The Best Gifts For College Students That Are Practical And Thoughtful

Forbes

11-07-2025

Shopping for college students isn't the easiest task, but it helps to focus on items they'll actually want (or need) to use while they're at school. The best gifts for college students can make their daily lives easier while still feeling unique and thoughtful. Our top suggestions include a pair of noise-canceling headphones for use while studying, a personalized academic planner and an oversized blanket they'll reach for night after night in the dorms.
The best gifts for college students are practical and help them prepare for a successful year ahead. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Whether it's their first semester of college or their last, our editor-approved list includes self-care necessities like a cozy robe, practical items like a pocket-sized portable charger and fun gifts like a screen-free digital camera for creating—and preserving—lasting memories during the semester (and beyond). For more inspired gift ideas for college students, check out our guides to the best graduation gifts and the best gifts under $100 .
Being able to drown out excess noise while reading or studying will be beneficial throughout their college career. These Bose headphones feature soft, cushioned ear cups that can be worn for extended periods without discomfort, and their noise cancellation feature is highly effective. (After testing, they were rated the best wireless headphones overall .)
These tiny trackers can attach to their luggage, backpack, wallet, keys or even their student ID, making it easier than ever to locate important items. They can easily track their belongings using their iPhone, and the AirTag emits a sound to help them find things quickly. You can also buy the AirTags individually.
This streamlined leather cardholder by Cuyana holds everything they need and nothing they don't. There are six card slots in total (four slots on the front and two large slots on the back) and a zippered compartment in the middle. I've been using this cardholder for almost a full year and love that it easily fits into any purse, handbag or backpack.
Brooklinen's Classic Percale Core Sheet Set has a cool, crisp feel that will help them sleep soundly throughout the year (and beyond). They can withstand frequent washing and come in a variety of fun colors and patterns. After extensive testing, our team rated these the best cooling sheets in our guide to the best sheet sets .
Bloomingdale's Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack
Whether they're just starting college or entering their senior year, they'll need a durable backpack that can accommodate their gear. I own multiple bags from Longchamp and appreciate how durable the nylon fabric is (you can wipe it clean and liquids roll right off the surface). It has a zippered top, two internal pockets and adjustable straps.
Amazon Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler
This 40-ounce Stanley water bottle will keep them hydrated (or remind them to hydrate) throughout the semester. The base fits in most cup holders, and the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps beverages cold for 11 hours or hot for seven.
With clear, rich audio and easy-to-use controls, this Bluetooth speaker is ideal for outdoor get-togethers, tailgates and more. It can play for up to 15 hours on a single charge and has a portable size, allowing them to take it with them wherever they go.
These comfortable lounge pants are comfy enough to wear to bed but still look pulled together when they're rushing to class the next morning. I lived in Athleta leggings and lounge pants during college, and this style is one of my personal favorites thanks to the soft, suede-like feel and drawcord waistband. It also washes well and never seems to wrinkle, even when it's been packed in an overnight bag for several days.
This screen-free digital camera is a great gift for the photography-obsessed student in your life. It's simple to use (just point and shoot), can take up to 500 film-style photos on a single charge and is small enough to fit in their backpack or purse.
Going hands-free when heading to class or running errands is a huge benefit, which is why we love this unique phone wristlet from String Ting. If you don't like this color or bead combination, there are plenty of other options to choose from, like this rainbow colored version. Bonus: All the phone straps are handmade with Swarovski beads.
These minimal hoops pair well with almost anything and can elevate an everyday outfit. They're made from 18k gold-plated brass with surgical steel posts so they won't irritate sensitive ears. Gorjana also earned a top spot in our guide to the best online jewelry stores thanks to the brand's vast assortment of pieces that are high-quality but still affordable.
When they need an extra boost, this pocket-sized portable charger by Anker plugs directly into their device so they'll never have to fret about their phone dying. Thanks to the built-in connector (12W output), they won't have to worry about carrying an extra cable around, either.
This best-selling Lululemon bag is popular for a reason: it's crafted from waterproof nylon fabric, holds all the essentials and is outfitted with a comfortable, adjustable strap. It comes in a ton of colors, and the exterior zippered pocket keeps essentials like your keys and wallet safe.
Although this may not be the flashiest gift on the list, this basic scrunchie has a hidden use: it contains a pocket with an elastic that covers their drink and prevents it from being spiked. The stretchy nylon-spandex blend fits over most glasses, and it also keeps bugs and debris out of their beverage if they're at an outdoor gathering.
These easy-to-apply complexion products from Tower28 are great whether you're rushing to class and want to look a bit more put-together or getting ready for a night out with friends. The tinted sunscreen, which features broad-spectrum SPF 30, has a natural finish, while the serum concealer offers more coverage and helps hydrate the skin. Both are safe for sensitive, acne-prone skin and won't clog pores.
Having a shower caddy that keeps all of their bathroom products organized (and in one place) is surprisingly helpful. The bag features four exterior pockets and a central space for larger bottles and accessories, such as a hair towel or loofah.
These fun, handmade glasses are decorated with colorful illustrations including campus landmarks, important buildings and even the school mascot. They're a great reminder of all the special moments spent on campus with their friends.
Help your college student indulge in some self-care with these brightening treatment masks. Each biodegradable, gel-like mask is saturated with lactic acid and vitamin C and only needs to be worn for 15 minutes (which is ideal for busy students on the go).
This top-rated Away carry-on is extremely durable, stylish and has helpful features like an interior compression system and quiet, smooth wheels. Any college student will appreciate this sleek piece of luggage, whether they're heading on spring break or going home for the holidays. Our senior travel editor has used this suitcase on more than a dozen trips and rated it the best carry-on overall in our guide to the best luggage .
Late-night study sessions and movie nights in their dorm call for a supremely soft blanket. The Cozy Earth Cuddle Blanket features an oversized design, making it perfect for multiple people. Plus, the fur-like texture will keep them warm on cold nights.
Jenny Bird is a popular brand for jewelry (I own multiple pieces from the accessories brand that I wear frequently), and this minimalist necklace features a 14k gold initial pendant on a matching gold diamond-cut cable chain. The necklace comes with a shortening ring, allowing you to adjust the length as needed.
When they're on the go, this spacious MZ Wallace tote with six interior pockets will be a handy companion. It can fit a 13-inch laptop and includes a detachable pouch that's ideal for pencils, pens and other smaller items that tend to fall to the bottom of your bag. This style comes in 14 colors, from bright red to a more minimalist tan.
This multitasking lamp is an excellent addition to any space. It's made of iron and allows you to charge your devices while you study at your desk. The base of the lamp features a built-in wireless charging pad and a USB-A charging port, and the lamp head pivots, allowing you to direct the light where needed.
Macy's GreenPan Dover Ceramic Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set
Many dorms have a small kitchenette (if they live off-campus, they likely have a full kitchen), so ensure they have a versatile cookware set for whipping up meals. This 12-piece set heats up quickly, thanks to its heavy-duty aluminum bodies, and the ceramic nonstick coating means food slides right off when it's ready. This set is also dishwasher- and oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Help your college student stay organized with this customizable academic planner. The weekly pages can help them map out their assignments and extracurricular activities, while the grade trackers help them visualize and monitor their grades for different subjects. You can choose the binding (spiral or hardcover) and color, along with the photos and name on the front cover.
Mark & Graham offers a great selection of personalized items, including watch rolls, jewelry boxes, luggage tags and beach towels. This jewelry box, which is designed to sit on top of a dresser or nightstand, keeps their favorite pieces safe and secure. There are five different compartments and a glass top that makes it easy to see what's inside.
For the student in a sorority, gift them this cozy, quick-dry Pottery Barn robe that displays their sorority letters in bright colors on the chest. It's crafted from 100% organic cotton terry and has a tie sash and two pockets.
This custom photo collage, in the shape of a heart, holds 30 different snapshots, allowing your student to hang it up in their dorm as a visual reminder of their favorite memories. There are six sizes and five frame options.
This popular phone case can be customized with a set of initials, a name or a combination of numbers and symbols (the characters have a fun, raised texture). There are more than 27 different color combinations to choose from, including monochromatic pairings for a sleek look.
This oversized hair clip from cult-favorite brand Emi Jay features a set of initials or a name (up to seven letters or numbers) written with 100% Swarovski crystals. The clip itself is made from cellulose acetate, which gently grips hair without pulling or tugging. I own several of these clips and appreciate how sturdy they feel and how well they've held up over time.
Your college student will love these soft, faux-fur slippers that slip on and off easily. I bought a pair a year ago and wear them constantly. The anti-slip soles and memory foam insoles provide all-day comfort, and they're available in a ton of fun colors.
This kit comes with four essential products that will help your student take care of their skin while they're away at college. The cleanser, facial toner, hydrating gel and moisturizer contain soothing ingredients like green tea extract and hyaluronic acid that won't strip your skin. I've been using Face Reality products for the past year to help clear up my adult acne, and I love how gentle and effective the formulas are.
Elevate your student's getting-ready routine with this helpful vanity case that has space for all their products. There are two main compartments, with a removable divider insert in the larger, bottom compartment, which keeps smaller products, such as lip gloss and concealer, well organized. As a bonus, it comes with a foldable compact mirror.
Even if they'll be wearing loungewear most of the time, it's helpful to have a quick method for removing wrinkles from their clothing. This lightweight steamer weighs 1.3 pounds, heats up quickly and is safe on all fabrics. (I wrote about this steamer in our guide to the best travel steamers , and I bring it with me whenever I travel.)
Dorm rooms are not known for being spacious, but even with limited countertop space, this single-serve coffee maker is a helpful appliance to have. It's less than five inches wide and only takes several minutes to brew a fresh (and delicious) cup of joe.
In between studying, extracurricular activities and hanging out with friends, help your college student refresh their dorm room with this cleaning bundle from Preston Lane. It includes hand soap, dish soap and all-purpose cleaner (you can choose from four signature scents) that clean effectively without a harsh chemical smell.
Windmill Air The Windmill Fan
This portable fan, which our team highlighted in our roundup of the best fans , is incredibly quiet and circulates air to keep your space comfortable. It has five speed settings and includes a remote control, allowing you to adjust the speed without getting up. Additionally, it weighs only 2.5 pounds, making it easy to bring from room to room as needed.
Amazon Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1
College students don't have a lot of time (or kitchen space) to whip up gourmet meals, but with the Ninja Air Fryer, they can fry, roast, reheat and dehydrate food in a matter of minutes. The 5-quart nonstick basket is the perfect size for cooking dinner for themselves or preparing wings and fries for the next big game. It also comes with a handy recipe book.
College students need practical items, such as a water bottle, shower caddy, bed sheets, and warm blanket, which they will use throughout their college career. While these items may seem basic, they're essential for students living away from home for the first time. Tech-related items—such as noise-canceling headphones for studying and Apple AirTags for tracking their belongings—are also useful gifts.