The holiday season is upon us! And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably trying to figure out the perfect Christmas gifts for college students in your life, from your friends to family members. So, I reached out to my followers on Instagram and got awesome responses. Tons of college students shared what they’re dreaming of unwrapping the most!
From these suggestions, I’ve put together this super helpful list of gift ideas that any college student would absolutely love this Christmas! There’s a little of everything, from practical to techy to super cozy goodies that’ll have them smiling all the way back to campus.
Or, if you’re a college student, pass this list on to your friends and family when they ask what you want. Because between late-night studying and juggling classes, you totally deserve something special this year!
This post is all about Christmas gifts for college students.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
The Ultimate List of Best Christmas Gifts For Students

Ultimate List of the Best Christmas Gifts for College Students
What’s the easiest way to know what college students want for Christmas? Ask them!
I polled my audience of college students on the following questions:
- What’s on your list for this year?
- What’s a favorite gift you’ve received in the past as a college student?
- What’s something you use daily that you couldn’t live without in college?
Here’s a rundown of the most mentioned items topping their list of favorite things.
Gadgets for College Student Dorm Rooms
It’s hard to be away from the comforts of home. So, delight the college students in your life with these thoughtful and quite useful appliances.

Even if they’re on a meal plan (and especially if they’re not), this COSORI Air Fryer is super convenient for whipping up delicious, healthy meals in minutes. It has nine cooking functions, is whisper-quiet, and pairs with a handy app offering over 130 recipes. Plus, the compact design means it won’t take up too much space in their tiny dorm kitchen while still being big enough to serve a few friends, too!

This 1.7L Electric Kettle looks sleek and stylish in any dorm room and heats water super quickly for all those late-night tea or instant noodle cravings. Plus, it’s super easy to clean and built to last, making it a reliable buddy for everything from a quick cup of coffee to a hot chocolate.

Someone on my Instagram said they love their Ninja Blast and can’t live without it! Ninja is the best brand for kitchen appliances IMO! (I own a Ninja Creami and a Thirsti. And I absolutely love them!) This Ninja Blast Portable Blender is powerful, spacious, and comes in cute colors. It’s perfect for whipping up a quick smoothie or some post-workout fuel.

This heated blanket electric throw is a comfy, warm addition to any chilly dorm room (and a total win if you and your roommate can’t agree on the thermostat!). It’s super cozy, heats up right away, and comes in stylish colors or a fun holiday pattern. Plus, it’s just the right size for snuggling up during late-night study sessions!

This remote-controlled fan circulates air like a champ and fits perfectly in tight spaces. It’s a total win for any cramped dorm room! It’s super quiet, even on its highest setting, making it perfect for those late-night study sessions. Plus, the remote control means they can adjust the airflow without getting up.
Candles for Cozy Study Time
There’s something about lighting a candle that just seems to set the mood! These candles are perfect for settling in, feeling cozy, and focusing on studying.

I LOVE the sound that these wooden wick candles make! They crackle exactly like a fireplace. With scent options such as this cozy blend of honey and coconut and a solid 28 hours of burn time, it sets the vibe for chill study sessions or laid-back nights in.

I adore the aromas of apple, cider, and cinnamon in this 3-wick candle. It’s the perfect cozy scent for fall and winter! Plus, it comes in an adorable ceramic jar.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
To add another useful Christmas gifts for college students, noise-canceling headphones are also a great option. Help your them filter out noise from roommates and other distractions. These headphones are super comfortable and work like a charm to eliminate background noise.

Yes, it’s a splurge, but the Apple AirPods Max are definitely worth it because they will LOVE them and probably use them every single day! They deliver incredible sound quality with features like Active Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio. Plus, the new colors are AMAZING! I am eyeing the new purple color for myself.

For a less pricey option that still looks stylish, the Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are the way to go! They have a sleek design, offer amazing sound quality, and are comfortable to wear while cramming for exams or just catching up on some tunes between classes.

These Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are one of my Instagram followers’ absolute faves! They love how they’re so super comfortable that you can wear them for hours while studying or chilling with your favorite tunes. Plus, the battery life is awesome, and the touch controls are super helpful for switching songs and adjusting volume without having to pull out your phone.
Airpods

With the Apple AirPods Pro 2, your college student can flip on the Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode and focus on studying in peace or tune in to their surroundings when needed. Plus, they’re sweat and water-resistant, which is perfect for those gym sessions. And with the Find My app, it’s easy to keep track of them, even during hectic campus life. Definitely one of my favorite in this Christmas gifts for college students list.

For a price that’s a steal, this handy case can easily keep their AirPods safe from those inevitable drops. It fits the Apple AirPods Pro 2 perfectly and comes with a convenient cleaning tool. Plus, it’s super durable, has a great feeling texture, and you can choose from tons of colors. Personally, I love this cool sky-blue shade.
iPad
Just about every college student uses their iPad for note-taking or studying these days, so it’s not surprising that I got a lot of iPad responses! iPad Pro or iPad Air are the best options for college students. I wouldn’t recommend the iPad mini because the small size isn’t ideal for studying or note-taking.

As a medical student, I can’t imagine my life without my iPad Pro 13. I use it for everything from note-taking to organizing my study materials. With its sleek design and top-notch tech features, it makes studying way more efficient and fun. It’s a gift that any student would absolutely love and use often!

The iPad Air delivers serious performance, all packed into a sleek, lightweight design. It’s super easy to carry around campus, making it perfect for note-taking, studying, or binge-watching their favorite shows between classes!
Monitor to Hook Up to a Computer

The Dell 27-inch monitor pairs perfectly with a MacBook. Its super crisp, bright display makes it ideal for working on projects or streaming content. Plus, it’s easy to set up and lets you adjust the height. This monitor is an awesome gift that your college friends or family will thank you for later!
Blue Light Glasses

If you know a college student who’s glued to their screen all day (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), these high-tech blue light glasses would make an awesome gift! They block out 99% of that pesky blue light, which reduces eye strain, excessive tiredness, and headaches. Plus, they’re stylish and comfy.
Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is a must for busy college students! And it’s a lot easier to keep up this habit if they have a water bottle that’s cute, stylish, and sturdy to tote with them!

The Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle is slim enough to slip right into their backpack. And it keeps water cold for hours, has a leak-proof design (which is a must!), and comes in awesome colors that they’ll love.

If you’re looking for a perfect gift for a college student, check out the Stanley H2.0 FlowState Tumbler. It’s the water bottle people are obsessed with right now! It does a great job of keeping water or iced coffee ice-cold for hours, is super durable, and comes in a ton of stylish colors that will totally elevate their drink game.

The Unistar Half Gallon Water Bottle is my personal fave for making sure I get enough water during busy days. It’s super lightweight, comes in cool colors, and has a spacious opening for easy filling. But the best part, other than it’s much less of an investment than the Stanley, is the fun measurement phrases that encourage you to achieve your hydration goals!

This Owala Water Bottle is one of my follower’s absolute favorites! It keeps drinks icy cold for hours, is lightweight, and easy to grip. Plus, it has a spill-resistant lid that ensures no leaks, even when it’s upside down.

If your college student prefers a built-in straw design, the Owala FreeSip Water Bottle will keep them hydrated no matter where their day takes them. It’s double-walled for up to 24 hours of ice-cold drinks, has a handy lid to keep the spout clean, and is leak-proof, so it won’t ruin your backpack when they’re rushing to class!
Travel Coffee Mug

The Hydro Flask All Around Stainless Steel Tumbler is a practical and stylish companion for those busy campus days! It’ll keep their drinks hot or cold for hours, fits perfectly in car cup holders, and comes in super cute colors that everyone will want. Plus, it’s easy to clean and built to last.
Bike to Get Around Campus

The Mongoose Flatrock 21-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike is an awesome choice! With its stylish design and eye-catching color, it’s not just a cool ride but also a fun way to zip between classes while staying active!

The Schwinn Women’s Trailway Hybrid Bike is super versatile. It’s perfect for zipping around campus for classes or enjoying a leisurely ride on the weekends. Plus, with its comfy seat and smooth handling, those long trips across campus won’t feel like a chore at all!
Show You Care with Self-Care Gifts for College Students
College life, especially as a premed, can get stressful. So, this holiday season, get them the gift of rest and relaxation!

Making self-care easy even when deadlines are looming! With this Red Light Therapy Mask, they can enjoy all the benefits of this amazing skincare treatment right from their dorm room. Plus, with multiple colors and a comfy design that fits just right, it’s perfect for customizing their glow-up routine without any fuss! A must have in your Christmas gifts for college students list.

Sheet masks are such a fun and practical pick for college students who could use a little self-care. These masks give your skin a glowing boost and make it feel incredible. This pack of ten sheet masks comes in five essences, and they’re a bargain at a super affordable price that won’t break the bank! Or go with the soothing and appealing Burt’s Bees Hydrating Sheet Mask with watermelon extract for a luxurious experience.

Let me spill the tea on the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask! This luxurious yet practical gift is a must-have for any college student dealing with flaky, dry lips. It smells like berry heaven and contains nourishing ingredients, including Vitamin C and coconut oil. A tiny bit goes a long way!
Journal

This Self Care Journal can help your stressed college student take a breather amid their hectic schedules. Its fun prompts, cute art, and snazzy foil stamping encourage daily check-ins and mood tracking. This cute journal makes self-care easy and enjoyable!

The BAIMEI IcyMe Jade Roller and Gua Sha tools are perfect for college students who need some self-care amidst busy schedules. These fabulous skincare tools reduce puffiness and fine lines and give their skin a fresh, dewy look, making them feel revitalized and ready to tackle exams or hang out with friends!

The Mini Pamper Me Kit is perfect for college students needing little downtime. It’s like a spa experience in a bag with everything they need from head to toe, including cleansing to rejuvenating masks. This all-in-one kit transforms their space into a luxurious retreat where they can unwind and pamper themselves after those long study sessions!
Comfy Outfits

These high-waisted ribbed pajama pants from Old Navy make a great gift idea! They’re super comfy, adjustable, and perfect for lounging around the dorm or catching some zzz’s after a long study session. Plus, the material is breathable and cozy without being too hot, so they’re just right for any season!

The Waffle Weekend Escape Jogger and Mock Neck Long Sleeve pair perfectly together. Super soft and warm, this set is ideal for relaxing during those long study sessions, chilling out, or staying cozy while catching flights home. Plus, they come with handy side pockets and a stylish look.
Skillshare Membership

If you’re looking for a super thoughtful gift for a college student, a Skillshare membership is an absolute winner! With unlimited access to thousands of classes, they can dive into anything from productivity hacks, drawing classes, graphic design, communication skills to building your own side hustle, all at their own pace. It’s perfect for boosting their skill set and learning new traits for future job and business opportunities.
Gift Cards
Check out these clever ideas to make your college student’s day! Remember to also look for gift cards at local places, small businesses, and restaurants near campus.

You can’t go wrong with Grubhub gift cards! They’re a lifesaver during finals week when late-night study sessions call for snacks or a comforting meal. And, of course, a sweet treat can almost always turn a bad day around. Plus, with so many options, they’ll always find something they love.

Daily Harvest Gift Boxes provide frozen meals that are super easy to whip up and pack in tons of amazing flavors and nutrients from fresh fruits and veggies. Plus, their best-selling smoothies are perfect whether you’re craving something tropical or a rich, decadent treat. I personally LOVE their smoothies! (Use code LIFEBYMAGGIE to get a 15% discount on your first order when you spend $100 or more!)

Take the pressure off trying to guess and let them choose exactly what they need! Amazon gift cards allow them to snag anything from textbooks to cozy dorm essentials or the latest gadgets, all with the convenience of online shopping.

College life often requires a caffeine boost! That’s why a gift card to Starbucks or a local coffee shop makes an awesome gift! They’ll thank you when they grab their favorite drink before an early morning class or when they need an afternoon pick-me-up!
Wrapping Up This Epic List of Christmas Gifts for College Students
And there you have it, my gift guide for college students this Christmas! I hope you found some inspiration for the lucky friends and family members in your life, or maybe even a little (or big) something to add to your own wishlist!
Every gift on this list can make life a bit easier (or cozier) during those hectic college days. Whether it’s practical items to help with studying, fun gadgets for downtime, or comfy essentials for those long nights of cramming, each one is sure to bring a smile.
If you loved this list of Christmas gifts for college students, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family to give them a few hints or ideas. Cheers to a fantastic holiday season filled with laughter, love, and tons of hot cocoa. Happy gifting!
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Love this!
Such good and thoughtful gifts! Shopping for college students can be so tricky!
This is a very thoughtful gift 🙂
love this!!
Hey love your helpful reels that motivate me to stay on track ♥️
Thank you, such a wonderful list! Will definitely be purchasing for my loved ones! 🥰
Such a helpful gift list! Thanks, Maggie!!
Self-care is definitely something I’m working on improving!
I just graduated today! This would be amazing for a self care day
Wow what a great list, it definitely helped me get some new ideas!
This is such a great idea for stressed students!
So many great goodies in this list!
What a great day to celebrate the holiday season as a pre-med student!
Love these Ideas!
Thanks for all these ideas!
Omg these are all awesome, I’ve been working on my self care routine as I prepare for med school!
Hard to chose one those are all terrific ideas and really needed after this final season
Love designating time to take good care of myself
So so cool!!
These all look amazing, great gift recommendations!
There’s no better way to study than in a comfy lounge set!
awe I love this set ! also love the recommendations:)
I really need this omg!
Self care is super productive! 🧖♀️
Love the gift ideas! Happy Holidays 🎄❤️
We love to see self care 👏
The perfect gifts!!
This would cure me right now. What a cute gift!
Nothing like a self care reset day after pushing through fall semester!
All of these are amazingggg!
Wow all the items are thoughtful and very demure
I loved the comfy outfits section! I have been looking for some comfy college outfits! Thank you Maggie!
i always hear that a heated blanket is a must! it was definitely on my list this year!
Love it!
All of these are must haves!! I hope I win them<3
Such great and practical gift ideas! Currently in my heated blanket while studying for finals
self care >>>🧘🏽♀️
In desperate need of self care
Oh, I would LOVE a heated blanket for my dorm. Such great ideas!
A monitor is such a must!!! It makes everything better and I’ve found my productivity levels have increased since getting one 🙂
Everyone needs this!
These gifts are perfect, I love it!!
Love these gift ideas! I definitely need a good chunk of these for myself!
Love this!! So helpful for the holidays💕
Ohhh the lip mask is all over my social media too! And the heated blanket is on my wish list.
These are so cool!
The brookstone heated blanket is also a great choice! One of my favorite gifts I have ever been given along with my iPad!! Great gift ideas 🙂
We love the Laneige lip mask
Self care is so important!!
I want to get into journaling more!
As a current undergraduate, these are all great tools to take care of ourselves while taking on the challenges and business of being a pre-med!
these are so nice !
Great gift ideas
Those smoothies look soooo good
self care after finals 💯
This could be so fun. Especially with finals right now.
Amazing products!
Happy Holidays!
Love these for study breaks!🧖🏼♀️
Amazing products!
Wishing everyone a cheerful holiday season 🙂
Perfect and relaxing!
I use that lip mask every night
Ooooo these are adorable!!!
This is such a good list of things to have! The gift set is so cute and practical!!
really hoping to get an ipad air for Christmas!
So so cute!
Such a good list of gifts! Love love love it!!
I love journaling and self care so this is real cute !
This is such a good list as Christmas rolls around!
This would be great with finals being next week!
Al these gift ideas are amazing!
Self care is so important!
Taking care of your physical health also takes cares of your mental health! 🙂
These are all such good ideas for college students!
Self care is so important!
Brb just adding this to my Christmas list!
Self care is so important. Love this list!
I love how you emphasize on self care Maggie!
Hydration is truly the best self care tip
Great list! Self care is so vital during school!
Owala tumblers are my favorite!
During my undergraduate years I learned how important it is to maintain a healthy work-life balance with your studies. I’m hoping to be able to maintain this balance while in medical school!
That heated blanket feels like heaven, definitely necessary lol
I need all of these!!
self care gift!
This is such a fantastic gift set!