More than ever, college students could use something exciting under the tree or next to that menorah. It’s been a rough go these past couple of semesters. Students hadn’t had as much to look forward to this year with distance learning taking over, and events put on the back burner. 

Incoming freshmen have spent the first few months of their college careers either in a dorm room or at home, in the same bedroom they had in high school. Seniors have missed the chance to go to that last formal, club meeting--even their graduations. 

Even if your college student has spent 2020 in one of their in-between years, they’ve had to exercise an incredible amount of flexibility and patience. 

When they come home for the holidays this year, let them kick back and enjoy the holidays in a way that feels good to them. Whether that looks like curling up with a book, hibernating for a couple of days, binging their favorite shows, or doing nothing at all--they need it. 

With everything that’s been going on, this holiday season could use some extra good cheer. If you’re looking to give the college student in your life a little something to smile about and have the means to do it, try getting them something they’d really enjoy. 

Whether they’re in need of some comfort, a caffeine boost, an excuse to buy themselves something nice, or to take a few deep breaths, there’s a gift for that. 

Struggling to come up with ideas? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some fun options for that perfect gift--

• Handmade throw blanket
• Wireless Bluetooth charging speaker
• Essential oil diffuser
• A gift card to their favorite shop
• Single-serve Keurig 
• Care Packages
• Matching Lounge Set
  

Handmade Throw Blanket

If there’s one thing we know to be true, it’s that you’re never too old for a comfort object. And this year especially, there’s no shortage of a need for a warm blanket hug. With the pressure of a pandemic, adjusting, and schoolwork, cuddling up underneath this handmade throw can make it all a bit more doable for college students. 

If they lean towards some tactile stress-relief, they’ll not only wrap themselves into a blanket burrito but have fun tangling their fingers in those soft stitches. 

Not only are blankets great for soothing our stressors, but they’re extremely practical. If your college student has been holed up in their dorm room, they most likely haven’t been in control of the thermostat. Though they probably already have a duvet to sleep in, another layer of warmth couldn’t hurt. 

This is a gift that’ll meet its value in use--even if that use is to add some pizzazz to a dreary college dorm. 

Essential Oil Diffuser

After a full day of classes, assignments, part-time jobs, and extracurriculars, college students could stand to unwind a bit. Whether their idea of de-stressing is an hour-long yoga flow, daily meditation practice, or vegging out while streaming their favorite episodes, an essential oil diffuser is a welcome addition. 

What’s fun about this gift is that it sparks creativity. Aromatherapy is generally beneficial but highly personal. Students who are all about that wellness lifestyle will be enormously appreciative. 

College kids can have fun experimenting and researching which scents help them reach peak relaxation--it may even become a new hobby!

And the best part? All it takes is a few drops and the click of a button to work. Sounds perfect post-school day!

Wireless Bluetooth 2-in-1 Charger And Speaker

If you were to walk into a dorm at any given time, you’d likely hear some tunes blasting from the common area or someone’s room. 

Music isn’t only essential for humans in general, but college students in particular. It’s how they connect with each other, study, work out, and let go. Never will there be a gathering or party without a carefully curated playlist just for the occasion. So why not give the college student in your life the tools they need to supply the music? 

By getting a charger-speaker hybrid, they don’t have to worry about the music being killed by their phone’s battery life. Instead, they can DJ all night long and leave the party with a full enough battery to get back to their rooms safely. 

This one might not be on their wishlist, but once they receive it, they’ll wonder where it’s been all their lives.

Single Serve Keurig

In college, sleepless nights come with the territory. Whether they’re running on two hours of sleep because of that mountain of papers that are due or because they were out all night, they’ll need to be at least half-awake for that 9 am lecture. 

Enter The Keurig. With an assortment of flavor pods, the college student in your life can fix themselves a delicious coffee without leaving their rooms. That sure comes in handy when they need to stay up and all the coffee shops around close early. Or when they’ve woken up twenty minutes before a class located across campus. 

All they need to do is push a button and let the machine do its work while they’re scrambling to brush their teeth and run out the door. 

The best part is, it won’t cost as much as that five-dollar latte they may not be able to afford. It’ll not only help students stay afloat when school gets overwhelming but keep money in their pockets. Sounds like a win, doesn’t it?

A Gift Card

The ‘broke college student’ isn’t just a stereotype. Many college students work to get themselves through school and have loans waiting for them after graduation. That means they may not always be able to afford simple pleasures, like eating off-campus. 

While some people say getting gift cards can be impersonal, they can actually be very thoughtful for students who don’t treat themselves very often. By giving them a simple gift card, you actually give them a gift that allows them to choose exactly what they want--something extra special this trying year.

And if money is tight, that’s okay. A gift card to a restaurant or coffee shop will make them smile on a tough day.

A Care Package Full Of Treats

This year, because of travel restrictions and safety concerns, some students may not be able to get home to their loved ones. If that’s the case for a college student you know, chances are, they’re feeling a bit low. 

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the delicious food we wait all year to eat--sweets, in particular. If Christmas cookies are part of your holiday traditions, why not send them a piece of that cheer to make things feel a bit more festive?

For this, care packages really do come in handy. Whether it be a box of their favorite snacks or a tin filled with Christmas cookies and other holiday goodies, your college student will be psyched to get one such a yummy surprise in the mail. 

Want to personalize it? Can do--there are a ton of options to choose from!

Matching Lounge Set

In colleges across the country, loungewear is an essential part of every wardrobe. Some choose to sport their college logos, while others prefer something a bit more understated. 

Even if your college student isn’t the type to roll out of bed in the same clothes they slept in the night before, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t feel as cozy as their classmates. 

This year, loungewear is having a serious moment. And whether the student in your life is going to virtual class on campus or at home, an on-trend, comfy outfit may be just the sort of pick-me-up they need. 

With this gift, there is no shortage of options for your quasi adult. These days, you can find them everywhere. Trust us, they’ll thank you when the compliments come pouring in and just may wonder why they ever wore anything else. 

While every student has their own unique interests and desires, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to find something on this list that’ll make their lives easier, whether they’re in a dorm room across the country or in the house. And aside from the convenience factor, you’ll make them smile--something they deserve to do more than ever this year. In any case, we hope this list has given you some inspiration. Happy holidays!