Get ready to spoil the young adults you love with these fun and Unique Gifts for College Students and Young Adults!
Gifts for College Students & Young Adults
From fun and helpful to downright hilarious, this creative list of unique gift ideas will help you surprise and spoil the college student in your life!
You’ve just stumbled across the ultimate list of Gifts for College Students!
Whether you’re looking for gifts for college girls or gifts for college boys, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered! As a mom of college-aged kids myself, I know exactly what they’re looking for and asking for!
These fun presents are the perfect College Care Package Ideas and Christmas Gifts for College Students. Or the best gifts for your college graduate!
So whether you’ve got kids you just sent off to college, a niece, nephew or friend in college, or know a new college grad, these gift ideas are sure to hit the spot.
Here’s what college students REALLY want…
Related: Gift Ideas for Everyone On Your List (Teens, Kids, Dads, Adults, Grandparents, Coworkers, and more!!)
Funny Gifts for College Students
Looking for something on the silly side?
I’ve got some hilarious ideas that are sure to add a fun plot twist to your young adult gift giving this year!
Here are some of my favorite funny gift ideas for young adults…
- Adulting Checklist (Combed My Hair, Wore Pants, Got Off the Couch, etc.)
- Diversion Safe (Filled with Cash, Gift Cards, or Candy)
- Do Not Disturb Sleep Mask
- ‘Tiny Hands’ Hand Puppets
- Funny Unicorn T-shirt, Socks or Stickers
- Grow a Boyfriend Novelty Toy
- Ludicrous Ugly Christmas Sweaters
- Ridiculously Corny Christmas Tree Ornaments
- Comical Emoji Stickers
- Mischievous Naughty/Nice Socks
- Cozy Mermaid Tail Blanket
- Absurdly Flavored Candy Canes (Fruit Loops, Dr. Pepper, Dill Pickle, Bacon, Possum, Caesar Salad, etc.)
- Hand Grip Strength Trainer
- Stress Relief Squeeze Toy (For Finals Week)
In Case of Emergency Break Glass Gift
College students and young adults could always use extra cash. So here’s a funny way to spoil them with money!
If your young adult is going to have some unforseen emergency, breaking some glass and grabbing some cash will make everything seem better!! 🙂
Simply round up these supplies to create this ultimate college age gift:
- On your computer, or a piece of 8×10 paper, type or write out… In an Emergency, Break Glass!
- Carefully adhere two bills to the paper using a tiny piece of tape on the back of each one. ($20, $50, $100… it’s up to you)
- Frame in an 8×10 frame, and you’re done!
What Gift Cards to College Students Want?
You can never go wrong with gift cards for college students, and here are some of their FAVORITES to receive:
- Amazon for a fun, free shopping spree
- Apple for movies & music
- Domino’s Pizza for midnight snack attacks
- Movie Theater for a relaxing weekend
- Panera for a healthy study break
- Spotify for music
- Starbucks Coffee for early mornings after late nights
The Best Gifts for College Students
Kimmie writes: “My son recently got accepted to the college he was hoping for, so we got him some college swag: Hoodie, PJ pants, and a tumbler”
Becky writes: “Snack baskets”
Deborah writes: “IKEA gift cards so they can decorate their dorm rooms”
Tonya writes: “Jumper cables, tool boxes with basic tools, starter sewing kits, address book with all of the families address filled in, a basket with a framed family recipe and all the items to make it.”
Nicole writes: “Luggage”
Kit writes: “Coffee shop gift cards for a shop in their area.”
College Collection Cups from Starbucks
Starbucks cafes are known for selling fun and unique local college themed mugs and tumblers! Swing by a Starbucks in the city of their school, and pick up some trendy gifts from the campus cups collection!
Be sure to check out these Starbucks Money Saving Hacks to save even more while you’re there!
Margie writes: “My boys said Apple Tags were the best gift they received”
Amy writes: “Nice towels, car emergency kits with gas cards or hammocks are a big hit with that age group now.”
Roxan writes: “A personalized daily planner to stay organized.”
Jennifer writes: “Food, rice cooker, crock pot, gift cards for gas stations.”
Tammy writes: “My young adult asked for a Crockpot.”
James writes: “Power supply to charge cell phones and other appliances”
Roxanne writes: “Stanley cups are really popular and practical.”
Andri writes: “LED lights, cologne samplers, sleep pants, clothes, books, funny socks, tool kits, mini projector, car vacuum, gift cards to fast food.”
Dawn writes: “Snuggly blanket, pop corn and a good book”
Cathy writes: “I buy my 26 year old son a AAA subscription every year.”
Tricia writes: “Car wash gift certificates, and air freshener for car.”
Darlene writes: “My boys love Dr Squatch soap and seasonings for grilling.”
DIY Seasoning Recipes
Danielle writes: “UBER ride gift cards!!!”
Michelle writes: “Uber Eats or DoorDash gift card.”
Tosha writes: “Gas gift cards and restaurant gift cards, snacks like their favorite chips, beef jerky, etc.”
Melissa writes: “Carton of Oreos”
Kate writes: “Household needs, gift cards (especially for gas and food), special interest items, and experiences.”
DeNeal writes: “I buy all my kids windshield wipers for their vehicles and a gallon of bug wash.”
Linda writes: “Electric teakettle”
Karla writes: “Warm socks, warm gloves and beanies, and an umbrella.”
Patti writes: “Gift Cards – they always want them: Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Target and Amazon are the most requested. MONEY is THE MOST requested item! I like to put $10 Starbucks gift cards in my grandson’s stocking.”
Christina writes: “Money and Amazon gift cards.”
Amazon Deals and Steals
Angie writes: “Gift cards but for practical things like… hair cuts, oil changes”
Kelli writes: “Gift cards to shops on campus, like the bookstore, coffee shop etc.”
Leslie writes: “Gas card, grocery cards, and coffee”
Jennifer writes: “My Godson messaged me, and said FOOD, snacks… 
so Tea, Dotz, Almond Joy, all the things he loves! Last year I made him a Christmas Candy Train out of candy”
Heather writes: “Trip to Costco and let them pick out what they want!”
Nicole writes: “I bought my son a new computer mouse, a funny keychain, a carabiner, guitar picks, a mini multi-tool, new ear buds, socks, candy, cookies, a card game, and a book.”
Norma writes: “Gift cards to fast food restaurants, to a book store or good old Walmart.”
Walmart Deals
More Fun Gifts for Young Adults and College Students
Pamper Yourself Gift in a Jar
Energy Boost Gift in a Jar
Here’s a fun Gift in a Jar for your College Student that needs a little boost… of ENERGY! Long nights of cramming for exams need some morning reinforcements!
Bath and Body Works Candles
After a long week of studying and working, nothing beats the relaxing vibe of lighting some cozy candles!
Homemade Soy Candles
An Elf on the Shelf
When you can’t be there to keep an eye on your teens or young adults, an Elf on the Shelf can keep them in line, and make sure they stay on the nice list! 🙂
We Wash You a Merry Christmas Soaps
(+ Free Printable Tags)
Bath and Body Works Lotion
Homemade Lotion Bars
Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar Recipe
French Vanilla Cocoa Mix in a Jar
Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix
Chocolate Covered Spoons for Cocoa
DIY Hot Cocoa Gift Bags
Ugly Christmas Sweater from Marshalls
Silly Socks
Cranberry Trail Mix Recipe
Chocolate Trail Mix Recipe
DIY Book Safe
Homemade Survival Kit
Movie Night at Home Gift
Peppermint Poo Pourri Spray
No Sew Fleece Blanket
Kitchen Essentials at TJ Maxx
Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Almonds Recipe
Candied Walnuts Recipe
Spicy Walnuts Recipe
Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts Recipe
Cute Marble Magnets
Dorm Room Essentials
Orange Citrus Poo Pourri Spray
Dorm Room DIY Flower Poms
Marshalls and HomeGoods Dorm Room Decor
Cozy Socks
DIY Rice Sock Heating Pad
Painted Mason Jar Pencil Holder
Lavender Poo Pourri Spray
Silk Pillowcases from LilySilk
Thanks a Latte Gift Card Holder
Summer in a Bucket
More Creative Gift Ideas
Looking for even more fun and creative Gift Ideas and tips?
Be sure to check out these fun tips…
Best Coffee Lover Gift Ideas (fun gifts)
Infusing coffee into just about anything is a great way to generate excitement and buzz.
Best White Elephant Gifts Ever
When it comes to White Elephant Gift Exchanges, the sillier or stranger the gifts, the better! Seriously… anything goes!
BIG List of Fun Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens
With the help of your frugal friends, I’ve put together some fun and creative Gift Ideas for your teens… a HUGE list of cool gifts your guys and girls will LOVE!
Best Teenage Girl Stocking Ideas
Finally… the absolute COOLEST stocking stuffers for teen girls! This is what they really want!
BIG List of Teenage Guy Stocking Stuffers
These fun stocking stuffers for teenage guys are a little helpful and a little silly… and totally perfect for teen guys!
HUGE List of Fun Stocking Stuffers for Kids
Whether you’re searching for the best stocking stuffers for little boys or girls, I’ve got you covered!
BIG List of Best Stocking Stuffers for Men
Check out this HUGE list of fun ideas for Stocking Stuffers for Men! Your guys will LOVE these gifts! It’s time to make filling your man’s stocking easy!
BIG List of Creative CoWorker Gift Ideas
Take the awkward out of buying boss and coworker gifts for people at work with this HUGE List of Popular Coworker Gift Ideas!
HUGE List of Best Teacher Gift Ideas
This BIG List of Gift Ideas are the Teacher Gifts They Actually Want!
Best Dog Gift Ideas
Give your dog some serious love with these Best Dog Toys to Keep Dog Busy! Here’s what you need to keep them busy!
Fun Foodie Gifts (Christmas Gift Ideas)
These budget-friendly and creative gift ideas are guaranteed to please your food-loving friends and family!
HUGE List of Student Discounts (50 Epic Deals)
Whether you’re in high school, community college, or attending a university, you can score some sweet deals with Student Discounts!
More Frugal Gift Ideas
From unique birthday gifts to hilarious stocking stuffers, and sweet keepsakes to romantic surprise gifts, there’s something fun for everyone! Finding the perfect gift has never been so fun!
I’ve included creative ideas for Dad, Boyfriends, Kids, Teen Girls, Teen Boys, Grandpa, Grandma, Teachers, Coworkers, Foodies, Coffee Lovers, Dogs and more!
So what are your favorite Fun Gifts for College Students?
Leave a comment and share!
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