65+ Must Have Gifts College Girls Told Us They Want in 2024
It is getting closer and closer to that most wonderful time of the year. That time of the year where we try to marry our budgets with the hopes and dreams of our kids and family members.
I actually love shopping for gifts.
I love the challenge of picking out the right gift for the people on my list.
However, over the past couple of years it has gotten a little more challenging. Now that my kids have started to grow up; I have a daughter in college, a son in high school, and a son in elementary school. Like I said, they’re ages are all over the place and so are the things they are into.
I decided to start my gift giving list with my daughter, who is in college. I feel buying for college age young adults can be challenging. They are kind of in an in-between stage of life.
Well, this year making my list, and this gift guide, was so easy that I almost felt like I was cheating.
I was able to pick the brain of my daughter and her house mates to get ideas of what college girls would like to receive as gifts.
If you are like me, and have a college age girl to buy for, I hope these gift ideas will help point you in the right direction.
Best College Girl Gift Ideas $10 and Under
Good gifts do not have to drain the bank. These gifts for $10 and less are sure to make the college aged girl in your life feel seen and loved.
1. Airpods Case Cover
AirPods are everywhere these days and everyone has the standard white case that the Airpods come with.
These shock proof and scratch proof AirPod cases come in many different designs that are sure to help her case stand out from the rest of the AirPod users.
2. Milk Frother
This hand held frother will help the college student on your list save money and make a mean latte.
You cannot get nice fluffy latte foam if you don’t have a frother. This little hand held frother is powerful and effective.
My daughter and her roommates latest obsession’s is using this for cold foam lattes, yum!
Even if she isn’t a big coffee drinker, she can use her hand milk frother like we do; we use ours to make nicely well mixed homemade hot cocoa. Super Yum!
3. Adult Coloring Book
One of the ways my daughter and her roommates like to hang out and bond- is a wine night with adult coloring books.
Adulting coloring has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which college life is full of.
Some people prefer to color mandolas and designs, or cheeky ones with cuss words– while some people- like my daughter- prefer to color something with motivational or encouraging words and designs.
4. Dry Erase Calendar
If you have a girl who loves to be organized and loves it to look good- a dry erase calendar will help her do just that!
5. Shea Sugar Scrub
Dry, itchy skin happens, especially in winter.
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in Mango and Vitamin C are my daughter and her roommates favorite scrubs. They say it gently exfoliates their skin and leaves it so soft and moisturized- and both smell so very good!
6. Scrunchies
Some of us may remember scrunchies from the 80’s and 90’s.
I would have never thought they would make their way back, but all things 90’s are what is trending and college aged girls are loving scrunchies right now.
7. Hoop Earrings
Hoops are the earring that flatter any girl.
Hoops look good with any outfit.
My daughter and her friends love their hoop earrings because they are so versatile and cute.
8. Coffee Sleeve
If you need a little gift that is useful yet cute, MicheNiche reusable coffee cup sleeves are a great gift to give.
Whether your girl on the go likes iced coffees or hot drinks from her favorite coffee place, these handmade coffee sleeves will keep her hands from getting too hot or too cold.
Bonus points, they are made of remnant fabrics they are environmentally friendly, practical, and cute!
9. Head Massager
I cannot say I see the allure of the head massager- but who am I to judge? My daughter and her friends say head massagers are relaxing and supposedly they make your hair grow faster.
10. Straw Cap Topper for Stanley Water Bottle
Photo by: JandJModernDesigns
So many girls are carrying tumblers that are Stanley’s or they are like a Stanley. A great gift are accessories for her tumbler.
Etsy is my go to place for tumbler accessories. You can find cute ones in a Kawaii theme, animals, foods, sports, you name it!
11. Jewelry Box
Jewelry boxes are always a welcome gift for the girl who enjoys accessories.
A personalized travel size jewelry box is perfect for her on the go needs. It’s also the right size to take with her if she studies abroad.
12. Journals
Gratitude journals, guided journals, funny/ sarcastic journals, plain journals- my daughter and her friends enjoy them all.
Two things I have notice girls own a lot of are journals and candles- they can never have too many!
Best College Girl Gift Ideas Under $15
1. Candles
One big thing I have learned from my daughter, her roommates, and her other friends- you can never have enough candles. Those girls have A LOT of candles.
This lavender + Eucalyptus is especially nice- not overpowering or too heavy.
2. Stylish Mugs
Personalized gifts are always special- and these monogram mugs come in all the letters of the alphabet. They art deco look really stands out and there is a cool design inside of the mug as well.
However, if your recipient is more into the cottagecore look- mushrooms, nature, moons, and cardigans- the Elin Mugs –above-are a super cute choice.
3. Warm, Cozy Wool Socks
My daughter has the coldest feet. Every year she requests wool socks. She will end up wearing them 24/7 until we are well into spring and at the earliest hints of fall.
If your college student goes to school somewhere cold-or is a person with popsicle feet- fun patterned, warm wool socks will keep her toes warm and cozy all winter, and maybe spring, long.
4. Stacked Layered Necklaces
Accessories are a must for every girls wardrobe. They can make even a mundane outfit feel a little more cute.
Stacked or layered necklaces are so cute. Even better, they look like they cost so much more than they do.
A Stacked necklace is a beautiful addition to any girls wardrobe
5. Gel Pens
Most of the young ladies I know love gel pens! They use them for class, organizing their planners, art, and journaling.
Gel pens are a great gift on their own- but would definitely pair well with a journal.
6. Stackable Rings
Stackable rings and dainy-but interesting- rings on most fingers of the hand are very in right now.
They look cute, stylish and can be a little boho or preppy depending on the wearer.
Etsy is a great place to find a variety of styles for the girl on your list.
7. Apple Watch Bands
Apple watches are so popular but the bands the watches come can be a little on the meh side.
Gift her a little aesthetic upgrade with a new watch band. They can be classy, fun, functional, and gives her more options when sporting her Apple Watch.
8. Canvas Tote
Please don’t mistake these for reusable grocery totes. While they could use them for that- all the girls I know are using them as a double for a purse.
These bags hold a lot and they also act as conversation pieces-while being practical.
Popular tote Designs are often in the reading/ book aesthetic (dark or light academia), cottagecore, smiley face retro aesthetic, celestial, mushrooms, and frogs to name a few. 🙂
9. iPad Cover
So many kids have iPads to use for college. If the girl on your list has an iPad- I love this cover. We have it on our iPad. It provides good protection from dirt and grime and it is also a stand.
Everyone in our house- including our daughter- has used the stand feature of the cover to help the iPad sit up right so it can be used almost as a second monitor when doing research. An iPad cover is a welcome addition to any iPad.
10. Blue Light Glasses
We all spend so much time on time technology these days.
Between laptop usage and cellphone time, blue light from tech can cause a eye strain, headaches, dry eye, and premature aging for college students- and the rest of us.
My daughter is a big fan of blue light glasses.
Stylish Blue light glasses can help filter out a good portion of the blue light helping students to feel more comfortable and have healthier eyes too- and they look super cute.
Best College Girl Gift Ideas Under $25
1. Diffuser
Just like candles- essential oil diffusers are very popular with the college age women I know.
Essential oils can help to alleviate stress, help with sleep, and makes a room smell amazing.
My son and my daughter each have this diffuser. My son uses his as a night diffuser and a nightlight. My daughter chooses to use it as a diffuser only. It works so well.
2. Jewelry Organizer
My daughter and her friends have a fair amount of jewelry and very little extra space in their small apartment bedrooms.
Hanging jewelry organizers are GREAT for small places. It keeps all of the jewelry- necklaces, earrings, rings, ect. organized and easily found.
3. Cute Slouchy Beanie
Slouchy Beanies aren’t just cute, they serve a purpose. That purpose is hiding bed head and keeping warm on the way to class or to get coffee with a friend.
The college girl on your list will look cute and hip while she covers her bed head on her way class with a warm cute beanie.
4. Electric Tea Kettle
Electric tea kettles are a time, money, and energy saver. If you have a girl on your list that loves hot beverages or just wants water to boil quickly, an electric tea kettle is a great gift.
We use even ours to boil water for pouring in a pot to hurry the making of mac & cheese. Total time saver!
5. Microfiber Bedsheets
It’s always a great idea to have a second set of soft, cozy bed sheets.
There are many reasons that your college girl may need to change her bed sheets and is unable to wash them immediately- having a second set is a real lifesaver.
With a soft, cute backup set of sets she will always be covered.
6. Desk Organizer
College students are spending more time than ever at their apartment or dorm desks.
A pretty, yet functional desk organizer will add a little sophistication and personality to her desk space.
7. Knit Slippers
Cozy, fuzzy slippers are always a welcome gift.
They keep your college girls feet toasty warm and protected from whatever maybe lurking on their dorm floor.
8. Kindle Cover
A great gift for the owner of a Kindle is a cover to help protect her device.
I like this one above because it has the ability for her to slip her hand in the back- for better stability.
It also has a stand in the back-which is super convenient when reading a recipe or just wanting to be hands free while reading.
9. Portable Phone Charger
Portable chargers are great for peace of mind.
Your college gal won’t have to worry about her phone or iPad running out of power when she has a portable charger as a backup.
And you’ll have peace of mind that she has backup phone battery in a pinch.
10. Zodiac Necklaces
This zodiac sign necklace is dainty, eye catching, unique, and personal.
It’s a necklace that she can wear casually or dressed up– my daughter wears hers everyday.
Whenever she wears it, it’s sure to be a conversation starter!
11. Tile
Help your college age girl to never lose their keys again, with this amazing device.
Tile fits on their keychain so that they can find their lost keys with their phone- compatible with Apple and Android phones.
To be fair, I wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up being gifted this, ha!
12. Cozy Throw Blanket
College girls like cozy things. Yet another thing I have learned from my daughter and her friends is that this includes cozy throw blanket. Much like candles- they can never have enough.
My daughter owns this cozy blanket faux fur blanket and I can tell you it is soft, luxurious, and cozy. Perfect for a movie night or cuddling up with a good book.
13. Personalized Tote
Best College Girl Gift Ideas Under $50
1. Card Games
With over 136,000 five star reviews- Cards Against Humanity is a game my daughter and her friends talk about a lot. It’s the “party game for horrible people” and it is hilarious. But it- and its extension packs- are edgy.
What Do You Meme and it’s expansion packs are an awesome. If your college girl has a favorite show- like Schitt’s Creek- they probably have an extension pack for it. At almost 42,000 review- it is a popular group card game.
Exploding Kittens -despite its odd name- is another wildly popular and fun group game. It has 93,000 reviews! Not as cheeky as Cards Against Humanity.
2. Stackable Rings
I included this grouping of stackable rings because stackable rings are so popular- and cute.
Girls love mixing and matching them to create a truly original look.
Etsy is a treasure trove of stackable rings and at a wide range of price points.
3. Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner
If you have a girl who wears makeup on your gift list- this is an awesome products!
Makeup brushes get dirty and harbor all kinds of gross bacteria. The electric makeup brush cleaner really makes cleaning them a breeze!
4. Mug and Mug Warmer
Cooled off warm beverages are a real bummer!
A mug and mug warmer will insure her warm drink of choice doesn’t cool down while she is studying, chilling out with a good book, or just slowly enjoying her favorite drink.
5. Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask continues to be a very popular water bottle among college kids, my daughter and her friends are no different.
What’s not to love? It comes in many different colors, which college kids love to cover in stickers.
They are easy to take everywhere. Just as importantly- a Hydro Flask will keep beverages cold for 24 hrs or hot for 6 hrs.
6. Retro Beverage Refrigerator
How cute is this Frigidaire Mini Fridge?! It is big enough to hold 6 cans of soda or it can be a refrigerator for her skin care items and perfume.
If she does like pink it comes in black, white, mint, and red.
7. Stanley Handled Tumbler
Yes, yes there are two bright colored tumblers in the portion of the roundup and both are insanely popular.
The Stanley Handled Tumbler broke out last fall with what can only be described as a viral.
I had friends feverishly trying to get the orchid and chambray colors for their daughters- it was crazy town!
The Stanley Handled Tumbler in the 30 oz and 40 oz – in my observation and research- seem to be the most popular sizes.
They release their colors in the spring- to much fanfare- and they have some patterns too. From the Amazon reviews- it looks like Rose Quartz is very popular.
They have over 20 colors to choose from.
On the more practical side the 30 oz will keep drinks cold for 9 hrs, ice cold for 40 hrs, and hot for 5 hrs. The 40 oz will keep drinks cold for 11 hrs, ice cold for 2 days, and hot for 7 hrs.
My advice- have a few colors in mind so that you will have a back up color. They sell out quickly the closer we get to Christmas.
8. Air Tag
The AirTag is an amazing invention- but gift recipient does have to have an iPhone or an iPad in order to use it.
If she has one of those- the AirTag is great to pair with a Key Ring so she can always find her keys. My daughter has one on her keys- and it works like a charm!
My son also has one in his coat- because he leaves his coat all over town. Thanks to the AirTag he has been able to easily find them.
You can put an AirTag on anything that you want to be able to refind- like luggage- with the help of your iPhone or iPad. Great gift!
9. One Step Hair Dryer
Revlon one step hair dryer is a hair dryer and brush all in one! It dries, straightens and adds volume all at once.
I know several women who swear buy it- one is hairstylist– and their hair looks great!
With over 100,000 reviews, Revlon’s one step hair dryer is very popular.
10. Cozy Pajamas
Cozy PJ’s are such a good gift for a college aged girl- and there are so many styles to choose from!
My daughter and her friends lounge around the house in their pajamas, do homework in them, have wine nights, and have even been know to go grocery shopping while in the more loungewear type pajamas.
11. Mini Smoothie Blender
I bought this 11 piece set for my daughter when she moved into her new campus apartment this fall. She and her roommates love it!
The Magic Bullet Blender is small enough to store on her counter- they have no kitchen storage space- and the containers that come with it are so convenient for when she has leftover salsa or smoothies.
And it is sooooooo easy to clean!
12. Laptop Desk
College students like to have the flexibility to study anywhere in their apartment.
The Lap Desk will give her the convenience of studying anywhere in her apartment while staying organized with a place for her phone and built in mouse pad.
If your college girl is a lefty– Lap Gear makes a left handed Lap Desk just for her.
13. Roku Streaming Stick
Cord cutting can lead to your college girl using her lap top as a T.V. so she can access her favorite shows on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, Disney + and more. That’s a lot of time watching a small screen.
Give her laptop a much needed rest with the Roku stick allowing her to turn any television into a streaming television!
14. Nike Shoe Cleaner
For the Nike aficionado in your life- this cleaning kit is a must have.
It has everything your Nike lover needs to keep their kicks looking brand new.
With over 23,000 positive reviews- this is sure to be a hit!
Best College Girl Gift Ideas Under $100
1. Cross Body Bag
Long called a fanny bag- or fanny pack for those of us in the States- Cross body bags are a hit with girls and guys alike. I am seeing them EVERYWHERE.
Lululemon in particular is a very popular brand with the under 30 crowd and they offer many styles.
For the hip college girl on your list, a great cross body bag can be a nice alternative to a purse.
2. 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station
So many gadgets, so little space.
My daughter is like most college students -very little extra space, but she has a lot of tech that needs charged.
With a 3 in 1 Charging station her Airpods, iPhone, and Apple watch can all charge together without taking up much space.
This charging station also works well for Galaxy, Google, LG, Sony, Samsung, and Apple products. And it comes in 6 different colors.
3. Heated Blanket
Buy one heated throw blanket for your college student then go buy one for yourself.
True story, about two years ago I bought a bunch of heated throws and gave them as Christmas gifts. I saved one for our family.
Guess who monopolized that heated throw blanket? If you guessed my daughter- and that it now lives at her apartment- you would be correct! lol!
These electric heated blankets have three heat settings and are washable– such a cozy gift!
4. Iced Coffee Maker
This Mr. Coffee iced coffee maker is my daughter and her roommates latest obsession!
The girls love cold foam iced coffee and they need to save money.
The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker has allowed them to have all the caffeine rich iced coffee they need to get through the day without bankrupting them.
My daughter now prefers homemade iced coffee to Starbucks!
5. Smart Speaker
The Amazon Echo smart speaker and the Apple Homepod Mini are very similar smart speakers.
Both can control lights and other things in your students home- if they set them up to.
Both can play music.
Both have the ability to help schedule things, answer questions- Amazon Echo uses Alexa and Apple Homepod Mini uses Siri.
Where They Differ:
- The Homepod comes in a wider variety of colors and is a great choice if the gift recipient is an iPhone user. Some reviewers feel that the Homepod has a better sounding speaker.
- The Echo comes in three colors and it works with most smart device platforms.
6. Weighted Blanket
College can be stressful.
There is a lot of evidence that weighted blankets can help with sleeplessness, anxiety, stress, depression, and with sensory processing disorders.
A weighted blanket can help sooth stress and help with a better night’s sleep, while keeping her warm.
My kids each have one- and they swear by them for a good night’s sleep.
7. Monochromatic Athleisure Sweats
Athleisure is still very popular. It’s comfortable and cute– everything college girls love.
Baggy sweatshirts and baggy tee shirts are very in this year. Not only am I seeing them on my daughter and her friends-but I’ve seen them on the streets of NYC and California this year.
Sweats worn baggy, in monochromatic fashion , and in lighter colors is so hot everywhere I’ve traveled and including my daughter and her group.
This set of Aerie Joggers and Sweatshirt are selling like hot cakes!
8. Air Fryer
This is the exact air fryer we bought for our daughter. It quickly became her favorite appliance.
I recommend the 4 Qt– which is what she has- because it is a great counter top size and isn’t too heavy.
It’s easy to clean, it makes enough food for she and a few friends, and it doesn’t heat the apartment up. Great all around appliance for the college age girl.
9. Lululemon Leggings
College girls LOVE Lulu. Lululemon leggings are super popular and super comfortable. The girls wear them to class, out to grab coffee, and to work out. It is athleisure at its best.
The Lululemon Align High Rise Pant is there most popular and it comes in three different lengths.
Since my daughter is on the shorter side at 5’3″ -she orders the 25″ which is technically cropped but it fits her as a regular.
10. Kodak Smile Instant Print Camera
The Kodak Smile Instant Print Camera takes good photos and prints them out instantly! Your college girl will love camputring memories and moments and then she can instantly hang them or turn them into a collage.
The Kodak Smile photos prints out on special Zink paper that has a sticky side- because they know collages are a big part of the college girl aesthetic.
This instant camera is rechargeable– no need for batteries!
Best College Girl Gifts Ideas Over $100
1. Subscription Boxes
Subscriptions boxes can be great gift answer for the girl who has everything or has a lot of interests.
There is practically a subscription box for every interest or taste out there- beauty, tea, coffee, games, Japanese food, plants, comics, self-care, ect- you name it!
My daughter had a friend that was gifted a junk food subscription– all the group really enjoyed that. I know someone who was gifted a beauty product subscription box– and they found that to be a lot of fun.
2. Kate Spade Wallet
Kate Spade is such a fun, feminine brand. My daughter and her friends really love Kate Spade’s line of purses and wallets.
My daughter gifted herself a similar bifold Kate Spade wallet. She has had it for about three years now.
It’s held up well- and she gets compliments anytime she pulls it out.
3. Keurig Mini Coffee Maker
College apartments have no counter space. The standard Keurig’s can take up too much of that precious space, we learned that the hard way.
The Keurig K- Mini is their smallest Keurig yet. It still accommodates travel mugs as well as standard mugs and it will take up very little of her precious counter space. And they come in a variety of colors too!
4. Nike
Nike and Nike Air Forces are very popular shoes with guys and girls alike. They have a real cult following.
You can customize them. The Air Force’s in the picture above- the swoosh comes in several different colors. Nike just makes great shoes.
From what I have observed and heard- the Nike Air Forces in plain white are the go-to shoe. They go with everything from atheleasure to skirts.
My daughter owns several different and fun Nikes- with the Nike Air Forces in white being her go to pair.
5. Apple AirPods
My daughter loves her AirPods! They are wireless and the sound is amazing.
My friends, their kids of all ages, and my husband included- AirPods and AirPod Pros continue to be a hot gift request.
6. Sperry Duck Boots
Keeping her feet warm and dry as she walks to class in the rain and the snow is a must.
Both my daughter and myself own Sperry Duck Boots and we get so many complements on them.
They’ll keep her feet warm and dry in any weather. As a bonus she will look totally cute too!
7. Good Luggage
You can not go wrong with a good piece of luggage.
Luggage is a gift that she will take with her on many adventures, for many years to come.
I can personally love the Traveler’s Choice Pagosa 22 inch carry on suitcase. It holds a lot. It’s held up to a lot. And the price point was good too. Highly recommend it for your girl who’s on the go.
8. Apple Watch
The Apple Watch continues to be on heck of a popular fitness tracker. While it is a fitness tracker it syncs with her iPhone to help track vitals, alerts her to phone calls and texts, and tracks sleep.
It’s a cool device that continues to be a very popular gift request from the teens and young adults that I know.
9. JBL Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Charge 4 bluetooth speaker holds up well and they sound is great!
Whether your college student is a music snob or just likes to hear her favorite music clearly, JBL Waterproof Bluetooth speaker will make it happen.
Portable and able to connect to any phone with bluetooth. It easily goes anywhere with a charge life a 20 hrs.
We own it in black- and we have owned several over the past 15+ years- and the sound never disappoints.
10. Italian Leather Tote
Regardless of age- it is nice to have a good quality leather purse.
This Classic Italian Leather Tote has plenty of room, well positioned pockets to handle all things she carries around in her purse.
A good quality purse would help her look- and feel- put together as she starts to interview for internships or her post college career.
11. Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite is an amazing gift for the avid reader in your life!
The Kindle Paperwhite is slim- so it’s easy to take anywhere. She can change the color of the back lighting to an nice amber- so that she isn’t getting too much blue light and won’t have any trouble sleeping.
The Kindle Paperwhite is also waterproof! She can continue to read her favorite literature in the bath, at the beach, truly anywhere.
12. Ugg Tazz Slipper
I have been seeing the Ugg Tazz slipper everywhere I go- always on the feet of hip young adults.
I am not here to judge why they are wearing slippers all over town- in all kinds of weather.
I just know these are a hit- and I know a few young adults that have already put them on their gift list.
