50 Gifts College Students Actually Want, According to Students and Recent Grads

Keep your college student hydrated with this sleek water bottle. ​It can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot up to 12. Plus, it has a leak proof cap for easy, on-the-go transport.

For Kyndall Hardwick, a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a handy water bottle is essential. “During the warmer months, running around campus in the heat tires you out pretty quickly,” she says. “Additionally, it’s one of the few things that even strict professors will let you have on the desk.”

Zaria Lewis who is a first-year student at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC agrees. “Whether you are walking long distances to class or working out in the gym, using a reusable water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated,” she says. “You also don’t have to worry about spending money or finding anything on campus to drink — it saves money.”

Who enjoys laundry day? Not many. So make it easier with a drawstring laundry bag that students can carry on their back. This nylon option is roomy enough to hold up to three loads of clothes. Plus, it has a handy, mesh outer pocket for easy access to detergent.

“When I was a sophomore, my laundry room was in a separate building from my dorm,” Hardwick explains. “There was no way I was going to try slinging a heavy bag of clothes over my shoulder while going up and down three flights of stairs. My laundry backpack was perfect.”

Say goodbye to spending money at expensive coffee shops. A convenient and affordable coffee maker like this offering that Lewis selected is a godsend for students who need a caffeine boost without breaking the bank.

“You can either make iced coffee or hot coffee inside your dorm room,” Lewis explains. “It’s convenient and helps save money.” Compact and cost-effective, this coffee maker brews in under 4 minutes. Impressive, right?

Although most laptops come with a trackpad, sometimes a wireless mouse can provide easier and more seamless navigation. Slim and portable, this wireless mouse boasts a built-in rechargeable battery and cool LED lights for added flair. Plus, it can be a good backup if your trackpad gets damaged.

“My trackpad stopped working in the middle of my third semester,” says James Angle, who graduated from UMBC this year. “Compared to the trackpad, my mouse is more reliable, feels better on my hands, executes inputs faster, and makes doing tasks easier. Not to mention I don’t need to be directly in front of the computer to move my mouse. That convenience and comfort means a lot to me.”

College kids can have the best of both worlds with this phone case and card holder. Its slim minimalistic design delivers on protecting their phones while keeping their important cards in place.

“Admittedly, I’m a forgetful person,” says Hardwick. “So, when my college gave us student IDs and room cards — I was liable to leave my room key in my room if I wasn't paying attention. When my mom gave me a phone case that could hold my ID, debit card, and room key, I stopped getting locked out of my room — because I never forgot my phone.”

Give students a laptop that’s lightweight but still packs a punch. This MacBook Air has heavy processing power that can manage a variety of tasks using minimal power. “It fits into just about any bookbag and even large purses,” Hardwick says. “It had the processing power to run any software that I needed for my classes.” She wasn’t always an Apple fan, but she’s now a convert. “I was a devout PC girl, but this was well worth making this switch.”

Plus, it can be useful beyond school work. “You can also FaceTime or video call your family and friends and use it for entertainment purposes,” Lewis says. “It’s very effective.”

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Not many things are as comforting or cozy as a warm blanket. This sherpa fleece throw is perfect for keeping students toasty when the temperature dips. “Some nights get really cold, and it gets exhausting arguing with your roommate(s) about where to keep the thermostat,” Angle says. “For people who like their rooms warm, it’s always a good idea to have a few extra blankets just in case.” Available in 30 vibrant shades, you’re sure to find the ideal color for your college student.

College campuses can be expansive. That’s why a bike is a sensible solution for getting students from point A to point B. This 21-speed lightweight mountain bike can go the distance. Its durable steel frame coupled with suspension fork, handles bumps and dips for a smoother-feeling ride. “It’s a really quick and fun way to get to class while exercising,” Angle says of biking. “They are also great for students without a car.”

Chance Johnson who attends Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL agrees, “Bikes are convenient and perfect for quick travel over longer distances on campus,” he says. “For those of us attending university in the South, bikes are a must because those walks to class in the heat get brutal.”

It’s no secret that classical music can be soothing while studying. However, we know that college age kids aren’t always hitting the books. Portable speakers are a must for students who also want to have fun and possibly get the party started. This wireless and waterproof option is perfect for those shower singing sessions too. ​​

It’s durable and can play up to 12 hours of continuous, high-quality audio. “For me, being a college student wouldn’t work without a Bluetooth speaker,” says Johnson. “Music fuels my clean-up-Sundays, motivates and calms me during intense study sessions, and helps raise my spirits when I’m feeling low.”

Keeping track of schedules, deadlines and plans can be difficult for students who are leaning into their newfound independence. Designed with convenience in mind, this spiral bound planner has sections for monthly and weekly views, inspirational quotes, space for celebrations, and pockets for storage. Plus, the elastic band keeps everything in place. Lewis loves her planner. “It’s beneficial for college students who struggle with time management,” she says. “You can map your assignments so you don’t miss deadlines. You can also use it to map out your busy days.”

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Ramen noodles are the quintessential college meal. Elevate the classic soup dish with this eye-catching tie-dye bowl and chopstick set.

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Snacking is almost synonymous with college students. They're always on the go and in need of a tasty snack. This care package is chock full of classic treats to satisfy their sweet and salty cravings.

Decorating their room is arguably one of the most exciting parts of dorm life for college students. Command strips can help them turn blank canvases into comfortable spaces that speak to their personal aesthetic. “Command strips are perfect for decorating your room with hanging lights, art, and anything else your heart desires,” Hardwick says. The best part? They provide damage-free decorating. “They don't leave any marks or rip up paint, so you don't have to worry about getting written-up at the end of the semester for ruining your room,” she adds.

No one likes lugging laundry. Simplify your favorite student’s loads with this collapsible laundry basket. The wheels make transporting clothes to the washer and dryer a cinch. Plus, it’s easy to assemble. “This was super essential for me,” says KaDasia Fostion, who graduated from Frostburg State University in 2021. “If you have an elevator in your dorm or live on the same floor as your laundry room, this is a must-have. Rolling your laundry around is super easy and frees up your hands for your phone, laundry detergent, keys, and whatever else you need.”

There’s no watering down the importance of H20. It’s essential for every living being and college students are no exception. A water filter is a great way to encourage them to stay hydrated while protecting the world around them. “I used to buy a lot of plastic water bottles, but they’re not great for the environment,” Fostion admits. “My water filter made me feel more reassured that I was drinking clean water.” This pitcher from PUR is easy to use, comes with a change light that indicates filter status, and reduces contaminants with every sip. We’ll drink to that!

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Give your college student the gift of a sound slumber. This mattress topper from BedSure ensures a rest that’s comfortable and cool. Its cotton fabric offers breathability for all-season use, while 300-thread count cotton provides softness. “The beds in dorm rooms are the worst,” says Fostion.

“You can feel every spring in those twin sized beds. I finally got so frustrated with the restless nights (which you can’t afford to deal with when you’re only getting a few hours of sleep anyway) that I bought a mattress pad. It made a huge difference in comfort. You don’t realize how important a good night’s rest is until you don’t have it.”

No bathroom is complete without a nice set of towels. Made with a honeycomb design, these are super absorbent and come in a variety of colors.

Nothing jumpstarts a day like a hot cup of joe. This cute 3-D mug is a playful reminder for college students to not overwork and take some time for themselves.

For the student who's always cold, this cozy, wearable blanket will keep them warm and snug. Part hoodie, part blanket, it's the best of both worlds. Lined with sherpa, it's guaranteed to chase the chills away. The best part? It's machine washable for easy care.

Perfect for running errands or light shopping, this canvas tote is cute and functional. The hand-painted book design is smart design that stands out.

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Let them drum up and jot down some ideas with this whimsical pen set. This wooden pair brings a bit of fun to boring note taking sessions.

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Touching surfaces is unavoidable, especially on college campuses. Help students avoid pesky germs with a handy sanitizer. This one is fast-absorbing and smells delightful. Plus, it sprays into a light mist that’s refreshing and rejuvenating.

Keeping bathrooms neat and tidy is simple with this metal shower organizer. Plus, it provides easy access to all their favorite shampoos, soaps, and sponges.

While this might be a big ticket item, it’s well worth it. Let’s face it, students spend countless hours studying at their desk. They need a comfy chair that will provide optimal back support for those long study sessions. With 10 ergonomic adjustments, they can fit the seat to their liking for the ultimate sitting experience.

College students can make their own smoothies and nutrient-rich drinks in no time with this nifty blender. It chops, mixes, blends, whips, grinds and more. Plus, it comes with a handy recipe book for tasty inspiration.

While college students may not have all the answers, for the most part, this smart speaker does. Help make their lives easier with this gadget that takes the guesswork out of most questions.

If your college student's campus is an airplane flight away from home, this scale might come in handy — especially if they're an overpacker. Avoid weight fees with this lightweight and portable scale. Customers praise its accuracy. "It works well and is very accurate," said one reviewer. "Save on baggage weight overcharges and get one. Strap it around the handle and pick up the bag. It is that easy. It matches the airline scales!!"

Expand their education beyond their majors with this fun and enlightening game. A mix of wacky facts and random trivia, it will boost their brains with unexpected knowledge they never knew they needed.

Countless memories are made during college years. Give your photo-loving student a camera that will capture every moment. New and improved, this instant camera now offers autofocus, double exposure, and a self-timer so they can get in on the fun (and in the frame).

Light up their study sessions with this multi-use desk lamp. It can hold pencils, charge their phone, tell time, provide a colorful spectrum of light, and more.

Whether they're staying over at a friend's, going to the gym, or taking a quick trip home, this duffel is as durable as it is fashionable. Roomy and water-resistant, it's a great choice for students who are always on the go.

Lips need sun protection too. This natural mint lip balm provides SPF coverage and ultra hydration. Formulated with vitamin E and green tea extracts, it also soothes and relieves dry, chapped, and irritated lips.

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College students are never too far from their smartphones. However, they're not always close to an outlet. This sleek, portable charger keeps their devices juiced for up to 36 additional hours. What's more, it can charge multiple devices at once.

Help them spruce up their space with a fun rug that’s functional and chic. This fluffy offering comes in a variety of shades and adds a homey element to their dorm. “It’s easy to get home sick while away at college — and looking at a bare room all day doesn’t help,” says Fostion. “Having curtains and a rug just made me feel like I was living in a home. It seems like such a minute detail, but my decorations were how I made that space mine.”

For students craving hearty meals, this hot pot does the trick. From oatmeal to rice, this electric wonder can cook and sauté dishes in a cinch. Plus, its nonstick coating makes it easy to clean.

Keep your student's belongings and personal items under lock and key with this trusty safe. Customers rave about how easy it is to use. "It’s very intuitive," one reviewer wrote. "Code is preset and instructions are very clear and easy to follow."

Ideal for days when students don't want to work at their desks, this pillow provides back support on beds, couches, or even the floor. The sensible L-shape offers optimal comfort. Plus, the cover is removable and machine washable.

“College is when I began my natural hair journey, and the Doux Def Mousse was a game changer for my curls,” says Hardwick. “You can detangle, define, and style dry or wet hair with just one product. I was always rushing in the morning, so my hair routine had to be simple yet effective, which is what the Def Mousse is all about.”

Let there be light! This selfie ring light is great for students who enjoy making TikTok videos during their downtime. It's also useful for on-camera classroom sessions. Students can take their best shots in flash thanks to the adjustable tripod and dimming options.

Cool and eye-catching, this retro fridge will transform any dorm into a stylish space. Students can easily store their food and drinks thanks to ample inside and side door storage. Plus, it comes with a built-in bottle opener.

Sure, they may roll out of bed and throw on the cleanest and closest thing to them, but this portable steamer gives them options. This easy-to-use appliance generates long-lasting steam that can produce wrinkle-free clothes in a matter of seconds. Its compact design is perfect for dorm rooms that can't fit cumbersome ironing boards.

Who said you had to leave the bed to be productive? This bedside caddy keeps students' essentials like laptop, books, pens, water bottle, and more within reach. The best part? It can hold up to 25 pounds!

After hours of daily screen time, eyes need much-deserved pampering. Help college students rest their tired peepers with this weighted eye mask. Pop it in the microwave for a heated treatment to help reduce pain and puffiness.

College students often have a lot of supplies. This functional pouch keeps them organized and ready for use. Plus, the main compartment can fit up to 100 pens or pencils.

Whether they're picking up their mail or making a quick run to the cafeteria, these cozy slippers will keep their feet happy. They're made of modified natural latex with deodorizing function, and the anti-skid design of the rubber outsole protects their every step.

Most college students are on a shoestring budget. This cookbook offers simple recipes that they can prepare themselves and only require five ingredients. They can skip buying fast food while eating healthier. That's a win-win!

Real plants add life to any room. However, not everyone has the time or green thumb to properly care for them, especially busy college students. This faux palm still adds a nice natural touch without the worry.