We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through these links. See more about our Privacy and Affiliate policies here.
Presidents Day weekend is a great time to get a jump on dorm/ apartment shopping for a teen or young adult who’ll be leaving home in the fall. This could also be an excellent time to shop for Graduation Gifts; you’ll be thrilled you have these ready when May comes around (it will happen quickly this year!)
While you browse these Presidents Day sales for basics that your teen and/or young adult could use, you might find a few things for your own home for a well-priced refresh.
Best Presidents Day sales (ends 2/18/26)
Dorms and college apartments
There are a dozen or so basics that all college student need. Here are some of the best Grown and Flown deals we found that are dorm essentials.
Utopia Bed Bed Pillows – Set of 2 (Amazon)
Your college student will need a bed pillow and giving them a set of two will make their dorm bed much more comfortable as there are typically no headboards. Do you need a pillow refresh? Take advantage of this great sale for your own home. This is the #1 bestseller in bed pillows on Amazon. Save 22%
Utopia 8-Piece Towel Set (Amazon)
Your college student will need towels and you can get them new ones or send them with towels from home and treat yourself to new ones! Utopia towels come in many different colors although not all are discounted. Pricing is for a set of white towels. Save 18%
Viscosoft 4″ Mattress Topper – Twin XL (Amazon)
This would make a brick-like mattress topper feel incredibly comfortable. Viscosoft is a top-rated brand for toppers and this one is on sale now. They re available in all bed sizes in 3″ and 4″ styles in case you are considering a topper for your own bed! Save 2%
North Face Jester Laptop Backpack (Amazon)
Having a sturdy laptop backpack is essential for college students. The North Face Jester backpack is always at the top of the list recommended by Grown and Flown parents. Not all colors are discounted this steeply but you will find savings on many styles. Save 30%
Levoit Air Purifier (Amazon)
The Levoit air purifier has been among our top sellers for the last several years. it is compact and lightweight and can filter air impurities and odors. This may not be an essential for your teen. However, if they are allergic to indoor or outdoor pollutants, this might make a big difference in how clean their dorm room air is. We have this one and love it. Save 20%
Band-Aid 80 Piece First Aid Kit (Amazon)
Everyone needs a first aid kit and this one, with 80 pieces, has the basics your teen or young adult will want to have for any basic needs. Save 25%
Boncare Oral Thermometer (Amazon)
A thermometer is another crucial first aid item and this one is the #1 bestseller in oral thermometers on Amazon. Save 33%
IKEA Frakta Storage Bag – set of 5 (Amazon)
If you do not already have any of these AMAZING IKEA bags from Amazon, do not delay and buy a set right away. They’re lightweight and incredibly durable so are perfect for packing and moving in. They store flat so will be there when your teen needs to pack up to move out, too. These make excellent grad gifts – fill with a set of towels or a pillow and laundry detergent. Save 21%
Sailstar LED Desk Lamp with Wireless Charger (Amazon)
This compact dimmable desk lamp has three colors modes and includes a pencil holder and platform for wireless phone charging. Your teen might have a desk but possibly only overhead lighting. A dimmable desk lamp is considerate to their roommate who might want to sleep before your teen is done with their homework. Save 19%
Apollo 39-Piece Tool Set (Amazon)
This is one dorm supply that your teen/young adult will use for a very long time. The carrying case will keep the tools organized. This is a very popular grad gift, too. Save 21%
Hydroflask Water Bottle (Amazon)
Students need water bottles to use with the water stations colleges have around campus making it easy for them to stay hydrated. So many pretty colors to choose from with a trusted brand. Makes a great grad gift! Save 25%
Brita Metro Pitcher (Amazon)
Your teen will want to have cold water in their dorm and having a Brita pitcher (with filter) will make it easy to do so. Plastic water bottles are wasteful and expensive. Brita is the #1 bestseller in water pitchers at Amazon. Save 31%
Comfort Spa Backrest Pillow (Amazon)
This type of backrest pillow is another option for your teen to help make their dorm bed more comfortable. Available in grey, black or cream. Save 13%
Mellanni Twin XL Sheets – 3 Pieces (Amazon)
Does your college student know what size their bed will be? Most dorms have traditionally had Twin XL beds which means a regular twin fitted sheet will not fit. These are award-winning and come in many pretty colors. Save 26%
IRIS Plastic Storage Bins (Amazon)
IRIS brand storage bins or all shapes and sizes are discounted now during the Presidents Day Sales weekend. Under bed bins, stacking drawers rolling cart, large rectangular bins are all here. Save 10-20%
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Amazon)
If your son or daughter is moving into an apartment they will need a vacuum cleaner and this one by Shark is a great choice (I have it and love that it does’t need a bag.) It is the #1 bestseller in the upright vacuum cleaner category. Save 5%
Grad gift ideas
Here are graduation gift ideas for your teen, your neighbor, and/or your teen’s friends. Buy now and be prepared for graduation and grad parties this spring.
Anker 3-in-1 Power Charger (Amazon)
One of the most important tech device you can get your teen is a high-speed charger and this one by Anker can charger two things at once. Lightweight, it operates as a power bank so they will never have a dead battery. Compatible with iPhone 17/16/15 Series. Save 30%
Apple Watch Series 11 (Amazon)
Apple watches are so much more than a mere watch and fitness tracker. This would make a great grad gift. It is the #1 bestseller in smartwatches on Amazon. Save 25%
Apple AirPod 4 With Noise Cancellation (Amazon)
Having a set of earbuds with noise cancellation can make a big difference in a noisy dorm room. Save 22%
Bose Quiet Comfort Over the Ear Wireless Headphone (Amazon)
With many impressive audio features, these Bose wireless headphones also come in 11 beautiful colors. Save 39%
Samsonite Freeform Luggage Set – 2 Bags (Amazon)
This set includes a carryon and a larger checked bag. This is a gift your teens and young adults will use for a long time to come. Save 30%
BAGSMART Duffel (Amazon)
BAGSMART makes lightweight and well-priced bags and this duffel could work well as a gym back or an under the seat carryon bag for travel. This is the #1 bestseller in travel duffel bags on Amazon. Save 40%
She’s Birdie 3.0 Personal Alarm (Amazon)
This popular personal alarm is a lightweight and practical device your daughter can use if she has a night class, is out for a run or is walking to her car after work. Pull the ring to emit a piercing alarm and strobe lighting. This reusable alarm is rechargeable. It is the #1 bestseller in in Security Horns & Sirens Save 14%
Apple Air Tags First Gen – set of 4 (Amazon)
Air Tags can help your teen or young adult keep track of backpacks, gym bags or a suitcase. Save 35%
Apple MacBook Air 13″ (Amazon)
If you need a laptop or your college-bound student needs one, the Apple MacBook Air is a top option. It is the #1 bestseller in computers and accessories on Amazon. Save 15%
Anker Nano Wall Charger (Amazon)
We have been hearing great things about this new wall charger from Anker. Not only is it a fast charger but it is a SMART charger, too, and optimizes the amount of charge your device needs to prevent overheating. Compatible with iPhone 17/16 Series / iPad Series / MacBook, Pixel 9, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S25 / S24 / S23 Series. Save 26%
Cuisinart 12-piece Multi Clad Stainless Steel Cookware (Amazon)
An essential – and expensive – purchase for apartment living is cookware and I can personally recommend Cuisinart as that is what I have and love. This 12-piece set would be something your young adult could use for years to come. Save 26%
Sonder LA Laurel Cutting Board (Amazon)
While plastic, dishwasher safe cutting boards are popular, concerns about microplastics make me want to replace my aging and stained ones. This would be an amazing gift for any of your young adults who love to cook. Also a wonderful upgrade for our own homes. Save 25%
Ocoopa Rechargeable Magnetic Hand Warmers, 2-Pack (Amazon)
These have been very popular gifts during the last few winters. Great for walking across a cold campus or waiting for a train or bus. Save 33%
UGG Euphoria Faux Fur Throw (Amazon)
Here is another great gift to keep your teen (or you!) toasty this winter. Machine washable. Available in several pretty colors but this one, a blue grey shade, has the best pricing. Save 9%
Kate Spade New York Deco Flap Bag (Amazon)
This shape tote bag will never go out of style and black is such a practical and popular color. Save 53%
Find all Kate Spade deals here.
Hanes Eco Smart Hoodie (Amazon)
Hanes hoodies are popular, well-priced and are available in many colors. Save 41%
Hanes Men’s Joggers (Amazon)
Does your son need new joggers or sweatpants? Hanes has many on sale. Save 40%
Health and beauty favorites
medicube Toner Pads (Amazon)
Rave reviews for these toner pads for exfoliation and pore care from Korean skin care brand. This is the #1 bestseller in Facial Toners & Astringents. Save 51%
grace & stella under eye mask – 24 pairs (Amazon)
These wildly popular gel under eye patches from grace & Stella are available in many different formulations. #1 bestseller in in Eye Wrinkle Pads & Patches. Save 17%
Shark Flex Style Hair Styling and Drying System (Amazon)
Shark makes a hairdryer that competes with the much more expensive Dyson Airwrap ($499) The Shark one includes a Hair Dryer Brush & Multi-Styler with Auto-Wrap Curlers, Concentrator Attachment and Storage Bag. Save 27%
Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick (Amazon)
This lipstick shade is incredibly popular and my daughter (who rarely wears lipstick) loved it when I gave it to her as a Christmas gift. Save 24%
Supergoop! Play Sunscreen Stick (Amazon)
Using sunscreen daily is something I’ve tried to encourage in my young adult by making sure she has a convenient way to apply (and reapply) in her gym bag and backpack. This is one of our a favorite brands. Save 31%
Neutrogena Day and Night Wipes – 3 Pack (Amazon)
Neutrogena wipes are the brand that my young adult daughter and I use to remove makeup. This pack of day and night wipes would be a very convenient way for any college student to clean their skin in their rooms without having to trek down the hall to a communal bathroom. These are the #1 Bestsellers in makeup wipes on Amazon. Save 27%
Welenda Skin Food Body Cream (Amazon)
I got bought this rich body cream as a stocking stuffer for my family and I have loved using it to sooth my very dry hands. Save 18%
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream (Amazon)
CeraVe is a trusted brand for skin care and this under eye cream is the #1 bestseller in eye treatment creams on Amazon. Save 30%
More Great Gift Ideas
Gifts for Women in their Twenties
Gifts for Guys in their Twenties
Why You Can Trust Us
We are three moms who have raised 8 young adults and have been working on product lists for over 14 years now, making us experts. When selecting products, we survey the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of over 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 prices with high quality and are recommended by our large following.
