30 Best Gifts For College Students

Written by Pratyasha Ray, MA (English) Pratyasha Ray MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on

College isn’t just about having fun and hanging out with friends. It also involves juggling classes, new responsibilities, part-time jobs, relationships – and finances.

While choosing a gift for your college-going friend, you need to ensure that it is functional, practical, fun, and compact – and something that they will need and use.

We have chosen the top 30 gift ideas for college students, keeping in mind the best ones. These ideas will help you decide what to pick and what not to. Scroll away![table “455” could not be loaded /]

30 Best Gifts For College Students

1. LED Digital Alarm Clock

Travelwey Home LED digital alarm clock has a simple design and is easy to operate. This not just your average alarm clock. It has some cool features, including a night light on the top, which will satisfy those midnight reading sprees of college students without disturbing their roommates.

Key Features
  • Easy to operate
  • Comes with a night light
  • Loud alarm for heavy sleepers
  • Can be set to snooze for straight 5 minutes or 9 minutes
  • Jumbo LED digits with sliders for light adjustment
  • Standard US 120V outlet with battery backup

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2. Power Bank

Anker PowerCore 20100 mAh portable power bank charges any mobile in a few minutes through its PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technology. It is lightweight and is very useful for college kids who use their mobile phones extensively.

Key Features
  • High-speed charging
  • Lightweight
  • Self-recharge in 10 minutes with 2-ampere charger
  • Certified safety
  • Comes with a micro USB cable, travel pouch, and welcome guide
  • Lightning cable for iPhone available separately
  • 18-month warranty

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3. Portable Table

This portable college table by Lifetime can help students during exams and important assignments. It has a four-seater capacity bed with three height settings and is ideal for individual or group study sessions.

Key Features
  • Made of polythene plastic and powder-coated steel
  • 48-inch x 24-inch dimensions
  • 4-seater capacity
  • Foldable
  • Adjustable to 3 height settings (24-inch, 29-inch, and 36-inch)
  • Convenient to move around

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4. Table Lamp

TaoTronics LED desk lamp comes with five lighting modes and seven brightness levels, allowing students to use it without irritating their eyes. The flicker-free lighting system can be used for long hours as it saves more than 75% of electricity than normal desk lamps.

Key Features
  • Lighting without flickers
  • 7 different brightness levels
  • 5 color modes
  • Versatile design
  • Reduces electricity usage by 75%
  • 1-year warranty + 18 months extended warranty

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5. Toaster

Say goodbye to sudden hunger pangs with the KRUPS stainless steel toaster. It is available with 5-level functions – Cancel, Toasting, Defrost, Reheat, and Bagel, in addition to a 6-level browning control. The toaster also comes with a removable crumb tray for easy cleaning.

Key Features
  • Made of high-quality brushed and combed stainless steel
  • Blue LED indicators
  • 5 functions: Cancel, Toasting, Defrost, Reheat, and Bagel
  • 6-level browning control
  • Removable crumb tray
  • 2-year warranty

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6. Electric Iron

Don’t let your child or friend struggle with a pile of dirty clothes at the hostel. Gift them the Rowenta Micro Steam Stainless Steel Iron with 700-watt power. The iron comes with easy temperature control and distributes steam equally, making the clothes look crisp and wrinkle-free. The 3-way shut off system ensures that your child/friend is safe from accidents.

Key Features
  • 1700 W power
  • Stainless steel soleplate, made in Germany
  • Equal steam distribution
  • Easy temperature control
  • Easy to fill tap water to iron
  • 3-way shut-off system

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7. Sewing Kit

The sewing kit by Artika has more than 50 sewing items. It comes in handy during emergencies and can help one quickly fix any wardrobe malfunction. Whether you are a true fashionista or not, this DIY travel sewing kit can help you avoid any fashion faux pas.

Key Features
  • Comes in a premium PU case
  • Consists of golden eye needles, metal thimble, stainless steel scissors
  • Lightweight and safe to carry around
  • 40 sewing pins and 38 spools
  • Great for emergency sewing fixes

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8. Lap Desk

This memory foam lap desk by Sofia+Sam would make for a practical gift for college students. When students don’t feel like using the table and chair, this lap desk can be a boon. It is tough and portable, and it can double up as a writing desk as well.

Key Features
  • Comfortable and multipurpose oversized lap desk
  • Comes with a memory foam cushion, wrist rest, and handle
  • Supports laptops with a screen size of up to 20 inches
  • Tough and portable
  • 22″ x 14.5″ x 2.55″ dimensions

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9. Laptop Backpack

The SwissGear travel laptop backpack is made of durable 1200D polyester material that can carry laptops up to 17 inches long. It comes with a separate iPad compartment and multiple pockets. One can carry all their college essentials in this 31-liter backpack with adjustable straps and a padded back panel.

Key Features
  • Made with durable 1200D polyester material
  • Can carry laptops up to 17 inches long
  • Separate iPad compartment and other multiple pockets
  • Padded back panel and adjustable straps for extra comfort
  • Exterior Dimensions – 18.5″ X 13.5″ X 9″; laptop compartment dimensions – 17″ X 12.5″ X 2.5
  • 31-liter capacity

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10. Insulated Water Bottle

Hydro Cell water bottles are made of high-grade stainless steel and have two caps. The double-walled layer aids temperature control while the non-corrosive and anti-slip layer ensures that the water is clean and safe for consumption even after multiple uses. The water bottles are also BPA-free (free of Bisphenol A, a synthetic organic compound).

Key Features
  • Available in
  • multiple colors
  • Made of high-grade stainless steel
  • Non-corrosive and anti-slip layer
  • Double-walled layer for temperature control
  • BPA-free
  • Lifetime warranty

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11. Memory Foam Pillow

This memory foam pillow by Coop Home Goods lets one sleep comfortably without causing any neck strain. The pillow’s outer cover is made of 60% polyester and 40% rayon, and the inner side is made of certified memory foam. The pillow is hypoallergenic, and dust mite-resistant and comes with a 5-year warranty.

Key Features
  • Outer cover made of 60% polyester and 40% rayon
  • Adjustable design for utmost comfort
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dust mite-resistant
  • Certified memory foam
  • 5-year warranty

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12. Mesh Shower Caddy

The Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy comes with eight small and one large compartment, allowing you to store all your toiletries in one place. The tough mesh material and durable handle ensure that you can put it up anywhere without any hassle.

Key Features
  • Tough mesh material
  • Durable handle
  • 8 small compartments and 1 large compartment
  • Lightweight and versatile
  • Quick-dry material
  • Completely rust-proof
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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13. Clip-On Fan

Beat the summer heat with the SkyGenius portable mini desk fan. It comes with a 2600 mAh battery that is replaceable and rechargeable. It also is equipped with 360-degree vertical and horizontal rotation.

Key Features
  • Powerful and portable
  • Fashionable
  • Replaceable and rechargeable 2600 mAh battery
  • 360-degree vertical and horizontal rotation
  • Can be clipped anywhere
  • 19x15x10 cm dimensions

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14. Clip-On Reading Light

This reading light by TopElek has seven LEDs and nine modes to control color temperature. This reading light is equipped with a 1000 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery. It also has a 360-degree flexible gooseneck for convenient adjustment to adjust it conveniently anywhere and anytime. The strong clip ensures that the light holds securely on any material you wish to clamp.

Key Features
  • 7 LED lights, 3 color temperature settings, and 3 brightness settings
  • Zero flicker
  • Lightweight and portable
  • 360-degree flexible gooseneck
  • Built-in 1000 mAh rechargeable battery

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15. Kindle

The new waterproof Kindle Paperwhite is the best gift for college students who love reading. The sleek and lightweight design, combined with long-lasting battery life, gives one uninterrupted reading experience. The built-in adjustable LED light and two different storage options enhance your overall reading experience.

Key Features
  • Very thin and lightweight
  • 300 PPI glare-free display
  • Waterproof
  • 8GB and 32 GB storage options
  • Audible integrated
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • The built-in adjustable LED light

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16. 2-in-1 Straightener and Curler

If you are looking for gifts for college girls, the Furiden hair straightener plus styler will work best. The product is convenient to use due to its 360-degree swivel long cord and the auto shut-off feature. The balanced heat place helps to curl hair in just 15 seconds.

Key Features
  • One step straightener and styler
  • Easy to use
  • Curls hair in 15 seconds
  • Energy-saving product
  • 360-degree swivel long cord
  • Balanced heat plate
  • Auto shut off feature
  • Comes with a heat resistant glove, flat iron bag, salon comb, and 2 salon hair clips

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17. Scientific Calculator

This calculator would be an ideal gift for any student who loves math. The multi-view display shows multiple calculations at once and can easily convert decimals and fractions.

Key Features
  • Ideal for problems that don’t involve graphing technology
  • Multi-view display
  • MathPrint to display mathematical symbols, expressions, and fractions as they are
  • Easy to convert fractions, decimals, and terms into alternate representations

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18. Coffee Mug

Let the students enjoy their hot beverages in the Yeti Rambler stainless steel mug. It is made of high-quality material and has a comfortable handle for an easy grip.

Key Features
  • 14 oz capacity
  • Highly durable
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Comfortable handle for easy grip
  • Duracoat color prevents scratching and peeling.
  • The advanced design prevents frostbite.

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19. Electronic Pocketbook

The Rocketbook Everlast smart reusable notebook allows students to write as many notes as they want without wasting paper. This is an innovative approach to conserve natural resources while being equally efficient.

Key Features
  • Environment-friendly
  • 32 reusable pages
  • Easy to clean with a wipe cloth
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Works with any marker, highlighter, or Pilot Frixion pen

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20. Blanket

Bedsure Sherpa fleece blanket is a good gift for college students to use during the winter season and cold nights for a comfortable sleep.

Key Features
  • Double-sided soft blanket
  • Made of reversible material
  • Made of 100% microfiber polyester fabric
  • Comes in multiple colors and size

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21. Pop up Laundry Bag

Students can organize and store unclean clothes and linen in this Mesh Popup Laundry bag. This helps them save time and energy.

Key Features
  • Made of a sturdy mesh
  • Versatile storage solution for the home
  • Comes in different colors
  • Durable handles
  • Twistable frame

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22. Desk Organizer

Organize stationery with the SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer. This is a convenient product that can be kept in small spaces where there isn’t enough room for storage.

Key Features
  • Space-saving design
  • Comes with a drawer
  • Multiple compartments for easy storage
  • 13.25″L x 13″W x 9″D dimensions

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23. 2-in-1 Trimmer and Shaver

Looking for gifts for college-going guys? Buy the Philips Norelco trimmer that comes with a dual-edged blade for easy cutting and trimming. It comes with click-on combs to ensure a fast and even trims. It can shave the hair of any length and is comfortable on your skin.

Key Features
  • Rechargeable one-blade trimmer
  • Dual-sided blade for precise cutting and trimming
  • Easy rubber grip
  • One blade can last up to 4 months

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24. Bluetooth Headset

This over-the-head Bluetooth speaker by Mpow 059 is a great gift for all music lovers. Just charge once and enjoy 20 hours of non-stop music!

Key Features
  • Hi-fi sound output
  • Comfortable ear cushion
  • 20 hours of music time with a single charge
  • Can be used in wired and wireless modes
  • Foldable headband
  • Comes in multiple colors

Buy Now

25. Planner

The Simple Elephant Planner lets students organize all their upcoming tasks and manage timetables easily. Gift it to college students to make their life more productive.

Key Features
  • High-quality no-bleed paper (110gsm)
  • Dedicated pen holder
  • Durable soft leatherette hardcover
  • 3 bookmarks and 58 note pages
  • Free sheet of stickers

Buy Now

26. UNO Cards

The classic UNO card game can be an amazing gift to a college student living in a hostel.
They can play this game with a single friend or a big group of friends. Either way, it guarantees a lot of fun!

Key Features
  • Pack of 112 cards
  • 32 special action cards
  • 3 customizable cards
  • Can be played by up to 10 players

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27. Laptop Cooling Pad

The Havit Laptop Cooling Pad can be a great gift for college students who use laptops frequently for study, work, or gaming purposes. It has two shield holders at the back, which provide two height levels for better viewing and typing. This helps prevent neck and back pain as you can adjust the height based on your comfort.

Key Features
  • Slim and portable
  • LED indicator to know the working status
  • 2 adjustable height settings
  • 3 ultra-quiet fans for zero disturbance
  • Built-in dual USB ports
  • Ergonomic

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28. Electric Toothbrush

The Oral-B White Pro Electric Toothbrush is a great gift idea for college students who are very particular about their oral hygiene. It comes with a pressure sensor that stops the pulsations in-case you brush too hard. It also comes with a built-in 2-minute timer that pulses every 30 seconds so that you can switch the areas of the mouth. The pack contains one Oral-B professional handle, one cross-action bush head, and one charger.

Key Features
  • 300 times better than a regular brush
  • 3D cleaning action
  • Built-in 2 -minute timer
  • Effective to clean plaque
  • Replaceable and compatible head

Buy Now

29. Yoga Mat

The BalanceForm GoYoga Mat is a useful addition to every college student’s daily routine. It is made of genuine BalanceFoam that comes with a two-year warranty. It cushions the elbows, hips, knees, and spine on hard floors and also keeps you balanced. The double-sided non-slip surfaces help prevent injuries while exercising. It is comfortable and suitable for people of all ages and sizes.

Key Features
  • Made of eco-friendly material
  • Comfortable
  • Moisture-resistant
  • Lightweight
  • Comes with a free yoga mat strap
  • Available in multiple colors

Buy Now

30. Fitness Band

FitBit Charge 3 is a useful device for students to keep a tab on their daily activities and calorie intake. It encourages them to move around and stay healthier. The design is durable and swim-proof, and the device is wearable in the shower as well. You can also connect it to your smartphone to get call and text notifications on your wrist.

Key Features
  • Tracks calorie intake
  • Monitors heart rate
  • Get your call, text or mobile notifications on the OLED screen
  • Connect with GPS to see real-time pace and distance
  • Sync stats between your electronic devices

Buy Now

Most college students struggle with finances because they don’t earn themselves. These gifts can go a long way in helping them. But you don’t have to limit yourself to the options mentioned above. You can also try customizing gifts as per the choice of the person you are gifting it to.

Which of the gifts would you pick? Why? Do share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment in the box below.

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Pratyasha Ray
Pratyasha RayCommerce Writer
Pratyasha has a master's degree in English from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is an avid lover of art and literature. She has over two years of experience in writing articles across beauty and lifestyle, and she curates and reviews products and appliances that make the readers’ household chores easy and keep their homes running smoothly.

Read full bio of Pratyasha Ray
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