35 Stocking Stuffers College Students Actually Want
Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for College Students
In this post, you’ll find fun, cool, and great college student stocking stuffer ideas.
Stocking stuffers (also known as stocking fillers) are small gifts that can fit into – well, a stocking.
Candy and gift cards are often the go-to’s because you just can’t go wrong with them. They’re tried and true, but also far from unique.
Finding really good stocking stuffer ideas takes a little more time…
College students are in a transition period of life, which makes them kind of weird to shop for. The same goes for stocking stuffers for teens: figuring out what they’d really like isn’t exactly straight forward.
Even when you ask, the answer is usually unhelpful!
So to help save you some time and guesswork – I searched to the ends of the internet to find the best stocking stuffers for college students. And here’s what I found…
Table of Contents
35 College Student Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Favorite Ideas for 2021
These are the stocking stuffers college students (and even college-bound teens) are hoping to get this year.
1. Personalized Mini Nutella Jars
Nutella is a delicious spread that’s loved by almost everyone – especially teens and students!
That’s why a few personalized mini jars of Nutella make perfectly sweet stocking stuffers.
And if you have someone in your life who’s a Nutella super-fan, consider giving them one of these adorable personalized stickers. It’s an added bonus that’ll make an amazing surprise!
💡 Short on time? Don’t worry, you can DIY this idea fast! Pick up mini Nutella at your local Target and then personalize it with this printable jar label.
2. Puffer Jacket Can Cooler
Buy on Uncommon Goods If you’re cold, they’re cold –
These cute little can-sized puffer jackets and parkas not only help cold drinks keep their chill, but also brings so much joy.
The coozie’s attention to detail and quality construction make it all the more heart warming. It’s like playing dress up with your soda or beer can!
It’s easy to see why a college student would be simply tickled pink to receive a novelty stocking stuffer like this.
3. Game of Phones Party Game
Interested in giving a tongue-in-cheek stocking stuffer?
Game of Phones is a card game where having your phone out is not only encouraged, but necessary. No apps needed – simply draw a card and get ready to take on challenges in the format of a digital scavenger hunt!
There’s nothing like a good game to strengthen family bonds when your college student comes home for the holidays. Plus, it’s something they can enjoy with their friends back on campus.
4. A Good Book or Two
Buy On Amazon Not textbooks for class – but something that can help ease the nerves about college and make the transition smoother.
Or:
You could add in a book that’s been on their reading wish list for a long time. Either way, win-win!
175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College is a great pick. The pages contain a mix of fun activities, as well academic tips to help set students up for success.
5. Bubble Wrap Calendar
Buy on Uncommon Goods Give a college student something they can use all year round!
For many people, something about bubble wrap provides a sense of relief. It pushes that satisfaction button in the brain in a way that really hits the spot.
Whether you ever personally get a craving for this oddly specific activity or not, a Bubble Wrap Calendar is a fun and creative way to give a unique gift to someone who loooves bubble wrap.
6. Serial Killers Adult Coloring Book
Buy On Amazon Some people find that coloring books are a great way to relax, relieve stress, and enjoy as a pastime. And you’re shopping for a true crime aficionado, well a serial killer themed coloring book is probably their idea of fun.
This style of coloring book for adults includes hand-drawn illustrations of some of the most notorious serial killers, like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer, to name a few.
There’re lots of workbooks to choose from, these are our top 3 picks:
- Serial Killers: Adult Coloring Book
- American Female Serial Killers Coloring Book
- Bloody Alphabet: The Scariest Serial Killers Coloring Book
7. Burt’s Bees Gift Set
Buy On Amazon Burt’s Bees grooming and personal care items make nice little gifts. They’re a great way to treat someone with an experience rather than just another item.
Lip balm and a sheet mask for example, are not only an easy win but also fit well in a stocking. You could even squeeze in a small gift set like this.
In any case, it’s an excellent idea for students who are cash-poor but still want to pamper themselves with relaxing skincare.
8. Tabletop Cornhole
Buy on Uncommon Goods Cornhole (also known as Tailgate Toss or Bean Bag Toss) is a classic outdoor pastime for group gatherings. The objective of the game is to land beanbags into a hole on the opposing team’s board.
And with this miniature sized Tabletop Cornhole college students can enjoy playing anytime, no matter the weather. It’s a great ice breaker for making new friends on campus, as well as a bonding activity for students living in the dorms.
9. TONYMOLY SuperFood Mask Bowl
Buy On Amazon College girls are sure to enjoy any beauty care related gift. Bonus points for cute packaging, of course.
This SuperFood Bowl Set is the perfect sampler with six different sheet masks all designed to hydrate and refresh tired skin. Variety is the spice of life after all.
Personally, I love TONYMOLY’s whole aesthetic. You can’t go wrong with anything from this brand – have a look at some of their other best sellers here.
10. AirPods Lookalikes
Buy on Taotronics.com Wireless earbuds are super popular right now. However, you don’t need to pay Apple prices to treat your student to a quality pair.
Take this pair of Taotronics SoundLiberty 95 Wireless Earbuds for example.
With an uncanny resemblance to AirPods, a price tag less than 1/3rd the cost, and RAVE reviews, these wireless earbuds are sure to please.
Buying tip: watch that page above for deals on Taotronics SoundLiberty Earbuds – if they’re under $30, it’s a GREAT deal.
11. National Parks Scratch Off Map
Buy on Etsy National Park Scratch Off Map Posters are cool stocking stuffers for college students who love to travel!
Each park is hard-drawn and shaped like a octagon, making it easy to scratch with the included tool specifically designed for removing foil. You have the choice of gold or silver foil, as well as several different map sizes.
They’ll be able to scratch off destinations they’ve been to, and in turn, get excited about all the states they’ve yet to visit.
College is a time of expanding horizons and exploration. This gift idea is a fun way to feed your favorite student’s sense of adventure and to encourage them to venture out into the world.
12. Microwavable Heating Pad
Buy on Amazon A Microwavable heating pad is a perfect gift for college students, whether they are in dorms or their own apartment.
College students have a hard time getting the rest they need. They have to wake up early, get ready, and then go to classes all day long. This often leaves them exhausted at the end of the day and carrying a heavy backpack can easily lead to neck and back aches.
Microwavable heating pads provide the soothing warmth and comfort students need in the form of heat therapy they can use anytime. Not to mention, without having any cords or plugs that can interfere with their assignments or other school work.
From cozy neck wraps to french lavender scented plush animals, a good heat pillow is always helpful to have. Especially when you’ve been feeling under the weather or just need a little bit of warmth after a long day of class.
13. Bath Noodles
Buy on Etsy College life is often synonymous with a diet rich in budget-friendly ramen noodles. Lean into the age-old stereotype with a gift of novelty soap.
The 100% natural, vegan “noodles” enhance bath time with three delicious scents to choose from. But they also lather up nicely and double as soap, providing exfoliation and moisturization to the skin during showers.
Bath Noodles are definitely one of the more unique college student stocking stuffer ideas to give this year.
14. Tile Trackers
Buy from Tile With Tile trackers, misplaced items are no longer lost forever. Instead, your stuff is easily findable (nearby and far away) thanks to bluetooth tracking technology.
Most college students are simply scrapping by when it comes to money. Which is why it’s imperative that costly to replace items – like a laptop or professional camera – are protected from sticky fingers.
Plus, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan for when their keys, wallet, or backpack are nowhere to be found. I like to think of them as theft protection and scatterbrain insurance all rolled into one.
Tile trackers come in a variety of styles and sizes that are handy for students daily life. Here’s a quick breakdown of the choices:
- Tile Mate and Pro versions look similar to a key fob and work best for key chains, bags, and backpacks.
- Tile Slim is shaped like a credit card. This version slides easily into wallets, passports, and notebooks.
- Tile Stickers are the most versatile (pun not intended, but I’ll take it) option. They stick to just about anything! I wrote a post on creative ways to use Tile Stickers to give you some ideas.
Curious for more info? Here’s how it all works. If you like knowing you’re getting the best deal possible:
☑️ This special page has multiple Tile trackers on sale today
It’s definitely worth taking a look BEFORE buying – you can find really great deals on this page.
15. Warm & Soft Alpaca Wool Socks
Buy On Amazon Socks are a classic Christmas gift college students definitely appreciate.
But skip the fuzzy socks and merino wool this year – because in comparison to sheep wool, alpaca wool is warmer and better at wicking away moisture. Go figure. Give something a little more unique by going with a pair of cozy Alpaca wool socks.
16. Shakespearean Insults Chart
Buy on Uncommon Goods William Shakespeare was a man of many accomplishments. He wrote a plethora of plays, coined the word eyeball (among others), and was apparently prolific when it came to crafting saucy insults.
His colorful jabs might have been truly stinging in the Renaissance era, but, by today’s standards, they’re downright hilarious.
This unique gift will expand your student’s vocabulary in the best of ways. Just think of the amusement that will be had when they’re lobbing witty insults back and forth with roommates back at school!
A Shakespearean Insults Chart might just be the best dorm decor ever.
17. Simulated Pimple Popping Toy
Buy On Amazon A pimple popping toy might sound gross to you, but for for people who love Dr. Pimple Popper, it’s really their cup of tea.
It’ll provide hours of excitement and entertainment for those who get satisfaction out of a good extraction. Plus, silly stocking stuffers like this are the perfect way to get a laugh!
18. Portable Charger
Buy On Amazon Wanna give a gift that keeps on giving?
A portable power bank is an extremely useful item to have when running around campus, commuting, taking a camping trip, and traveling. They’re small enough to fit in a Christmas stocking (not to mention a backpack), about the size of an average smartphone.
It’s easy to see why college students LOVE portable chargers. All those devices they have always need charging!
19. Therapy Dough
Buy on Uncommon Goods Freudian therapy is one of the most well known forms of therapy, but it’s far from the only type out there.
Inspired by techniques used in art therapy, Therapy Dough is a tool designed to help relieve stress.
Students can use it as something to keep their hands busy during long lecture halls or tedious online classes. The therapeutic texture is soothing to play with and works as a calming distraction similar to a fidget spinner.
However, unlike a fidget toy, Therapy Dough has the added benefit of aromatherapy and can even be used to improve grip strength. Choose from calming lavender, energetic peppermint, or uplifting orange.
20. Eco-Friendly Washable Lunch Bag
Buy On Amazon Luckies of London’s lunch bag looks just like the classic sack lunch we all grew up bringing to school.
Except their version is insulated, waterproof, and washable. And most importantly, it’s reusable and built to last.
This college student stocking stuffer idea takes “brown bagging it” to a new level and meaning. With a timeless retro style and eco-friendly qualities, it’s sure to be a hit.
College Stocking Stuffer Ideas Around $10 or Less
21. Charging Cable Protectors
Buy On Amazon Ever had a charging cable fray on you?
They seem to have a knack for fraying at the worst time possible, it can be such a hassle!
Luckily there’s a painless solution – these little things called cable savers. They extend cable life by protecting charging cables from bending too far.
With 24 pieces in a variety of colors, I think these cable saving spiral are an excellent value. However if you’re looking for something with a little more personality, these superhero and fish cable bites are also a great choice.
Whichever direction you decide to go, they make awesome stocking stuffers for college students and teens alike.
22. Terry’s Chocolate Orange
Buy from Amazon Snacks are always a welcome surprise for college students and Terry’s Chocolate Oranges are a delightful Christmas treat.
If you’re unfamiliar with them, Terry’s Chocolate Orange is chocolate molded into the shape of an orange (rather than an orange dipped in chocolate). And like a real orange, the chocolate comes apart in delectable segments.
They’re definitely a blast to disassemble and munch on!
23. Extra Long Charging Cable
Buy On Amazon Useful little things are some of the best stocking stuffers for college students.
Dorm beds are high off the ground and a regular length cable doesn’t quite cut it. There’s no doubt that 6 feet would be plenty of reach though.
A nylon braided charger cable (available in iPhone lightning, type c, and micro usb) is a great choice. It’s hardier than your average charging cord, so it doesn’t need to be babied and will last longer.
24. Farting Magical Creatures Coloring Book
Buy On Amazon Adult coloring books have been popular for some time now. And like the cover says, magical creatures that fart are funny!
You can be sure any student with a healthy sense of humor would get a kick out of this one.
So if you need a rad gift idea for a young adult with a penchant for fantasy novels or the classic tabletop game – Dungeons and Dragons – look no further!
25. Bag of Reindeer Farts Cotton Candy
Buy On Amazon While we’re on the topic –
Nothing says holiday spirit more than a bag of delicious reindeer farts. Or as as us common folk would call it – cotton candy.
This fun stock filler idea is sure to elicit a smile and chuckle out of the giftee.
26. Animal Lover Mini Planters
Buy on Etsy If you’re looking for a good gift idea for a college student with a green thumb, then this might be the perfect stocking stuffer.
These lovable animal planters are perfect for small spaces and small plants (like hardy succulents). And because they’re mini planters, they’re just the right size for displaying on a desk or a window sill.
With so many animals to choose from there’s something for every animal lover on your list.
27. Loch Ness Monster Bookmark
Buy On Amazon You may be familiar with the Loch Ness Monster, but how about Nessie Tale Bookmarks?
They make a really thoughtful gift for someone who spends a lot of time reading books, which is great because homework and reading assignments make up a big chunk of the college experience!
Help break up the monotony of page after page by gifting a Nessie Tale Bookmark. The quirky page marker will add a little extra something to a student’s everyday life. And if you’re shopping for a bookworm this holiday season, this unique stocking stuffer idea is a double win.
28. Petit Bunny Gloss Bar
Buy On Amazon When it comes to stocking stuffer ideas for a college girl, TONYMOLY’s Petit Bunny Gloss Bars are a pretty safe bet.
And not just because of the sweet packaging, but also because these tinted lip balms are actually really moisturizing. An essential for keeping chapped lips at bay during the winter months.
29. Schedule Magic Notepad
Buy On Amazon Effective time management is a skill that doesn’t come naturally to most college students. They often struggle to make the most of their limited time outside of class, which usually snowballs into added stress and anxiety.
There are only so many hours in a day! That’s where the Schedule Magic Notepad comes in.
Schedule Magic makes to-do lists less overwhelming by helping you prioritize, time block, and focus on your most important tasks.
With 60 undated tear-off pages, students can use this tool to learn how to manage their time well. And as they master essential time management skills they’re able to succeed and get back to enjoying all aspects of the college experience.
All in all, a fabulously useful stocking filler idea.
30. Bullet Journal
Buy On Amazon Bullet journal culture is a trend that’s here to stay – especially with college students and teens.
Bullet journaling is an open-ended way to track just about anything. Think moods, habits, schedules, goals, and more. It’s like an artistic alternative to a planner. The creative possibilities and practical applications for BUJOS are endless!
31. Paint By Sticker Activity Book
Buy On Amazon Paint By Sticker books are right up the same alley as adult coloring books. The main difference – no colored pencils required, making it more appealing to those who would describe themselves as “artistically challenged”.
This idea is a great way to get your student reconnected with their inner child – or to start creating art like never before!
32. TONYMOLY Banana Hand Milk
Buy On Amazon Here’s a young adult stocking stuffer they’ll go bananas for – TONYMOLY’s Magic Food Banana Hand Milk!
Besides being fun and cute, the banana-shaped container also fits nicely in the hand. Inside is an ultra moisturizing hand cream that comes in two delicious scents; freshly baked banana bread and strawberry banana smoothie.
In times where excessive hand washing is encouraged, good lotion is a must-have for students.
33. A Pack of Dude Wipes
Dude Wipes claim to be the slickest, thickest, & sickest flushable wipes on the market.
Give the gift of fresh butts to the college guys in your life this year. Bathroom trips may never be the same for them.
34. Scalp Massager
Buy On Amazon If you’ve never tried using one of these scalp massagers, you need to! It feels AH-MAZING!
Which is why it lands a spot on my list of stocking stuffer ideas. This gift is sure to subtlety wow.
35. Lottery Tickets/Scratch Offs
Need a gift for a college kid who’s hard to shop for? Lottery tickets might just be the ticket.
They’re a gift that can give even more at no extra cost for the giver. Odds of winning are low of course, but the possibility is what makes them fun.
Buy a handful and see how the odds play out!
Final Thoughts on Stocking Stuffers for College Students
What do you think of these stocking stuffer ideas for college students?
Amazing, or nah? Let me know by leaving a comment!
More great gift ideas:
- College Girl Christmas Gifts: 50 Most Wished For Ideas
- Really Good Gifts for College Students (9 OMG Certified Ideas)
- The Practical Gifts College Students Actually Want You to Buy
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About Charlie
Charlie is the co-founder of College Life Made Easy and author of the book 175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College. She’s a 2015 graduate who teaches overwhelmed students and parents of students how to confidently navigate the whole college thing. As a former broke college kid, she’s passionate about helping students develop the skills they need in order to thrive (instead of just survive), stress less, and actually enjoy the full college experience.