The Best Gifts For College Students 2023

Admittedly, college students are tricky to shop for. They’re experiencing life out of the home for the first time, navigating their own path and figuring themselves out. So what exactly do you give to this new, independent person? When shopping for the best gifts for college students, going with something practical and pretty is your best bet. We don’t mean cleaning supplies or bed risers (who wants to unwrap that?), but look for something they’ll actually need and want to use in their day-to-day lives.

The best gifts for college students are thoughtful, practical items that will help them conquer the ... [+] next four years.

Whether you’re helping them decorate their dorm, updating their tech staples or giving their wardrobe a little boost, there are plenty of items they’d love to have, or, don’t know they need (a quality blanket or nonstick cookware, for example). If you’re stumped, we’ve got you covered. Here are 20 thoughtful gifts for college students that they’ll immediately put to good use during the back-to-school season and beyond.

Parachute

Having a worn-down robe is fine when they’re back home, but at school, they’ll probably want something a little more luxe. This 100% Turkish cotton cover-up from Parachute is airy and lightweight (the material feels gauze-like), so it’s perfect any time of year. It comes in seven colors and has deep pockets to hold their essentials.

Amazon

Whether they’re listening to music to psych themselves up for a test or (finally) calling home to say hi, a quality set of wireless earbuds are a must-have. These Bluetooth buds offer eight hours of uninterrupted listening time (24 hours if you have the tiny charging case with you). They also have a noise-canceling mode so they’re great for studying, too—not that you have to mention that.

Mark & Graham

This is not your average cord keeper: It’s a handcrafted leather organizer that has pockets to hold all of their tech—chargers, AirPods, iPads, power adapters and more. The coolest part? You can have it monogrammed with their initials. There are 24 options to choose from, each with a cool two-tone look.

Material Kitchen

For the student that’s minoring as a sous chef, this useful and beautifully designed prep set will give them all the tools they need (literally). It comes with 8-inch and 4-inch Japanese high-carbon stainless steel knives, a sharpener and a colorful cutting board made of 75% recycled plastic. It’ll come in handy when they want to make an impressive meal from scratch or chop veggies to embellish their boxed mac and cheese.

Sephora

Okay, the Laneige Lip Mask has been the go-to beauty gift for a while now, but this pink lemonade swirl version is brand new and so darn pretty. Just like the original version, it’s an intensive moisturizer they can apply generously on their lips before bed to wake up chap-free and smiling.

Bandolier

It’s much harder for them to drop—and crack—their phone if it’s slung around their shoulder. That’s why this phone case/wallet/bag hybrid—which features a chic crossbody strap, classy leather covering and a card holder—will become their go-to for errands or parties. If Blake Lively and Martha Stewart are both rocking it, who can’t?

Canopy

Give them the gift of hydrated skin and open nasal passages. Sure, it’s not the sexiest item, but the Canopy is just 10-inches wide, so it fits right on a desk or nightstand and can hydrate 500 square feet of space with up to 36 hours of continuous run time. Their pores will thank them (and you).

Anthropologie

They probably bought some sheets and a comforter when they first got to college, but a throw blanket is the perfect way to give their bed a mini makeover. Anthropologie is known for their great décor items, and their faux fur throws are plush, cozy and luxe additions to any space. This style comes in ten colors, from poppy pinks to toned down tans.

stakt

This mat is a great gift for students who want to stay fit, but lack the free time to hit the gym. The foam is twice as thick as your typical yoga gear, and folds neatly into thirds so it can double as a block for added versatility. The aforementioned folding also comes in handy to hide it away under the bed when they’re not using it.

MoMA Design Store

It’s an unexpected gift idea, but definitely a bright one. The minimalist Talia lamp takes up limited work space thanks to its 6-inch base and flat LED head, which can rotate to give a direct or ambient glow. Bonus: The base serves as a wireless induction charger and has a USB port so it can power up their other devices too.

Bloomingdales

These kicks are the dream gift for anyone who saw the Barbie movie and wants in on Birkenstocks, or just loves the cult-favorite shoe. Made of Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA), they’re able to conquer wet environments like the beach, pool or overcrowded shared bathroom, while keeping weight evenly distributed and absorbing shock.

Hatch

Getting up for an early class will always be tough, but a gentle light filled wake-up feels a whole lot better than a blaring siren sound coming from a phone. The Hatch gradually glows and plays a birdsong when they’re ready to start their day. At night, it packs plenty of white noise, music and story options to help them relax.

Amazon

A present promoting safety may not scream “fun,” but it could be the most useful one you ever give them. Sure, this scrunchie will help them keep a cute ponytail, but more importantly it has a hidden pocket containing an elastic cover that they can pop over their beverage when they’re out to prevent their drink from getting spiked. It’s truly the ultimate accessory.

DICK'S Sporting Goods

Come game day, any student would be lucky to be seen with this cool vintage-inspired piece. It can hold up to 15 cans of their drink of choice and has a leather strap so they can easily tote it around. We love this teal version, but it also comes in four other cheerful colors.

Lululemon

There’s a reason Lululemon is the gold standard for loungewear. Made of abrasion-resistant and 100% recycled polyester, these are the kind of pants they’ll want to live in. They’re perfect for gym workouts, but just as good for Netflix binges.

Nori

Very few of us (college student or not) relish dragging out a chunky iron and big board to fix our going-out tops, so this practical gift is a time and outfit saver. Think of it as a hair straightener but for their clothes—they just slip their garment between the two heated plates and press to steam out any wrinkles using one of its six settings.

Nordstrom

When you’re looking for a bit of a splurge gift that anyone can use, luggage is a foolproof option. The Heritage Hardshell rises to the top because it’s eco-friendly and adaptable, boasting 360-degree wheels, a side carry handle and a strong shell made of 70% recycled polycarbonate. Whether they’re coming home for spring break or starting their journey into the real world, this gift will go everywhere with them.

Best Buy

Any music lover will appreciate this tiny but mighty Bluetooth speaker. Not only does it offer 360-degree sound, it can blast tunes for 14 hours and has a wireless range of over 100 feet. They can use it in their room or take it outside without worry—it’s waterproof and can even be submerged for up to 30 minutes.

Birthdate Co.

First there was the nameplate necklace à la Carrie Bradshaw, then there was the dainty initial chain, and now, this Birthstone Pendant Necklace is the must-have personalized piece. Every day of the year has its own charm made of 14kt gold or sterling silver, embedded with four different stones chosen specifically for them (a little insert explains the meaning behind each one). If you’re running low on time, the good news is this ships in a week.

Revolve

File this under gifts they’d never think to buy for themselves, but will totally fall in love with. It’s a sleek diffuser that lights up (it’s a vibe) and gently emits a scented steam into their space. All they have to do is fill the water reservoir, add some of their fave essential oils, plug it in and they’ll have a sweet-smelling space.