To help you with some ideas for gifts for college students, here’s a list of some of our favorites.
Note – Find all of our favorite gifts for college kids and teens all in one place here.
We receive a small amount of compensation from some of the links in this list which helps us to pay our writers. Thanks
Our Favorite Gifts for College Students
1. Compass Disc Rose Gold Necklace
This delicate “Going Places” necklace is lovely for your daughter, niece or family friend.
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2. 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.
3. Insulated Water Bottle
We hear that the Hydro Flask Insulated Stainless Steel Sports Water Bottles
4. 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.
5. Echo Dot
The Echo Dot
6. 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
7. External Battery Charger
7. Never have a dead phone battery again with one of these Jackery Mini Premium Portable Charger
8. Reading Pillow
Dorm beds are uncomfortable but a soft pillow with a good backrest to put at the end of a bed will make all the difference in the world to a college student who prefers their bed to their desk for reading and homework. Here’s an example of a great Reading Pillow 
9. 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.
10.Durable and Fast 10 Ft Long 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.
11. 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. 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
12. 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.
13. Travel Kit
All students travel, even if just from home to school and back again. A new toiletries kit will be a very welcome gift for college students and we are big fans of this one by Herschel. Comes in lots of different color combinations, too!
14. Amazon Student Prime
Free for the first 6 months, this is the gift your college student will thank you for every time they need to order something, fast and FREE. Check out all the features here: