Holiday Gift Ideas That Students Will Love

Drawing a blank on what to get your favorite college student this year? From life planners to steamers, there are a few gifts your undergrad will actually find useful in their new adulting endeavors. Here is a round-up of the best holiday gift ideas for students this year!

Smart Watch

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), $219.19 at Amazon

Apple Watch SE tells you what time it is, who’s texting you, what they say, and when people post on social media. That’s right. It’s the watch far enough away from a phone that teachers can’t yell at us for using in class. Plus, it holds all your favorite apps, pictures, and counts your steps daily!

Ebike

Emerald City Fold Ebike, $699* at Emerald

The cool kids like to commute to class in style. The Emerald City Fold Ebike is compact and lightweight enough to fold up, carry, and store in a crowded dorm room or at the back of the class. Perfect for the student who lives just off campus or even on campus and just likes to cruise around. No more feeling out of breath when racing across campus to the next class. Add a trunk bag for extra storage! A payment plan makes it completely affordable.

Planner

Day Designer Daily Planner, $68* at Day Designer

A Day Designer planner is the perfect choice for compulsive Type A’s with a need to plan out everything from meetings to social engagements to their showering schedule. For those Type B’s constantly striving to better themselves and get their ish together, it’s the obvious go-to.

At $68 (+shipping), it’s pricey, yes—but it’s a daily planner. If you break down that price tag, it comes out to just about $0.25 daily, which is a lot less than what your student probably spends on their morning coffee. Choosing the right planner is a serious commitment, and buying a Day Designer planner is one you’ll find to be worth it.

Plus, if you just can’t justify shelling out $68 for a planner, they have a mini edition for $58.

Printer

HP Desk Jet Wireless Printer, $64.89* at Amazon

It’s the worst feeling to have to leave your dorm or apartment late at night or really early in the morning to go print something off at the library. Instead, save time, money, gas, and the emotional trauma of being late to class by having a printer of your own.

Cards Against Humanity

Cards Against Humanity, $29* at Amazon
Season’s Greetings Mini Expansion Pack – Cards Against Humanity, $5* at Amazon

The epitome of college life is the weekend. The card game might be a little vulgar, but it’s the quickest way to liven up a party. It’s safe to say a large percentage of people already own the R-Rated Apples to Apples, so look into some of the expansion packs—Season’s Greetings is a solid choice. If you’re looking to get something that will help keep a student’s mind off classes, this is a great way to go.

Backpack

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack, $29.99* at Amazon
Vorspack Clear Backpack, $25.99* at Amazon 
THE NORTH FACE Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack, $64.99* at Amazon
CYUREAY Women’s Convertible Laptop Backpack, $29.99* at Amazon

Somehow college backpacks look like they just came back from a three-week mountain adventure even though all students have done is watch Netflix all day? (KIDDING.) Not only are these suggestions cute, but they have all the space and pockets one could need without looking like a nerdy suitcase. And they come in a huge variety of colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for the student in your life.

Coffee Mugs

Stanley Tumbler, $20 at Amazon
YETI Rambler Stackable Mug, $25* at Amazon
Neon Kactus Reusable Coffee Cups, $16.99 at Amazon
Retreez Funny Mug, $15.55* at Amazon

College students all run on coffee (or tea for some). Usually, the majority of people in morning classes have a transportable cup of some sort containing whatever liquid gold it is that keeps them going, especially in the cold weather. Find a mug for your student who’s late to class or studying at home.

Hydroflask

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Water Bottle, $28* at Amazon
Hydro Flask Standard Water Bottle with Flex Straw Cap, $44.95* at Amazon

Besides all the coffee that college kids transport around, they also have to stay hydrated. And you can’t mention a water bottle without Hydroflask in the same sentence. Hydroflasks really peaked in 2019, but they’re still a popular choice because they’re easy to wash, come in great colors, and are nearly indestructible. As far as holiday gift ideas go, you really can’t go wrong with this one!

Blankets & Pillows

Kensington Garden Cotton Duck Bed Rest Pillow, $31.99* at Target
Faux Fur Throw Pillow – Room Essentials, $20* at Target
Cheetah Throw Blanket Beige – Threshold, $30* at Target
Cable Knit Throw Blanket Green – Threshold, $35* at Target

When won’t a blanket come in handy during college? They’re needed whenever you’re on the couch, in bed, sitting in chilly classrooms, watching sports games, and pulling all-nighters in the library. And pillows can be more than just decorative. Supporting the lower back when spending long hours on a laptop is crucial!

Headphones

RORSOU R10 No-Tangle Cord, Portable Wired Headphones, $16.89* at Amazon
Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) Wireless Ear Buds, $99* at Amazon

High-quality headphones and earbuds are a priceless commodity for a study-holic. There are only so many personal study rooms in the library. When all of them are full, it’s time to pull these babies out to drown our surrounding noise. They’re definitely an essential for every college student. The headphones come in a variety of fun colors and the Apple AirPods speak for themselves.

GoPro

GoPro HERO10 Action Camera, $249.99* at Target

Do the students you’re buying for love heading outdoors and being adventurous? Well, this little camera records videos and takes pictures in all types of conditions. No matter what they do for spring break (surfing, skiing, hiking mountains in the rain or shine), this little gadget will record it all in very high quality. What a perfect gift for the memory-hungry, adventure-seeking student.

Portable Chargers

Miady 2-Pack Dual USB Portable Charger, $27.99* at Amazon
INIU Portable Charger, 17.99* at Amazon

College kids are always on their phones—checking texts, social media, emails with new assignments, and anything else they can think of on their walks across campus. Portable batteries extend that limited phone charge without having to be plugged into a wall. Plus, they’re small enough that they would make great stocking stuffers!

Clothes Steamer

Conair Power Steam Handheld Travel Steamer, $49.94* at Amazon
Hilife Steamer, $29.99* at Amazon

These handhelds de-wrinkle your clothes in about 30 seconds (which is way faster than the dryer). Also, it’s super rare that college kids get the time to hang up all their clothes right after they come out of the dryer, so this is handier than you’ll ever know.

We hope you enjoyed this list of holiday gift ideas for the student in your life! If you found this helpful, please share!

*All prices are accurate as of 11/16/2024.