Hey girl, today let's chat about the essential back to school gifts for college students.
Sending your kiddo back to college already or maybe for the first time is so bittersweet and if you are anything like me you want to send him off with so helpful gifts.
As an older (but not the oldest) sister of 5 college students, with my youngest brother starting college this year, I am going to give you my best back to school gifts for college students that are incredibly useful.
You are going to learn about amazing back to school gifts for college students like classroom essentials, dorm/apartment essentials, daily essentials, and so much more.
After learning about all of these back to school gifts for college students, you will be able to stock your favorite college student up on what she needs the most.
Let's jump into the best back to school gifts for college students that every parent should know about.
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Best Back to School Gifts for College Students
If you are lucky enough to help move your college student in this fall, you should try this idea. The best gift of showing love and support that I have heard of.
One of my friends started writing little notes on Post-its to her daughter before college and kept them from her.
When she was helping move her daughter in, she hid those notes all over her dorm room. In books, in her dresser, in between dishes, you name it.
What a great thing for her daughter to find, continuous signs of love from her mom popping up at random and probably needed times.
My favorite one is "Call your mom!"
After talking with my friend, I have taken her idea and started leaving notes for my own 11-year-old daughter to find. She leaves me notes to find now too
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Good luck to your kiddo and you on a successful college year.
Let me know in the comments below which gift idea you liked the best.
Back to School Gifts for College Students
Classroom Essentials
1. Backpack
A nice backpack is a must for college. So, if your kiddo is in the market for a new one, you should get this backpack.
There are multiple colors to choose from along with 2 different sizes.
It will last and can be used long after his college career is over.
2. Classroom Kit
You can have some fun here a create a classroom gift basket. Buying all of this stuff can get pricey for a college student.
Add a few of these items, or add them all. I know your kiddo is going to be thankful you stocked her up.
3. Planner
Help your college student stay organized with this planner.
I searched high and low for this planner and love it so much that I will get one for next year too.
4. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is so important. Your kiddo is going to love this water bottle.
It is easy to clean and keeps water cold for a long time.
With so many different sizes and colors to choose from, it will be easy to match your kiddo’s style.
I like the 22 oz size the best since it easily fits in most cup holders and backpack pouches.5. Lunch Bag
Believe it or not, a lunch bag can come in very handy for college students.
This lunch bag is small enough to fit in a backpack but big enough to hold all the food needed for a full day of classes.You have to check out this thermos too.
It easily fits in the lunch bag, keeps food cold or warm until it is time to eat, and holds enough food to fill you up.
Back to School Gifts for College Students
Dorm/Apartment Essentials
6. Coffee Maker
I know not everyone in college drinks coffee, but if your kiddo does you should check out this coffee maker for her.
It will help keep the cost of all those coffee shop purchases way down!
7. Yeti Tumbler
Of course, this 20 oz Yeti Tumbler pairs perfectly with the coffee maker.
If you aren’t sure which of the crazy amount of color options to choose from, go with black. A classic option for sure.
I may have 3 of these just for me.8. White Noise Machine
Dorms and apartments can be noisy. Help your student block it all out with a white noise machine.
I have had a great experience with this one.9. Tool Kit
Not the most thrilling of gifts, I know. But this tool kit is oh so useful!
I have known so many college students who were so happy they had a tool kit on hand.
10. Power Strip
Another incredibly useful gift is a power strip.
With so many things to plug in these days, college students are so glad to have multiple of these.
11. Shower Caddy Kit
A shower caddy kit is perfect for every college student who lives in a dorm or shares an apartment.
She isn’t going to want to leave anything in the shower for others to use.
A great shower caddy kit includes these items.
Shampoo and Conditioner
12. First Aid Kit/Medicine Kit/ Thermometer
Unfortunately, there is a good chance that every college student will come down with some kind of sickness at some point whether it be the common cold or worse.
Not to mention that they made need to treat an injury or 2.
Equip her with a first aid kit and a decent thermometer.
13. Pots and Pans
Is your college student moving into an apartment this year?
Get this middle-of-the-line pots and pans set.
Let’s be honest here, your kiddo may be careful with the items he uses but his roommate might not be. This is exactly what happened to me! To be clear, I was the careful one.
Save those really nice pots and pans as a gift for after graduation or his wedding.
14. Cook Book
Get a cookbook or 2 so the variety of foods your college student can prepare grows.
I mean basic meals are fine for a while but eventually it will be fun to try and make something new.
15. Laundry Kit
Doing laundry can get expensive so this laundry kit makes a perfect gift.
If I were putting this kit together, I would include a laundry bag, laundry soap, and a whole bunch of quarters.
16. Dishes
I love basic white Corelle dishes.
They are lightweight, dishwasher and microwave safe, and best of all durable which makes them perfect for college students.
These dishes can be used long after college is over.17. Bedding
Help your kiddo get the best night's sleep with great pillows and sheets.
Of course, know for sure what size mattress your college student has before getting sheets.
These sheets are so great, with so many sizes and colors to choose from.
This set of pillows is amazing for any kind of sleeping position.
They are decently priced, highly rated on Amazon, and can be washed in a regular washing machine.
18. Fan
Dorm rooms and apartments can get so hot, and college kids don’t want to pay the price for air conditioning.
This tower fan is slender so it doesn’t take up much space but makes a huge difference.
We have 2 of them.
19. Blankets
On the flip side of cooling off, your college kiddo may not want to pay for heat.
This blanket will keep her nice and warm whether it be on the couch or her bed.
It is so cozy; you may want to get her 2.
We have multiple of this blanket and everyone reaches for them.
Back to School Gifts for College Students
Daily Essentials and Extras
20. Pepper Spray
Unfortunately, guys and gals have to be on the watch when they are at college.
Carrying pepper spray and knowing how to use it, can prove to save them from harm.
I was taught to always carry it in my hand when I had to walk alone at night.
21. Food
With the cost of food constantly on the rise, giving the gift of food is so helpful for college students.
Go with foods that are non-perishable and can be meals on their own.
22. Earbuds
This gift is so extra but your college student is going to love it!
Earbuds are so nice for studying, just listening to music, exercising, and so much more.
These work with Apple and Android.
23. Portable Vanity Mirror
Oh, I wish I had one of these portable mirrors in college.
Your college girl is going to be so thankful you got this for her.
It will make it so much easier for her to do her hair and makeup anywhere with better lighting.
I have one now and love it so much.
24. Gift Cards
Finally, gift cards. Everyone can use gift cards.
The best gift card I know of is one that can be used anywhere.
That would be the Visa Gift Card.
Money – the gift that keeps on giving. And your college student will be so happy you are giving!
Enjoy the whole process of sending your college student off and hug them fiercely when they come home.
Your love and support are worth more than you know.
This post was all about the best back to school gifts for college students.
Let me know in the comments below what you did to send your kiddo off to college. Sending you all the love!
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.