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Amazon; Urban Outfitters
When students enter university and are first introduced to the world of adulting, the more practical and helpful the gift is, the better. A reliable face cleanser that manages stress breakouts? Check. Professional accessories to defeat imposter syndrome at their new internship? Check. Dorm decor that makes their place feel like a real home? Check, check, check.
Between studying and working and more studying and more working, college students can use a break – or a helpful gift to keep them motivated. Keep scrolling to browse gifts beyond the essentials, from cool neon signs to a unisex skincare routine.
The 59 best gifts for college students in 2022:
Urban Outfitters
“The I Love Trader Joe’s College Cookbook” by Andrea Lynn, available at Urban Outfitters and Amazon, from $15.29
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“!
Bed Bath & Beyond
HoMedics TotalClean 4-in-1 Air Purifier, available at Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon, and Home Depot, $69.99
For college students living in a traditional dorm room, a breath of fresh air is more than welcome. This HoMedics TotalClean 4-in-1 air purifier creates cleaner air no matter how small the space is, clearing pollen, dust, smoke, pet dander, mold spores, and germs for easy breathing. Bonus points: It has an auto shut-off timer, a built-in night light, and a three-year manufacturer’s warranty for optimal satisfaction.
Pourri
Poo-Pourri Toilet Sprays, available at Pourri and Amazon, $9.99
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. Just pick their fave scent, spray, and go — no stink necessary!
Dormify
“Good Vibes Only” Neon Sign, available at Dormify, $79
Nothing screams college vibes more than a quirky neon light or color-changing LED-rimmed walls. Dormify’s options are perfect for achieving this, and the brand has everything from wholesome neon signs to goofy ones. A manifestation of good vibes is probably helpful for the average student, but there are plenty of other options like GRLPWR, Happy, and Party.
Amazon
“In Vogue: An Illustrated History of the World’s Most Famous Fashion Magazine” by Alberto Oliva dna Norberto Angeletti, Available at Amazon and Walmart, $50.99
“Color Scheme: An Irreverent History of Art and Pop Culture in Color Palettes” by Edith Young, available at Amazon and Walmart, $19.29
For all the books college students have to read for class, it’s nice to have some decor books laying around that are beautiful to look at and fun to flip through. Depending on their interests and aspirations, “In Vogue: An Illustrated History of the World’s Most Famous Fashion Magazine” is perfect for a fashionista. For an artsy student, “Color Scheme: An Irreverent History of Art and Pop Culture in Color Palettes” is a great choice.
Amazon
Kitsch Dinner Scrunchie, available at Amazon and Target, from $13.53
There are few accessories that can pull together an outfit and make it look chic, even if that outfit is sweatpants. The massive dinner scrunchies by Kitsch are the perfect accessory to add to a quick outfit and make it look put together. Gifting this to someone means they will always have the option to add an easy, fashionable touch to their look.
Atticus
Best Seller Trio, available at Atticus, $83.70
Stress affects how our skin looks, especially in college. Skincare, however, can get overwhelming because of how many options are available. Atticus’s high-quality skincare line makes it simple for everyone and is made to be gender inclusive. Its trios, like the Best Seller, include all the products you need: a cleanser, daily moisturizer with SPF, and night cream with anti-aging ingredients.
Amazon
What Do You Meme Game, available at Amazon and Walmart, $29.99
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.
Scentbird
Perfume subscription (6-months), available at Scentbird, $89
Finding a fragrance that speaks to you is a step towards finding your style. But buying a bunch of different scents can take a long time and cost a lot. Scentbird is a perfume and cologne discovery subscription that helps you find your favorite perfumes by sending monthly options based on your preferences.
Suzy Hernandez/Insider
Hatch Restore, available at Amazon and Target, $129.99
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.
Moleskine
Moleskine Classic Notebook, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $18.63
Moleskine journals have a history of belonging to creatives and being the place where great ideas and art begin. If the student you’re thinking of is a writer or artist, a Moleskine journal is a perfect gift to let them know you support them. These are also stellar for note-taking.
Amazon
The Philips Premium TurboStar Air Fryer, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $149.95
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. The Philips Premium TurboStar Air Fryer is one of the best air fryers on the market today.
There’s some controversy about how good air fryers actually are, so you can also think about gifting a toaster oven.
Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley Microfiber Zip ID Wallet, available at Vera Bradley and Amazon, from $20
Vera Bradley’s Zip ID Wallet is a great option for students who have to frequently show or swipe their student ID, but don’t need an overstuffed bifold. The O-ring is a convenient and sturdy place to hold all their keys. It also makes it easy to clip the wallet into their other bags.
Thrive Market
1-Year Membership + $25 Shopping Credit, available at Thrive Market, $84.95
College students live off good food and snacks. Gifting a subscription to Thrive Market means access to healthier snacks, which leads to them feeling more energized and better studying.
Herschel
Herschel Little America Backpack, available at Herschel and Amazon, from $94.99
Typical backpacks work great for class, 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. Similarly, the Dagne Dover backpack ($215) is specifically designed for a woman’s body and is made to store everything you need and go anywhere you go.
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.
Grove Collaborative
Collaborative Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser, available at Grove, $39.99
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 we tested.
Tranquility
Tranquility Weighted Blanket, available at Target and Walmart, from $49
Every college student ever has needed better sleep. Weighted blankets apply a calming pressure on you, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up more rested. Tranquility’s weighted blanket is perfectly-sized it is to move from bed to couch, fits a standard dorm twin XL bed, and is easily washable.
Day Designer
Weekly Planner, available at Day Designer, $68
A planner keeps them organized between all their assignments, exams, and social events. Day Designer makes luxurious planners that students love. Planners come in daily or weekly options which each have space for all your checklists and schedules, plus extra pages for goal setting, future planning, and notes.
If this style doesn’t suit them, pick another from our favorite planners for college students.
Bombas
Women’s and Men’s Ankle Sock 4-Pack, available at Bombas, $49.40
Bombas makes the best socks on the market. They benefit from upgrades like a supportive honeycomb stitch, blister tabs built into ankle-height styles, and a Y-stitched heel and “invisitoe” that minimizes annoying bumps. Even if it seems like socks aren’t an exciting gift, comfort is pretty much always a hit in college.
Plus, for every pair purchased, Bombas donates a specially designed sock to someone in need.
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask 40 oz. Wide Mouth Water Bottle, available at Hydro Flask, REI, and Amazon, from $49.95
This HydroFlask will keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours with the lid on, perfect for when they need coffee during a long night studying.
Atlas Coffee Club
3-Month Coffee Subscription, available at Atlas Coffee Club, $60
If they drink coffee, they’ll likely drink a fair amount of it during college. And it’s really nice to have a cup better than one from the dining hall.
Atlas Coffee is a monthly subscription that’s sort of like a worldwide coffee tour — bringing the best single-origin coffee (with a postcard from its origin country) to your door. They’ll also get brewing tips and flavor notes.
Amazon
“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $11.98
Many college students are trying to map out what they want out of life and how to build the habits that get them where they want to go. In the popular book “Atomic Habits,” James Clear, an expert on habit formation, teaches practical strategies for building lasting habits and ditching detrimental ones.
Amazon
Beats Solo3 Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones, available at Amazon, Walmart, and Apple, from $116.09
If there’s one thing every college student needs, it’s good wireless headphones. This Beats pair has rich sound and up to 40 hours of listening time. And if they let the battery run out, a five-minute charge converts to three hours of playback.
If they’re a runner and need something lightweight and in-ear, you should opt for Jaybird Vista.
Amazon
Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $30.39
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.
JBL
JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker, available at JBL, Amazon, and Walmart, from $89
A Bluetooth speaker is a must-have: it helps set the mood for study nights and brings the party to life whenever they’re hosting. JBL’s Flip 5 speaker is the best choice. It has vibrantly booming bass, lasts for up to 12 hours without a charge, and is waterproof.
Everlane
The Oversized Blazer, available at Everlane, $228
Workday Khakis, available at Dockers, $66
Wool Coat, available at Other Stories, from $219
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 — plus the best styles to buy from each one.
MVMT
MVMT Men’s Chrono Watch, available at MVMT and Amazon, from $135
MVMT Women’s Avenue Watch, available at MVMT and Amazon, $128
MVMT makes beautiful watches for men and women at great prices, and they feel more contemporary to wear than most on the market. It’s a versatile, sentimental gift you can feel good about giving because you know they’ll feel good — and perhaps more put-together — wearing it.
Amazon
Apple 10.2-inch iPad (32 GB), available at Amazon, Apple, and Walmart, from $299.95
If you go on a college campus today, you’ll probably see iPads all over the place — and for good reason. These slim rectangular boxes are bundles of joy for students. They make note-taking, e-reading, Netflix, and leisure drawing easy to do all in one place. The new 256GB iPad ($479) will make an unforgettable gift. If you want to take it up a notch, the highly-coveted and ultrafast 11″ iPad Pro ($799) is even better.
If they already have an iPad, you can think about getting them an Apple Pencil ($129), which will level up their gadget even more.
Amazon
Tile Mate, available at Amazon, Target, and Walmart, $24.99
You can’t go wrong with a tracker for their keys, wallet, or phone. The Tile Mate is compact, thoughtful, and useful for everyone — especially an oft-frazzled college student.
Lauren Savoie/Insider
Thuma Bed Frame (Full), available at Thuma, from $995
A good bed frame is the foundation of good sleep and this one by Thuma features interlocking Japanese joinery that makes it incredibly sturdy but easy to disassemble, move, and store. It’s a great option for young adults on the move, especially if they’re moving into older or smaller buildings.
Staples
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Bluetooth Photo Printer, available at Amazon, B&H Photo, and Apple, from $89.95
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 also has internal PhotoShop elements and features like themed stickers and collages) and connect via Bluetooth.
Goldbelly
Food gifts, available at Goldbelly, prices vary
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.
Amazon
Roku Ultra 4K/HDR/HD Streaming Player, available at Amazon, Roku, and Walmart, from $86.89
Most college students aren’t forking over a monthly payment to cable. This streaming player is, overall, the best one you can buy, and it transforms an otherwise ordinary TV into one that can stream shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Prime Video, and others all in one spot.
FOREO
FOREO Luna 3 Facial Cleansing Device, available at FOREO, Amazon, and Sephora, $219
FOREO’s cult-favorite Luna 2 cleansing device gently and effectively cleans with thin, antimicrobial silicone touch points, and it removes 98.5% of dirt and makeup residue without irritating the skin. Plus, it’s 100% waterproof and the battery life lasts for a few months per charge. Find a full review from a female reporter and a male reporter here.
Apple
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with Charging Case, available at Target, Amazon, and Apple, from $239.99
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.
Patagonia
Men’s and Women’s Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover, available at Patagonia, $129
Men’s and Women’s Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece, available at REI, $129
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.
A Patagonia sweater is also a particularly good gift for students who are invested in sustainability. The company has been turning plastic bottles into polyester for its clothing since 1993, and continues to do so today.
Allbirds/Instagram
Men’s and Women’s Wool Runners, available at Allbirds, $110
Startup Allbirds makes wildly popular shoes out of soft, sustainable materials. Their Runners, made of super-soft merino wool, have been nicknamed “the world’s most comfortable shoes.” You can find a full review here.
Amazon
Anker Nebula Capsule Smart Mini Projector, available at Amazon and Walmart, $299.99
Anker’s Nebula Capsule is a powerful and versatile mini projector, and its portability makes it a great option for college students who want a cozy movie-viewing experience in the comfort of their own room. It’s 1 pound and the size of a soda can, but it has surprisingly crisp image quality and 360-degree sound. Find a full review here.
American Eagle
Shop American Eagle’s Tailgate Apparel
Particularly if they’re going to a school with a big sports team, you can be sure they’ll both need and appreciate all the fan gear.
Amazon
Cards Against Humanity, available at Amazon, Target, and Walmart, $29
Grab a fun card game they’ll inevitably end up pulling out to play with friends on the weekend nights and snow days. Check out What Do You Meme, too.
Brooklinen
Gift Card, available at Brooklinen, from $50
Few things sound as nice as comfortable, beautiful sheets that you don’t need to buy for yourself. Brooklinen is one of our favorite startups to shop at, and we ranked their sateen cotton sheets the best luxury sheets you can buy.
Birchbox Man/Instagram
One Year Subscription, available at Birchbox, $156
College students like to look and feel good, but tight budgets aren’t conducive to trying a lot of new grooming products. Birchbox sends samples of new and beloved products once a month, so they can test out new finds and discover products they may want to buy a full size of in the future. It’s also just fun to get a monthly gift that is all about them.
Amazon
Echo Dot (4th Gen) with Clock, available at Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy, $59.99
The newest Echo Dot is more convenient than ever. The all-new design features a larger speaker for better audio, a digital clock to display the time and timer countdowns, and all of Alexa’s other features.
Away/Facebook
The Carry-On, available at Away, from $275
Away’s popular suitcases deserve their hype. Their hard shell is lightweight but durable, their 360-degree spinner wheels make for seamless traveling, and the external (and ejectable and TSA-compliant) battery pack included can charge a smartphone five times over. It’s also guaranteed for life by Away. Find our full review here.
We also recommend Calpak for other luggage options.
Amazon
“The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter — And How to Make the Most of Them Now” by Meg Jay, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $12.19
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.”
Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images
Gift an Amazon Prime membership, $139
An Amazon Prime membership is one of those things that immediately makes life easier. If you decide to gift one, the recipient will enjoy free two-day shipping; access to the Prime Now app, which provides free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items; Prime Video, Amazon’s streaming video service; Prime Music; the Kindle Lending Library; Prime Reading; Prime Audible Channels; unlimited photo storage, and more.
If you want to see how Amazon Prime actually gives you a lot more than free shipping, you can read about the benefits of the service here.
Amazon
Homesick Location Scented Candle, available at Amazon, Homesick, and Uncommon Goods, from $34
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.
Magic Spoon
Four Flavors, available at Magic Spoon, $39
Magic Spoon is a “childlike cereal for adults” that’s high in protein and low in sugar — and all four flavors are delicious. Here’s one way to show college kids it is completely possible to transition to adulthood without losing all the joy of being a kid. You can read more in a personal review here.
Framebridge
Gift Card or Frame a Memory, available at Framebridge, from $45
Help them honor some of their best memories — whether it’s from friends now studying across the country, family, or best-loved locales. Framebridge is relatively affordable, but decor is one of the luxuries plenty of college students shirk to save elsewhere, so give them permission and funds to make their dorm a home.
Leatherology
Leatherology Small Shave Bag, available at Leatherology and Amazon, from $95
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. No one wants to rely on a plastic shower caddy to do that. Grab them a leather shave bag that they’ll use for years to come — they probably wouldn’t justify the expense on their own, and they’ll be grateful to have it.
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 $55.
MeUndies
Men’s and Women’s Lounge Pant, available at MeUndies, $68
MeUndies is a popular LA startup that makes some of the most comfortable underwear we’ve ever tried. Their lounge pants, however, are the real hidden gem — perfect for lounging around on weekend mornings, and they’re sleek enough to avoid feeling too unkempt.
Coop Home Goods
Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow, available at Coop Home Goods and Amazon, $72
Make sure they’re optimizing their sleep with the best pillow you can buy. 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. Read more in our buying guide here.
Sephora
Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment with Lactic Acid, available at Kiehl’s and Sephora, $54
This new facial essence from Kiehl’s is a great addition to any skincare routine. It’s especially good for those who want to even out their skin tone, smooth skin texture, and add some extra moisture. It’s made with rich ingredients and is simple to use: you just pat a few drops onto your face, rub it in, and it’ll do its magic.
Grafomap
A customized poster, available at Grafomap, from $19
Commemorate their college town, hometown, or favorite place in the world with this customizable graphic map so they can keep it with them wherever life takes them.
Amazon
Native Union 10-Foot Extra-Long Charging Cable with Leather Strap, available at Amazon, Walmart, and Native Union, from $24
If they’re going to be tethered to devices, you may as well give them a long leash. This long charging cable means no matter where one is, they’ll have power — and they won’t have to sit at the foot of their bed to reach it.
Nordstrom
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag, available at Amazon, Nordstrom, and Herschel, from $67.64
Just like bringing a beat-up JanSport everywhere, lugging an old nylon gym bag isn’t ideal for anyone looking for versatile use. Herschel Supply Co. makes reliable, long-lasting bags, and this one has a separate compartment for gym or dress shoes.
Amazon
Rapid Ramen Cooker, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $5.99
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.
Amazon
BEDSURE Sherpa Fleece Blanket, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $25.99
Grab their favorite candy, this sherpa-lined fleece blanket with over 4,400 five-star reviews on Amazon, and a Hulu gift card to make their nights in actually fun.
Flickr Creative Commons/Lani Elderts
What a stressed, broke college student needs most is money and probably a hug. If you’re looking for a way to gift maximum convenience, gift cards are a surprisingly thoughtful way to do that — either for their favorite restaurant, transportation, school books, or music to keep them occupied during long study hours. Check out more gift card gifts here.
Everything: Visa Gift Card / Amazon Gift Card
Coffee: Starbucks Gift Card
School books: Amazon Gift Card
Entertainment: Netflix Gift Card / Hulu Gift Card / Sling Gift Card / StubHub Gift Card
Transportation: Uber Gift Card
Furniture: Amazon Gift Card / Wayfair Gift Card
Music: Spotify Gift Card
Groceries and food: Whole Foods Gift Card / Chipotle Gift Card
Clothes: Nordstrom Gift Card / Everlane Gift Card
Tech: Best Buy Gift Card
Travel: Delta Gift Card / Airbnb Gift Card