It’s that time of year when college students get to send their holiday wish lists off to family members and hope to receive the Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa gifts that make their college experience better. If you’re looking for a gift for the college student in your life, or you’re a college student in need of ideas, we’re here to help. Here are the top holiday must-haves every student can benefit from in college. And don’t worry, we made sure you can find all of these Christmas gifts on Amazon Prime, even if you end up shopping at the last minute!
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Top 15 Christmas Gifts For College Students
1. Durable Backpack
A new backpack can make a world of difference for college students, especially if they spend all day on campus. Here are some of the best options available:
- Matein backpack: This is one of our favorites on the market right now, available in over 25 colors. It features a USB charging port and a water-resistant design, plus it can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches.
- JanSport backpack: You can’t go wrong with a classic! It’s durable, has ergonomic straps (no need to worry about discomfort with this one), and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
- Tzowla Travel Backpack: This backpack has lots of space, a separate compartment for a laptop, and wide padded shoulder straps that make it easy to carry around.
2. Reusable Water Bottle
Instead of spending money on plastic water bottles every few days, give the gift of a reusable water bottle. From durability, design, color choice, and straw versus free flow, there is a plethora to choose from: 
- Hydro Flask: This bottle keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, and is made of pro-grade stainless steel. It’s available in a variety of colors, sizes, and cap styles. Not to mention, it’s also leakproof which is perfect for backpacks and totes.
- Owala: Swig or sip with the Owala water bottle. It features a loop for easy carrying and is made of durable stainless steel. And the best part? Each bottle’s design is made up of three to four unique colors.
- Hydracy: College students will love this sweat-proof, lightweight bottle that includes a time tracker to stay on top of their water goals. Choose from options like a sleek black, rose gold, aqua green, or midnight blue.
3. Mattress Topper
A good night’s sleep is extremely important and let’s be honest—college dorm beds are not the most comfortable. With late-night cramming and early morning classes, students don’t always get the luxury of a full eight hours. A mattress topper can be a game changer, helping them get the rest they need—even if it’s just a few hours:
- Easeland Mattress Topper: This topper has a fitted sheet style so it will stay secure on the bed. It’s filled with 30 ounces of down-alternative fill and completely transforms a college dorm bed.
- Bedsure Mattress Topper: This soft, microfiber topper has a wavy design that will immediately upgrade any stiff mattress to a luxury sleeping experience.
- Linenspa Mattress Topper: With two inches of gel-infused memory foam that hugs the body, a college student might just forget they’re sleeping in a dorm bed.
4. New Bedding
New bedding is a great way to revamp a space. Whether it’s something eclectic or neutral, bedding can make a tiny dorm feel stylish and comfortable:
- Amazon Basics Lightweight Comforter: This microfiber duvet always provides a comfortable sleep—no matter what the thermostat is set to each night.
- Bedsure Comforter Set: Did someone say dorm-room upgrade? This boho-inspired comforter has a soft texture and comes in 22 fun colors so that it’s easy to match any style.
- Bare Home Comforter: What if you can’t decide on the perfect color for your gift? Go with this versatile reversible comforter. Plus, it’s super soft and perfect for year-round use.
5. Camera
Capturing college life memories has never been easier in today’s day and age of smartphones. However, with film and instant cameras trending again, this can be a great gift for that sentimental college student in your life:
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 11: This comes with 60 sheets of film and all the accessories needed. It’s available in multiple colors and even has a convenient carrying case. If your college student already has this camera, you can gift them extra film sheets!
- Camkory Digital Camera: Digital cameras were all the rage in 2004…oh, we meant 2024! These cameras are making a comeback, so jump on the trend and gift your college student this digital camera.
- Fujifilm Disposable Camera: Just like the Polaroid, this camera comes with 27 shots built-in. This is a fun gift for students because they won’t know the outcome of their photos until they get them developed later.
6. Coffee Maker
Do you know a coffee-loving college student? Buying iced coffee from coffee shops on campus can really drain someone’s dining card swipes. A good coffee maker can make caffeine easily accessible and save time and money:
- Nespresso Coffee Machine: This machine comes with a frother and 30 coffee pods to get them started. It’ll taste like coffee shop coffee without all the hassle and they won’t be late for those early morning classes!
- Black+Decker: This is a more traditional style coffee maker, but it does the trick. It might not have all the fancy bells and whistles, but it’s easy to use, keeps the carafe hot, and has a quick cleaning process—perfect for students with a busy schedule.
- Keurig: In a dorm room where every inch counts, this compact coffee maker is a perfect gift. At just five inches wide, it fits into tight spaces and brews a quick, single-serving for an easy caffeine fix anytime. You can even toss in some K-Cups for a little extra something!
7. Laptop
Laptops might be a bit of a splurge for a gift, but they are every college student’s lifeline! If your budget allows, this could be an amazing gift. A reliable laptop can help them accomplish assignments, stay organized, and maybe even squeeze in a little binge-watching between classes:
- Apple Macbook Pro: This is a popular choice among students since it’s compatible with all Apple products. It also has a beautiful 14.2-inch display and up to 22 hours of battery life.
- Acer Laptop: This laptop is Windows compatible and can hook up to Amazon’s Alexa gadgets. Its thin, lightweight design makes it easy to bring along anywhere.
- HP Intel Quad-Core N4120: With nearly 200GB of storage, this laptop is ideal for keeping assignments, notes, and photos all in one place. It is compatible with Windows products.
8. Headphones
Looking to hit the right note with your gift? Headphones are perfect for studying, listening to a playlist or podcast, or catching up on a missed lecture. A good set of headphones are worth the investment and can last for years:
- Apple AirPods: If your college student is always on the go, AirPods are a great choice, as they’re small enough to slip into any bag.
- Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones: Give the gift of ultimate focus. These headphones are ideal for cranking up study tunes or tuning out dorm noise.
- Apple AirPods Max: Any music lover will be thrilled with these headphones that deliver high-quality sound and fit comfortably over the ear. Plus, they come in a variety of colors from space gray and sky blue, to pink and green.
9. Air Fryer
Let’s face it—college students don’t always have time to make a full meal every night. An air fryer is perfect for whipping up quick and tasty meals, from crispy fries to roasted veggies. If you want to make their culinary life easier, here are some options for a fun and practical gift that they’ll love:
- Chefman Air Fryer: For any student who wants to cook with something that doesn’t take up too much counter space, gift them this two-quart air fryer that’s perfect for smaller living spaces.
- Ninja 5.5-Quart Air Fryer: If your college student lives off campus or has a bigger kitchen, a larger air fryer offers the ability to cook larger portions, host friends for dinner, or meal prep for the week ahead.
- Midea Dual Basket Air Fryer: They say two is better than one; for busy college students, the ability to cook two dishes simultaneously can be a real game changer! This dual air fryer has an 11-quart capacity, but no worries, it is still rather compact in size.
10. Weighted Blanket
Give the gift of comfort—and a little extra support—with a weighted blanket! Many college students suffer from mental health issues, and poor sleep quality can contribute to that. Weighted blankets are not only comforting but are also known to help ease anxiety. Available in weights ranging from five to 25 pounds, it’s recommended to choose one that’s about 10% of the person’s body weight for the best effect:
- Waowoo Weighted Blanket: This queen-size blanket is made with premium glass beads and soft, durable fabric.
- Alansma Reversible Weighted Blanket: This seven-layer blanket is made with premium velvet and glass beads for ultimate comfort—no matter the season. Choose from 5, 7, 10, 15, or 20-pound options.
- Weighted Idea Blanket: This 15-pound blanket has a comfortable touch and provides a cooling sensation. It’s the go-to option for the hotter months.
11. Compact Vacuum
Spring brings blooming flowers, but it also means pollen—tough news for those with allergies! While a vacuum might not be top of the list for “most-thrilling gifts,” it can be a lifesaver for keeping small dorm rooms clean and allergies at bay. Every square inch in a dorm room is valuable, so consider one of these that is small and compact:
- Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum: This one comes in three colors including black, blue, and purple.
- Eureka Blaze Stick Vacuum: It only weighs four pounds, is compact, and easily converts into a hand-held vacuum—what could be better for a small dorm room?
- iRobot Roomba: It’s a gift that does the chores for them—so they can focus less on cleaning and more on studying!
12. Desk Lamp
Everyone deserves a little ambiance! Dorm-room overhead lighting can be harsh and uninviting, but adding a desk lamp can be perfect for creating the right atmosphere. It not only provides functional light for late-night studying, but the right lamp can also set the mood and add style to any workspace. Whether they would prefer something sleek and simple or something colorful and unique, there’s a lamp for every personality:
- LED Desk Lamp from Wanjiaone: This lamp actually comes with a few perks—a USB charging port, a colored night light, dimming options, a calendar, and a pen holder. It can be a great space saver for a smaller desk.
- Fenmzee Desk Lamp: Practical and aesthetic, students will love the warmth this adds to their space. They can charge multiple devices at once and adjust the brightness with a simple tap.
- White Crown LED Desk Lamp: Students can choose from five brightness levels and five lighting modes to create the ideal vibe for everything. It even has touch control with a memory function, so it remembers the favorite settings for next time—because who has time to adjust?
13. Coat or Jacket
If your college student attends school in a cold-weather state, then a coat or jacket could be just the thing they need when walking around campus. Practically speaking, it will help them stay warm, but don’t forget to look for one that also matches their style:
- Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket: Those who attend school in a colder region will love this stylish jacket with a fleece-lined hood, six large pockets, and 13 different colors to choose from.
- Amazon Essentials Men’s Fleece Jacket: This is a must-have for those who have to walk across campus in the chilly mornings. It will keep them warm without the bulk and is perfect for layering or wearing on its own.
- Gihuo Women’s Winter Cropped Puffer: Designed for comfort and style, this cropped jacket looks great paired with sweats or jeans.
14. Slippers or Cozy Socks
It’s no secret that dorm rooms lack fluffy carpet—leaving the cold, hard tile to greet students’ feet each morning. It’s not the most ideal way to start the day! Any extra comfort is always welcome in a dorm, so consider gifting some of these cozy slippers:
- Scholl’s Fuzzy Spa Socks: These are particularly comfortable and long-lasting. They come in a variety of colors and designs, as well as sizes.
- Litfun Memory Foam Slippers: Made to be worn indoors and outdoors, these slippers feel like walking on a fluffy cloud while still providing the support needed.
- Evshine Fuzzy Slippers: These open-toed, faux-fur slippers have a non-slip sole and come in 12 colors including hot pink, camel, white, mustard, and blue.
15. Laptop Desk
Who says studying has to be confined to a desk? A portable laptop desk is great for flexibility and encourages productivity—wherever they may choose to work:
- HUANUO Portable Laptop Desk: The anti-slip wrist pad, storage pocket, and tablet holder make this super convenient for studying anywhere—because studying in bed is more fun, right?
- Lapgear Home Office Lap Desk: This desk fits a laptop up to 15.6 inches and has plenty of space for all the studying essentials. It’s designed to keep their lap cool while they work and weighs only 2.8 pounds for on-the-go convenience.
- Adjustable Aluminum Laptop Desk: No more neck pain with this laptop desk! Students can position their computer at any angle when studying (or watching movies) and it also has USB-cooling fans to keep laptops from overheating.
Take the stress out of holiday shopping for the college students in your life with our specialized list of Christmas gifts. These are presents that will actually get used instead of collecting dust in the closet. And with an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll be able to get these gifts under the tree well before the big day!
Is something missing from this list? Make sure you have all the living essentials for your dorm or apartment.
