Written by: Edward Flippen
Photo by Edward Flippen
For many, college years are some of the best, filled with unique experiences. The sudden freedom, the journey into adulthood, and the fresh environment bring new challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s been a while since you were in college or you’re currently studying for your statistics class, finding the best gifts for students can be tricky. This article is your guide, providing insights into some of the most requested gifts by students themselves.
Christmas time, which usually coincides with final exams, can be especially stressful due to deadlines and the semester’s end. Even with a tight budget, small gifts can make a big difference for college students. Any gesture that creates smilies or eases the transition from one stage of life to another is sure to be appreciated. This list features ten practical and useful gifts for college students, from electronics and tech gadgets to housewares, school supplies, and appliances. The college students in your life will genuinely appreciate and use these thoughtful gifts.
“Something I would want for Christmas is one of those portable ice makers. It would just be nice to have and very practical, a toolkit would also be great and I could even use it after college.“
– Natalia Lawton, Freshman
#1 Portable Countertop Ice Maker
College students often don’t have access to a freezer with an ice maker so a portable ice maker is a perfect Christmas gift for a college student. These compact devices are designed to fit easily in small spaces, making them perfect for dorm rooms or apartments where space is limited. Instead of waiting for ice trays to freeze, a portable ice maker can produce ice quickly, which is especially handy during gatherings or study sessions. Whether for keeping drinks cold, making smoothies, or using in first aid, having a reliable supply of ice is incredibly practical for everyday college life.
#2 Tool Kit
Toolkits promote self-reliance among students by providing the necessary tools for minor repairs and tech issues. Versatile and useful for a range of tasks, a toolkit makes an excellent gift that remains beneficial even after graduation. A durable, high-quality toolkit can last for years, offering continued advantages well beyond the initial gift-giving. Overall, a toolkit is a practical, thoughtful, and valuable present that significantly boosts a college student’s independence and problem-solving skills.
Photo by Edward Flippen / Modeled by Maddy Randazzo
#3 iPad with Keyboard and #4 Apple Pen
An iPad with a keyboard is an excellent Christmas gift for college students for several reasons. Firstly, an iPad is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for students who move between classes. Adding a keyboard enhances its functionality, allowing it to function like a laptop with even greater mobility. The iPad can be used for a wide range of tasks, including note-taking, researching, reading e-books, and creating presentations. The keyboard addition makes typing long documents and emails more comfortable.
If you include an Apple Pencil, students can take advantage of numerous drawing apps, work on graphic design, and even write essays. The Apple Pencil is ideal for students in majors such as graphic design, architecture, art or any course that requires drawing or design work, providing precise control and a natural drawing experience. With both a keyboard and Apple Pencil, students can seamlessly switch between typing, drawing, and annotating documents, making it a versatile tool for various tasks.
”I would love a projector because then I could like project movies onto my ceiling or wall and I could take it with me anywhere.”
– Maddy Randazzo, Freshman
#5 Mini Portable Projector
A mini projector is a compact device that can project images or videos onto a screen or wall. It connects to various devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles, using HDMI, USB, or wireless connections. Designed for easy transport and setup, these projectors offer a convenient way to display content without the bulk of traditional projectors. Its portability and ease of use make it a practical choice for students on the go. Serving multiple purposes, from leisure to educational uses, it is a valuable addition to any student’s Christmas wish list.
Photo by Edward Flippen / Modeled by Keira McCarrick
#6 Five Star Spiral Notebook
A Five Star spiral notebook makes an excellent Christmas gift because, while students may not always want to buy notebooks, they definitely need them. Five Star notebooks are known for their durable covers and strong binding, which can endure the daily wear and tear of the semester. These notebooks often feature built-in pockets and dividers, making it easy for students to organize their notes, handouts, and assignments. Additionally, they come in various sizes, colors, and styles, allowing students to choose the one that best suits their needs and preferences.
#7 Texas Instruments Graphing Calculator
Many college courses actually require a graphing calculator. It helps students perform complex calculations, plot graphs, and analyze data. These calculators offer a wide range of functions, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus, statistics, and even programming. This makes them a coveted item in the college community. Not only are they great are solving equations but they are also great at lasting. Texas Instruments are known for their robust build quality, these calculators can withstand the wear and tear of daily use, making them a reliable tool that can last through college and beyond. Texas Instruments website also provides a ton of educational resources, including tutorials, online support, and classroom activities, helping students make the most out of their calculators.
”A kindle, because I love reading and having a kindle is like owning a little library.”
– Keira McCarrick, Sophomore
#8 Amazon Kindle
The Amazon Kindle comes with features that improve studying, including note-taking, highlighting, and a built-in dictionary. It provides access to a library of e-books available for purchase and reading. This reduces the need for physical books, thus saving space in dorm rooms and backpacks. Additionally, e-books minimize the demand for paper and physical shipping, making the Kindle an eco-friendly choice. Overall, the Amazon Kindle is a practical, versatile, and thoughtful gift that can significantly improve a college student’s reading and learning experience.
Photo by Edward Flippen / Modeled by Connor Murray
#9 Lap-desk
A lap desk makes a perfect Christmas gift for college students for several reasons. It is portable, comfortable, organizational, and versatile. When students are studying in various locations—dorm rooms, libraries, cafes, or even outside a lap desk provides a portable stable workspace that can be easily transported wherever they go. Sitting at a desk for long periods can be uncomfortable and even unhealthy. A lap desk allows students to work from the comfort of their bed, couch, or any other cozy spot, reducing strain on their back and neck. Many lap desks come with built-in features like storage compartments, cup holders, and slots for pens and tablets, helping students keep their study essentials organized and within reach. Lap desks are not just for studying; they’re also great for eating, watching movies on a laptop, or even doing crafts.
“I think it would be really cool to get one of those mini photo printers because then I could print out any photo I want and then I could put it on my wall.”
– Connor Murray, Freshman
#10 Instant Mini Photo Printer
An instant mini photo printer is a small compact, portable device that connects to smartphones and tablets to print photos instantly. These photo printers use special photo paper to produce high-quality images. College is a time filled with memorable moments. With an instant mini photo printer students can quickly print out photos of their friends, events, and experiences, to preserve their favorite college memories forever. These printers are portable and easy to use, allowing students to print photos directly from their smartphones anywhere, anytime. With an instant photo printer, students can decorate their dorm rooms, create photo albums, or make personalized gifts for friends and family.
Graphic made with infogram
The following information and the data from the graphic is based on a survey that was conducted at Florida Southern College and distributed to students through various online platforms, including social media, text messages, email, etc. Data was gathered from 25 responses. It is important to note that this is a very small portion of students and most likely does not correctly represent the student body as a whole.
When respondents were asked, “Out of the following categories, which would you prefer a Christmas gift from?” 64% chose tech/electronics, 16% selected housewares, 12% opted for appliances, and 8% chose school supplies. These responses highlight the strong preference for tech and electronics among respondents, suggesting that gadgets and tech-related gifts are highly useful in the college community. Housewares and appliances also hold significant appeal, showing a desire for practical items that can improve dormitory living. School supplies, while less favored, still play an essential role for students.
In response to the question, “Do you feel you would be happy if you were to receive all the gifts above for Christmas?” 61% answered yes, 20% said no, and 16% were uncertain. The data also indicates that a majority of respondents would be pleased with a diverse range of gifts, showing an appreciation for variety and usefulness. The top choice of a new iPad with keyboard shows the importance and want of technology in college.