College students exist in a world entirely separate from the one you live in (unless, of course, you are one). From dining dollars and syllabi to frat formals and bar crawls, the life of a college student is unlike any other. Thus, shopping for college kids can be a real challenge—a challenge that no amount of beer pong training will prepare you for.
Whether you’re moving your own child into their freshman dorm or sending a care package to a friend, it can be hard to determine what they actually want or need. Snacks and money for laundry? Yes, always, but what else? Fortunately, there is an answer for your gifting query. Actually, it’s something that most college students will be familiar with: research. If you’re shopping for a student, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done the research, so consider this your study guide. Ahead, find 45 gifts that are perfect for the college student in your life.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Mini Video Projector
Turning that dorm or living room into a mini movie theater has never been easier.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Is it really a shower if you don’t pretend to headline your own concert?
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Fire TV Stick
How else will they binge-watch The Dropout?
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Smartphone Sanitizer
College campuses are breeding grounds for bacteria. After you wash your hands for 60 seconds, give your phone the same treatment.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
PowerShot Digital Camera G7 X Mark II
For the future YouTube vlogger.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Portable Luggage Scale
School might be stressful, but nothing is as worrisome as that 5o-pound luggage limit when it comes time to go home for the holidays. This sleek scale takes up no space at all and saves a lot of trouble.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Stars And Moon Projector Light
Their dorm will become the hang-out spot with this funky projector light.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Ring Light Kit
The key to a good TikTok is great lighting.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Instax Wide 300 Instant Film Camera
A Polaroid camera provides an amazing (and fun) way to document memories they’ll cherish forever.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
For the gym junkie who doesn’t want anyone to hear them blasting Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour album in between reps.
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
Air Max 270 Premium Sneaker
Sure, no one will see their fly kicks through Zoom, but that’s what Instagram is for, right?
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
Pixel Buds
The Pixel Buds comfortably rest in your ear while providing a crisp, polished sound as you run.
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
Half the fun of going to the gym is dressing up in a cute outfit.
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
Students can’t always afford a spa getaway. Save them the trip (and money) by gifting this massage gun to soothe every kink and ailment. Even if they aren’t on any starting lineup, those backpacks get heavy! The shoulder knots are real.
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
Apple Watch Series 6
An Apple Watch serves many purposes, including Apple Fitness+. The program provides users with workout videos in addition to many health services.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Lap Desk with Device Ledge
Bring your desk to bed with this handy lap desk that has enough space for your phone and mouse.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Goal Getter Black Girl Notebook
A multipurpose notebook that can be used to set goals, plan your daily to-do lists, journal, or doodle.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
iPad Air
Anyone who shows up to class with an iPad instantly seems like an A+ student. Sorry, we don’t make the rules.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Laptop Carry Sleeve
A stylish laptop sleeve that folds into a stand? People deserve to know about this.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Black History Expansion Pack
College doesn’t teach you everything.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
System Tote
A tote that makes them look like they have their life together, even if they were the life of the party the night before.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Turbo Extreme Steam Hand Held Fabric Steamer
This fabric steamer is perfect for the Marie Kondo obsessive in your life who can’t stand to see a wrinkle anywhere.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Classic Clog
Slides are so yesteryear. Crocs are the pandemic trend that will not be fading anytime soon. They’re comfy, lightweight, and versatile—sport mode or slip-on? You have options.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress
The viral TikTok slip dress that doubles as loungewear—or a casual Hinge date getup.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Traveler Canvas Tote
Another viral TikTok find, the iconic Marc Jacobs Tote Bag is the multi-functional piece your wardrobe is missing. Take it to class as a laptop bag, the grocery store for a quick re-up, or as a carry-on for your travels.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
The Large Everywhere Bag by Tia Adeola
A vibrant, head-turning bag to bring on a weekend away.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Fluff Yeah Slide
House slipper or shoe for running errands? Ugg’s Fluff Yeah is the best of both worlds.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
Hollywood Lighted Makeup Vanity Mirror
A flawless makeup look requires a good mirror.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
BeautyFIX Subscription
College exams and papers are stressful enough. A skincare subscription service will help to keep those cortisol-induced pimples at bay.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips
Basically the Facetune “Whiten” feature IRL.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
Start’rs Bundle
A star skincare bundle for your star pupil.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
Easy Beauty Bundle
Ready for class or the frats in five minutes—no beauty filter needed.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
Deluxe Brush Set
Invest in the budding MUA with a quality brush set that includes every tool they need for a full face beat.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
K-Mini Coffee Maker
For early morning classes and overnighters in their new home (aka dorm).
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Portable Shower Caddy
This shower caddy keeps toiletries organized in a hanging bag, so none of the products get lost.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Office Accessories Organizer
A clutter-free space equals a clutter-free mind.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Classic Duvet Cover
Upgrade their typical bed in a bag with a soft, fluffy duvet cover that screams peace and comfort.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Air Fryer
Everything tastes better when it’s air-fried. Fact.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Char Perfect Pot
You can cook a slew of different meals in this multipurpose pot, which saves more space than the typical pan set.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Purple Nussbaum Velvet Comforter Set
Colder months call for a thicker comforter set. Wayfair has you covered.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
The Blacker The Berry Candle
Febreeze can only do so much. Blk Sunflower’s candles have a scent like no other that quickly fills up a room.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Classic Core Sheet Set
Luxurious sheets will make them feel at home.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Shades of Legs
Spruce up their dorm room by decorating their walls with unique artwork.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Nonstick Aluminum 13-Piece Cookware Set
They have to learn how to cook someday.
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