The 45 Best Gifts For College Students
The typical college experience these days may not quite resemble the shenanigans of Animal House, but any student on your gift-giving list is probably in need of the same campus essentials we all used to get us through - albeit with more WiFi. From high tech gadgets that’ll ease them into adulthood to useful dorm room must-haves, and, of course, some things to get the party started, we present 45 of the best gifts for college students. Togas and kegs not included...
1. PANGAIA Collection
Image credit: PANGAIA
Drawing inspiration from Roberto Lugo’s widely recognized digital platform “The Village Potter,” the PANGAIA x Roberto Lugo capsule collection highlights the joint mission to create, educate, and foster a close knit community. Featuring a series of three exclusive graphics - Domino, Bodega, and Flower Planter, each design inspired by Roberto Lugo’s universe reflects a shared value between the brands. The Bodega and Domino graphics directly reflect the idea of community, while the Flower Planter highlights resourcefulness.
2. Bean and Bud Rise Coffee
Image credit: Allo
College kids are both endlessly stressed and forever exhausted. The perfect cure? CBD-infused coffee! Bean & Bud’s quality-sourced coffee beans provide an invigorating wake up call that mixes energizing caffeine with anxiety-reducing CBD to ensure your favorite scholar is prepared to handle anything.
3. Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Maker
Image credit: Amazon
And what better way to enjoy those beans than by turning ‘em into cold brew? Iced coffee lovers will appreciate the money-saving ease of brewing their own with this fridge-friendly cold brew maker (which kind of looks like it belongs in a lab, so it’s definitely on theme). Its stainless steel filter and cap and BPA-free silicone airtight seal keep the brew fresh for up to two weeks!
4. Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer
Image credit: Amazon
Remember when we could actually hold pictures in our hands?! This easy-to-use Bluetooth printer connects to any smartphone in order to turn digital snaps into physical photos. Now all their college memories can live on Instagram and decorate their dorm room walls! (Besides, we all know they’re going to delete those drunk pics online as soon as they start looking for a job.)
5. Nike Pro Swoosh Medium Bra
Image credit: Foot Locker
Every girl needs an adequate sports bra for training, and it doesn't get any better than the Nike Pro Swoosh Medium Bra. Designed for high performance, this bra brings unparalleled comfort to your workouts with a racerback design and wide straps. The tight-fit design contours your body and supports every move to keep you focused on your goals. Perfect for the athletic lady in your life.
6. Converse Sage Elsesser Fastbreak
Image credit: Converse
Inspired by vintage basketball aesthetics and personal flair, Sage Elsesser’s latest Fastbreak Pro is a hardcourt homage. Drawing from basketball’s golden age and his affinity for all things blue, the Sage Elsesser Fastbreak Pro adds embossed gold foil details, a printed sockliner, and contrast stitching to the ‘80s icon.
Offered in a premium leather upper and 1983-inspired tongue label, the Sage Elsesser Fastbreak Pro brings luxe finishes to his shoe of choice with a grippy traction rubber outsole and impact cushioning CX sockliner, designed for skateboarding. A must-have for any skater.
7. Anker Nebula Capsule Pro Projector
Image credit: Anker
TVs are overrated. Turn any dorm room into a movie theater with this smart mini projector which connects to WiFi to deliver bright and vivid video picture as large as 100 inches, as well as 360-degree sound. Coming in at only 15 ounces, it’s easily portable and can even be used outdoors!
8. TRUFF Hot Sauce Variety Pack
Image credit: TRUFF
Because we all remember the struggle of college cafeteria food, provide the gift of flavor with the TRUFF variety pack. So long as they keep hot sauce in their bag (swag), your recipient can upgrade just about any meal with this truffle-infused selection of spicy condiments. Bonus: they come in a very fancy gift box!
9. Diesel Gen 6 Griffed
Image credit: Diesel
DIESEL’s latest wearable for men and women blends style, innovation, and technology seamlessly. The smartwatch boasts features such as increased speed and performance with Snapdragon Wear™ 4100+ Platform, rapid charging, wellness features and more.
The Gen 6 DIESEL Griffed combines utility through its clip aesthetic and Diesel ethos on the display; it comes with multiple bezel colorway options like silver/black, gunmetal/black and silver and bracelet in stainless steel, DIESEL branded nylon and silicone, and leather. Nice little watch for the wintertime.
BUY NOW AT WATCH STATION, $350
10. CraveBox Care Package
Image credit: Amazon
One word: snacks! A nostalgic taste of all the treats mom used to buy, the CraveBox Care Package, which is stuffed with 45 pantry favorites ranging from the sweet to the salty (and everything in between), will keep them satisfied between meals - and whenever they have the munchies.
11. Fitbit Charge 4
Image credit: Fitbit
Then again, all that college junk food (and beer) can make it all too easy to gain the notorious Freshman Fifteen. Life is about balance, so encourage some healthy habits with the latest Fitbit model, the Charge 4. This updated version of the classic boasts all the same fitness features but with added swimproof capabilities, GPS, and new Active Zone Minutes which track how long someone is exercising in their desired heart rate range.
12. Swiss Champ Swiss Army Knife
Image credit: Victorinox
The first rule of adulthood (and, we guess, the Boy Scouts)? Be prepared. That’ll be easy with this deluxe version of the classic Swiss Army Knife. The Swiss Champ packs a whopping 33 functions inside its pocket-sized body, featuring a corkscrew (important), a can opener (also important), a ruler, a magnifying glass, scissors, a nail file, pliers, tweezers, and multiple screwdrivers of different sizes - just to name a few.
BUY NOW AT VICTORINOX, $106.99
13. Welly Adventure First Aid Kit
Image credit: Welly
And since you never know what adventures await on campus, it’s always smart to have first aid supplies on hand. Obviously they’ll never buy this for themselves, but Welly’s fun and functional first aid kit, which includes Ibuprofen, antibiotic ointment, butterfly strips, tape, and a whole lot of bandages, all in a convenient tin, will be much appreciated on any particularly wild night.
14. DGK Cargo Corduroy Pants
Image credit: DGK
What college student doesn't love a nice pair of Cargo Pants? DGK has a nice selection to choose from, and we can personally attest to the pants be super stylish and comfortable. Check out the full collection!
15. Eterluck Wooden Docking Station
Image credit: Amazon
Chances are your college kid is dealing with a small room, which means they have to utilize all the space they’ve got. Help them stay organized with an all-in-one wooden docking station. This pick can top any dresser or nightstand and features room to dock and charge multiple devices from iPhones to Apple Watches, as well as designated space to store glasses, pens, and keys. Plus, it comes with a RFID blocking wallet made of vegan leather that will keep their cards and personal information protected.
16. Nearpow Adjustable Laptop Bed Stand
Image credit: Nearpow
Working from bed is always ideal, but without the proper setup it can also be incredibly uncomfortable. An adjustable laptop bed desk, like this one by Nearpow, solves that problem. It’s multifunctional, portable, and can be adjusted to five different heights and three surface angles for ultimate usability. Gives new meaning to the term “protect ya neck.”
17. TB12 Vibrating Pliability Sphere
Image credit: TB12
Relieve tension, enhance recovery and avoid pain with pinpointed accuracy. TB12’s Vibrating Pliability Sphere helps you zero in and target trouble spots like the shoulders, lower back, IT band, glutes, and calves. With four vibration levels and a non-slip silicone exterior, you can make the most of your self-pliability work where you need it most. Perfect for your holiday travels as it’s compact and easy to fit in your luggage. Also perfect for Tom Brady fans!
18. Canada Goose Unisex Freestyle Vest Regeneration
Image credit: Canada Goose
Built to get you through all seasons in the most stylish way possible, Canada Goose's Unisex Freestyle Vest is technical, cutting, edge, and cool. Regeneration is designed with purpose, with each garment utilizing surplus fabrics and materials upcycled into a functional, distinct collection that reinforces Canada Goose's commitment to sustainability. A great investment for sure.
19. Converse Louie Lopez Mid x FA
Image credit: Converse
Since putting skateboarding on notice as a teen, the sky’s been the limit for Louie Lopez. Natural pop, lofty ambitions, and pure determination have made Louie a modern icon and the Louie Lopez Mid brings style and ease full-circle. Taking a minimalist approach to his signature silhouette, the Louie Lopez Mid gets an FA makeover with a velvet upper and dialed-up metallic star and chevron branding.
Definitely a good cop if you ask us! It drops on December 12th.
20. HOBO Holiday Bags
Image credit: HOBO Bags
A new bag for the holidays and new year? Don't mind if we do! From luxe festive flair to timeless holiday style, HOBO is your one-stop shop for gift-giving this season.
BUY NOW AT HOBO BAGS, $98 to $448
21. Drake x OVO CASETiFY Collection
Image credit: CASETiFY
An awesome gift for Drake fans, October’s Very Own (OVO) and CASETiFY have joined forces in launching their first collaboration to bring together a signature tech accessory capsule collection featuring the classic OVO owl motif. Designs in the collection extend to iPhone, AirPods and AirPods Pro. Check it out. It's dope!
BUY NOW AT CASETIFY, $48 to $88
22. Drunk Stoned or Stupid [A Party Game]
Image credit: Amazon
Not everything has to be practical. When it comes to college, we all know there will be plenty of fun and games involved, so help make them the life of the party with this hilarious alternative to Cards Against Humanity. Cheeky cards prompt friends to call each other out by naming “Who’s more likely to…” Knowing college kids, they’ll probably find a way to turn it into a drinking game, which they’ll really appreciate you for.
23. 250 Best Meals in a Mug
Image credit: Amazon
There’s only so much microwaveable ramen one person can handle, but as it turns out, there’s a whole world of microwave meals you can make in a cup. This cookbook is the ultimate resource for the cooking (and time management) impaired, with 250 budget-friendly and individually-portioned recipes suitable for every craving.
24. Novelty Mug
Image credit: Amazon
And since they’ll need a mug to cook in (and drink copious amounts of coffee out of), going the novelty route is always a good idea. This ceramic mug which reads, “Oh Crap! I’m An ADULT Now!” is sure to get lots of laughs and plenty of use. Nothing like the taste of harsh reality to wake you up in the morning.
25. Jorbest Pizza Blanket
Image credit: Amazon
Now that we’re on the subject of hilarious homewares, can we all just take a second to appreciate this hyper-realistic pizza blanket?! Measuring 60-inches in diameter, and made from soft flannel, this deliciously cozy piece of bedding basically turns people into human Hot Pockets - in the best way possible. (Also available in tortilla and waffle prints. Yum.)
26. Gentleman Jon Complete Wet Shave Kit
Image credit: Gentleman Jon
For the dapper dude on your list, this fancy (yet affordable) kit ensures that he never misses a shave - even in his overcrowded shared bathroom. It comes with a sleek safety razor, badger hair shave brush, sandalwood shave soap, an alum block to prevent razor burn, and five extra blades. A forever-fresh face in a box!
27. Manscaped Performance Package
Image credit: Manscaped
When it comes to grooming, um, elsewhere, nothing beats the products by Manscaped. Their famous must-haves come together in their Performance Package, a bundle of hygiene appliances and skincare (for sensitive areas) including the Weed Whacker ear and nose hair trimmer and the Lawn Mower 3.0 waterproof trimmer featuring Advanced SkinSafe™ Technology. They even throw in a pair of boxers!
28. Leatherology Double Zip Toiletry Bag
Image credit: Leatherology
And to store all the above grooming essentials? A timeless leather toiletry bag fit for a gentleman. We love the selection at Leatherology. This double-zip pick comes with two waterproof-lined compartments while the outer full-grain leather can be customized in various colors. You can even opt for a monogram for just $10 extra!
29. Herschel Novel Duffle
Image credit: Herschel
Weekend trips, overnight stays, sports practice, gym sessions… oh my! The duffle bag that’ll remain their favorite companion throughout all of that and more? The signature Novel Duffle by Herschel. A hidden shoe compartment stores their favorite kicks while a removable shoulder strap makes it easy to schlep around. Available in 28 colors and prints, this high-quality grab-and-go bag will fit anyone’s tastes.
30. ANRRI Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Image credit: Amazon
Whether they’re typing out their thesis or, let’s be real, playing video games, most students these days spend a lot of time staring at a screen. Help them avoid the detrimental effects of blue light exposure, including eye fatigue, blurry vision, headaches, and trouble sleeping, with these blue light-blocking glasses. The frames are stylish while the non-prescription lenses use advanced technology to filter out all the harmful rays.
31. MyDeal Winter Unisex Bluetooth Beanie
Image credit: MyDeal
A cozy-cool beanie with a built-in Bluetooth speaker?! OK, this is actually genius. Available in a range of 30 colors and styles, these knit smart beanies make for the ideal winter accessory, allowing wearers to play music and even answer phone calls without fidgeting with their phone or AirPods. It boasts 6 hours of continuous battery life, so they can quite literally wear their favorite tunes all day.
32. Bose QuietComfort 35 Noise-Cancelling Headphones II
Image credit: Amazon
When situations call for more serious concentration (like studying or going through a breakup), these wireless noise-cancelling headphones are here to block out the world. Bose’s renowned QuietComfort over-ear model connects to Bluetooth and also works with Amazon Alexa, so music, entertainment, news, and more are just a voice request away, no switching devices required.
33. FlexiSpot's Comhar All-in-One Standing Desk
Image credit: Comhar
Every single college student needs a desk. And since every college student needs a desk, check out the Comhar All-in-One Standing Desk that will help you achieve stylish home office setups while maintaining wellness at work at the same time. A two-for-one combo if you will that works very well.
34. BottleLoft Magnets
Image credit: Uncommon Goods
Bottled beverage fans who may or may not be sneaking booze into their dorm room will also appreciate these clever strip magnets that allow them to make the most of their mini fridge space by suspending bottles from the ceiling inside. Each order comes with two strips and each strip features three super-strong neodymium magnets (i.e. enough to hold a floating six-pack).
BUY NOW AT UNCOMMON GOODS, $30
35. Skagen Grenen Solar-Powered Espresso Leather Watch
Image credit: Skagen
Skagen has a few pretty affordable options when it comes to watches, and one of them is the Grenen Solar Powered Espresso Leather Watch. This watch is both beautifully designed and solar-powered, making it an awesome pickup for the holidays.
36. Hydro Flask 40 oz Wide Mouth w/ Straw Lid
Image credit: Hydro Flask
They’ve gotta stay hydrated beyond beer and coffee somehow, so remind them to sip throughout the day with this 40 oz. bottle from the cult-favorite Hydro Flask brand itself. Sustainable, BPA-free, and made of stainless steel with TempShield insulation to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Choose from seven colors!
BUY NOW AT HYDRO FLASK, $54.95
37. YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler
Image credit: Yeti
Speaking of keeping drinks cold, they’re gonna need a slightly larger option for all those tailgates, road trips, and frat parties on their calendar. Treat them to one of the best coolers on the market: the YETI Roadie 24. It’s lightweight, compact, and boasts YETI’s Permafrost insulation proven to keep even ice cold for days.
38. Mini Disposable Shot Glasses
Image credit: Amazon
A cheeky ode to the iconic red Solo Cups fueling every frat party, now in shot-friendly form! This pack contains 120 mini plastic cups that go straight in the recycling bin for easy cleanup. Cheers to that!
39. Deux Main Leather Travel Bag
Image credit: Deux Main
Made for the gentlemen who likes to travel in style. Functional and efficient, this handcrafted Leather Dopp kit simplifies everything on the go. With interior pockets and a zipper closure, this wash kit is the perfect sidekick as you travel for the holidays.
40. Campus Colors Gameday Crewneck
Image credit: Amazon
Sure it’s a bit on the nose, but showing school spirit never goes out of style. These officially-licensed NCAA crewneck shirts are available in the school colors and logos of dozens of colleges and universities across the country. It’s a must for wearing around campus or to the big game.
41. befree zipOn
Image credit: befree zipOn
befree zipOns are the ultimate pair of athleisure pants that zip on and off over the sides of the legs allowing users to layer up or take layers off in any position. Made with moisture wicking fabric and deep pockets, befree zipOns deliver zippable, breathable, and adaptable convenience other athleisure wear can’t. A great gift for college students!
BUY NOW AT BEFREE ZIPONS, $54.99
42. Wyndham Parka Black Label
Image credit: Canada Goose
You know we always to include options for the luxury lovers, and the Wyndham Parka Black Label Jacket is just in time for the winter season. Available in both a Titanium and Coastal Grey colorway, this slim-fitting style maximizes warmth with a heavy-duty two-way zipper and soft ribbed knit cuffs to block cold air out. The adjustable down-filled hood adds warmth and element protection, with streamlined details, all to give you the ultimate warmth and comfort for the cool weather.
BUY NOW AT CANADA GOOSE, $1,250
43. LaMelo Ball Mb.02 Rookie of the Year
Image credit: PUMA
The newest MB.02 is a tribute to Melo’s Rookie of the Year accomplishment and honors his Buzz City team with its striking teal colorway. Featuring LaMelo's ROTY stats on the left heel counter and a bold avian treatment outlined in royal blue and white, these erformance-backed kicks make a wide-spanning style statement symbolic of Melo’s soaring start. Additionally, the shoes feature tonal metallic accents add a hit of luster, and the instantly recognizable “1 of 1” branding.
This comes out tomorrow, so if you are reading this you are actually ahead of the curve!
44. Kappa x Tommy Cash White Shirt
Image credit: Kappa
Kappa recently partnered with Tommy Cash o release an edgy, limited-edition collaboration. The duo pull inspirations from Tommy’s personal style and aesthetic for the capsule, mixing together global trends. The Kappa x Tommy Cash capsule includes tops, knitwear, bottoms, outerwear, accessories, footwear, and more featuring co-branded logos.
This shirt is one of the many standouts in the collection, so make sure you check it out!
SHOP NOW AT TOMMY CASH SHOP, $125
45. Aria Vest Women
Image credit: HEAD SPORTSWEAR
HEAD Sportswear recently presented the 2022/2023 Legacy Collection, a skiwear collection in collaboration with skier Lindsey Vonn. The pieces are perfect for the slopes and après-ski!
