Finding the best gifts for college students might sound easy at first, but chances are things have changed since the last time you were in school—and the backpack or coffee once upon a time on your wish list might be yesterday’s news. Your favorite students are probably pressed for space (and cash)—not to mention all over what’s blowing up on TikTok—so we’re here to help you be very particular about the holiday gifts you bestow upon them this year.
We’ll be the first to admit that it can be tough to shop for people in that awkward first stage of adulthood: Gifts for teens can feel too young, but you don’t want to give something way too mature, either. (Weighted blankets, for example, tend to make better mom gifts.) But as long as you know a little bit about their living situation, their interests, or their dietary habits, you can make an educated guess about what they’ll love.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for a teenage girl who loves to decorate every inch of her dorm room, a twenty-something living in an off-campus apartment for the first time, or someone who’s feeling homesick, these thoughtful ideas are bound to be a hit. Better yet, plenty of them are cheap presents and under-$25 gift ideas to help you stick to a budget. (Make sure you revisit this guide when you’re putting together care packages and graduation gifts.) Ahead, shop 40 of the best gifts for college students that’ll lock in your favorite relative status.
Our top picks
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