50 Cheap Gifts College Students Will Love

Shopping for a college student when you're on a budget? Check out our list of affordable, practical, and fun gifts for college students.
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Updated on November 23, 2022
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Tyler Epps is an editor for BestColleges. He writes and edits content about higher education, specializing in degree planning and college rankings. He is passionate about helping students prepare for college and navigate their educational journey. He...
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College students appreciate a thoughtful gift. But what if you're on a budget? Good news — you can still find cheap gifts that college students will love.

Our list includes tech gifts like wireless headphones and portable speakers at an affordable price. We've also got great options for college students decking out their dorm rooms. From practical to pampering gifts, we've got you covered — at an affordable price tag.

true Price Legend

$ = Under $10 | $$ = $10-$20 | $$$ = $21-$30

Gifts Under $30

1. Wireless Headphones


Our Recommendation: TOZO T6 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbud

Wireless headphones are a great option for music-loving and athletic college students.

But wireless headphones can be pricey. Fortunately, our pick makes an affordable, thoughtful gift. The TOZO T6 headphones are lightweight, waterproof, and they come with smart touch control. Plus, you're giving over six hours of playtime on a single charge.

2. Portable Bluetooth Speaker


Our Recommendation: JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

A portable Bluetooth speaker makes a great gift for college students, whether they live in the dorms or off campus. And the JBL Go 3 speaker is both portable and affordable. It's also compact and offers great audio quality. Choose from over a half-dozen color options to customize your gift.

3. Fire TV Stick


Our Recommendation: Fire TV Stick Lite

Thought a streaming device was out of your budget? Think again. The Fire TV Stick Lite clocks in at under $30, which makes it a great affordable gift. It's also easy to use and comes with over 200,000 free movies and TV episodes. Plus, thanks to Alexa, you can search for shows or stream music with voice commands.

4. Tumbler


Our Recommendation: Simple Modern Classic Insulated Tumbler

A simple but useful gift, this tumbler is vacuum-insulated and keeps beverages hot or cold for hours. Offered in a variety of designs, colors, and patterns, this tumbler comes with two lids: an internally threaded straw lid and an insulated flip lid. It fits in most cup holders.

5. Basketball


Our Recommendation: Wilson NBA DRV Series Outdoor Basketball

Designed for outdoor play, this Wilson basketball is an ideal gift for students who love to hoop. The ball is the official NBA weight and size and is shipped fully inflated. Offered with a variety of accent colors, it's made of high-performance, tackskin rubber.

6. Coffee Mug


Our Recommendation: YETI Rambler Insulated Coffee Mug

What college student doesn't appreciate a great coffee mug? The YETI mug is a great choice because it's well-made and popular. And the YETI works great if your giftee wants to sip hot coffee during a lecture or drink an iced coffee on the quad. Choose from over 20 colors to personalize your gift.

7. Gloves


Our Recommendation: Smartwool Liner Gloves

Affordable and practical, gloves are a great gift for college students. Our pick includes a Merino wool blend that makes Smartwool gloves soft yet durable. And even better — the gloves come with a touchscreen-compatible thumb and index finger to eliminate one of the most annoying parts of cold weather.

8. Cellphone Armband Case


Our Recommendation: Tune Belt AB91 Cellphone Armband Holder Case

For fitness-minded students, this armband fits a variety of cellphone brands and sizes. The armband offers exceptional comfort and fits both men and women. Water-resistant and made with moisture-wicking fabric, the case prevents cord tangles when users are working out.

9. Portable Charger


Our Recommendation: Anker Portable Charger

Know someone who's always draining their smartphone or tablet battery? Then grab a portable charger as a gift. The Anker portable charger is surprisingly cheap for all the power it packs. Plus, it's slim and light enough to slip into any backpack or bag.

10. Bar Set


Our Recommendation: Cresimo Cocktail Shaker Bar Set

Designed for the cocktail aficionado, this shaker and bar set includes a 24-ounce stainless steel shaker, strainer, jigger, and bar spoon. The high-quality, mirrored stainless steel is guaranteed not to rust or leak. The set also includes an illustrated cocktail recipe guide and a two-year warranty.

11. Outdoor Blanket


Our Recommendation: BEARZ Outdoor Blanket

This blanket can be used during many outdoor activities. Whether on the beach for spring break or at an outdoor music festival, this waterproof and sandproof blanket is compact, lightweight, and durable. The blanket comes in several colors and is also puncture resistant.

12. Yoga Mat


Our Recommendation: Gaiam Yoga Mat

This lightweight and thick yoga mat provides great cushioning and comes in almost 30 patterns. Made with a nonslip texture, the mat provides superior grip and is a great gift for both beginners and avid practitioners. In addition to the mat, every purchase includes a free downloadable yoga workout.

13. Sunglasses


Our Recommendation: KALIYADI Polarized Sunglasses

Eye protection is important, but why not look amazing while staying safe? These fashionable glasses come in packs of two and boast top-rated polarized lenses. Great for driving, water activities, and general use, these glasses provide style and comfort. Each purchase comes with a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

14. Tapestry


Our Recommendation: Yinhua Mountain Landscape Tapestry

A mainstay in college decorating, tapestries offer an easy way to make dorm room walls more welcoming. Made from high-quality polyester fabric, this tapestry is handmade, features vibrant colors, and will not fade over time. Degree-seekers can also use it as a bedspread, curtain, or tablecloth.

15. Food Storage Set


Our Recommendation: Rubbermaid Storage Containers

This 10-piece food storage set gives the student in your life space to store essentials like ramen noodles, soups, and Instant Pot meals. The clear, lightweight plastic resists stains and is airtight and leak-proof. Students can stack these containers within each other to save valuable space in their dorm rooms.

16. Book for College Students


Our Recommendation: 175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College" by Charlotte Lake

A book makes the perfect gift for a certain type of college student. So check out former broke college kid Charlotte Lake's college bucket list. With over 175 activities to do before graduation, the book is a fun way to get college students excited and engaged. The book also comes with journaling space so your giftee can remember their time in college.

17. Home Workout Set


Our Recommendation: TOMSHOO Home Workout Kit

This home workout kit includes an adjustable jump rope, push-up bar, and ab roller. Minor assembly is required for this gym-grade equipment that's suitable for beginners and advanced exercisers alike. This kit can be used almost anywhere and is easily transportable.

18. Wine Glasses


Our Recommendation: JBHO Italian-Style Crystal Burgundy Wine Glasses

A thoughtful gift for the wine connoisseur, these premium crystal glasses are hand-blown and come in sets of two. Carefully and durably crafted, they come with a one-year satisfaction guarantee.

19. Makeup Brush Set


Our Recommendation: TEXAMO Professional Makeup Brush Set

This 15-piece makeup set includes the right tool for nearly any product and occasion. Their dense, fluffy, soft design makes each brush comfortable and skin-friendly, and the walnut handles are easy to grip. The set also comes with a storage box and a leather case.

20. Card Game


Our Recommendation: Cards Against Humanity

Card games are a fun, affordable gift for college students. And Cards Against Humanity, which calls itself "a party game for horrible people," is a great option. Check out the main game for anyone who doesn't already have Cards Against Humanity, or pick up cheap expansion packs for a new spin on a favorite game.

21. Salt Lamp


Our Recommendation: The Body Source Himalayan Salt Lamp

Artisans carve each of these lamps from Pakistani Himalayan salt. This salt creates a relaxing, therapeutic vibe in a dorm room, which can come in handy for stressed-out students dealing with piles of homework. The lamp comes fully assembled and includes a spare bulb.

22. Hanging Mirror


Our Recommendation: Dahey Gold Hanging Circle Mirror Wall Decor

This mirror makes it easy for students to brush their teeth, wash their faces, and see how they look before heading out for class or a party. The Nordic-style round design is both functional and decorative, and the minimalist frame helps the mirror blend in with all types of furniture.

23. Tarot Cards


Our Recommendation: The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck and Guidebook

This bestselling box set includes a tarot deck and guidebook. Consisting of 78 cards, the deck helps users explore the mysteries of the natural world and animal kingdom. The 200-page, illustrated book guides new users through the magic and methods of this tarot set.

24. Oil Diffuser Set


Our Recommendation: Cocod'or Garden Lavender Oil Diffuser Set

Anything that can help a college student de-stress qualifies as an excellent gift. This oil diffuser set spreads the scent of lavender, known for its relaxing and soothing properties. This product uses safe chemicals that won't cause harm, and the reed sticks are easy to use and replace.

Gifts Under $20

25. Picture Frames


Our Recommendation: Melannco Letterboard Eight-Photo Collage

A photo collage in their dorm room can remind students of their friends and family when they feel homesick. This eight-photo model can accommodate various photo sizes and features an easy-to-hang design and a central letterboard for messages and captions.

26. Smart Plugs


Our Recommendation: Kasa Smart Plugs

These smart plugs work with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, adding voice control to any device that users plug in. Students can set countdown or clock timers to turn their devices on or off, and the Kasa app is easy and straightforward to use.

27. Airpods Case


Our Recommendation: CAGOS AirPods Case

These thermoplastic, protective AirPod cases are available in a variety of colors and designs and keep AirPods safe from damage. In addition to the protective feature, the case acts as a charging port for AirPods and is waterproof.

28. Scrunchies


Our Recommendation: Ivyu Pocket Hair Scrunchies With Hidden Zipper

Scrunchies are everywhere these days. So why not grab some scrunchies as a cheap gift for a college student? Scrunchies are a fashion statement that protects hair better than hair ties. And our pick even comes with a hidden zipper pouch to store money, keys, or other small items.

29. Wool Socks


Our Recommendation: JOYCA & Co. Multicolor Wool Socks for Women

These plush wool socks are a thoughtful gift to help get students through the winter. Made from a blend of wool, cotton, polyester, and spandex, these socks are soft, durable, and moisture-wicking. Offerings come in a variety of colors and patterns and fit women's shoe sizes 5-9.

30. Slippers


Our Recommendation: LongBay Fuzzy Faux Fur Memory Foam Slippers

Comfortable slippers can add a touch of home to any dorm room. These LongBay slippers use memory foam to cradle users' feet, providing maximum comfort. The nonslip rubber sole helps ensure students don't slip on loose homework or spilled coffee.

31. Dart Board


Our Recommendation: Trademark Games Dart Board Set

A fun addition to any college dorm room, this dart board comes with two sets of darts. Designed for both advanced and beginner players, this set includes two games in one: a target bullseye game and classic 20-point darts.

32. Eye and Face Roller Set


Our Recommendation: Deciniee Jade Roller and Gua Sha Tools Set

This rose quartz face roller works to rejuvenate skin, reduce dark under-eye spots, and provide users with a more youthful appearance. The roller promotes blood circulation and can relieve pressure and reduce wrinkling and puffiness.

33. Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses


Our Recommendation: Livho Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses

The average college student spends a lot of time looking at screens, meaning that harmful blue light can start to hurt their eyes. These Livho glasses block that light, making screens safer and devices easier to use. This two-pack includes various options for frame colors.

34. String Lights


Our Recommendation: Lampat Indoor/Outdoor Globe String Lights

String lights can add a touch of class to any space, including a dorm room. These lights can stretch out 25 feet and create ambience for parties or studying. Lampat offers a one-year quality satisfaction guarantee. Each strand includes end-to-end connections, so your student can attach up to three strands together if they want.

35. Book


Our Recommendation: "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life" by Mark Manson

This provocative self-help guide, written by blogger Mark Manson, offers a unique look at how to become a happier, better person. Using a combination of academic research and humor, Manson offers a fresh and funny approach to navigating life's challenges. This gift can offer a nice change of pace for degree-seekers decompressing from rigorous academic reading.

36. Beanie


Our Recommendation: Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie

This popular Carhartt knit beanie is acrylic and available in more than two dozen colors. Made with a comfortable, stretchable fabric, this hat can keep any student warm during winter semesters and fits all head sizes.

37. Reusable Water Bottle


Our Recommendation: Opard 30-ounce Reusable Water Bottle

Reusable water bottles make a great gift for college students — and, as an added bonus, many water bottles are cheap! Our pick has a lightweight, compact lid plus a removable strainer to make tea or fruit-infused water. The Opard 30-ounce water bottle also comes in 10 stylish colors.

38. Avocado Slicer


Our Recommendation: OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

A unique gift for the avocado-loving student in your life, this tool can cover splitting, pitting, and slicing needs all in one cool package. Sleek and dishwasher-safe, OXO's avocado slicer has a nonslip grip and cuts the fruit into seven perfect slices.

39. Coffee or Tea Brewing Basket


Our Recommendation: Finum Reusable Infusing Mesh Brewing Basket

A perfect gift for caffeine-fueled learners, these reusable stainless steel mesh brewing baskets are used to prepare coffee and tea. Made from food-grade, heat-tolerant stainless steel, the set contains one permanent filter and one filter "hat." The microfine mesh produces a clean, delicious brew.

40. Succulent Planters


Our Recommendation: ZOUTOG Mini Ceramic Succulent Pots

These stylish succulent planters can add a decorative touch to any college student's abode. Sleek in design, these small planters come with a removable bamboo draining tray and can add a vibrant accent to any dorm room, apartment, or house. The product comes in a pack of six and can create a calming atmosphere that combats exam stress.

41. Keychain Tool


Our Recommendation: Gerber Shard Keychain Tool

Lightweight and discrete, this keychain tool offers many uses in a small design. Made from stainless steel with a titanium coating, the tool includes a pry bar, two screwdrivers, a wire stripper, and a bottle opener. It's also safe for air travel.

42. Portable Blender


Our Recommendation: Hamilton Beach Shakes and Smoothie Personal Blender

Portable blenders are a great gift for the smoothie-loving college student in your life. And the Hamilton personal blender is powerful yet affordable. It blends smoothies, shakes, and icy drinks in a grab-and-go cup that fits in most cup holders. And best of all, you can find a blender for under $20.

43. Skin Care Set


Our Recommendation: Burt's Bees Essential Gift Set

This skin care gift set from Burt's Bees offers travel-sized containers of several popular products. The collection includes a deep-cleansing cream, hand salve, body lotion, foot cream, and lip balm. All of Burt's Bees products are made from natural ingredients and formulated to provide all-day skin care.

44. Party Game


Our Recommendation: Czech Games' Codenames

A fun but challenging option for small parties, Codenames is a social word game in which teams of four or more compete. The premise is simple: Participants work to be the first to correctly guess all of their team's code words.

45. Cutting Boards


Our Recommendation: Farberware Bamboo Cutting Board Set

A tasteful addition to any college kitchen, this set of antimicrobial bamboo cutting boards provides functional and durable cutting surfaces. The large, medium, and small boards can also function as attractive serving options.

46. iPhone Case


Our Recommendation: ESR Air Armor Case

Boasting military-grade protection and iPhone 11 compatibility, this case has shock-absorbing corners and offers protection from short-distance drops. It also supports wireless charging, has a hard back and flexible frame, and comes in several colors.

47. Frisbee


Our Recommendation: Discraft 175-Gram Ultra Star Sport Disc

Frisbee on the quad is a classic college activity. The white 175-gram Discraft Ultra Star is the official model used in USA Ultimate tournaments. Your student can toss this disc around with friends or bring it to club Ultimate practice if they decide to try out for their college's team.

48. Playing Cards


Our Recommendation: Joyoldelf Cool Black Playing Cards

These sleek playing cards are washable and durable, making them perfect for college card games. These cards are manufactured from eco-friendly materials, and the manufacturer offers a full one-year warranty.

49. Wall Art


Our Recommendation: RipGrip Coffee Art Print and Cafe Decor

This wall art is a great gift for any student who doubles as a coffee aficionado. The poster depicts various coffee and espresso drinks, including lattes and cappuccinos. This wall art can make your student's dorm room feel a bit more like a relaxing cafe.

50. Shaker Bottle


Our Recommendation: BlenderBottle Classic V2 Shaker Bottle

A must-have for students who drink protein shakes, this bottle holds 20 ounces of liquid and employs the patented stainless steel BlenderBall whisk for mixing shakes and smoothies. Boasting a leak-proof lid with a wide mouth for easy mixing, the BlenderBottle is dishwasher safe and comes with a limited warranty.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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