Wondering what to get a college student for Christmas? I quizzed my three subject matter experts (my own kids!) and did some research of my own to come up with a gift guide that’s been vetted by actual college students.
Tech Gifts for College Students
This safety keyring is made for women by women. If your student feels threatened, all they need to do is activate the very loud alarm. The strobe light also blinks so they can be easily find.
Ok, this is a total mom gift, but you know they will put it on their key chain if you buy it. ;)
If your college student doesn't already have a set of AirPods, believe me, they want some. They just work - they're easy to set up and give great quality sound. Plus, prices are now competitive with other brands so you can't go wrong.
College students have a lot to keep track of! Help make things a little easier with the AirTags. Attach the tags to frequently lost items and you can find them any time in the Apple "Find My" App.
I use my own set on our luggage when we travel plus have one on the dog's collar in case he sneaks out. Very handy little things!
Hey - Android users lose things too, right? The TilePro works with both Android and Apple phones.. Simply place the tile on the back of your frequently misplaced item (such as your car keys) and use the app on your phone to make the tile emit a noise. Can't find your phone? Pressing the tile will cause your phone to ring, even if it's on silent.
It really does seem like every college student t is on TikTok these days and if they aren't, they're thinking about it. This ringlight and tripod stand is perfect for the aspiring TikToker - or for anyone who wants to look good on their Zoom calls.
This handy gadget turns a regular outlet into a compact surge protector with 4 USB charging ports and 3 AC outlets. Plus, it has a handy shelf to hold your devices as they charge.
An extra-long charging cord is one of those things you can't imagine needing - until you get one and then you can't imagine how you got by without it. This ultra-strong 10 foot cord won't fray or break and comes in a variety of fun patterns and colors.
Help your college student avoid the Freshman 15 and get reminders to stand up and move around some during those extended study sessions with this popular fitness tracker.
Space is always at a premium in tiny dorm rooms. This charging station keeps all their various devices neatly docked and charging in one compact space.
This mini projector is perfect for movie night in the dorm! Simply connect it to your streaming device or your laptop and you're good to go. Just add popcorn.
Sure a smartphone takes great pictures but if your college student wants to take their photography game up a notch, this mirrorless camera is a lightweight alternative to a DSLR and takes great 4K video.
This cute printer connects to your smartphone with bluetooth to print stickers with your student's favorite photos.
This Echo Dot streams music, answers quick questions, tells jokes, and acts as a clock and alarm.
Gifts to Wear
Gifts to Wear
These blue light blocking glasses prevent eyes train during those late night study sessions.
Crocs are comfortable and practical and, according to my daughter, they're also cool now. These crocs work for men and women and have a cozy faux fur lining.
These Sherpa lined trucker jackets are very trendy right now, and it will keep them warm too! Because Mom always need to make sure they have a jacket.
Levi's Classic Jean Jacket comes in Men's and Women's versions and can be worn with anything. This version is sherpa-lined to keep your student warm around campus.
Send your college student back to campus with a memory of the family member they've been missing the most - the family pet. These socks can be customized with a picture of your dog or cat. My husband got everyone in the family these socks customized with our dogs face and they were a unanimous hit.
Gifts for the Dorm
Gifts for the Dorm
This collapsible popcorn popper makes perfect popcorn in the microwave from regular popcorn.
If you have a cold brew lover, they'll adore this cold brew maker. It produces 4 servings of cold brew coffee using any type of coffee grounds.
Ramen is a college staple and this cooker quickly makes ramen in the microwave AND acts as a serving bowl.
This holder fits most blow dryer and safely attaches to the wall for easy storage. You can even wrap the cord around the holder to keep it out of the way as well.
My son crawled under my weighted blanket on his first night home for the holidays, fell asleep on the sofa and slept through until the morning. I knew then that the blanket would be returning with him to school and it did. This blanket really works for easing anxiety and promoting sleep. Everyone needs one!
Help your student study wherever the mood strikes with this adjustable portable laptop lap desk.
Of course, your student might also appreciate a touch of home. These photo clips let your student keep photos of their favorite memories in front of them all the time and the unit easily attaches with command strips.
Keep all important dates and to-dos up front and visible at all times with this wall-mounted dry erase monthly calendar. Great for the visually oriented.
By now, your college student should be starting to understand just how much laundry can pile up. Make the task a little easier with this extra-large backpack, which holds at least 3 loads of laundry along with a pocket for supplies.
If you can’t be together, show your love with a care package of sweet and salty snacks. Because who doesn't love food?
Help your student start every day with an inspirational message with this felt letter board
Useful Gifts They’ll Love
Stay safe at college with this scrunchie they can wait on their wrist and then open up to cover their drink to prevent tampering.
This ID Lanyard keeps that important student ID handy and includes a slot for a credit or debit card.
If your student can't get started without their Starbucks run in the morning, they'll love this customized cup that can be personalized with their name.
This insulated water bottle holds 25-ounces of liquids with a non-slip exterior.
This powerful steamer gets wrinkles out in a flash and takes much less storage space than an iron and ironing board.
Just place these shower steamers on the floor of your shower and turn that yucky dorm shower into a relaxing spa.
If your student is the type who likes to keep their agenda with them on the go, this popular calendar is a great way to keep track of what’s going on.
If you're a college student, you need an Amazon Prime membership for emergencies like needing a required book overnight (or even better, right away on your Kindle!). And you'll appreciate the ability to watch 1000s of movies and TV shows with Prime Video. (Just don't watch the movies when you should be reading the book!)
And if you’re sending your teen off to college for the first time this year, check out these other great ideas:
- Guide to College Move-In Day
- 13 College Dorm Essentials You’ll Actually Use
- 10 Things to Do the Summer Before College
- 35 Easy Meals for College Students