56 Best Gifts for College Students That They’ll Actually Use

Who needs frozen pizza when you have all of Trader Joe’s at your fingertips? The budget-friendly grocery chain is already great, but with recipes like acai bowls and teriyaki tofu, this cookbook will take their weekly hauls to new heights.

This tiny backpack from Lululemon is both functional and very cute. With plenty of room for essentials like headphones, a student ID, and lip balm, it’s about to become your favorite student’s prized possession.

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She’ll need a way to hang up all those photos, so throw in this battery-powered LED lights set that’s perfect for livening up faded dorm room walls.

College kids love instant cameras, and this perennial bestseller would make a great gift for any one of them.

Thoughtful gift incoming: Encourage their best habits with this simple diary, which is designed to increase mindfulness, gratitude, and confidence in just five minutes a day.

These celebrity-approved Ugg slippers are a favorite among young’uns. Despite their slipper-like comfort, they’re substantial enough to survive snowy treks to the dining hall.

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We can almost guarantee that Apple’s newly revamped noise-canceling headphones are on their list. And now that the earbuds are on super-sale, there’s never been a better time to gift them.

Astrology nerds will appreciate this double-strand necklace, which features a gem and a starburst in gleaming gold. (Bonus points if they have an astronomy class on their schedule this semester.)

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This addictive game is ideal for college students who always hang out with their floor-mates—and it’s a nice time filler when it’s just too cold to go outside.

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If all they’re eating is dining-hall pizza, lead them back in the direction of healthy food with this gadget that turns any frozen fruit into sorbet.

Glossier’s makeup kit has all the essentials they’ll need for getting ready for a big night out. And because it’s from a Gen Z–approved brand, you can be certain it won’t end up getting “lost” on the way back to school.

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Rosettes are all the rage among fashionable young people right now, and Free People’s option is especially cute. Any student who posts “Get ready with me” TikToks could use one of these for their accessory collection.

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Informally known as “TikTok lights,” these LEDs are exceedingly popular among students and can add color-changing lighting to every inch of a dorm room. Pair this gift with a smart plug to make the lights Alexa-enabled.

Even digital natives can miss trendy TikTok recipes, so treat your favorite college student to a book full of the app’s most delicious treats, from whipped coffee to focaccia.

A sharp watch will help your son stand out during his next internship interview—and this one is so handsome he’ll actually want to wear it to class too.

Late-night study sessions and Netflix binges are so much better with fresh-popped popcorn, wouldn’t you agree? Throw in some kernels and movie theater seasoning and you’re set.

This steepable coffee from Gen Z influencer Emma Chamberlain tastes like chocolate and brown sugar—and it’s cheaper than Starbucks and smaller than a coffee maker.

A mini fridge might not fit in their bedroom, but there’s probably space for this tiny beauty fridge that’ll keep skin care products (and possibly a can of LaCroix) chilly.

This stocking stuffer has everything she’ll need to survive a campus emergency (like a stain remover, a sewing kit, and hairspray), and it’ll take up virtually no space in her backpack.

Whether they display movies, sports, or games, this all-in-one projector set is one of the easiest ways to brighten up their nonschool hours.

Ice rollers combat puffiness and redness, making four hours of sleep look like eight. Midterms just got a little more manageable.

Consider this gift card a do-it-all present, given that it’ll help them get around and order food at any hour.

This retro pouch—available with designs referencing universities like Auburn, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech—has plenty of room for pencils, pens, flash drives, and any other campus necessities.

It’s impossible to say what the future holds, but these tarot cards featuring graphic illustrations might give them a hint.

No laptop-owning college student should be forced to use their trackpad all day. This Mac-friendly wireless mouse works on nearly any surface and makes everything from writing to video editing so much easier. (And unlike cheaper options, it doesn’t need to take up a USB port with a transmitter.)

Stila’s luxe eye makeup is ideal for adding a little shimmer to any look, and this two-pack is certain to find its way into your student’s going-out rotation pretty much immediately.

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Whether they use it as a water bottle or a vessel for cold brew, this insulated, stainless steel tumbler (a favorite among TikTokers) will keep them charged up and ready for whatever life throws at them. (It’s also just a little more interesting than another student favorite, the Hydro Flask.)

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Every student could use another throw blanket for lounging around, and this customized option includes the first letter of their name. It’s a personalized gift that’s guaranteed to impress.

Turn their dorm room desk into a full vanity with this compact makeup organizer that comes in the dreamiest sage shade. It’s the rare practical gift that manages not to be boring. (It also doubles as an office organizer and a home for toiletries.)

This self-care mask set includes six hydrating options with ingredients like aloe, green tea, and coconut. Your favorite student is about to have the glowiest skin of their life.

Homesickness is no match for this heatable stuffed animal that also smells like lavender. It’s almost as good as having a loved one or a pet nearby.

This silk pillowcase is soft on skin and even helps prevent flyaways—perfect for anyone who rolls out of bed minutes before their early-morning classes.

Free People’s vintage-inspired beanie is bound to pull together every single one of their outfits from now through April.

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Perfect for glamming up ahead of a presentation or formal, this blow-dryer brush is one Glamour writer’s secret to “effortlessly, enchantingly great hair.”

Gift ideas don’t have to reinvent the wheel to be appreciated. Case in point: these bright felt-tip pens that’ll be a godsend for dedicated note takers and avid color coders.

College students have to take storage seriously, and these collapsible, stackable crates are ideal for keeping all their bits and baubles organized in a way that’s easy on the eyes.

Dust bunnies and snack spills are no match for this lightweight handheld vacuum, which can be tucked under a bed or mounted on a wall. (When was the last time they actually cleaned their room, anyway?)

Ramen is a reality of dorm life, and this microwavable bowl ensures that it’ll turn out delicious every single time.

If their iPhone’s battery life just isn’t what it used to be, this tech gift will keep it juiced up between proper charges—ideal for college campuses lacking in open outlets.

Interviews, presentations, and nice dinners require the right wardrobe. This handsome knit polo is a cut above any guy’s typical uniform of hoodies and college tees—but it’s just as comfy.

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The beauty obsessive on your list will love this reusable headband, which keeps hair out of the way during multistep skin care routines. It’ll add some welcome whimsy to their shower caddy.

A great pair of sweatpants is nonnegotiable for college students, but we’ll do you one better: This all-time favorite pajama set is exactly what she’s been picturing. Styled with cozy socks and Boston Birks, it’s a perfect movie-night ’fit.

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For anyone who has trouble getting to sleep, this weighted eye mask is a dream come true. It blocks out light and works to calm nerves, resulting in a more restful night’s sleep—ideal for a care package.

When in doubt, go with a monogram necklace. They’re timeless, elegant, and a great way to remind people of your name.

A Bluetooth speaker is a welcome present for the student with an endless supply of playlists, especially when it’s water-resistant and as surprisingly bass-y as this one. We also love that it’s tiny, meaning limited desk space isn’t an issue.

Caffeine is a reality of student life. Help your student kick a daily Starbucks habit with this single-serve Keurig, which is the perfect size for a dorm room. (It fits nicely on top of a microwave or mini fridge.) We also suggest throwing a few K-Cup pods with their favorite roast.

Plenty of college students get a kick out of tarot cards, especially on nights when they’re wondering what exactly the future holds. Illuminate the answers with this book, which contains the complete story of tarot.

This cute kitchen gadget makes off-campus cooking so much easier, allowing them to air-fry, bake, roast, toast, and reheat food so much quicker than in a conventional oven. (It’s also very much aesthetically pleasing.) See you never, dining hall!

Equal parts sporty and stylish, this half-zip from Lululemon will be the only thing they want to throw on for class. Quiet luxury vibes all the way.

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College life can be tough on skin, but Laneige’s hydrating, smoothing products—including its cult-favorite Lip Sleeping Mask—undo the damage of an all-nighter. Your student will want to tote these travel-size picks everywhere.

Gone are the days of being in one building all day; now your student probably has to trudge through all kinds of weather to get to class. Keep them bundled up (and looking good) with this delightfully oversized scarf.

Kids these days love putting bows on just about everything, including their bedding. This duvet cover is just about the cutest thing we’ve ever seen—and it comes in twin XL, the standard size of college dorm mattresses.

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Comfort is key for overworked students, but it doesn’t have to mean constantly wearing a collegiate sweatshirt. This on-trend sweater from Madewell looks just as good as it feels, ensuring that your giftee will ace their personal style goals.

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Candles might be contraband in dorms, but essential oil diffusers are welcome—and this one doubles as a humidifier while perfuming the air. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also a stellar piece of decor.

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