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We’ve found wonderful Christmas gifts for college students and teens under $50. Some are practical, while others are just fun. We guarantee that they will love these birthday or holiday gift ideas.
Christmas gifts under $50 for teens and college students
1. lululemon Belt Bag (lululemon)
lululemon remains a top brand for our daughters, in particular, and this cross-body bag is both functional and trendy. Available in lots of pretty colors and sizes.
2. Owala Free Sip Water Bottle (Amazon)
Love the bright colors and design of this #1 bestseller in the Travel & To-Go Drinkware category on Amazon.
3. JALL Wakeup Sunrise Alarm Clock (Amazon)
This alarm clock does it all — sunrise simulation light with seven natural sounds. Gradually increase light from 10% brightness to 100% by 30 minutes before alarm setting time. There are many other options to help make waking up much more pleasant.
4. Anker Nano Power Bank (Amazon)
Your son or daughter will never have a dead phone again when you have one of these Anker power banks in a backpack to charge your phone quickly. There is no need for a charging cable as the built-in lightening connector attaches directly to an iPhone. Compatible with iPhone 14/14 Pro / 14 Plus / 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 and 12 Series
5. Bombas Socks, T-Shirts, Slippers and More (Bombas)
Bombas makes wonderful socks for all sorts of activities and sports and here is where you can find all their socks and sock sets under $50.
Plus, Bombas will donate a pair of socks to a person experiencing homelessness for every pair purchased.
6. BaubleBar Gold Hoop Earrings (BaubleBar)
Classic hoop earrings in either 10MM or 12MM sizes are both under $50. Choose larger sizes with the 20% site-wide discount. Made with either 18K gold plated sterling silver or sterling silver.
7. Belkin Quick Charge Dual Charging Pad (Amazon)
Quickly charge iPhone and Airpods with this Belkin device.
8. Apple Air Tag (Amazon)
When your teen or college student slips an Apple AirTag in their wallet or backpack, they will never have a problem finding it, especially at the last minute when it is crucial to get out the door for a class.
9. HASHIBO Shape Shifting Box (Amazon)
Award-winning, patented fidget cube. This fidget box features 36 rare earth magnets that transform into over 70 shapes. Fits comfortably in your hand.
10. NCAA Fan Gear (Fanatics)
Fanatics is THE place to shop for anyone on your list with a favorite team — NCAA or any pro team for practically any sport. Use RUDOLPH at checkout for 30% off. (exclusions apply.)
11. lululemon Dual Wrist Pouch (lululemon)
I’m in love with this dual wrist pouch, available in four colors, and think it would work for any occasion as a clutch or to throw in a larger bag.
12. Drunk Elephant Sunscreen (Amazon)
Has your daughter been asking for Drunk Elephant skincare? Here is the SPF 30 sunscreen that she will WANT to use.
13. Sol de Janiero Bum Bum Cream (Amazon)
Here is another favorite cosmetics for your daughter. Here is how the yummy fragrance of this smoothing cream is described on Amazon — “Brazilian Beauty Blend of Cupuaçu Butter, Açaí Oil, and Coconut Oil softens while a light mica shimmer creates an all-over highlighting gorgeous glow.” One for her…one for me, too!
14. POPDARTS Game Set (Amazon)
Indoor-Outdoor suction cup throwing game for the family members who want a game to play during the holiday gathering and later. Very popular this year!
15. University Wine Glasses (Uncommon Goods)
We love these stemless wine glasses with campus and college logos. Perfect for your 21+ college student.
16. SPIbelt Large Pocket Running Belt for Adults (Amazon)
Expands to fit anything you need to carry on a run. Comes in many color combos for the runner in the family.
17. Anker MagGo Charger (Amazon)
Fast wireless charging for your teen or young adult. Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series and AirPods (No AC Adapter)
18. lululemon Beanie (lululemon)
Kind of in love with this ribbed, wool-blend beanie from lululemon. Available in eight trendy colors, this would make a perfect gift for the young man or woman in your life.
19. Moshi Digits Winter Touchscreen Gloves (Amazon)
These warm knit gloves let you continue working on your devices while keeping your hands toasty. These cloves get the top ratings.
20. ComfortSpa Reading Pillow (Amazon)
A backrest pillow is a GREAT gift to give a teen who will be in college next fall since this will work on any size bed, in a dorm or apartment. Available in several nice colors, too.
21. Ostrichpillow Neck Wrap Microwavable Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulder
Relieve muscle pain and tension-gentle pressure and warmth. Suitable for the teen who carries all the stress.
22. BAGGU Horizontal Zip Duck Bag (Amazon)
Canvas everyday tote that is spacious and roomy. They have a great, versatile style.
23. Ergonomic Foot Rest (Amazon)
This ergonomic footrest can be a soft spot for feet and provide support for improved posture.
24. Levoit Air Purifier Mini (Amazon)
Levoit is a top brand in air purifiers, and this mini version is perfect for a dorm room, bedroom, office, or apartment living room. With a real HEPA filter, your teen or young adult can have cleaner air filtered for smoke, allergies, pet dander, odor, and dust.
Add essential oil to the fragrance pad for aromatherapy. 10 inches high.
25. Kendra Scott Rose Gold Necklace (Kendra Scott)
We are big fans of Kendra Scott jewelry and think that your daughter would love to have something special under the tree on Christmas morning. This pretty necklace is a bestseller.
27. YETI Tumbler (YETI)
If you’ve not yet experienced the fantastic heat-keeping capabilities of a YETI tumbler, NOW is the time to do so. Your young adult can make an oversized coffee at home and skip the expensive Starbucks on the way to work. The same applies to cold drinks if they prefer a cold brew or an iced coffee. Lots of great colors.
28. Instant Pot Milk Frother (Amazon)
You never need to go to Starbucks again when you have this instant frother. Add milk and choose cold foam, light warm foam, thick warm foam, and warming without foaming. YUM!
29. Acrylic Nail Kit (Amazon)
This acrylic nail set includes everything your teen will need to do acrylics at home. It can also be a fun activity for your daughter to do with her friends.
30. Eagle Creek Packing Cubes (Amazon)
Packing cubes will make moving to and from college so much easier. Your teen can organize their shirts, pants, and other clothing by separating each type into cubes. These are ultra-lightweight and water-resistant. Available in several colors.
31. Anker Magnetic Battery Portable Charger (Amazon)
This portable charger conveniently offers hands-free viewing so your teen can keep their phone propped up as it charges. The portable design has a width of just .5 inches. Plus, it comes with a 24-month warranty. Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14/13 Series
Why should you trust us?
We are three moms who have raised 8 young adults and have been working on products lists for over 12 years now, making us experts. When selecting products we survey the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of nearly 300,000 parents of teens, tweens and young adults. We do opinion polls, surveys and ask open ended questions. We search for products that combine reasonable price with high quality and are recommended by our large following.
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