The 25 Best Holiday Gifts For College Students [Full Guide]

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College Students: Give To The Needy

The holidays are almost here! Time to get out there and put some check marks next to the people on your gift list. Yes, it can be a little stressful. Or a lot, depending on how many people you’re buying for and their interests.

The good news is that if you have any college students on your list, they’re actually pretty easy with it comes to buying gifts. As they leave home and grow into adulthood, they have a lot going on in their lives. Classes, jobs, relationships, internships. And yes, parties.

It’s not always easy to juggle everything. And there are many things they could use, but can’t really afford. Most likely, they’ll appreciate any gift that makes their lives just a little bit easier.

Sort of like Tiny Tim.

To make life simpler for you and them, we‘ve gathered together a collection of 25 gift ideas with the student in mind. So let’s see how you can give your favorite college kid a hand up this year.

Nomatic Travel Bag

If they’re going to be walking around with half their life in a backpack, the Nomatic Travel Bag is the way to go. It has all the pockets they need to organize their tech devices, notebooks, charging cords and headphones.

It also comes with a case for their sunglasses and is made from weather-resistant material. Rain or shine, they’ll have it in the bag.

Related: The 8 Best Travel Backpacks For Light Packers [Reviewed]

Amazon Essentials Polar Fleece

It’s a cold world out there. Give them something cozy.

Lighter and easier to stuff into their backpacks than a sweatshirt, a polar fleece is an excellent gift for students. They can throw it on between classes or when they’re studying in a chilly dorm room.

Who needs heat when you’ve got your fleece?

Bose Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

The music is pumping in the dorm room, but they really need to study. Or maybe, they want to listen to their favorite jams when they’re out for a run.

A pair of Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones will help them to tune out distractions (like an annoying roommate, for instance) and focus on whatever they need to get done.

Related: The 9 Best Wireless Earbuds Of 2019

Black & Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker

What student doesn’t need a little caffeine fix?

Compact and convenient, this Black & Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker comes with its own travel mug. Making it all the easier to jump out of bed, grab their coffee and arrive only slightly late to their next class.

MeUndies Lounge Pant

For downtime or study time, a fresh pair of lounge pants will always come in handy.

This super comfy pair from MeUndies is made from ethically sourced natural fibers. Another load off their mind!

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

If they want to stay alert, they’ll need to stay hydrated.

Great for the gym, class or wherever students roam wild and free, this wide-mouthed BPA-free Hydro Flask Water Bottle will be their best travel buddy.

BeeGreen Laundry Bag Backpack

Laundry day doesn’t always come around often. But when it does, students need a bag that can handle a serious load. This one by BeeGreen is waterproof and even comes with shoulder straps.

Which also makes it easier to bring their dirty clothes home to mom and dad.

Anker PowerCore Portable Charger

Let’s face it; their phones are their best friends. Help them stay connected with this lightweight, Anker PowerCore high-speed charger.

They might even send you a thank you text.

UrthBox Healthy Snack Subscription

Students don’t always have time to cook a healthy meal. To prevent ramen overload, you can send a box of healthy snacks right to their door every month.

A subscription to Urthbox will allow you to choose from a wide array of healthy, GMO-free and even vegan, organic goodies.

Now they can cram for tests and stuff their faces at the same time. Yay!

Pure Bamboo Sheets

It’s something they would probably never buy for themselves, but a beautiful set of sheets can definitely make a college student more comfortable. These Bamboo Sheets from Pure are made from organic bamboo and help wick away moisture.

May not work on beer, though.

Oral-B Electric Toothbrush

What student can afford cavities?

This electric toothbrush from Oral-B will help keep the dentist away. Without the apple a day.

Treblab Waterproof Speaker

Yes, there are going to be parties. Probably lots of them.

At least give them a speaker that can stand up to all the fun. This Bluetooth speaker from Treblab is waterproof and I-just-spilled-my-beer-proof.

Party on!

Ebmore Slipper Socks

They may be far from home, but that doesn’t mean students can’t have a warm, fuzzy moment.

These cozy Ebmore slipper socks will keep their toes toasty and comfortable — sort of like a hug for their feet.

Pearlesque Box Subscription

Great skincare products may be something that students love, but can’t afford to splurge on.

With a Pearlesque subscription box, you can send great, organic skincare products right to their door. Help them keep that youthful glow intact.

Canon Wireless Mobile Printer

Running out to print their documents at the last minute is the last thing students want to do. With this compact wireless printer from Canon, they can do it all in house.

Or their dorm room. Crib. Whatever.

Kpblis Weighted Blanket

What’s the best thing to do when stress weighs you down? As it turns out, it’s weighing yourself down.

This breathable weighted blanket from Kpblis will help anxious students sleep faster and better.

Need to catch some Z-s during finals? No problem!

Swiss Gear Toiletry Bag

It’s not always easy keeping track of your shampoo at college. This durable little toiletry bag from Swiss Gear will help students keep their toiletries organized and even comes with a handy hook.

Because sometimes it’s the little things. Like being able to wash your hair.

Orgain Protein Shakes

Students can’t run a pure caffeine all the time. These shakes from Orgain will make sure they’re getting enough healthy protein, which they need for sprinting to class.

College Hacks

We all do stupid stuff in college. Help students cut back on idiot mistakes with this handy book of college hacks.

Did I say idiot mistakes? I meant young adults.

MDHand Desk Organizer

A little mesh can go a long way. This handy MDHand desk organizer has six compartments for organizing their essentials.

And all that random junk they just keep around.

Apple iPad

You’ll be breaking out the big guns with an iPad, and your favorite college student will love you for it. Soon they’ll be binge-watching Netflix in their dorm room.

I mean doing their homework in a coffee shop. Yeah, that’s it.

Gifts Cards

It may seem like an impersonal gift for ordinary civilians.

But for college students, a gift card can be a lifesaver.  The list of stuff they need is endless. Amazon, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Whole Foods.

Any gift card will do when you’re on a budget.

Dreaming Wapiti Memory Foam Pillows

Again, not something a college kid would buy for themselves.

But a Dreaming Wapiti memory foam pillow will help them get a good night’s sleep. Which might help them sleep less in class.

Feelcare Digital Picture Frame

Every student gets a little bit homesick sometimes.

This Feelcare Digital Picture Frame will help them feel closer to family and friends when they’re far from home. It’s comforting. And more grown-up than a teddy bear.

Midea Mini Fridge

Want to make a student really happy? Buy them a Midea Mini Fridge. And don’t worry, there are  only so many beers they can fit in it.

As you can see, tons of gifts will make college life more manageable. From the big things to the little things, there’s almost nothing they don’t need. And sometimes can’t afford it. Like toilet paper sometimes.

Happy holidays and happy shopping!

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