The 54 best gifts for college students in 2024

BedShelfie DormEssential

No tools required — this bedside shelf simply slides and clamps onto a bunk bed frame and serves as a floating nightstand. It has a phone shelf, a cup holder that can fit a 40 oz tumbler, two hooks, and bungee cords for attaching a power strip.

Miroir M75 Portable Projector

This little device has a built-in HDMI cable that can connect to a game console, iPhone, or computer and create a big, bright screen without taking up wall space. It’s super lightweight and has a rechargeable battery, so it can be taken anywhere you may want to entertain a group.

Ana Luisa Ash Double Earrings

Those with sensitive skin who can’t usually wear chunky jewelry will appreciate these hoops — they’re hypoallergenic and even comfortable enough to sleep in.

” […] I’ve been wearing Ana Luisa pieces for over a year with absolutely no issues. The pieces still feel great, and I’ve never once felt even a whiff of irritation, let alone a rash,” writes style editor Samantha Crozier in her Ana Luisa jewelry review. “I’m also a fan of how lightweight the jewelry, particularly the earrings, are. Even with somewhat chunky hoops, I can forget that I’m wearing them.”

*Sponsored by Ana Luisa

Sandgrain Studio Midcentury Modern Art Print

For a tasteful way to show their school spirit, this decorative art print can be hung in a dorm and held onto as a keepsake even after graduation. It’s the perfect intersection for sports fans and vintage design enthusiasts.

Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle

In the world of young adults, the water bottle you carry matters. Owala’s FreeSip is the newest “it” water bottle. It features a built-in straw and a leak-proof cap. Our kitchen editor approves of it: you can read more in our Owala FreeSip review.

Uncommon Goods Collegiate Pouches

If they’re all about school spirit, go for a gift that celebrates all of the little things that make their college a special place. These pouches do just that. Each pouch features a woven design that was hand-drawn with input from each school’s community (alumni, fans, faculty, etc.) to ensure it accurately encompasses the essence of that place. It’s a super cute way to store cash, toiletries, or any other trinkets with a touch of campus pride.

NightCap Drink Cover Scrunchie

For protective parents who are naturally wary of bad actors amid college nightlife, this cleverly disguised drink cover of TikTok and Shark Tank fame allows for some peace of mind. It’s an elastic shield that can be stored in a scrunchie, made to slip over the brim of a cup and provide a better barrier than a napkin. It even has a hole for a straw.

The Container Store Large Drop-Front Shoe Box

When working with limited closet space, it’s hard to keep your shoes organized. Our men’s style editor Amir Ismael owns over 200 pairs of shoes and keeps them stacked in these see-through bins in order to maintain his collection and a tidy living area.

“The best part is that you’ll never have to unstack them in order to get a pair of shoes out,” he writes. “Compared to normal shoeboxes that have a top lid, the drop-front lid gives you easy access, and you won’t have piles of shoes toppling over each other.” Read more in our full review.

Bombas Vintage Stripes Half Calf Socks

Dorm floors are notoriously cold and, frankly, a little gross for bare feet. These socks from Bombas have a vintage collegiate look and will keep your student’s toes warm and clean. Associate style editor Gabrielle Chase called them “the softest socks I own” in our Bombas socks review.

Recess Pickleball Set

Pickleball is easy to play and a great way to get some exercise while enjoying downtime after classes. This attractive set includes a paddle, three balls, and a carrying case, so they can join in with friends or practice their swing on their own.

K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker

College likely involves a lot of caffeine, and they’re not always going to be able to trek to the dining hall or local coffee shop in the late, late hours of finals prep. Help them out with this mini Keurig, which is tiny enough to fit into even the smallest dorm room kitchens.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Bluetooth Photo Printer

Mini portable Bluetooth printers make turning iPhone photos into tangible memories quick and easy — which is especially convenient for decorating their room. All they’ll have to do is download the app (which has Photoshop Elements and internal features like themed collages).

Luzdiosa Candle Warming Lamp

If they’re worried about setting off the dorm fire alarm, get them this chic lamp instead. It slowly melts candle wax to activate the scent — and all without needing to light the candle itself.

Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera

The Kodak Ektar camera is a great gift for college students who have an interest in photography or want to explore film photography. The Ektar camera is known for its exceptional image quality and vibrant colors. It provides a manual shooting experience, allowing students to learn and experiment with different settings and techniques.

Levoit 300S Air Purifier

For college students living in traditional dorm rooms, a breath of fresh air is more than welcome. This air purifier creates cleaner air by clearing pollen, dust, smoke, pet dander, mold spores, and germs for easy breathing. We named it our top pick for small rooms in our guide to the best air purifiers.

Lululemon ABC Jogger

There’s nothing wrong with wearing pajamas to class, but these pants– with a classic jogger fit and stretchy, breathable fabric– are certainly an upgrade. 

Uber Eats Gift Card

No matter how good their dining halls are, chances are they’re sick and tired of being on a meal plan. An Uber Eats gift card will let them indulge on something new and exciting to eat every once and a while. If they go to school in a more remote area where Uber Eats isn’t accessible, go for a gift card from a local restaurant instead.

Apple AirPods Max

Long days in the library call for a pair of great headphones to stay in the zone. The Apple Airpods Max have noise cancelling technology to drown out the background noise, a cushiony design for comfort, and come in a variety of fun colors.

Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask

For the nights when their roommate needs to stay up late studying, this silk eye mask will help them get some quality rest.

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

College kids are always up to date on the latest trends. Any beauty-obsessed student is sure to have heard the hype about Rhode’s replenishing lip treatment that works like a balm but looks like a gloss.

Cuts is the perfect brand for college students who value both style and comfort. With their high-quality clothing, Cuts offers a range of essentials that are versatile and easy to wear. Whether you’re rushing to class or hanging out with friends, their pieces are designed to keep up with your busy college lifestyle. From their signature T-shirts to their cozy sweatshirts, Cuts combines modern aesthetics with premium fabrics for a perfect blend of style and comfort. Upgrade your wardrobe with Cuts and experience clothing that is tailored to your needs as a college student.

ALLOBUB Cactus Toilet Plunger and Brush

This Cactus Toilet Plunger and Brush Set is a fun and practical gift for college students. This set features a cute cactus design that adds a touch of whimsy to bathroom cleaning. The cactus design not only brings a playful element but also serves as a functional handle for easy grip and use. It’s a great gift idea to make cleaning more enjoyable and stylish for college students as they maintain their own living spaces.

Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven with ClearCook

Air fryers are all the buzz for how they can turn just about anything into a warm, crispy delight. Plus, they save a ton of time, which every college student can appreciate. Instant makes some of the best on the market today, the Vortex Plus snagging the top pick in our guide to the best air fryers.

iPad Mini 6th Generation 

If you visit a college campus today, you’ll probably see iPads all over the place — and for good reason. These slim rectangular boxes make notetaking, reading, Netflix, and leisure drawing easy to do all in one place. The iPad Mini (2021) is our favorite small iPad, making it perfect for stashing away on their commute to class.

If they already have an iPad, you can think about getting them an Apple Pencil ($129), which will level up their gadget even more.

Away The Carry-On

Away’s popular suitcase deserves the hype. Its hard shell is lightweight but durable, its 360-degree spinner wheels make for seamless traveling, and its external (and ejectable and TSA-compliant) battery pack included can charge a smartphone five times over. Find our full review here.

We also recommend Calpak for other luggage options. 

Hatch Restore

Using your phone as an alarm clock makes it a lot more tempting to start scrolling on your phone first thing in the morning, which isn’t the healthiest habit. A sunrise alarm clock can help your student have a much better start to their day than immediately checking emails or scrolling on Instagram. The Hatch Restore is a great sunrise alarm option with a ton of special features.

Lululemon Scuba Oversized Funnel-Neck Half Zip Long

If they are usually rolling out of bed right into their morning classes, a cozy fleece is exactly what they’ll want to wear while doing it. With an oversize silhouette, this one will envelop them in warm, plush comfort. 

Birthdate Co. Birthdate Pendant

A perfect birthday gift for any astrology lover, this custom necklace includes four gemstones and crystals (chosen for their birth date) embedded in a gold or silver pendant, along with their birthdate, zodiac sign, and initials engraved on the back.

Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow

Make sure they’re optimizing their sleep with the best pillow. Thanks to the shredded memory foam, they’ll get the support and comfortable “sinking in” sensation of a traditional memory foam pillow, but none of the excessive heat or firmness that can be a problem with solid foam. 

Succulent Bar Shop Hang in There Care Package

This sweet care package includes a wooden card with a cute message, a succulent with a planting kit, and a pot, all to remind the college student in your life that you’re thinking of them. You can make the gift even more special with optional add-ons, from face masks and bath bombs to candy and notepads.

BestSelf Self Journal

For any college student with a big goal in mind (even if that goal is just being more organized), this sleek planner will help them get far. It lasts for 13 weeks, making their goal feel more approachable while also helping them set a new journaling habit.

Sophistplate Modern Stemmed Wine Glass

For the 21 and up college students who want to make their space feel a little more adult, these reusable plastic wine glasses from Sophistiplate are a great place to start. They’re BPA-free, top-rack dishwasher-safe, and sure to make whatever they’re sipping feel a little more sophisticated. And they don’t have to worry about breaking fancy glasses.

The Sill Succulent Assortment with Planters

If they’re looking to spruce up their dorm room, this trio of potted succulents will make a wonderful gift. Not only will the plants bring life to the often drab dorm setup, but they’re easy to care for and virtually impossible to kill.

Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag

College means lots of library snacks or quick meals between classes. These eco-friendly, reusable, and leak proof bags make packing a lunch easier than ever.

Uncommon Goods 100 Things to Do For Your Wellbeing

This scratch-off poster is a checklist of 100 things any college student can do so support their mental health, whether they’re studying for midterms or missing home. The squares include everything from “visit your favorite spot” to “ask for help with a difficult task” and serve as a mindfulness reminder even after they’ve scratched them all off. 

“The I Love Trader Joe’s College Cookbook” by Andrea Lynn

If there’s one place you hear all these Gen Z’ers talking about, it’s Trader Joe’s. This quirky cookbook contains 160 easy recipes for busy (and usually broke) college students, drawing from some of the brand’s favorite ingredients to create mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres, party-worthy appetizers, and nourishing meals.

Does your student prefer to cook with the air fryer? Check out this equally nifty “I Love Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Cookbook.”

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

Whether they’re hanging with friends in the quad or getting ready for a party, good music is essential to the college experience. That’s why a great speaker will serve them well. The Wonderboom 3 is a great option for its quality sound, portability, and waterproof and dustproof construction, which ensures it can withstand any college antics. 

Herschel Little America Backpack

Typical backpacks are perfect for school, but what about everything that happens outside of class? Having a sturdy backpack that’s well-suited for traveling and job interviews helps a ton. Herschel’s Little America is a great option because it’s versatile, sturdy, and stylish. Another popular model is the Dagne Dover backpack ($215).

If the student is a tote person and doesn’t touch backpacks, the Longchamp Le Pliage Shoulder Bag ($155) is a staple for students and young workers alike.

College is full of big meetings, presentations, and nerve-wracking interviews. For days when sweatpants aren’t an option and something more formal is needed, these are some great options for women’s staples. We’ve also created a list of our personal favorite workwear stores for women and men with the best styles to buy from each one. 

What Do You Meme? Game

College students today are of the meme generation, so this game will be highly appreciated. This set includes 75 of the funniest memes plus 360 caption cards to make the wonkiest combinations for a game during study breaks or chill wine nights. If they already have the game, you can also grab them some expansion packs.

Kitsch Dinner Scrunchie

There are few accessories that can pull together an outfit and make it look chic, even if it involves sweatpants. Kitsch’s massive dinner scrunchies are the perfect accessory to add an easy, fashionable touch to their look.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera

For the digitally-native Gen Z-ers, going analog with an instant camera is not only totally retro, but exciting. Sure, they probably are already documenting every moment on their camera roll, but actually taking and printing a photo out makes for memories they’ll never forget.

Thrive Market 1-Year Membership

College students live off good food and snacks. Gifting a subscription to Thrive Market means access to healthier snacks that can help them feel more energized and focused.

Goldbelly Restaurant Meal Kits

Goldbelly makes it possible to satisfy their most specific and nostalgic cravings no matter where they live in the US — a cheesecake from Junior’s, deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati, and more. Browse the iconic gifts section for inspiration.

Grove Collaborative Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser

An aroma diffuser delivers calming, in-home aromatherapy and is a great fragrance option for dorms where candles usually aren’t allowed. This one from Grove Collaborative diffuses essential oils for up to five hours at a time, has LED light options, and elegantly blends into any room thanks to its minimalistic ceramic design.

If you’re looking for more diffusing options, check out our guide to the best essential oil diffusers.

Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker

If the student you’re thinking of drinks coffee — and there’s a very good chance they do — having access to one of the best cold brew contraptions will be a gift that keeps on giving. A cold brew machine means you can go 4-5 days in a row without brewing another pot. It’s also easy to clean. Find a full review here.

Poo-Pourri Toilet Sprays

Whether they’re in a community bathroom or a private one, odds are they’ll be sharing it with a roommate. These Poo-Pourri toilet sprays use essential oils and plant-based ingredients to eliminate bathroom odor before it begins. 

Apple AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) with Charging Case

If you’re after the title of their favorite relative of the year, here’s a good place to start. AirPods are both easy to use and functional as well as trendy. Read our full Airpods Pro review for more info on why we recommend these headphones.

Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover

It’s a good bet that many of their peers will also have this Snap-T pullover from Patagonia. This and the Better Sweater are long-held favorites, and both are comfortable classics that they’ll no doubt come to rely upon. 

Rapid Ramen Cooker

There will be plenty of late nights filled with cheap and tasty ramen. If they’re going to eat it anyway, at least let them make it quickly and perfectly every time.

Brooklinen Gift Card

Few things sound as nice as comfortable, beautiful sheets they don’t need to buy for themselves. Brooklinen is one of our favorite startups to shop at, and we ranked its sateen cotton sheets as the best luxury sheets you can buy.

“The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter — And How to Make the Most of Them Now” by Meg Jay

The decisions you make in your 20s can greatly impact the rest of your life. The best defense is a good offense and your grad should know now, before any life-altering events crop up, how to get the most out of their “defining decade.”

Homesick Location Scented Candle

If they’re away from family or friends, a reminder of home is a wonderful thing to have around. Make sure to check the rules of their dorm or living situation before buying them a candle.

Leatherology Small Shave Bag

The dreaded truth of college is that you’ll most likely need to schlep your shower belongings to a communal area if you live in the dorms. Grab them a leather shave bag that they’ll use for years to come.

If you’re looking for a chic aesthetic, Dagne Dover also makes a great neoprene toiletry bag named the Hunter (from $45) that’s built to accommodate makeup. If they have a lot of toiletries, you’ll probably want to get the large size for $65.