First-year students are moving on to the next step toward adulthood and all of those firsts. They’re leaving home for the first time, meeting people from different backgrounds and making their own decisions.
Being a college student is hard work—between classes, extracurricular activities, and maintaining a social life, it’s a lot to handle. But there are plenty of gifts that can make dorm life easier (and more fun) for your favourite college students.
When it comes to dorm gift ideas, don’t forget about practicality. The best gifts for college students make their lives easier and more enjoyable. These are all things they’ll use during their time at school and maybe even after graduation.
College Student Dorm Gift Buying Guide
If your child is heading off to college, you might be wondering what kind of gifts will make this transition easier for them. There are practical ones, like an alarm clock, that will help them get up and get to class on time. And there are fun ones, like a pool float, that will help them relax and unwind after class.
It can be hard to find the right dorm gifts to give college students. It can be overwhelming to choose the right things for a student heading into their first year of college. It’s hard to know what your friends will like and use, but some great ideas are practical and fun. We have compiled this article on the 33 best dorm gifts to give college students.
Whether you’re looking for a gift that’ll help them keep their dorm room organized or help them get through the week, we’ve got some great options. We’ve also included plenty of fun and useful tech gadgets, as well as a few things that’ll help them stay healthy and hydrated (so much coffee).
And if you decide to give them cash for their birthday or Christmas, remember that it can be used toward books or a new laptop — two things every college student needs!
The following dorm gift ideas are perfect for inspiring creativity in your college student or helping them wind down from finals week. We’ve also thrown in some sentimental items to remind them of home when they’re missing you most.
Best Dorm Gifts For College Students
If you are looking for the best dorm gifts to give college students, we created a poll and the following are attractive options:
- Airpods
- Echo Dot
- Yeti Rambler
- Keurig coffee maker
- Memory foam pillow
- An Ottoman
- Mattress Topper
- Velvet hangers
- Jewellery organizer
- Water heater
- Sound machine
- Ugg Slippers
- Cosy, fluffy blanket
- Tile Mate
- Towel Wrap
- Shower Speakers
- Photo clip strings
- HydroFlasks
- North Face Backpack
- Two in One Flashlight and StunGun
- Area Rug
- Bathrobe
- Coffee mug warmer
- Manicure set
- Vintage record player
- Laptop sleeve
- Gloves
- Sleep mask
- Wearable blankets
- Men’s grooming kit
- Swiss army pocket knife
- Hammock
- Bluetooth beanie
College is an exciting time that builds up to the most exciting moment. Moving into your dorm room is sheer bliss. It is a chance to make a fresh start, make more decisions by yourself and move on with your life outside of high school. An essential part of this involves having the right dorm essentials.
Finding some great dorm gifts can be difficult. Whether you’re a college student, a parent of a college student, or love college students, these dorm room gift ideas are perfect for your school-bound loved ones. They contain some dorm essentials, gadgets, and many other exciting utilities. Here’s a collection of some of the best dorm gifts for college students.
Airpods
Airpods are a convenient way to control all of your sounds. The hype around them is accurate, and they are suitable wireless accessories that every college student would like to have. Apple AirPods have a long listening time of up to 24hours in total with the charging case. It has an effortless setup, in-ear detection, and automatic switching. It is truly magical.
Echo Dot
An Echo Dot is a voice-controlled speaker that can control smart home devices, make calls, answer questions, set timers and alarms. Every student will like to have Alexa in their dorm room. It will be a great gift choice for any college student.
The Amazon Echo Dot is a smart speaker with Alexa voice control. You can play music from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio.
Yeti Rambler
The Yeti Rambler travel mug has a stainless steel interior with a strong vacuum insulator. This keeps the temperature of your drink irrespective of the outside temperature. It is dishwasher safe and has a 360 degree welded handle.
Keurig coffee maker
This is a perfect gift for college students. It makes delicious brewed coffee in minutes. The Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker can accommodate travel mugs 7.4 inches tall. It also makes solid coffees and gives them a bold taste.
Memory foam pillow
Dorm beds are known to be uncomfortable. Having a nice memory pillow will give you better sleep hours. Amazon Basics Down are suitable for stomach and back sleepers. They offer exceptional comfort with a soft density. It is made with 100% polyester Microfiber and is washing machine compatible.
An Ottoman
An ottoman is one lovely addition to this list of 33 best dorm gifts to give college students. Ottomans are great utilities for organizing your random stuff in the dorm. They are multipurpose.
You could use them as stepping stools, chairs, and storage containers. Storage Ottoman Cube is a foldable storage box that saves you some bedroom space. It could also be used as a footrest or stool. It is made of high-quality MDF board and linen fabric covered with memory foam.
Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is a dorm essential, and you would be doing someone a lot of good by giving them one. Most dorm beds are already deflated. Mattress toppers will provide you with additional comfort while you sleep.
This is a product that every college student will appreciate. SOPAT Extra Thick Mattress Topper is extra thick and comes stuffed with 50%more filling than other mattress toppers. It is cooling and breathable and made with 100% cotton.
Velvet hangers
Hangers are always handy to keep clothes in the tiny dorm wardrobes. The BAGAIL Velvet Hangers are non-slip and 360-degree swivel capable. It has a strong hook. It is constructed of 80% ABS plastic and 20% velvet. It does not support the hanging of wet clothes as this can cause the velvet coating to wear off.
Jewellery organizer
The wall-mounted jewellery organizer is ideal for dorm rooms. It gives you a practical space-saving feature to organize your jewellery pieces without worrying about using up so much space. It also protects your jewellery from tangling like it always does when placed in a box.
Water heater
Water heaters are an excellent utility for tea and food, especially breakfast. The culinary obsession glass electric kettle is the best choice. It holds up to 1.8 litres of water and has an automatic shut-off. Ideal for tea, coffee, soup, and a lot more.
Sound machine
Dorm rooms can get very noisy, and sometimes all you need is just a few minutes to nap. A sound machine will help give the right less-noise atmosphere suitable for you to fall asleep. The Marpac Dohm Sound Machine is a great option. It is a one-button machine that is solely designed for you to fall asleep.
It has two-speed options for adjustable tone and volume that excellently masks background noise for better sleep. It is simple to use and powered by a 7-foot 120V AC cord. Plugin, flip the switch to high or low, then rotate the cap and collar to find the best sound for you.
Ugg Slippers
This is perfect for wearing around the dorm building. It is super cosy and warm, and every college student would love this. It comes in male and female variations. WaySoft Genuine Australian Sheepskin Women Slippers will give your college friend fluffy house slippers. It is water-resistant and made of 100% genuine Australian sheepskin.
Another option to buy is the UGG Men’s Scuff Slipper. It is classy, 100% suede, and comes in unique colours that you can choose from. It is waterproof and comes with a rubber sole.
Cosy, fluffy blanket
A cosy and fluffy blanket is essential for staying warm during winter. Dorm rooms can get extremely cold and drafty, especially at night. A blanket is perfect for curling up after a long day of class on a cold winter day. L’AGRATY Electric Heated Blanket Throw is ideal for keeping you warm throughout the cold winter nights. It has ten heat settings and temperatures ranging from 77 to 131 degrees.
There are 1,2,4,6 and 8 hours of automatic shut off to save power and reduce the risk of leaving it on while asleep. It possesses advanced overheating protection technology, ensuring that the blanket does not get too hot.
Tile Mate
Tile Mate is a perfect gift for college students who always lose their phones and keys. An item locator uses GPS and Bluetooth to track whatever device is attached. Tile mate supports iOS and Android devices, which is compatible with a wide range of products. It has the find nearby when objects are within Bluetooth range and find far away using Youkilis’s most recent location on the map.
You can double press the button on youTilele to make your phone ring if your TileMate is lost. You can add your contact information to be reached when someone scans the QR code on your losTilele.
Towel Wrap
This is an essential dorm utility, especially for women. It keeps towels firm on you even when you walk through the shared bathroom halls. It has a velcro strap that keeps the towel firmly wrapped around your body with no risk of slipping off.
Zexxxy Women Bath Wrap is a great choice. It comes with a hair towel and has an adjustable velcro closure. You can also buy the Boca Terry Men’s Spa Wrap, which offers quality and comfort. They are 100% cotton and are ideal shower accessories that can be used after a bath, hot tub, sauna, pool, or beach. They are absorbent and machine washable.
Shower Speaker
Listening to music in the shower is an age-long thing that most students enjoy. The Donerton Bluetooth Shower Speaker is a portable, water-resistant, wireless speaker. It has a powerful surround sound. It also has a suction cup to attach to any flat surface. You can enjoy music at the beach, pool, boat, etc., without worrying about the water.
Photo Clip Strings
This is a perfect dorm gift for those who like reminders of loved ones and favourite places hung on their walls. The Photo Clip Galaxy String Lights are an ideal way to keep cherished memories close. They are also lovely gifts for college students to carry memories with them.
Hydro flasks
These are the most popular types of water bottles on the college campus. They keep water cold all day long and keep you hydrated. Every college student should own one of these. The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Cap Bottle Keeps cold drinks, icy cold, and hot drinks piping hot for hydration any time, anywhere.
North Face Backpack
Every student needs the North Face Backpack. They are essential dorm needs. They can withstand the weight of many books for even your busiest day at school. It is a durable gift that will last for almost many years at college. The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack is a campus classic. It comes with plenty of internal organizations and is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
Two in One Flashlight and Stun Gun
One should never trivialize safety on the college campus. This flashlight also comes with a taser so that if you ever find yourself in an unsafe condition, you can use it to your advantage. The SABRE compact Stun Gun is a 3 in 1 personal safety tool. It has a 115 dB alarm that helps scare off a threat and is audible to 1,000 feet. The stun gun feature causes intolerable pain to an attacker, and the 70-lumen flashlight helps to find essentials in a bag or purse.
Area rug
An area rug is a great way to decorate your dorm space. It also makes the cold dorm tiles feel warm on the feet. Espiraio Grey Shaggy Rugs are ideal gifts for college students to decorate their dorm space. It is super soft and prevents sliding. A low vacuum cleaner or damp cloth is perfect for cleaning the rug. It can be machine washed and should be left to dry naturally.
Bathrobe
The Luxury Cotton Terry Shawl Bathrobe comes with bath slippers. It comes in a cosy design and is 100%premium staple combed cotton. It is a perfect gift for college students, especially in the dorm, since no one likes to use communal robes. Also, walking down the bath hallway can be exposing. A bathrobe will give comfort and, at the same time, remove the worry of your towel slipping off.
Coffee mug warmer
This is a perfect gift for that coffee drinker going to college. You don’t have to worry about your coffee getting cold with the Mr Coffee Mug Warmer. This device serves as a mini hotplate for your beverages. It is portable and easy to carry around.
Manicure set
Assessing an affordable nail salon can be a hassle for a college student. A manicure set will be a saving grace as you can do your nails without thinking about finding a nail salon or the cost. The Amazon Basics 9-Piece Manicure and Pedicure Nail Clipping Set are great. It comes in a durable case.
Vintage record player
A Bluetooth turntable is an excellent gift for seniors. The Byronstatics Bluetooth 3-speed record player is in a portable briefcase, making it easy to carry around. They have a stronger connection and longer-distance Bluetooth connectivity. Add some outstanding records to get their collection started to make this a perfect gift.
Laptop sleeve
This is a great way to protect your laptop, especially when moving from one class to another. The laptop sleeve protects your computer from adverse weather conditions and accidental dropping or bumping. It is an inexpensive gift but valuable. Laptop sleeve cases are compatible with MacBook Pro/Air, HP, and other popular brands.
Gloves
In the blowing cold of winter, the hands are a part of the body, if covered, will lock the chills out. Simari Winter Gloves are unisex, waterproof, and have a unique and sensitive touch screen finger capability. The touch screen feature is compatible with iPhones, iPad, computers, and other intelligent wares. The gloves can also be used for physical activities such as running, driving, cycling, etc.
Sleep mask
Sleep masks can help prevent the frustration of roommates wanting to study just when you want to sleep. Good sleep is essential for good performance in college. The INNELO Sleep mask is soft, comfortable, and breathable. It is made of high-density slow-rebound memory foam and is quieter than ordinary ones.
Wearable blankets
The LBRO2M Wearable Blanket is super warm and cosy. It is a luxury hooded blanket designed to give you a luxurious and elegant feel. It comes in a simple design. It is soft and smooth but also thick to provide you with warmth. Wearable blankets will make an excellent gift for college students in the cold, biting winter.
Men’s grooming kit
A grooming kit for men is an appropriate gift for your friend or brother. It is vital to be nicely groomed at all times. The Philips Norelco Multigroomer is a 23 piece Men’s grooming kit for beard, head, body, and face.
Swiss army pocket knife
This is a handy tool, but it is suitable for a variety of utilities. It’s got a blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, keyring, toothpick, and tweezers. It is also crucial for emergencies. You never know when you need one. The Swiss army pocket knife is small and almost weightless. It is compact and agile with durable stainless steel.
Hammock
Hammocks are an excellent gift for adventurers and nature lovers. They are easy to travel with and provide unique study space. They can be set up between trees for study, naps, or just to enjoy the scenery in clear weather. KaiSun Cotton Double Hammock is a 2-person Durable Extra Large Canvas Hammock with Inflatable Pillow, 2 Tree Straps, and Travel Bag, Perfect for outdoor and indoor relaxation.
Bluetooth beanie
Wireless Beanie Hat Headphones are an exciting gift that any college student would love. It has amazing battery life and a low battery consumption rate. It lasts between 16 to 20hours for wireless music and hands-free calls. It is loud enough and keeps you warm. Enjoy wireless music while shielding yourself from the cold.
FAQs
What can I get for a guy in his dorm?
There is a range of items that you can pick from, but first, you should find out what he vibes with. Is he a techie, a gym rat or a bookie? This way, he will be able to make better decisions, and he will appreciate your gift more.
Or you could go ahead to pick from the options here- Men’s grooming kit, shower speakers, bathrobe, comforter, throw pillow, mattress topper, air freshener, alarm clock, reading lamp, ottoman, sleep mask, and many more.
What do you buy someone for their dorm?
A dorm gift has to meet a student’s needs. Student needs vary, and you should consider what the particular student will value more. Donations can also include sentimental objects such as photo clip strings, friendship lamps, etc. Examples of gifts for a student at the dorm include Hammocks, Bluetooth Beanies, Echo Dot, sleep masks, gloves, coffee mug warmer, manicure set, etc.
What is a good gift for a college senior?
Gifts for seniors should be targeted towards graduation and what they would love to have just after they leave college to the outside world. A few suggestions include Leather toteTilele, Framebridge frame, Apple AirPods Pro, noise-cancelling headphones, daily planner, etc.
What do you need for a freshman dorm?
A freshman dorm needs dorm room essentials such as bed linens, bedspreads, pillows and throws pillows, mattress topper, ottomans, toiletries, laundry supplies, clothes shows and hangers, small appliances, etc.
What do girls need for a dorm room?
The essential needs of a girl at the dorm include dorm bedding essentials, comforter or duvet, throw pillows, dorm bed shelf, sleeping masks, winter gloves, coffee brewer, small air fryer, microwave, string lights, plants, desk lamp, area rug, tapestry, hangers, sweaters etc.
Conclusion
You have it—the 33 best dorm gifts to give college students. We hope that this helps those looking for an excellent gift for the young adult in their life. You’re sure to find something to give every college student on your list.
