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The college years are all about adulting and our kids embracing their new independence as adults. As a mom of two college students (a freshman and a junior) I’ve loved seeing my kids navigate a new social scene, embrace academic challenges, and problem solve on their own in this next phase of their lives.

Best Gifts for College Students

Whether in their first or last year of school, living in an off-campus apartment for the first time, or have just recently heard that they were accepted (I see you parents of kids who applied to schools ED or with rolling admission- congratulations!) the best gifts for college students are ones that make adulting easier, positively impact campus life, or are beneficial to apartment or dorm living.

The 21 items on my best gifts for college students are ones they can use on or off campus and well after graduation because they’re practical and useful.

KODAK Mini 2 Retro Portable Photo Printer ($99, regularly $139.99)

Give your college student the gift of memories thanks to the Kodak Mini Retro Portable Photo Printer. After downloading the free Kodak Photo Printer app, this small size printer connects to a phone via Bluetooth so your student can print photos quickly and easily. It also allows users to make edits to photos, choose to print photos with or without borders, customize frames, and even create a collage of multiple photos. This bundle comes with a photo printer, manual, strap, initial and additional printer cartridge that allows for printing up to 68 sheets.

Mini Massage Gun ($69.98, also has $10 off coupon on Amazon)

Student athletes and any college age kids who suffer from tension will appreciate having their own mini massage guns to help work out soreness and stiffness caused by knots. Designed for maximum ergonomic comfort and unparalleled portability, the Q2 Mini can be charged via USB-C and the 5 different attachments can be used to provide targeted deep tissue massage for quick relief and relaxation. This small but mighty mini massager fits conveniently in your student’s carry-on or backpack.

Set of Travel Skincare Containers ($7.99)

Every college student needs a set of Travel Skincare Containers for showering at the gym, trips home, adventures with friends, and more. This handy set contains four 3.3oz silicon containers that are TSA carry-on friendly and feature a large opening, which can be easily filled with shampoo, conditioner or lotion. They also easily fit a brush to clean the inside of the tubes for when they need to be refilled.

Warm Pal ($26.95)

Don’t underestimate the importance of an emotional support stuffed animal! College students love weighted stuffed animals that are warm and cozy like Harley Hedgehog. Harley is just one of many Warm Pals that can be heated in the microwave to provide relaxation or cooled to serve as an instant cooling source and exude a comforting lavender scent.

Healthy Ceramic Pot from Good Cook ($20.99)

This holiday season upgrade their cookware with GoodCook’s Healthy Ceramic line. Made with heavy-gauge, sturdy aluminum body, and coating this induction cookware is free of PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium to withstand long-lasting durability. It’s also constructed with a titanium-infused ceramic nonstick surface that allows your student to cook with less oil and butter for healthier meals which also makes it easier to clean. It features an ergonomic soft touch, stay-cool handle for optimal comfort and control. If you want to give the gift of entirely new cookware, there’s also a great 10 piece set available from Amazon for $63.99.

Halt Fire Fighting Spray Foam ($24.99)

Apartment dwelling college students will appreciate the practicality of the gift of Halt Fire Fighting Spray Foam. This compact, easy-to-use fire protection comes in a neon yellow container so it’s easy to spot and grab at the start of a household, grease, electrical, outdoor, vehicle, or battery fire. Just direct the nozzle of the extinguisher towards the base of the fire, squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent, and sweep it across the fire until it is completely extinguished. Halt all-in-1 fire extinguisher provides the gift of instant fire suppression comes in a compact, and easy to store package.

Anker Wireless Charging Station (on sale for $39.99, regularly $49.99)

With multiple devices to plug in and charge every night and limited desk space in dorm rooms and apartments, the Anker Wireless Charging Station is a compact solution that keeps your college student’s phone, AirPods, and watch charged in a single place. Prior to leaving for college, my son tested out a number of different wireless charging stations and after buying and trying 5 different ones, we ended up with the one from Anker because it was the most reliable. Yes, it’s more expensive than other ones you’ll find on Amazon but trust us- we’ve tested the cheaper ones and they’re not worth your time or money!

Bluetooth Turntable ($39.98, regularly $69.99)

Sure, college students love their Spotify subscription, but vinyl has been experiencing a come-back so why not gift them an Amazon Basics Bluetooth Turntable that gives them the best of both worlds. This turntable features a 3-speed tabletop for vinyl records, premium sound quality thanks to dynamic built-in dual full range speakers, and is compatible with Bluetooth devices like smartphones tablets, PCs, laptops, and other MP3 players. The desktop-style case provides a vintage look thanks to the natural wood finish.

Ninja XL Air Fryer ($109.93, regularly 169.99)

Make cooking easier and healthier with the gift of a Ninja XL Air Fryer. The Ninja XL has a 5.5 QT ceramic coated nonstick basket and crisper plate that can fit 3 pounds of French fries or chicken wings. It heats to 450 degrees to cook foods up to 30 % faster (Versus Ninja AF100) for hotter, crispier results with up to 75% less fat for guilt free fried favorites. Ninja XL includes 7 versatile cooking programs (Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate) and is easy to clean thanks to a ceramic basket that is both nonstick and dishwasher safe.

Amazon Basics Storage End Table ($37.15)

Upgrade their living space with the Amazon Basics Storage End Table. Available in white, charcoal, dusty pink, or mint green, this 18” x 18” provides an additional surface to put things on and storage in the basket below.

A Little Bit Rude lip balm set from Delight Naturals Lip Balm ($9.99)

If you’re going to be rude, Delight Naturals Lip Balm says to be delightfully rude! This woman-owned company makes their natural, simple ingredient lip balms are handcrafted in small batches out of beeswax and coconut oil in Idaho. This gives them an incredibly smooth texture, best quality, and flavor. This set includes I’ll Probably Lose This (Cotton Candy), Shenanigans Enthusiast (Gummy Bear Flavored), and You’re Doing Great Sweetie (Pink Starburst Flavored). Not sure if your college student will love the flavors in this set? Not to worry! There are a variety to choose from! Visit the Lip Balm Sets part of the site and check out ones like Holiday Treats, Mint Kisses, Cuppa Tea, Sweet Bouquet, Bakery Sweets, Caffeine Rush, and more!

iLive NightStar Projector with Wireless Speaker ($39.99)

Turn your room into a party with friends and then drift away with cool, celestial vibes. The iLive NightStar Projector with Wireless Speaker plays music via Bluetooth or USB, complete with a light show. Choose a brightness setting and a combo of nebula light colors to set the mood. An array of green stars dot the new night sky splashed across your ceiling. Adjust your settings as needed while relaxed and reclined with a few taps on the remote control.

Candy Hearts Pink Sherpa Robe ($47.40)

Sometimes our college students just need to feel loved and with from BellaBuBear’s Candy Hearts robe, they’ll be able to wrap themselves in love even when you’re far away. I love how soft and cozy this robe is! The candy heart print is soft but the sherpa lining is even softer! Not only is it breathable, and eco-friendly but it also features slight stretch that makes it comfortable and flexible for all body types. Because it’s made from bamboo, bamboo naturally fights off bacteria to keep no odor-causing microbes at bay so this robe stays fresh and clean wear after wear. College students everywhere can rejoice about a little less laundry thanks to this gift.

ArmorSiren Portable Alarm Security System ($199.99)

Designed to protect you and your valuables, ArmorSiren is the perfect solution for ensuring safety and peace-of-mind wherever you go. This compact and portable alarm/security system instantly triggers a loud siren when device movement is detected. Whether traveling and wanting to secure your hotel/dorm room or looking to safeguard valuables at the beach, the gym, or anywhere on the go, ArmorSiren provides robust protection against theft and unauthorized access. ArmorSiren is available through Amazon or get it for 25% off with code Back25$ (making it $150) and free shipping directly through the ArmorSiren site.

Casely Power Pod ($60)

College kids who are on the go need an additional source of power which is why both of my kids have Casely Power Pods. Power Pods are MagSafe Battery Packs that attach to their phones magnetically so no additional cords are needed. They’re super slim, weigh just 3.2 ounces, and have 5000 Mah built in. Plus the wireless charging means they’re compatible with various devices (iPhones, Samsung, Google Phones, AirPods, and more!) so they’re easily shared with friends whose phones are in the red. Use my link and code BOGO-GIFTS to buy a Power Pod, get a second free!

Goodr Sunglasses ($25-35)

If you have a stylish college student who loves having different pairs of sunnies to match their fits, Goodrs are the way to go! My college students love Goodrs because of the wide variety of colors, lens types, frame styles and sizes, and that they’re non-slip and no-bounce. Plus since they’re priced between $25-35 a pair, they’re not completely unaffordable to replace if they happen to get lost.

Well Told Custom Water Bottle ($34.95)

Give your college student the gift of a Well Told Custom Water Bottle featuring either a map of their hometown or their college town. These custom etched water bottles are so stunning and functional that our college-age daughter carries hers with her everywhere, including flights home! The triple-wall vacuum insulated stainless-steel water bottle keeps drinks hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 and features an easy slide-close lid for on-the-go spill protection. Choose between a 21 ounce and 32 ounce bottles and know this gift will be used while in college and well after they graduate.

Ultimate College Student First Aid Kit ($149.99)

This incredibly well-organized toolbox makes a great practical gift because it contains everything your college student needs to feel better regardless of what ails them. Inside this toolbox you’ll find 30 different medications, ointments, creams, drops, tools, and wound care items plus a Hangover Kit, blister care items, eye care products including emergency eyewash and red eye drops, splinter removal kits, and hand sanitizer to help stop the spread of germs. Also consider adding Narcan because it’s essential for kids to have on campus in case they can help a peer in need. If you’re looking for a smaller first aid kit, check out the The College Student First Aid Travel Kit that I included in my Dorm Room Must Haves. Both are the brainchild of Beth Palmer Stewart, Certified Nurse Practitioner with who has worked with children, adolescents, and young adults and is the mom of 2 college students with another on the way.

Hey Dewy’s Wireless Facial Humidifier (get 20% off the regular price of $59.95 on Amazon until December 2)

Hey Dewy’s Wireless Facial Humidifier is a must have wellness tool to maintain skin hydration. It’s perfect for college students living in dry climates, at altitude, or anyone who finds themselves needing a little more moisture in the air during the cold, dry winter months. Hey Dewy features an 8 hour mist on a single 4 hour charge, ultrasonic wave technology for quiet and efficient cool mist control, continuous and intermittent settings, and soft evening LED illumination. Small in size yet powerful, Hey Dewy’s compact size makes it a great choice for small dorm rooms, first apartments, and even makes a perfect travel companion that can easily fit in your carry-on or suitcase. Cool continuous mist dispersed from Hey Dewy helps college students stay hydrated and healthy throughout the year.

Apple AirTag ($19, regularly $29) and SiliLoop for AirTag ($9.25, regularly $14.95)

AirTags are great for helping college students keep track of belongings such as a wallet, keys, backpacks, and even luggage. Slip them inside a bag or wallet or attach them with a SiliLoop. SiliLoops are convenient and versatile accessories made to securely attach an AirTag to any bag, keychain, or strap. The loop-through design is soft to the touch and is easy enough for anyone to take on and off. SiliLoops are available in 8 different colors as singles or in packs of fours for $44.95.

Woozoo Fan ($52, regularly $74.99)

One thing my college freshman can’t live without is his Woozoo Fan! Thomas tethered his to his curtain rod during move-in and I think it’s been hanging there ever since, bringing in fresh air from the outside to keep air circulating. He would agree the Woozoo is great for helping achieve full room air circulation thanks to an adjustable head that has 6 different angles, timer function that can be set for 1, 2 or 4 hours, different modes (natural wind, yes please!), and 6 speeds. He also loves the remote control which means he can control this powerful and compact fan while lying in bed!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES

Below is the entire list of what you can look forward to this year. These links will go live as guides are published so bookmark or pin this post now so you can come back to it as you do your holiday shopping since I’ll be updating it often!

- Favorite Advent Calendars for All Ages
- Best STEM Gifts for All Ages (preK-teen)
- Best Gifts College Students (inspired by my own college students!)
- Best Subscriptions Boxes for All Ages
- Best Hostess Gifts
- Gifts the Best Dogs and the People Who Love Them (inspired by Goldie and Murphy, of course)
- Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
- Favorite Ways to Teach Kids to Give Back
- Best Gifts for Teachers

FAVORITE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES FROM LAST YEAR

In case you wanted to start making your shopping lists now, here’s a look at last year’s gift guides that are full of great ideas:

Note to PR: I am happy to accept items for review to consider for specialty guides which will publish through December. Please be specific about the products you’d like me to consider reviewing in your pitch and if you’re able to offer a reader giveaway. Giveaway items will be directly shipped to readers upon conclusion of the giveaway. Thanks for understanding I’m on a short deadline to publish gift guides and do not have the bandwidth to return samples during this extremely busy time of the year or send links once posts are live.

21 Best Gifts for College Students

Best Gifts for College Students

KODAK Mini 2 Retro Portable Photo Printer ($99, regularly $139.99)

Mini Massage Gun ($69.98, also has $10 off coupon on Amazon)