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Make Their Day With the Best Gifts for College Students
The transition from high school to college can be a major one, as most students move out of their homes and start their lives in a new place with strangers. Homesickness and anxiety are some of the most common challenges that a lot of students face. During this time, it is important to let them know that you are there for them and are thinking about them. Whether you are immediate family, a relative, or a friend, sending them a thoughtful gift for college students is a great way to show your care and concern. These gifts can range from gadgets that are useful for living independently or something small like a planner. There are quite a lot of ideas that you will find online, but it can get confusing to select from them. Our list of the most popular gifts for college students of 2023 will help you in making this decision.
Buying Guide: Gifts for College Students
Buying a gift for college students can be pretty challenging because you want to find one that is both useful and compact enough to fit in small spaces. This brief guide is designed to provide you with unique ideas for finding the perfect gift for college students.
Things To Consider When Purchasing Gifts for College Students
Some people say that college is the most memorable time of a person’s life due to the things they get to do and the people they get to meet. Even though this is true, it should also be kept in mind that students can be overwhelmed by the transition to college. Having to juggle assignments, internships, projects, and extracurriculars, along with maintaining a social life, can be quite stressful. A thoughtful gift can be very helpful, even if it is something small and inexpensive. We believe that a gift for college students should have the following characteristics.
Practicality
It is important that you think of something that the student you are purchasing the gift for does not own, but will benefit greatly from. Most students find it difficult to manage their finances, especially if they are just starting out. For this reason, think of an item that will actually be useful to them. Look for gifts for college students like journals, notebooks, and pens, and if you are feeling generous, maybe an iPad. In today’s day and age where everything is digital, it is important that a college student owns the right gadgets, like an iPad or a laptop.
Compact
Most college students reside in dorms, while some live in apartments. This means that they do not have a lot of space available, so giving them something that will clutter their dorm and make it messy is not ideal. Look for items that are collapsible or foldable so that they can be stored easily. For example, if you are thinking of purchasing an appliance like a coffee maker or microwave, make sure it is small enough to fit in compact spaces. Do not hesitate to communicate with the student beforehand to make sure they have space for the present you plan to give to them.
Aesthetically pleasing
An aesthetically pleasing environment is necessary in order to maintain a student’s mental health and well-being. Their dorm or room is going to be their personal space, and it is important that they are satisfied with the way their room looks so that they can unwind after long and stressful days. If you are thinking of giving them a piece of furniture like a bean bag, an ottoman, or a desk, make sure that it matches the overall aesthetic of the dorm. Anything that looks out of place will destroy the environment of the entire room. Again, communication with the student beforehand or having an idea of how their dorm looks will be important here.
Thoughtful
One of the most common feelings that college students feel is homesickness. Even if a student is not showing it, there is a high chance that they are feeling lost and miss home, so it is essential to let them know that you are thinking about them with a gift for college students. It may be a good idea to send a message along with the present. Also, make sure you are checking on them from time to time to make sure they are doing okay.
Presentation
Last but not least, the presentation of a gift for college students is also something you should focus on, even though it may seem unimportant. If you are purchasing the gift physically, make sure you wrap it up properly. For a more personal touch, you can add a short, handwritten note.
Comparing the Top-Rated Gifts for College Students of 2023
Frito-Lay Snacks Variety Box – Best Overall
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This Frito-Lay Snacks Variety Box will make an amazing gift for college students, especially if they like to munch on snacks while studying or in their free time. The package includes chips, crackers, cookies, and nuts, which makes it an all-in-one box. It includes 50 pieces, which means that it will last a while. Everything is wrapped individually, so each piece will stay fresh. This variety box is ideal for different occasions including parties, road trips, and stocking the kitchen.
There are several options that you can choose from, depending on which snacks you prefer the most. Some are designed for those with a sweet tooth in mind, while others are a mix of chips and other snacks. They are well-packaged which makes them ideal for sending as a gift to college students. Due to its variety and efficient packaging, we chose this snack variety box as the top gift for college students on this list.
Pros
- Will last a long time
- Option to gift wrap
- Ideal for several occasions
Cons
- Snacks cannot be customized
Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack – Best for Traveling
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One thing that college students need to do often is traveling. It is important that they own the right luggage and gadgets that can make traveling convenient for them. This Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack is an excellent option because it has spacious compartments that allow students to organize their essentials. There is a separate laptop compartment that can accommodate laptops that measure up to 15.6 inches.
The front compartment has several pockets that can hold essentials like keys, phone, headphones, chargers, and plane or bus tickets. The external USB and headphone ports make it easy to charge your phone or listen to music. The zippers are made using durable metal, and there is a lock which is password protected to keep your essentials safe from theft. The design of this backpack is unisex, so it makes the perfect gift for college students.
Pros
- Constructed using durable polyester material
- Several compartments for easy organization
- Suitable for frequent travelers like college students
Cons
- May not sit upright easily
Bunny James Snack Care Package – Most Healthy
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The Bunny James Snack Care Package will make a good gift for college students who love snacks but want to incorporate a healthy lifestyle. The package includes a mix of chips, nuts, fruit snacks, protein bars, cookies, and more. The savory and sweet options will cater to students with different taste buds, and they are low in calories.
The packaging is beautiful because it has been hand-crafted and ornamented with glass. For specific dietary requirements, you can choose from keto, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free packages. Each item is wrapped individually in their original packaging, which means they can be stored for prolonged periods as long as they fall within the expiration date. There is an option to package it as a gift, which makes it perfect for a gift for college students.
Pros
- Ideal for health conscious college students
- Available in keto and vegan-friendly options
- Beautiful hand-crafted packaging
Cons
- Snacks cannot be customized
Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper – Most Creative
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If you are looking for something that is unique and will be appreciated by your college-going child or friend, you should consider this Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper. It will make the perfect gift for college students who like to watch movies or just like to munch on popcorn in general. It has a collapsible and space-saving design, and it is made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone.
This gift for college students is microwave safe and allows you to make popcorn without any oil. The grab handles make it easy to use and take out of the microwave once the popcorn is done. Since oil and butter is not needed, cleaning this popcorn popper will be very easy. The material used in its construction is very durable and will withstand regular wear and tear. It is dishwasher safe, which makes it convenient for college students.
Pros
- Creative and unique gift
- Available in 15 vibrant colors
- BPA-free material makes it durable
Cons
- May not be liked by all students
Adidas Men’s Shower Slide – Best for Lounging
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Even though these Adidas Men’s Shower Slides are designed specifically for men, they can be a good gift for college students who are girls as well. It is essential that students have a pair of slides that are comfortable enough to wear around their dorm, and have a good grip that will prevent them from slipping during a shower or a pool party. The good thing about these slides is that they have a contoured footbed that comes with a soft cloudfoam. This ensures that your feet dry up quickly, and you can wear them for prolonged periods without tiring your feet.
The single bandage design makes them trendy, and the classic three-stripe design is an Adidas staple. There are 35 design options available, so you will definitely find the right gift for college students with these slides.
Pros
- Cloudfoam helps provide lightweight comfort
- Three stripe design for an athletic look
- Available in 35 designs
Cons
- Fabric lining may absorb some moisture
People Also Asked
Q: Are gift cards useful for college students?
A: Yes, gift cards can be very beneficial for college students, because a lot of them can be struggling financially. A gift card to their favorite store or restaurant can help cheer them up.
Q: What do college students struggle with the most?
A: Even though everyone has their own unique problems, common issues include social anxiety, family pressure and expectations, financial problems, feeling homesick, and lack of motivation.
Q: What is something every college student needs?
A: In today’s digital day and age, it has become essential for every college student to own a gadget like a laptop, tablet or an iPad.
