Gifts for College Students – 7 Ideas This Holiday Season

Picture of great gifts for college students this holiday season

Moving away to college or university for the first time is a daunting experience for most new students, especially if it’s during a pandemic. College often provides that first taste of real-world responsibilities. There’s so much to organize and budget for in the process. As a student, it’s hard to afford those extra wants or needs after paying for your books and dorm materials. This holiday season, you can help them settle into their new lives with some new technology or daily essentials. In case you needed some guidance on where to start, here are seven fantastic gifts for college students in your life.

Must-have gift ideas

Laptop Case

Laptop cases can be a great technology protector
Laptop cases are a great way to protect and carry a computer around campus

After spending too much money on a laptop for all their college work, students may not have the spare cash to fully protect their computer. Laptop cases are a great gift for style and safety of a very precious belonging! Find a case that suits their style and tastes while offering protection from being dropped. Water resistance is a major plus when getting caught in the rain between classes or spilling coffee studying up late. Most importantly, make sure it’s the right size case for the student’s laptop! 

Backpack

Backpacks make an essential college gift
Backpacks are an essential college and professional gift

A great backpack is essential for transporting that laptop and other important materials to and from classes. This gift idea will also be useful for a student’s social activities, job, or their first professional interview. Many students are always on the move using their devices, so a backpack with charging ports can be a nice addition. Other things to consider are durability, water resistance, aesthetics, and potentially some security features to keep their items safe. Make sure the design can accommodate their needs and tastes, or it can be easily personalized. One of our favorites is the versatile and stylish Topo Daypack for $149.

Entertainment and Technology

Portable Charger

Portable chargers can help students stay connected over a long day
Portable chargers can help students stay connected over a long day

Students tend to have a busy lifestyle. They must attend classes and lectures; some may need to work to help pay their way, and there are the inevitable social and recreation activities. Their mobile devices will take a beating during the day and may not have the opportunity to charge at an outlet. A portable charging pack is an essential gift idea for students to keep them connected and entertained throughout the day. 

Wireless Headphones

Picture of headphones
Wireless headphones are great for students constantly on-the-move

Be it listening to music while commuting, exercising, or staying in contact with friends and family, wireless headphones are a great way to make the most of mobile devices without any tangled wires. Earbuds are very compact and usually come in their own charging cases. The sound quality is great, even at lower budgets. Check out a few suggestions from wired.com.

Video streaming device

Picture of streaming device
Streaming devices can help students take a break from their studies

Sometimes students just want to unwind on the sofa after a long day of classes and homework. A video streaming device like the Amazon Firestick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast or Roku provides access to your favorite T.V. shows, videos, and more. Whether they’re watching a movie with friends, or a documentary for class, this gift idea is something a student can benefit from. 

Thoughtful Gifts for College Students

Self-care gifts

Picture of spa kit
If you can’t go to the spa, bring the spa to you and destress with an at-home spa kit!

Being a first-year student is stressful. You are trying to find your feet, and there is so much to try and fit into the day. Try giving something to help students with their self-care routine. From at-home spa kits, a comforting scented candle, or a warm pair of slippers, there are many ideas to help students destress. They’re inexpensive and varied, so you’ll have no problem finding something enjoyable and reminding of home even when they’re away.

Pod coffee machine

Picture of pod coffee maker
Pod coffee makers are a quick, affordable and safe route for students who need their caffeine

With their busy lifestyles, students can always appreciate speed and efficiency, which they can get with a pod coffee maker. There are many to choose from on the market and some have refillable pods to keep costs and time down. No more waiting for the kettle to boil, pod coffee makers are safer and more likely to be approved for dorm usage. Any gift that saves a student even a small amount of time is a winner. Don’t forget a travel mug to go with it so they can enjoy their hot beverage on the go. 

These are just some ideas to get your brain firing. All gifts for college students are sure to be greatly appreciated. And if you’d rather give the gift that keeps on giving, check out our very own Gooroo Courses! Whether it’s book-binding a homemade notebook, learning a new language or instrument, or picking up a new software, Gooroo has hundreds of incredible videos to help you learn something new! No matter the gift, we hope you and your college student stay safe this holiday season!

Written by: Anonymous Gooroo Blogger

About the Author

Sam Kahn

Sam Kahn

Sam is a content creator and SEO specialist at Gooroo, a tutoring membership and online learning platform that matches students to tutors perfect for them based on their unique learning needs. Gooroo offers Math, English, SAT, Coding, Spanish tutoring, and more.