At the moment, we’re still relishing in the sweetness of summer. But honestly, the season feels like a downward hill once mid-July hits. Whether you like it or not, we are autumn-bound. Now that Independence Day sales are well behind us, back-to-school shopping is about to set in with full force. A bittersweet time of the year, isn’t it?
The fact that you’ve made it here means you probably have a college student on your hands. Whether you’re a supportive uncle, a soon-to-be empty nester sending off your last child, or a fellow graduate shopping for a gift for your bestie, college is an exciting and buzzy time for everyone involved. From dining dollars and syllabi to frat formals and bar crawls, the life of a college student is a unique experience unlike any other. As such, it can be hard to determine what they actually want or need. Snacks and money for laundry? Yes, always, but you can do better than that. From dorm decor to study buddies and mess hall must-haves, there are plenty of goodies ripe for the care package picking that are sure to go to good use by your beloved student. We’ve done the research, so consider this your study guide to finding the best gifts for women and men studying hard this semester. Ahead, find 45 gifts for college students to unwrap this year.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Mini Video Projector
Turning that dorm or living room into a mini movie theater has never been easier.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Is it really a shower if you don’t pretend to headline your own concert?
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Fire TV Stick
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Smartphone Sanitizer
College campuses are breeding grounds for bacteria. After you wash your hands for 60 seconds, give your phone the same treatment.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
PowerShot Digital Camera G7 X Mark II
For the future YouTube vlogger.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Portable Luggage Scale
School might be stressful, but nothing is as worrisome as that 5o-pound luggage limit when it comes time to go home for the holidays. This sleek scale takes up no space at all and saves a lot of trouble.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Stars And Moon Projector Light
Their dorm will become the hang-out spot with this funky projector light.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Ring Light Kit
The key to a good TikTok is great lighting.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
A Polaroid camera provides an amazing (and fun) way to document memories they’ll cherish forever.
FOR THE TECH ENTHUSIAST
QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
For the gym junkie who doesn’t want anyone to hear them blasting Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour album in between reps.
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
Air Max 270 Premium Sneaker
Sure, no one will see their fly kicks through Zoom, but that’s what Instagram is for, right?
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
Pixel Buds
The Pixel Buds comfortably rest in your ear while providing a crisp, polished sound as you run.
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings
Half the fun of going to the gym is dressing up in a cute outfit.
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
Students can’t always afford a spa getaway. Save them the trip (and money) by gifting this massage gun to soothe every kink and ailment. Even if they aren’t on any starting lineup, those backpacks get heavy! The shoulder knots are real.
FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE
Apple Watch Series 6
An Apple Watch serves many purposes, including Apple Fitness+. The program provides users with workout videos in addition to many health services.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Lap Desk with Device Ledge
Bring your desk to bed with this handy lap desk that has enough space for your phone and mouse.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Goal Getter Notebook
A multipurpose notebook that can be used to set goals, plan your daily to-do lists, journal, or doodle.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
2022 Apple iPad Air, 5th Generation
Anyone who shows up to class with an iPad instantly seems like an A+ student. Sorry, we don’t make the rules.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Laptop Carry Sleeve
A stylish laptop sleeve that folds into a stand? People deserve to know about this.
FOR THE BOOKWORM
What They Forgot To Teach You At School
You can’t learn everything at college. A helpful primer on emotional intelligence and balanced living is sure to be appreciated by any young adult.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
System Tote
A chic leather tote bag that makes them look like they have their life together, even if they were the life of the party the night before.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Turbo Extreme Steam Hand Held Fabric Steamer
This fabric steamer is perfect for the Marie Kondo obsessive in your life who can’t stand to see a wrinkle anywhere.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Classic Clog
Slides are so yesteryear. Crocs are the pandemic trend that will not be fading anytime soon. They’re comfy, lightweight, and versatile—sport mode or slip-on? You have options.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress
The viral TikTok slip dress that doubles as loungewear—or a casual Hinge date getup.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
The Large Everywhere Bag by Tia Adeola
A vibrant, head-turning bag to bring on a weekend away.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Fluff Yeah Slide
House slipper or shoe for running errands? Ugg’s Fluff Yeah is the best of both worlds.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
Hydrating Electrolyte Mix
You know what’s always in style? Healthy, hydrated skin. These tasty hydration boosters are perfect for slipping into a backpack or lunchbox. Plus, they’ll help battle hangovers, too.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
Hollywood Lighted Makeup Vanity Mirror
A flawless makeup look requires a good mirror.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
BeautyFIX Subscription
College exams and papers are stressful enough. A skincare subscription service will help to keep those cortisol-induced pimples at bay.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips
Basically the Facetune “Whiten” feature IRL.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
Start’rs Bundle
A star skincare bundle for your star pupil.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
Easy Beauty Bundle
Ready for class or the frats in five minutes—no beauty filter needed.
FOR THE BEAUTY GURU
Deluxe Brush Set
Invest in the budding MUA with a quality brush set that includes every tool they need for a full face beat.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
K-Mini Coffee Maker
For early morning classes and all-nighters in their new home (aka dorm).
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Portable Shower Caddy
This shower caddy keeps toiletries organized in a hanging bag, so none of the products get lost.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Office Accessories Organizer
A clutter-free space equals a clutter-free mind.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Classic Duvet Cover
Upgrade their typical bed in a bag with a soft, fluffy duvet cover that screams peace and comfort.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Air Fryer
Everything tastes better when it’s air-fried. Fact.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Char Perfect Pot
You can cook a slew of different meals in this multipurpose pot, which saves more space than the typical pan set.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Malea Shaggy Faux Fur Weighted Blanket
Whether they picked a school with blistery winter weather or midterms are just extra stressful this semester, a weighted blanket is a true comfort.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
The Blacker The Berry Candle
Febreeze can only do so much. Blk Sunflower’s candles have a scent like no other that quickly fills up a room.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Classic Core Sheet Set
Luxurious sheets will make them feel at home.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
Laundry Symbols Care Guide Poster
Posters and wall art are an absolute must for any dorm. This handy gift doubles as a guide to ease them into #LaundryLife.
FOR THE HOMEBODY
The I Love Trader Joe’s College Cookbook
They have to learn how to cook someday.
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