50 Popular Christmas Gifts for College Guys (2022)

Gifts for guys can be challenging and I often struggle thinking of what to buy my son. But here are some of our favorite 2022 Christmas gifts for college guys — sons, nephews, or any adult male on your holiday shopping list.

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Favorite 2022 Christmas gifts for guys

1. RUGGED & DAPPER Lip Balm

This four-pack of lip balms will let your son keep a tube in a backpack, desk, bathroom, and pocket. Made with Beeswax, Vitamin E, Sunflower, Jojoba, and Rosemary Oil.

2. High-Speed Anker Power Bank Phone Charger

Nothing is more frustrating than having a phone die, especially when there are no easy ways to charge it before you return home. This lightweight, portable charging device will charge your teen’s phone fast. It holds three phone charges, so he will never be able to use the excuse that his phone died again.

3. Bombas

Bombas wins ALL of our FEEL-GOOD points for the highest-quality gifts that give back. Their everyday essentials (socks, t-shirts, underwear) are comfortable, durable, and last for years — even college guys are no match. Plus, they donate an item to help the homeless on your behalf for every item purchased.

4. Money Clip and Card Case

These thin leather cases will keep all your grown kids’ essential credit and ID cards, plus any cash they need, in one compact card case. They are available in different colors of leather and cork, as well.

5. Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck

Quince makes luxury goods affordable, and its cashmere crew is a shining example. This classic sweater is timeless, lightweight, soft, cozy, and perfect for any time of year and occasion. And it is ONLY $59.50. There are seven colors to choose from.

6. Mini Projector

One of my sons asked for this, and I wondered if he would ever use it. EVERY day. He and the guys he lives with on-campus use it for games, movies, and having a few friends over to watch a Sunday football game. Screen included.

7. Vests

Patagonia Vest

We are big fans of Patagonia because of its durable products and commitment to environmental sustainability. Your son would love this sterling fleece vest for warmth over a sweater or under a jacket for truly frigid days.

The North Face

North Face also makes a very popular and durable vest.

8. Pickleball Set

Has your son become a Pickleball player, or would he like to become one? This portable set from FILA includes paddles, balls, and a net that can be packed into in bag, also included. Can be set up for indoor or outdoor play.

9. YETI Mugs

Stainless-steel mugs made by this Austin-based company keep coffee hot for 12 hours and cold drinks cold for even longer. The heat-storing capability is a big part of the magic of the brand. YETI offers excellent new colors, styles, and personalization with initials or logos.

10. Belkin Charging Duo Station

This platform provides fast wireless charging for iPhones plus AirPods in one compact MagSafe Duo.

11. Portable Work Out Gear

It’s not always easy to get to a gym when traveling, and this portable exercise set is just what your son or nephew would LOVE for Christmas if he likes to stay fit. Regardless of where their travels take them or what current living conditions allow, these graduated resistance bands, door anchors, and more will provide an excellent workout.

12. Moon Light

This light has been incredibly popular this year, and your son will be mesmerized by the remote control that gives him 16 colors to choose from. It comes with a stand and is available in different sizes.

13. Corsair Gaming Headset

If your son is a gamer, having a comfortable headset with great audio is a plus. This one gets top reviews, especially at its price point.

14. Project Repat T-Shirt Quilt

Does your son have t-shirts from class day, camps, sports teams, or favorite family vacations in stacks that grow higher with each school year? Now is the time to convert them into a t-shirt quilt where his memories will be preserved long after he’s outgrown the shirts. This is a favorite gift for teens leaving home soon for college.

15. Blender

A blender is a quick way for your son to make himself a healthy snack. The Magic Bullet is #1 in the category on Amazon.

16. Komuso Breathing Necklace – Shift

Deep breathing can help any of us manage our stress levels and the “Shift,” a wildly popular breathing device that can be worn as a necklace, is a practical way to help your son learn how to breathe more effectively. According to the University of Washington medicine department,

Deep breathing (sometimes called diaphragmatic breathing) is a practice that enables more air to flow into your body and can help calm your nerves, reducing stress and anxiety. It can also help you improve your attention span and lower pain levels.
University of washington

17. Spike Ball

This incredibly popular game has been on our list for several years for a reason — it remains a great outdoor activity that college kids and teen boys love to play.

18. Levoit Air Purifier

Being cooped up indoors for work or study at home makes an air purifier an even better and healthier gift idea for your son. This one gets top reviews for small spaces and reduces pollutants and improves the odor indoors. Real HEPA filter. Now in a compact size.

19. Leatherology Slim Wallet

We think these slim leather wallets are wonderful and available in many colors. They get the top reviews for men’s wallets, and it is easy to see why.

20. LED Tape Lights

Does your son want to personalize his bedroom or space where he games? These LED strip lights are super-popular right now, and this kit comes with a remote control and all he needs for easy installation.

21. Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them

We have loved this book and were thrilled to be able to interview the author, Dr. Meg Jay, about the revised and updated version of her bestseller. This book is for your twenty-something son, who might be surprised to discover why this decade is so consequential and how to make every day count.

22. Madden NFL 23

Another year, another Madden NFL video game. If your son is a devoted Madden fan, he will love this 2023 version. Available for Xbox and Playstation.

23. Sweatpants

These joggers might be your son’s new favorite pants. Fleece-lined and with pockets, they are available in five colors. Because sweatpants shouldn’t cost $100!

24. Leatherology Duffel

We love this great-looking leather duffel with nickel hardware. It is available in five beautiful colors and can be personalized with your son’s monogram.

25. Hydro Flask Water Bottle

We are all drinking more water from our own water bottles, and Hydro Flask is one of the most popular brands. These three colors are in the limited edition, wide-mouth “Ebb & Flow” series, but there are many sizes and colors on the site to choose from.

26. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

This is THE #1 gift for teens and college students for the 2022 holiday. Apple AirPods Pros will let them listen to music, have conversations and ask Siri questions wirelessly. They also have noise cancellation ability which is incredibly helpful in a noisy dorm or apartment.

27. Silicone AirPods Pros Case Cover

Don’t forget to add a protective case cover like this one, available in many colors that will help keep the case (and AirPods Pros inside) from scratches or damage.

28. Sephora Cologne Sampler

This cologne sampler features 12 sample-size colognes plus a certificate to redeem a full-size fragrance. These are some of Sephora’s bestselling fragrances.

29. Allbirds Shoes

We love Allbirds shoes; our five kids and two husbands love these, too. The Tree Dasher 2, an incredible running shoe, are shoes your son will love as casual shoes or ones to wear when he runs or works out. They come in lots of inspirational color combinations!

30. Throw Throw Burrito – A Dodgeball Card Game

What happens when you cross a card game with dodgeball? We’re not sure either, but the ultra-popular Exploding Kittens makers are the masterminds behind this game. Everyone can play, but it is a proper match for college guys (still boys at heart).

31. Meta Quest 2

Virtual reality gaming has taken a giant leap forward with the Meta Quest 2, the most advanced VR system, first released in August 2021. This would be an amazing Christmas gift for your son.

32. Nike Jordan Shoes

Many college guys are obsessed with Jordan shoes. There are many different styles and colors to choose from.

33. Vuori Joggers

These joggers are among the most comfortable leisure pants we have ever worn (yes, they make them for women, too.) Your son will live in these all holiday.

34. Nintendo Switch Lite

For your game-loving son, this handheld Nintendo is small and lightweight and is compatible with all physical and digital Nintendo Switch games that support handheld mode.

35. Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote

Your teen can watch live TV and hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney +, and more (subscription fees may apply) with the Fire TV. Amazon Prime members get unlimited access to thousands of movies and TV episodes. This is the #1 best-selling streaming media player.

36. Stocks plus a book to boost his financial literacy

A practical gift could be the gift of stock. He will be able to watch as the stock increases over time (one hopes.) Add a copy of the book Napkin Finance to help boost his financial literacy.

37. Fleece Hoodie

Does your son love to live in hoodies and could use a new one for a Christmas gift? Check out the hoodies from Target that come in a range of nice colors.

38. LL Bean Boot

Guys who go to college in snowy climates need a boot, and the LL Bean Duck Boot is durable and very popular everywhere. This is the one boot they will wear when the weather turns bad.

39. Board and Card Games

Did you know there is a surge in popularity of board and card games on campus? Here are the ones our kids tell us they like the most, including Catan (below).