Popular wireless over-ear headphones for quality noise-canceling during studying, traveling, and working out
Beats by Dre Wireless Solo3 Headphones, available at Best Buy and
Amazon, $239.95
If there's one thing every college student needs, it's good wireless headphones. They'll use them at the gym, at the library, and commuting to class and internships. This pair has great sound, cushioned ear cups, and 40 hours of battery life so they have one less thing to think about. And if they let the battery run out, a five-minute charge is the equivalent to three hours of play time.
If they like to study in public spaces, you can't go wrong with Bose's pricey but unbeatable QuietComfort headphones for noise-cancellation. If they're a runner and need something lightweight and in-ear, you should opt for Jaybird RUN.
An Amazon Echo Dot for hands-free calls, alarms, music, updates on the weather, recipes, and more
An inexpensive way for them to get the iced coffee they love at home
The world's most comfortable shoes
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA great game for a night in with friends
A professional, compact backpack that can go from school to internship
ICON Lite Pack, available at Incase and
Nordstrom, $99.95
A backpack is the most versatile bag for a college student that's transitioning from internship or job to classes — but they probably don't want to bring their banged-up Jansport into the office. A plush, faux-fur padded sleeve keeps their laptop safe, and the exterior is professional, sleek, and slim enough to be work- and public transportation-friendly. Find a full review here.
A splashproof portable Bluetooth speaker for messy college events that call for music
JBL FLIP4 Bluetooth Speaker, from $70
Beach days, tailgates, outdoor parties of any kind — grab this under-$100 Bluetooth speaker with over 3,700 five-star reviews on Amazon for the many occasions when loud music and a spill-friendly speaker are going to come in handy.
A box of college merchandise for game days, tailgates, and spirit events
One of the all-time best facial cleansers for a clean and effective routine
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdThe newest version of the most popular Fitbit for fitness and sleep tracking
Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Tracker, available at Amazon, from $149
Fitbits help the wearer measure and track their health and fitness, including sleep patterns and activity trends. They can set goals and get real-time stat updates during workouts to see how they can improve. It's also water-resistant and has a battery life that lives up to seven days.
A wireless charging case for their Bluetooth devices
An iPad for Netflix binging in their room, as well as for quick trips home that don't warrant a laptop
A five-minute breakfast that will save them money and time
A media streamer that transforms a normal TV into a smart one — so it plays shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other streaming services
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA candle to remind them of their favorite place or hometown while they're away at school
A funny but useful book full of expert and student advice on everything from finances to relationships and dorm life
The best electric toothbrush overall
A monthly subscription of personalized makeup, hair care, and skin care samples delivered to their door so they can try new things and be pampered once a month
A monogrammed leather shave bag so they can keep all their things in one place that isn't a plastic shower caddy
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA cosmetics/toiletry bag from an up-and-coming women's handbag startup
Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag, available at Dagne Dover, from $35
Leatherology's shave bag is a great purchase if you want a bag that will age gracefully. But, if you're looking for a chic aesthetic, Dagne Dover also makes a great neoprene toiletry bag that's built to accommodate makeup. If they have a lot of toiletries, you'll probably want to get the large size for $55 (shown above).
The best portable charger you can buy, which charges an iPhone twice as fast as the original iPhone charger
Jackery Portable Charger 6000 mAh, $29.99
I said before that college students primarily need a good pair of wireless headphones. They also need a portable external charger. This gift is extremely convenient — whether for traveling, stalled subway rides, or nights out trying to connect with friends. It will also give you peace of mind to know the odds of them getting stuck somewhere unfamiliar with a dead phone are lessened.
We rated this model by Jackery the best portable charger iPhone users can buy. It reportedly charges iPhones twice as fast as the original iPhone charger. If you're shopping for an Android user, pick up this one.
A nice watch they can wear to internships from a popular startup
A cult-favorite tumbler to keep their drinks just the right temperature for hours spent in the library
A laundry hamper with adjustable straps so they don't need to drag laundry blocks or flights of stairs
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA cookbook made for mornings where food is necessary but complicated recipes are absolutely not
Tools they will undoubtedly need and be grateful to own, but likely won't buy themselves
A hyper-useful extra-long, reinforced phone charger
The most comfortable lounge pants we've ever tried for lazy weekend mornings
An undated planner that uses efficiency hacks to break down a 10-year plan into daily stepping stones
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA comfy Patagonia pullover they'll rely on a lot
An instant coffee maker for busy mornings
A gym bag that can transition to a professional setting
A bedside caddy for all their stuff, especially if they're sleeping in dorm bunk beds
Bedside Caddy, available at Dormify, $22
One of the surprises of dorm living is how inconvenient it is — especially if you're already up in your top bunk bed when you realize you need a pen. Bedside caddies are helpful, and preference is given to those that don't look too industrial and utilitarian, like this one from Dormify.
A microwave-safe ramen cooker for the most stressful or time-crunched nights
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdA super soft throw blanket they'll find themselves cocooned in many times
Gift cards — perhaps the best gift you can give a cash-strapped college student