16 Incredibly Useful (But Cheap) Gifts for College Students
Practical gifts college students totally want you to buy
Deciding on what to give a college student is never as simple as it seems…
What will they actually use at school? What kind of things are most useful to a college kid?
Well, for one: food.
It’s something that’ll always be met with excitement. And while that example wasn’t exactly a revelation, it does serve as a reminder that broke students aren’t difficult to please.
In this post, you’ll find cheap ideas that will improve the giftee’s life in the best of ways.
Here are 16 useful gifts for college students that’ll make them wonder, “how did you know I needed this??”
Useful Gifts for Students in College
1. Outlet Extender With USB Ports
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Kids in college have lots of gadgets that need charging. Yet dorm rooms never seem to have enough outlets to plug everything in…
The solution: an outlet extender. It’ll help them maximize the limited socket real estate they’re sharing with roommates.
Just make sure to pick one that’s surge protected, so nothing expensive gets fried!
2. Microwave-Ready Egg on a Bagel Maker
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The majority of college students living in the dorms only have one appliance they access at all times – the humble microwave. Thankfully, it can be a very versatile cooking tool with a little creativity.
This ceramic dish not only turns eggs into an instant omelet but is also in the perfect shape for a delicious bagel sandwich.
And when it comes to grab-and-go foods, bagel sandwiches reign supreme. They’re a well-rounded meal because you can include a little bit of everything: whole grains, protein, and even greens.
With no mess and no fuss, skipping breakfast will become a thing of the past. Convenience is a huge factor for students, so you can be sure an egg on a bagel maker will be in constant use.
3. Personal Popcorn Popper
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While we’re on the topic of microwave gadgets, here’s another one that really comes in handy:
While instant bags are a great invention, popping corn kernels are so much cheaper. To illustrate, let’s make a quick comparison of the cost:
- Pop Secret Instant Popcorn: $5.59 ÷ 12 servings = $0.47 per serving
- Market Pantry Popping Corn Kernels: $2.49 ÷ 43 servings = $0.06 per serving
It might not seem like much, but when you’re in college and living on a shoestring budget, every little bit helps.
Plus, the younger generations are particularly conscious when it comes to eco-friendly choices. Enjoying a satisfying snack while cutting down on waste (i.e., instant popcorn bags) is a double win.
All in all, silicone microwave popcorn poppers are the epitome of practical college gifts.
4. Double-Layer Electronics Organizer
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According to a 2013 study, college students own an average of 7 tech devices. And I’m sure that number has gone up by now!
A pouch for organizing it all is sure to help sort out the jumbled pile of cords in their backpack.
Video: Gadget Organizer Review
5. Things to Do Before You Graduate College
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From finding the perfect friend group to succeeding academically to exploring your newfound freedom, a lot goes into making your college experience a success. And some avenues of opportunity aren’t obvious until reflecting upon them years later.
Instead of getting trapped in the myth that you can (or even need to) “do it all,” 175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College helps students figure out what’s most important to them and how to make it happen.
This book is full of ideas that will inspire freshman through senior year students to take advantage of their time at college. After all, you can’t go wrong with a gift of wisdom.
6. French Press Coffee Maker
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It’s no secret that college students go through a lot of coffee and, well, caffeine in general.
Keurigs are popular, but they aren’t the end-all, be-all for coffee makers. In fact, the creator doesn’t even use his own invention and has admitted he regrets creating it.
Making a perfect cup of joe is just as easy with a French press. Plus, the cost per cup is miles cheaper than paying for k-cups!
Pair this gift idea with a bag of coffee beans (as a PNW local, may I suggest Dutch Bros private reserve) and get ready for a big smile from the giftee.
7. Cable Saving Spirals
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There’s nothing more frustrating than having a charging cable break when your phone is about to die.
These little silicone spirals prolong the life of charging cables by preventing them from bending at the wrong angle. Definitely a life saver for poor college students who can’t afford to be buying new charging cables every other week!
8. Easy Access Keychain Pepper Spray
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It’s best to be prepared for the worst, even if they never need it.
College girls are sure to appreciate the gift of keychain-ready pepper spray. It’s a small but powerful way to give her peace of mind while she navigates life as a young adult.
9. Convenient Lap Desk
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While you can use a laptop almost anywhere, it’s not always comfortable.
That’s where a lap desk comes in. It’s an ergonomic solution that students are sure to appreciate for Christmas.
10. Cordless Handheld Vacuum
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A small handheld vacuum is nice to have when a small mess or spill happens!
They’re helpful for cleaning the inside of a car, too. And chances are your student doesn’t have a regular-sized vacuum anyway.
11. Cute & Functional Laptop Backpack
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Is your college kid’s backpack looking a little worse for wear?
A sturdy laptop bag is a welcome sight for weary shoulders.
12. Minimalist Bedside Shelf
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When you’re living in the dorms, nightstands are but a myth, which is why a convenient bedside shelf will get endless use from a college student.
They’ll finally have somewhere to set their stuff!
13. Essential Fix-it Kit
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A small kit of essential tools is a must-have for college students. I think this review says it all –
[I] was looking for the perfect graduation gift – one that was small, useful and made a point. I know college gives students a lot of knowledge and tools for life, but one thing it (usually does not) – are the everyday tools, like a flashlight, a screwdriver and such and this item filled the bill – you should have seen their faces when they opened it up… Big grins and understanding that they would need these when family was no longer be on call to come right away to hang a picture or assemble furniture…”
14. Portable Blender for On-the-Go
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Smoothie lovers will really like this next idea:
It’s a blender and travel bottle all in one – talk about convenient! It doesn’t take up much room and it’s easy to operate, making it perfect for busy students.
15. The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook
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College life and living on your own can be a big, transition-especially when you get sick for the first time!
A good book like The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook or The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed can help them navigate everything from homesickness to hangovers.
16. Long-Lasting Reusable Water Bottle
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A reusable water bottle that’ll last through all four years of college and beyond is one of the most practical gifts you can give a student.
Hydro Flask water bottles are trendy for their large selection of colors and their superior quality. These water bottles are powder-coated, come with a lifetime warranty, and keep cold beverages cold for up to 24 hours (plus hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours).
It’s the kind of thing they’ll take with them and love having every day!
Final thoughts on practical gifts for college students
There you have it. Those are the most useful Christmas gifts for cheap college students. You can be sure that these ideas are perfect for the college guy or girl in your life.
What’s the most helpful gift you’ve received?
Related college present ideas:
- Amazing (Affordable) Stocking Stuffer Ideas for College Students
- 9 Ridiculously Good Christmas Gifts for College Students
- Best Gifts for Girls in College: 50 Fail-Proof Ideas
- 3 Going to College Gift Basket Ideas for Boys
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About Jen
I’m Jen, one of the co-founders of College Life Made Easy: a lifestyle blog that focuses on helping students navigate college life on topics of finance, organization, dorm living and more.