Best gifts for going to college 2022

These thoughtful gifts will make any college student’s day

Heading off to college is an exciting time for most students, but it’s not without its challenges. Finding a gift that makes their lives a little easier or lets them feel more at home in their new environment is the perfect way to let them know you care.

If you’re shopping for a student who’s starting their first year of college, a gift that helps them get used to living on their own for the first time can be an excellent option. For students returning to school who are used to being away from home, finding a gift that helps them blow off some steam is often your best bet.

If you need help choosing a gift for the college student in your life, whether they live in the dorm or their own apartment, these are the best gift ideas to help them get the most out of their college experience.

How to choose a gift for college-bound students

Think practically

While you might be trying to get as creative as you can with your gift, it’s often best to focus on practical items that help your favorite college student feel more comfortable at school. For example, a soft, cozy bedding set in their favorite color or pattern can help them get a good night’s sleep. If they’re living in a dorm, the bed often requires twin XL bedding sets, so make sure you double-check the size of the mattress. Shower items like shower shoes or a fluffy bathrobe also make useful gifts.

Help with studying

While there’s plenty of fun to be had at college, students are there to further their education, which can be pretty tricky with all the distractions. Gifts that help the college student in your life study smarter and more comfortably are always a good idea. If they live in a noisy dorm, earplugs can help them get some peace and quiet. A flexible reading light makes it easy to catch up on the day’s reading when their roommate is sleeping, while a supportive reading pillow allows for comfortable reading in bed.

Remind them of home

College is the first time most students live away from their families, so homesickness is extremely common. Gifts that remind your loved one of home can ease these feelings, helping them feel more comfortable at college. Picture frames with photos of family and friends are ideal, but artwork that depicts their hometown, state, or favorite sports team is another excellent option.

Encourage self-care

Between all the exams, papers, and projects, college students can get stressed pretty easily. While keeping up with their studies is obviously important, you don’t want your loved one to get burned out. Gifts dedicated to helping them relax and take time for themselves will definitely be a hit. Items like sheet masks, a neck massager, or a manicure kit can help your loved one decompress when their workload starts taking a toll.

Gifts for new college students

If you’re shopping for a student headed to college for the first time, they’ll likely be living in a dorm. In addition to being away from home, they’ll have to get used to communal living. Dorm life usually means eating in the dining hall since there are often rules about the appliances you can have in your room. As such, it’s best to stick to essentials that can help a student study or be more comfortable in the dorm.

A laptop for taking notes, doing online readings, and writing papers
A backpack or other bag for carrying their books to class
Bedding like a twin XL comforter set
Noise-canceling headphones to listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks and to watch movies without disruption
A portable charger to keep a smartphone, tablet, or laptop charged on the go
A durable water bottle to stay hydrated

Gifts for returning college students

Students returning to college likely have many of the basics you’d buy for a first-time student. They may also be living in their own apartment, so they’ll have to cook for themselves and decorate their space. If they're not living in a dorm, they probably aren’t subject to any rules regarding the appliances they can have either.

A coffee maker or electric kettle for a morning caffeine fix
Cookbooks to help with meal ideas
A cookware set
An air fryer for quick meals
A weighted blanket to encourage a good night’s sleep
A streaming device for study breaks