To help you with some ideas for gifts for college students, here’s a list of some of our favorites.
Our Favorite Gifts for College Students
1. The Last Lecture
When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, found out he had terminal cancer, he began to write a final lecture to his students. That talk, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” was later turned into this touching book. Filled with the wisdom he wanted to impart to his students, this gift is high on our list of recommendations.
2. S’ip by S’well
Great for hot coffee in the morning or cold water for an afternoon workout. Sips double walled stainless steel design keeps drink temperatures where you want them for hours. 
3. The ABCs of Adulthood: An Alphabet of Life Lessons
We love this gorgeous book and think that the young men and women in your lives will, too. Written by New York Times bestselling author Deborah Copaken for her college son and daughter, along with noted sculptor Randy Polumbo, each letter of The ABCs conveys a parental pearl of wisdom. Don’t forget to add your message of love and advice, too.
4. Echo Dot 
The Echo Dot 
5. Toys
There is something about this whimsical and inexpensive toy that makes us so happy. A little bit childish but perfect for kicking around the dorm hallway, a Can You Imagine Air Power Soccer Hover Disk
6. Revolar
Our children’s safety and wellbeing are top concerns, even when kids are grown and flown. For an extra bit of peace of mind (yours and theirs) consider buying your student a Revolar, a small, thumb-size device that fits in a pocket, inside a bra or on a keyring that can be easily activated if ever they feel they’re in an unsafe situation.
7. ROBOCOPP SOS Personal Alarm
ROBOCOPP is a low-cost safety alternative. At 19.99, this “sound grenade” clips onto a backpack or key ring and can be activated by pulling the top off. The sound is equivalent to an ambulance siren, startling to anyone within earshot.
8. External Battery Charger
Never have a dead phone battery again with one of these Jackery Mini Premium Portable Charger
[More on ideas for how to help your college freshman celebrate their birthday away from home here.]
9. Yogibo pillow
This is a pillow that your college kid would love to have. They can use it to lounge on or as an extra bed when friends are sleeping over. We love the Yogibo Support Pillow
10. Desk Lamp w/ Dimmer and USB Charging Port Outlet
Roommates often have very different sleep/study schedules. When your kid is up late studying and trying to be considerate to the perfect stranger who is now his roommate, having a desk lamp with a dimmer switch is very useful.
11. 10ft USB Cord Charging Cable
Even with a surge protector with extra outlets, there is always a shortage of places to charge all the electronics college students take with them. Getting your kid an extra long charger cord will let them keep the phone charged overnight and still close enough to the bed to function as an alarm clock.
12. Rolling Duffel
A duffle that can be folded and stashed under the bed or on top of a closet is the best idea for luggage for college students living in tiny dorm rooms. Depending on your kid’s college location, they may come home for fall break or Thanksgiving, filling the duffel with shorts and flip-flops and returning with sweaters and boots. Eagle Creek is a great brand for college students and, if your kid is transporting loads of things, you might consider this No Matter What Rolling Duffel
13. Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone: Advice Your Mom Would Give if She Thought You Were Listening
Becky Blades is the incredibly talented artist and author of Do Your Laundry, now in its second edition. What began as a deeply personal guide to adulthood for her eldest daughter, morphed into this slender volume that we can all enjoy. Becky helps us say goodbye to our college daughters in the most original, humorous and affectionate way possible.
14. Alex and Ani
Alex and Ani “Bangle Bar” December Birthstone Silver Bracelet
Still Didn’t Find What You Needed? Here Are More:
Gifts for High School Students
Student Discounts Where We Love (and Need) to Shop
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