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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.
Gifts under $50 for teens and college students
1. Sol de Janeiro Party of Two Beauty Gift Set
A perfect self-care stocking stuffer featuring travel-size Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist for twice the iconic scent and hydration.
2. Owala Free Sip Water Bottle
Love the bright colors and design of this #1 bestseller in the Travel & To-Go Drinkware category on Amazon. Lots of awesome colors.
3. JALL Wakeup Sunrise Alarm Clock
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. Apple Air Tag
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.
5. Apple AirTag Fine Woven Key Ring
This key ring, crafted from innovative materials fits snugly over your AirTag, so you never have to worry about it falling out.
6. SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box
Award-winning, patented fidget cube. This fidget box features 36 rare earth magnets that transform into over 70 shapes. Fits comfortably in your hand.
7. POPDARTS Game Set
Indoor-Outdoor suction cup throwing game for the family members who want a game to play during the holiday gathering and later. Very popular again this year! Lots of great colors.
8. SPIbelt Large Pocket Running Belt for Adults
Expands to fit anything you need to carry on a run. Comes in many color combos for the runner in the family.
9. THE GYM PEOPLE Mens’ Fleece Joggers Pants with Deep Pockets
And for the guys on your list, these joggers are 95% cotton, have a drawstring waist and pockets. Available in eight colors and four sizes.
10. Youth To The People Superfood Facial Cleanser – Kale + Green Tea Daily Face Wash
Love this cleanser and the clean glass bottle design.
11. Malin + Goetz Essentials Starter Kit (Set of 6)
Set of six of MALIN+GOETZ’s best-selling products for face, body, and hair, packaged in travel-ready aluminum tubes. Sulfate-free essentials to keep you refreshed wherever you go.
12. LEVOIT Air Purifiers for Bedroom Home Dorm
Levoit’s Core Mini-P system uses a pre-filter, main filter, and activated carbon filter to remove pollutants and neutralize odors anywhere in your home, with quiet features for sleep, trusted performance from the #1 air purifier brand, and best results when paired with genuine Levoit replacement filters.
13. Anker Nano Portable Charger
A compact 10,000mAh Anker power bank with 45W fast charging, a built-in retractable USB-C cable, two-way fast charging, smart display, and robust safety features—small, travel-friendly, and powerful enough to quickly charge modern devices like the iPhone 17/16 Series, iPad, Galaxy, Pixel, and More
14. Laneige Skincare & Lip Care Holiday Gift Set
Four piece Laneige skincare set in a reusable blue mesh travel bag. Included in the set is cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and lip mask for hydrated, glowing skin and soft lips. Perfect for travel or gifting.
15. LEGO Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees
Relax while building the LEGO Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees collection for adults 18 years old and up.
16. She’s Birdie Alarm Disc for Bikes, Hikes, and Late Nights
A compact, clip-on Birdie Disc safety device with a loud siren, multiple light modes, and a rechargeable battery; it attaches easily to strollers, bikes, bags, or clothing and includes all essentials for quick setup. Durable, water-resistant, and ideal for walks, campus life, hiking, travel, and everyday safety—plus each purchase supports organizations working to protect and empower women.
17. L’Occitane Hand Cream Classics (3-Piece Gift Set)
18. Carhartt 21L Classic Laptop Backpack
A durable, water-resistant 21L Carhartt backpack with a 15″ laptop sleeve, multiple easy-access compartments, reflective details for visibility, and adjustable straps—ideal for work, school, travel, or everyday use. Many colors.
19. OPI Nail Lacquer Gift Sets
Opi celebrates the 12 days of candymas with their 12 day advent calendar (1 mini limited edition nail lacquer treat awaits behind every door).
20. Magic Bullet Blender Set
The magic bullet chops, mixes, blends, whips, grinds and more. Effortlessly create your favorite meals and snacks like smoothies, omelets, sauces and dips.
21. kate spade Travel Jewelry Case
A stylish, compact Grand Plaid jewelry organizer made from durable cloth, featuring divided compartments to keep earrings, necklaces, and rings neatly separated. Perfect for travel or everyday use.
22. Philips OneBlade First Shave (Teen Hybrid Electric Shaving System)
A skin-friendly Philips OneBlade First Shave that uses glide-smooth, anti-friction technology for a fast, safe shave; it’s fully waterproof, easy to clean, lasts up to 4 months per blade, offers 30 minutes of use per charge, and includes a USB-A charging cable and accessories.
23. YETI Rambler Travel Bottle (16 oz)
24. Bauble Bar DIY Bag Charm Kit
A bestselling, Oprah choice, DIY kit that includes 275 beads and materials to create six personalized bag charms, offering fun, on-trend crafting for all ages with a reusable storage case.
25. The New York Times Explorer, 100 Dream Trips Around the World
A beautifully curated New York Times book featuring 100 unforgettable trips around the world, blending first-person stories, practical guidance, and stunning photography, offering inspiration and expert insight for both avid travelers and armchair explorers.
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 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 price with high quality and are recommended by our large following.
More Great Gift Ideas
100+ Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teens and College Students (2025)
Christmas Gift Guide for College Guys and Young Adult Men (2025)
Christmas Gift Guide for Young Adult Women in College, Careers (2025)
