College Students Are Obsessed With These Gifts Right Now (2024)

As a recent college grad, I feel as though it is my duty to share with you the latest trends and best gifts for college students. What do they actually need? What's popular right now? Put all your questions aside and rest easy knowing you're in excellent hands here at Country Living. I online shop for a living, so you know I've got the details on all the good deals.

Whether they're new on campus and living in the dorms, or they're a little bit older and wiser and preparing for the "real world" (whatever that means), we've got the best recs. From dorm essentials, to the best gifts for her and him, below you'll find plenty of options for every type of student. Some of our top picks include a comfy two-piece lounge set, a waterproof speaker, the perfect electric pot for easy cooking, and a classic tote bag.

Those formative college years are full of late nights, tight budgets, and typically small living quarters. But also new friends, new interests, and a whole lot of fun. Help them get through the season with a little bit of encouragement and a great gift.

More ideas to spoil your student:

• Best Graduation Gift Ideas for Him and Her
• Graduation Gifts for Her to Get Ready for the Next Chapter
• Graduation Gifts He Wants and Needs
• The Gifts Teenage Girls Are Obsessed With
• Best Gifts for Teenage Boys They'll Actually Love

College girls aren't just wearing leggings and t-shirts to class anymore. Two-piece sets are super popular and super comfy for walks to class and study sessions! This one in particular is very trendy. I know so many girls who have it and love it.

A leather wallet is practically a rite of passage for a teenage boy becoming a man. This one from Tecovas is made from Calfskin leather with a bi-fold design and plenty of space for cash, cards, and his ID.

If they don't always have access to a stove, this electric pot is going to be a game changer. All you do is plug it in, adjust your temperature, and get to cooking! With non-stick coating, it functions as both a pot and a skillet and is able to sauté steak and chicken, cook fried rice and noodles, soup, eggs, and so much more.

Rhode Skin has practically taken over the internet and college girls' makeup bags. Chances are if she doesn't already have something from the brand, she's got it on her wishlist. The set comes with the coveted Peptide Lip Tint and a creamy blush. The brand started by Hailey Bieber is constantly worn by celebs and pro makeup artists. This is already in my cart as we speak.

Traveling around campus and through their college town can be a lot. An Apple AirTag can help them keep up with important things like their backpack, their car, luggage, and more. It will also give both of you some peace of mind.

A lot of dorms and apartments don't allow candles, but no worries. The Pura Smart diffusers are amazing and controlled through an app so they can plan when the scent is being release and how strong it is. Whether it's when they wake up in the morning, go to sleep at night, or are coming back from class, they'll love that their space is filled with their fave scent. There are also plenty of popular scents like Capri Blue's Volcano, and all of the Nest scents.

Hopefully she never has to use it, but safety is the utmost importance when you've got a loved one away at college! The She's Birdie device disguises as a keychain, but when she removes the top pin to activate it, a loud siren and flashing strobe-light creates a diversion to help deter an attack. Sooo many of my friends have these and we always feel some peace of mind knowing it's with us.

A cozy blanket is a must have for the college years! Whether they're cozying up on the couch for a movie night, or their dorm room is constantly cold, they'll get use out of this bestselling knit throw. I have two and my friends fight over them when they come over.

At this age, they're getting more mature and chances are have some personal items they want to keep safe. So, get them a personal safe! Inside, this box is 8.5 x 3.5 inches so it's just enough space to lock away some small, important items like a passport, jewelry, cash, and more.

This skirt is viral on TikTok thanks to Bama Rush. Literally, allll the girlies are wearing these now whether they're playing a game of pickleball, headed to class, or headed to McDonald's for a late night treat.

How sweet are these?! Fill these fun envelopes with hand-written letters that match the prompts such as "When you've had a bad day," and "When you miss home." They also comes in more minimal colors like black for the guys.

Music is always a must! This bluetooth speaker is waterproof making it perfect for the shower, camping trips, or pool days. Plus, it clips right on to their backpack to carry around with them wherever they please.

Initial jewelry is always a staple, but after a certain fashionable celeb was spotted in a bubble letter necklace like this, ahem, Hailey Bieber, they instantly became the most popular necklace to have. She can wear it every day with her fave t-shirt, or dress it up with a fun outfit.

Loved and worn by Ms. Taylor Swift herself, this popular top from Rumored has become a bestseller. It's made of 100% cotton and is super comfy whether she's throwing it on for class, or a night out on the town.

If they're 21 and like to hit the weekend tailgates, a new cooler bag is going to be a super cool gift. Made to perfectly fit a 12-pack of beer, or soda, whatever they prefer, this insulated bag is super lightweight and keeps drinks cold for up to 7 hours. Say goodbye to lugging around bulky, heavy coolers and warm drinks with this bad boy on hand.

Gold Hinge is one of the most popular brands among all of the college girlies! Their sweatshirts are super cute, super cozy, and super viral. She'll especially love it on those long nights at the library and long walks across campus.

College students are busy, and let's face it, not always getting in healthy meals. Make their lives, and their eating habits, a bit better with this portable crockpot! It keeps food warm for hours that they can carry around with them to campus or work. This is a bestselling gift for guys!

This is a bestseller among Country Living readers and editors. Sol de Janeiro is known for its amazing Brazilian Bum Bum scent that instantly transports anyone to a tropical vacation. If she doesn't already have something from the brand, she'll love this set of bestsellers.

We're so thankful classics never go out of style, like this L.L. Bean tote bag for example. It's been a staple in many closets for years and is having a resurgence with the twenty-somethings. Get it personalized for an extra cute touch.

This custom ball set is a hole-in-one golf gift, whether they're out on the green every weekend, or they just enjoy a leisurely round of golf every now and then. The set includes 12 personalized golf balls, 12 personalized tees, and 12 pencils.