52 Gifts That College Students Will Actually Appreciate

Fashion & Style

A Plant They Can Keep Alive

The Sill Succulent Assortment with Planters

Succulent Assortment with Planters

Problems tend to feel smaller when you have a family to support. Jokes aside, this adorable succulent set will freshen up anyone’s space. The best part is, they require very little water and attention, so they’ll continue to thrive no matter how busy your student gets.

Grab ’N Go

Lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet

Dual Pouch Wristlet

Student life can be summarized as “on-the-go.” A functional wristlet like this one is perfect for the essentials.

Recycling Program

Trashie Take Back Bag Rainbow 3-Pack

Take Back Bag Rainbow 3-Pack

Have you ever been to a thrift store in a college town? Students love to purge their closets. Gift them bags for this recycling program, and they’ll earn rewards at places like AMC Theaters, Thrive Market, and Levain Bakery while decluttering and helping the planet.

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Portable Nightstand

BedShelfie Bedside Shelf for Bunk Bed & Top Bunk

On Sale

Bedside Shelf for Bunk Bed & Top Bunk

Now 26% Off

The trouble with lofted dorm beds is it makes reaching the nightstand impossible. This fixes that.

Desk Organizer

Martha Stewart Weston Wooden Desktop Organizer

On Sale

Weston Wooden Desktop Organizer

Now 38% Off

With essays and calculators and receipts, dorm surfaces clutter up so fast.

Trending Phone Accessory

OCTOBUDDY Silicone Suction Phone Case Adhesive Mount

On Sale

Silicone Suction Phone Case Adhesive Mount

Now 21% Off

You don’t need to understand it; just know that Octobuddies are all the rage right now.

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Hot & Cold Cap

TheraICE Rx Migraine Headache Relief Cap

On Sale

Migraine Headache Relief Cap

Now 40% Off

Two words: Hangover. Cure.

A Kitchen Set

Anyday The College Dorm Bundle

Best Seller

The College Dorm Bundle

Now 18% Off

Anyday is answering every college kid’s prayers with its innovative line of dishes specifically meant for microwave cooking. No stove? No problem. Steamed veggies, crispy bacon, and mug cakes coming right up.

A Dinner Upgrade

Factor 75 Monthly Meal Subscription

Monthly Meal Subscription

Give them a break from $1 cups of ramen and microwave meals with this major improvement. Factor 75 delivers pre-cooked, healthy meals right to their doorstep—all they need to do is heat and enjoy!

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An Insulated Tumbler

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler

Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler

First it was S’well bottles. Then it was HydroFlasks. But the water bottle of today is the Stanley, without a shadow of doubt.

A Full Mirror

Willa Arlo Interiors Farnborough Full Length Mirror

Farnborough Full Length Mirror

Full-length mirrors are a non-negotiable item for anyone in Gen Z. Where else would they take their OOTD pics?

A Go-To Takeout Meal

Uber Eats Gift Card

Gift Card

If there’s one universal truth among college students, it’s that dining hall food gets old. Treat your giftee to a restaurant-quality meal on you.

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A New Wallet

ROYCE New York RFID Leather Card Case

RFID Leather Card Case

A sleek card holder is always a good idea—and a safe bet. This one provides RFID tracking for extra safety.

Celsius Assorted Flavors Official Variety Pack

Assorted Flavors Official Variety Pack

We can’t get enough of Celsius’ functional energy drinks as working adults, so can you even imagine if these existed when we were students?

Pottery Barn Fireside Cozy Reversible Throw

Fireside Cozy Reversible Throw

Now 51% Off

After a long day of classes, nothing beats snuggling up with a cozy blanket.

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A Helpful Gift Card

Dormify E-Gift Card

E-Gift Card

No, gift cards aren’t always impersonal! Sometimes, it’s the smartest gift of all. Dormify is pretty much a one-stop shop for all things student housing. From bed skirts and bath caddies to posters and throw pillows, your giftee can pick out exactly what they like.

A Pair of Slides

BRONAX Cloud Slides

On Sale

Cloud Slides

Now 33% Off

A house slipper or a shoe for running errands? These squishy cloud slides offer the best of both worlds. Heck, you can even wear them as a shower shoe.

A Superb Suitcase

Away The Bigger Carry-On

The Bigger Carry-On

Now 32% Off

Great for long journeys home, business trips, or nearing summer vacation plans, this sleek roller suitcase from the popular luggage brand Away Travel has all their travel needs covered. In addition to being the maximum carry-on size, it also has a built-in charger and an attached bag for dirty laundry.

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Disposable Cameras

Fujifilm Quicksnap Flash 400 Single-Use Camera with Flash, Pack of 6

On Sale

Quicksnap Flash 400 Single-Use Camera with Flash, Pack of 6

Now 13% Off

Give a cursory glimpse at any Instagram or VSCO feed, and it’s easy to glean that film photos are back en vogue.

A Weekly Planner

Papier Joy Academic Planner

Joy Academic Planner

A planner helps to maintain your schedule, organize assignments, and stay on top of goals. It’s good for improving class performance and for mental clarity. Win-win!

Headshot of Meg Donohue

Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.

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