black Girl Notebook

$10.00

A multipurpose notebook that can be used to set goals, plan your daily to-do lists, journal, or doodle.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

PowerShot Digital Camera G7 X Mark II

$635.67

For your future YouTube vlogger.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Portable Shower Caddy

$24.97

This shower caddy keeps their toiletries organized in a hanging bag, so none of the products get lost.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

PhoneSoap Smartphone Sanitizer

$80.00

After you wash your hands for 60 seconds, give your phone the same treatment.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Nonstick Aluminum 13-Piece Cookware Set

$159.99

They have to learn how to cook someday.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

38/38 SLIDES