I mean, I wanted all those things during my university days and was happy to get them, but those presents aren’t exactly thrilling. I wasn’t much of a party animal in college, if you couldn’t tell.
Most college students adore surprises. Especially practical surprises.
So don’t let them down this holiday. Whether it’s your little sister, a cousin or your own kid away at school, prepare to shake up the gift-giving season with items that will genuinely delight them.
Here are 13 presents your college student will actually appreciate — and each one is $25 or under.
1. French Press — $19.95
A caffeine habit can get pricey, right?
Make it simpler for your favorite student to grab their fix without blowing their budget: gift them a compact French press they can stow in their dorm.
Have a few extra dollars? Add an electric kettle for boiling water for about $13.99. Mornings suddenly become MUCH easier.
2. “Namast’ay Sleepin’” Pillow Case — $22
When the caffeine finally wears off, students can nod off on this pillowcase that radiates chill vibes.
Budding yogis will enjoy the pun, and everyone else will appreciate your recognition of their napping tendencies.
3. Stainless Water Bottle — $20.95
More campuses are adding refill stations to make it easy for students to ditch single-use bottles — and to avoid awkward water-fountain spills.
Give a Klean Kanteen 27-ounce bottle in their preferred hue to help them stay hydrated throughout the day.
4. Bedside Storage Caddy — $6.20
Ever nodded off while studying — only to wake up clutching your laptop, notebooks and phone?
Not exactly restful.
Make it simple to stash essentials before lights-out with a caddy that saves precious desk and nightstand space.
5. Adult Coloring Book — $11.69
Coloring has become a popular stress-buster for adults.
Pick up a “stress-relief” pattern book for your student to turn to during midterms, finals or those nights when their roommate refuses to switch off an obnoxious ringtone.
Add a set of colored pencils for around $5 and they’ll have a calming hobby for the semester.
6. Earbuds — $9.40
I’m embarrassingly old enough to admit this, but I misplace my earbuds. All. The. Time.
I’m betting the typical college student could use a spare pair as well.
If you want a gift that will absolutely get used repeatedly, earbuds are a safe bet.
7. Netflix Gift Card — $25
Subscription fees pile up fast, so help your student cover the service they can’t live without: Netflix.
Monthly plans start at $8.99, but digital gift cards delivered via Amazon begin at $25. It’s a present that keeps on giving — for a few months, at least!
8. Poppin Folio — $14
Help your favorite student present their resume or term paper with flair using a stylish folio from Poppin.
There are plenty of color selections, including shiny metallics for those grand entrances.
Sadly, the Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper isn’t exactly making the best impression. No, not even the unicorn one. Put it away.
9. Toaster Grilled Cheese Bags — $9.99
Want to make a quick grilled cheese without the dishes?
Pop it in the toaster — just remember to slip the sandwich into a grilled-cheese bag first. These Teflon-coated pouches heat the bread crisp and the cheese melty, and they keep things tidy. Plus they’re reusable!
10. To-Do List — $6.95
Sometimes the easiest route to getting organized is an old-school paper list.
Grab this pad with sections for tasks, errands and correspondence (read: emails that should’ve been answered yesterday) to help a student you care about stay on top of things.
Toss in the Passive-Aggressive Note pad if they’ve got a roommate who never restocks the fridge.
11. Wireless Wipes — $6.09
College life can be kind of gross. You know that phone goes everywhere — yep, even the bathroom. Help keep it a bit cleaner with Wireless Wipes in a range of fun scents.
I’m fond of rosemary peppermint because it leaves my phone smelling so fresh and so clean.
12. Cards Against Humanity — $25
This irreverent card game livens up any get-together.
Buy your student a set for $25 so they’ll stop inviting Nicole to parties she skips because she’s the only friend who actually owns it.
On a tight budget? You can download the game for free and print it yourself. But between cardstock and ink, you might just want to swipe your card for the real edition.
13. Graze — $11.99
Back to the essentials: snacks.
Snack subscription service Graze ships tasty bites made from natural ingredients. Once you create an account, you can send a one-off box containing eight snacks to anyone you choose.
Snacks in the mail? Count me in, please.
Your Turn: Which gifts will you be giving college students this season? Did we miss any great ideas?
