The Best Christmas Gifts for College Students, According to College Students
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In the ranking of hard-to-shop-fors, college students — who are in the perpetual process of discovering themselves during their first time away from home — are high on the list. So, instead of agonizing over how little you hear from them or stressing over the stories you’re reading in the parents’ Facebook group, I suggest putting that energy into a gift that can improve some aspect of your college student’s life. If that brings certain images — like a coffee machine to supplement that bitter dining-hall brew or some hallway-worthy matching pajamas — to mind, you’re on the right track. But as a recent graduate who now spends her days chatting with students across the country, I’ve pulled together a list of gifts you can give to any college student from a bona fide student athlete to an English major with multiple novels to pore over each week.
Here, you’ll find favorites from a few brands — Apple, Hydro Flask, and Rhode — that I hear about from college students whether they spend their afternoons at the beach at the University of Miami or have to bundle up between classes at Bates College.Thereare also theheadphonesthat dominate classrooms, the statuswater bottleon many campuses, the portable Bluetooth speaker for group hangouts, and the digital camera perfect for capturing senior memories. I’ve organized the rest of thegifts by category for easy perusing.
Décor and household gifts
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I discovered candle warmers, which are a rule-abiding way to use candles in your dorm, during my senior year of college and have been using them to “burn” (okay, just warm) my candles ever since. While many of the options you can find on the internet are an eyesore, I think this one will look right in place whether you’re shopping for a student who decorated their dorm with a beachy aesthetic or a positively pink theme. (I’d saythis oneis sleek enough for a boy’s dorm, too.)
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An out-of-the-classroom lesson many college students learn early on is the importance of sleep. With that in mind, Liz Gremer, a recent graduate of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, added this lavender-scented pillow mist to her routine during her senior year. “If I have a stressful day or if I can’t go to sleep, I’ll spritz it on my pillow,” she says. “It knocks me right out.”
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Pair the pillow mist with asilk pillowcase, which helps cut down hair frizz and prevent split ends — plus, it just feels kind of fancy. This one, which we’ve namedthe very best, is available in more than 15 colors, so you can match it to whatever aesthetic your college student has chosen for their dorm.
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College students who have roommates — and especially ones with differing schedules — will appreciate having asleep maskon hand. Lucy Harris, a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, received this weighted one as a high-school graduation gift. “A lot of times, my roommate will be up with the lamp on doing homework until 2 a.m., and I’ll just stick that on and I’ll sleep like a baby,” she says.
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For the student studying abroad, there’s this design-ytravel kitthat comes recommended by our travel writer, Katherine Gillespie, who says it comes with the best-tasting toothpaste out there. At just about 4 inches by 2.5 inches, the kit is small enough to shove into their weekend bag.
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Doing laundry at college can feel like a humiliation ritual where overflowing lint traps and leaky washing machines are simply obstacles to pass. Make the process slightly easier with some ridiculously indulgent detergent that smells nicer than your average Tide pods.
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Jellycats are still the plushie of the moment, meaning college students display them proudly on their beds (rather than hiding them from a judgy roommate). The Amuseables collection, which includescroissantsandtennis balls, is constantly selling out — but this charming baguette is still in stock.
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Sunset lamps fit the curated aesthetic Mari Osman, a student at UCLA, was trying to create in her first dorm room, a task many students return to each year (sometimes more than once). “At nighttime, it just looks so pretty,” she says. “Especially looking up from when you leave my dorm building, you could just see it through the windows.”
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More than a few students I talked to liked items that gave their space a cozier vibe. Zoe Topiol, a student at NYU, received a fuzzy throw as a gift, and says it “really made my space homier.” Haug agrees: “I’m big into decorations and making your apartment feel homey,” she says, “so I have a lot of artwork up and picture frames with family or friends in it as well as so manythrow blankets.”
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Posters have long been the de facto way to decorate a dorm room, not least because many colleges will fine you for damaging walls. Anders Landgren, a student at Bates College, says he recently got made fun of because of his lack of dorm décor, so he’s eyeing vintage Formula One posters, but other students like Tyler Kwok, a student at Georgia Tech, prefer band posters. My boyfriend and his roommates each picked their favorite musicians to put on their walls at Columbia University.
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Part of the college experience is learning how to effectively schlep groceries and laundry to and from your dorm. Harris is eyeing Hulken’s medium rolling bag to make those errands easier (the merits of the Hulken are a frequent topic in the Strategist’s Slack channel, too).
Whether they use a North Facebackpackor a Longchamp Le Pliage, college students are personalizing their bags withcharms. To pick one they’ll love, know thy college student (as in: If they’re constantly misplacing their backpack, give them this tomato-shaped bag charm that can hold an AirTag).
Kitchenandpantrygifts
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While it seems like there’s always a new statuswater bottlesurfacing on our radar, the classic Hydro Flask still reigns supreme on college campuses — at this point, it’s come up in my conversations with students more times than I can count. Landgren, in particular, appreciates how the stainless-steel insulated interior keeps water ice-cold for hours at a time. But for others, it’s the outside of the bottle that makes it their favorite: “It looks really pretty, and I actually get a lot of compliments on it when I’m out,” Gremer says about her pastel Hydro Flask. “I’ve been told it matches my vibe.”
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It wouldn’t be a gift guide for college students without the Stanley Quencher, which Kennedy sees all over the UT-Austin campus. It’s also popular at UCSD, where Kenia Galindo uses it every day. “At first, I thought they were just trendy, and I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t need one,’’’ she says. But since her sister gifted her one of the highly sought-afterValentine’s Day cups, she says, “I’m definitely more hydrated now because I have the Stanley.”
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If their late-night library sessions aren’t fueled by Celsius or Red Bull, college students are sipping (or chugging) coffee. This Nespresso machine, which is eight inches long, will fit well on a dorm-issued desk. Harvard University recent graduate Abigail Mack received one for Christmas and says, “I have used that almost every single day now. And because I have my fridge, I could just keep a little carton of milk in there and make coffee every morning, which saved me a ton of money.”
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Jenny Duan, a student at Stanford University, has also noticed her friends trading their coffee pots for matcha stations in their dorms. This matcha starter pack from Gen-Z content creator Emma Chamberlain’s coffee company includes everything they need — including an electric whisk and matcha powder — to make the drink at home.
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When my sister got to campus for the first time and learned her dorm was in a coffee desert, I surprised her with these canned lattes. Since they’re shelf-stable, there’s no need to worry about taking up too much room in their mini-fridge.
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While the dining hall is always an option for a quick bite, many students I talked to preferred homemade meals, especially since air fryers make it so much easier to cook something tasty (or heat up a frozen meal). Brady Meyerson, a student at Miami University, says hisair fryeris the most useful gift he’s received recently — “Me and my roommate use [our air fryer] literally every single day,” he says.
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During the hours that I’ve spent watching DormTok videos, I’ve noticed compact ice-makers are threatening the air fryer’s spot as the most popular dorm appliance. This one isour favorite affordable ice machine, and at 14.5 by 9 by 14.88 inches, it’s small enough to tuck into the corner of a double or single.
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Meyerson and his roommate usually cook chicken breasts in their air fryer, but things can get bland quickly without some spices added in. A well-rounded spice cabinet takes up precious space, but this bundle keeps it simple with just the essential spice blends for things like avocado toast and pasta. (If you’re shopping for a serious college chef, though, I’d recommend theessentials collection from Spicewallathat I used in the dorms.)
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Fly by Jing Classic Soy Noodles
If you haven’t heard: College students still love ramen noodles. These instant noodles from Fly by Jing, which are easy to make and actually quite tasty, make the easy dinner feel a little more special. (My favorite isthe classic soy, but there arechile crisp noodles, too.)
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You’d be surprised how often the smell of popcorn wafts through dorm hallways. Since bagged popcorn gets pricey and is high in sodium, I switched to popping my own kernels with the help of this gadget. There’s no oil required — all you do is put the kernels at the bottom of the silicone bowl, cover with the lid, and pop in the microwave for two minutes.
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For the budding bartender, I suggest this three-in-one cocktail shaker that includes a built-in jigger and strainer. I gave it to my brother, a student at Miami University, for his 21st birthday. (Since it’s nice and compact, it’s easy to lend to the friend hosting a pregame, too.)
Beautygifts
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Since dorm mirrors don’t always pull their weight, backups are often necessary, and most college girls I’ve chatted with recommend that they be in the form of avanity mirror. This one, which our beauty writer says is the very best, is sleek and comes with three dimmable light temperatures: a soft warm white, a cool neutral white, and a natural daylight setting. And as Simmons says, mirrors like this are particularly helpful for avoiding “blush blindness.”
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“Rhode is probably one of my favorite skin-care and makeup [brands] for anything, but especially for summer, because it’s so hydrating and light,” Simmons told me. The line, known for itsviral lip-gloss phone case, makes one of her favorite lip products, thepeptide lip tintin the shade Ribbon, which she says is particularly hydrating. (And FWIW, I’vegone on the recordabout how I think it’s going to be one of the hottest gifts for teens girls this year.)
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If you were to peek into a college student’s backpack, odds of a Summer Fridays lip balm being in there would be high. The Pink Sugar shade, which is a sheer light pink, is especially popular among girls I’ve interviewed, but Vanderbilt student Mia Wilson recommends going for the mint scent, which is refreshing and hydrating. (Itsjet lag maskis popular, too.)
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After watching hours (and hours) worth of dorm-tour videos, I feel confident saying that Bath & Body Works is back — specifically on dorm-room sinks. This one smells like crisp pear, fresh wildflowers, and sweet honey, but there are also some timeless yet festive options, likeSnowflakes & CashmereandChilled Lemon Frost.
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University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Kylie Brennan and Barnard College’s Evie Komninakas both recommend gifting self-tanners to the graduate who’s serious about the UV index. “You get really pale and sickly in the winter,” Komninakas says, so she and her roommate share these drops.
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For the student who’s always FaceTiming you while getting ready in a friend’s dorm, I recommend thisstructured vanity casethat’s on Harris’s wish list. But don’t just take her word for it: Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen said it’s the best thing she bought in 2023. “The case also allows me to take my entire beauty regime from my bathroom at home to gym locker rooms, road trips up North, and even across international borders,” she says.
Clothingandaccessoriesgifts
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It wouldn’t be a gift guide for college students without an appearance from Parke, the status-y brand founded by influencer Chelsea Parke Goles. While the brand makes claw clips and denim, it’s themock-necksthat are known for “making college girls crash out.” As of late, they’ve headlinedsorority recruitmentand drawn college girls to wait hours for nationwide pop-ups. As University of South Carolina student Dray Dalia says, they’re still the most sought-after thing on campus. “I don’t have one yet, but all of my friends have them,” she adds.
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Along with Stanley Tumblers and Lululemonbelt bags, these neon hats can be spotted all over the UT Austin campus.
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Baggu’s adorable reusable bagswere a staple on Barnard’s campus when I was a student there, and the brand’s popularity is showing no sign of stopping. I (and six other Strategist staffers) are fans of the laptop case, which I used all throughout college to keep my laptop protected.
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If they’re still toting around their backpack from high school, surprise them with the spacious yet durable bag that’s becomethe most popular backpack on college campusesacross the country. It’s not quite waterproof, but, Harris says, “I’ve left mine outside in a rainstorm before, and my stuff was fine on the inside.”
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Lululemon is another popular option, especially for students looking for a sleeker bag. This one is outfitted with an internal padded laptop sleeve, easily accessible front and side pockets, and extra interior zippered and slip pockets inside, which is enough space for Virginia Tech student Bella Seoane to transport everything she might need for class, including an extra charger, her laptop, a Kindle, a pencil pouch, and a travel wallet.
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But if they’ve been hinting that they’d like to look more mature when walking from class to class, get them a Longchamp, which is the shoulder bag I hear name-dropped the most. Alexa Hernandez, a student at Baylor University, recommends addingthis purse-organizer insertto organize the smaller essentials, like hand sanitizer, pens, pencils, and lip gloss.
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Sure,UGG’s Tasman slippersaren’t going away anytime soon, but I’ve seen these fluffy platform slippers pop up on more holiday wish lists than I can count. Plus, they’re easier to slip on than the reigning slippers.
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Yes, having to shower in a communal bathroom every day is a drag, but a super plush robe can make the walk down the dorm hallway more bearable. This comfortable, soft, and absorbent bathrobe from Brooklinen topped our lists of thebest bathrobes for womenandmen. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can upgrade your gift toParachute’s Classic Turkish-Cotton Bathrobe, which is even thicker for the perfect swaddle.
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Few people have spent as much time watching dorm tour videos as I have (for research purposes, obviously). Along with Woozoo fans and ruffled bed skirts, matching pajamas make frequent appearances. This year, Victoria’s Secret striped pajamas have joinedRoller RabbitandEberjeyin the ranks of most popular dorm pajamas.
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Here’s a breathable pair from Lake that a college-aged boy shouldn’t feel embarrassed wearing while walking through the hallway to brush his teeth.
Techgifts
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Hatch Restore 3
Recently, more and more college students have told me they’re coveting Hatch’ssunrise alarm clock, which simulates the light of a sunrise to signal to your body that it’s time to wake up. “Having a roommate with a really annoying alarm is frustrating, and this wakes you up so calmly and gently,” Harris says. “If my roommate had this alarm going off, I would not be mad.” If you’d like to treat your student to theHatch+ subscription, like Harris does for herself, they’ll have access to even more features, like meditation tracks and bedtime podcasts.
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Canon G7 X
Ask any college girl with an online presence about their friends’ favorite digital camera, and they’ll likely have the phrase “Canon G7 X” at the ready. “Every single influencer friend I have has one and then also, I would say a good chunk of my college friends and friends from my hometown have one,”Wilson told me. “It’s a necessity if you’re gonna be posting a lot and you need to have good-quality pictures,” she adds.
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If you’re shopping for a college student who’s gone all in on the Apple ecosystem, this charging station, which Gremer and Landgren received for Christmas, is a hassle-free way to charge everything at once. Gremer brought it with her on her spring break trip, and says it was “so awesome for break because I didn’t have to bring a bunch of cords.” In fact, she says, “Everyone I went with was kind of jealous.”
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As one of the six students who spoke to me about their iPad, Osman says her iPad, which she received along with anApple Pencilas a gift before going to college, has been essential for getting her classwork done. “You can keep all your stuff in one specific area, download your slides and when you’re in lecture, you can write on them,” she says. “It’s just so fun and so easy. I love decorating my notes on my iPad, it makes me motivated to study.”
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With the prevalence of Zoom meetings and TikTok scrolling, a reliable pair of headphones is key to keeping a roommate’s annoyance at bay. In my reporting, AirPods have overwhelmingly been the headphones of choice among students I’ve spoken to. In fact, Brianna Rao, a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina, says, “Those are probably the thing I use the most because when I’m walking to class, I’m listening to music. When I’m in my apartment. I’m listening to music too.” Lee is a bigskaterand says they never fall out of his ears even when he’s at the skatepark.
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While Kwok uses his AirPods when he’s on the go, he prefers his Sony noise canceling headphones for studying. “If I’m in a noisier environment or really want to sit down and lock in and study, I’ll have those on,” he says. Galindo also has these on her wish list.
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While college kids might disagree about whether to blast Charlie XCX or chill out to Lorde, a portable speaker is crucial to the group hang. Haug recommends this Bluetooth speaker (aStrategist favorite) for its portability. “If we’re going to a park or if somebody’s not sure if one of the other apartments has a speaker that they can just connect to, it’ll get brought with,” she says.
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Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro
“I went to boarding school, and so I’ve been living in a dorm for five years now, and literally, five years without a TV is insane,” Simmons says. “So, the projector saved me.” Thismini-projectorhas a built-in Bluetooth speaker and is easy to set up, so they can hostLove Islandwatch parties.
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Dorms can get musty quickly. To keep their tiny room smelling fresh, consider gifting a Pura smart fragrance diffuser, which Madison Fairley, a student at the University of Mississippi, used in her dorm room. “I had a certain time set on my phone, and every time I walked in, our room smelled so good,” she says. “You can switch out the scent in the Pura all the time, and it just gets it into the air, so it’s not that dorm gross smell.”
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Given their space shortage, college students also probably won’t have room for an entire ironing setup. After my parents gave this compact steamer iron to me when I was in college, I never went to a job interview with wrinkly clothes again. Not to mention it was perfect for quickly ironing my sundresses before class.
Giftsforhobbies
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Games likeCatanandCards Against Humanityare still a fixture in dorms everywhere. McFarland and her friends at Loyola University New Orleans like to play this hashtag guessing game. She compares it to the popular iPhone game Heads Up.
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“When it’s a nice day, it’s really popular to play Spikeball,” Fleck says. “Spikeball nets are a huge commodity to have on campus.” This set has three balls just in case a couple (inevitably) get lost.
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Ultimate Frisbee teams are popping up on campuses across the country again, and Vivian Weissman, a student on Smith’s Ultimate Frisbee team, says this is the one she uses. Even if you’re not a team, she says the Frisbee is still a fun way to hangout with friends in the quad.
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Gremer has been seeing these weights all over Instagram and would love to add them to her workouts. They’re perfect for the college student who won’t stop talking about their obsession with “Hot Girl Walks,” since you can attach them to your wrists or ankles for an extra burn.
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At the University of Colorado Boulder and Bates College, hammocks come out with warm weather. “We’ve got a huge hammock culture,” Landgren says. “People put hammocks between all the trees.”
More Christmas Gift Ideas
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- The Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads, According to Outdoorsy Dads
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