If you’re looking for gifts for your college bound student, you want to find something useful they will appreciate.
At the same time, it’s important that your gift is also affordable. After all, college is expensive!
So, we’ve put together a short list of the best gifts for college students.
Each is a quality product or service that will serve your college aged student well!
Discover our top picks, below.
CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn the best gifts for college bound students, including what gifts students need most:
- What Gifts Do Students Need?
- Portable Photo Printer
- Wireless Headphones
- A Pair of Chuck Taylors
- Board Games for College Students
- Last-Minute Gifts
- Versatile Back Pack
- Platform Bed Frame
- Le Creuset Utensil Set
- Final Thoughts
- Next Steps
Note: This article contains affiliate links, so I may earn a commission if you buy something (at no extra cost to you). Rest assured, I only recommend products I love and use! You can read my full disclosure here.
Cheap Student Gifts: What Do College Students Need The Most?
When you think of great student gift ideas that are fun and useful, you might think of things like a footlocker, mini-fridge, and shower caddies.
And those are classic gifts for your college student. By all means, gift those items since they are essential.
But you can also purchase additional gifts that fulfilling and relevant.
Whether you’re getting something to celebrate a students’ birthday, prepare for the start of college, or even reward accomplishments, you don’t need to spend a fortune. (You probably already are, for tuition…)
So, below is a list of relatively cheap gifts to consider when you’re shopping for the student in your life.
No doubt, these thoughtful gifts will be well-received!
Portable Photo Printer
A photo printer can simplify the process of turning photos into memories. This is ideal for decorating your student’s room.
To start using the device, they can simply download the photo printing app and connect through Bluetooth. This portable photo printer from Kodak weighs less than a pound and fits in the palm of your hand.
Most portable photo printers are compatible with Android and iOS and Android, Bluetooth devices, and NFC.
That means you won’t have a bunch of messy wires to deal with, either. (Remember, outlets are limited in college dorms!)
A typical device may retail at as low as $70, making it a fun and cost-effective gift.
Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones are the perfect gift item on a budget, yet so valuable in the life of a student.
They can help to cancel noise during workouts or when your child is studying.
It can even help them sleep in a noisy dorm with a meditation or sleep app. It seems like someone is always throwing a party into the wee hours in college!
For instance, Beats Studio Buds are wireless headphones with active voice canceling ability, rich sound, and extended listening time. They are a quality option that can convert to hours of playback and retail under $125.
Furthermore, you can take advantage of steep discounts, especially with the launch of new models.
For studying in noisy places, look for the most comfortable headphones.
On the other hand, runners require something light, such as the Jaybird Vista.
Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform Canvas Sneakers
Even the smallest college campus usually requires a lot of walking.
From the dorm, to the cafeteria, to classes, and back to the campus center – college kids walk a lot of steps in a typical day!
Make sure they have something comfortable and stylish on their feet, like some Chuck Taylors.
These classic unisex high-top sneakers are comfortable and look great with just about any outfit.
You can choose from a range of colors that fit your child’s personality, too.
And, you can bet they’ll get a lot of mileage in their first semester.
A Custom LED Neon Sign
Going off to college can be a daunting experience. So, send your loved one off with a custom-designed LED neon sign that captures a family motto, motivational mantra, or just their name in lights.
It’s a stunning decor piece that will brighten their days.
You can opt for a tabletop sign, or get a wall model, where the acrylic backing of the sign provides the perfect surface for adhesive strips. No drills required!
An LED neon sign makes for a thoughtful and practical gift that’s so unique!
Check out these brilliant dorm decor ideas for inspiration.
What To Do If You Don’t Have Much Time to Choose a Gift?
There’s another affordable option you might consider when you don’t have a lot of time to shop for special occasions, like a birthday.
That is, the gift of writing.
Look to a professional writing service that can help with medical paper writing for deserving learners.
Many services are backed by the right education and experience handling assignments, so they can write quality and plagiarism-free papers.
The best thing is, you can find a medical paper writing service on any topic or subject, no matter its complexity.
It’s certainly an option to consider for a special occasion, provided it aligns with the college guidelines.
College Age Board Games
A fun board game is also an excellent gift for a student, as they can play with their roommates in college.
It can make a perfect birthday gift or college care package because it is fun and entertaining.
Some games, such as Settlers of Catan, rely upon strategy. This means that the players learn critical thinking skills when they play the game regularly.
They’ll also learn the art of collaboration while exercising their brains – just like on their college projects.
Versatile Backpack
A good backpack is an item that any student would put to good use, owing to its versatility.
The best college backpack has adjustable and comfortable shoulder straps and a pocket that can fit many things. Some are waterproof and even have USB charging ports.
For instance, this backpack‘s exterior is sleek, slim, professional, and also suitable for public transport. And it’s really affordable, too.
Choosing the right backpack can be time consuming.
But with help from best research paper writing services, your student might be able to save some time and weigh in on the type of backpack that suits them best.
Or, you can find the best backpack for them.
Platform Bed Frame
A quality bed frame is a basis for having a good sleep, especially if your college student is moving into an apartment.
If you invest in a platform bed frame, it will be easy to move, store, and disassemble. And you won’t need a box-spring.
When choosing this gift, opt for something with a unique design and strong enough so your student can move it with ease through their college years.
Here’s an awesome platform bed made of solid Acacia wood. It folds up easily and requires no tools to set it up!
When the school year is over, you can simply fold it up and store it away.
Le Creuset Utensil Set
Le Creuset is one of the most popular luxury gift items on a budget that you can consider for a student.
This brand manufactures other products that may be more pricy owing to their features and elegance.
But this one is quite reasonably priced.
This particular kitchen set is one of the best in the kitchenware industry. And, it is affordable for gifting.
It includes five items: small and medium spatulas, a spoonula, a basting brush and a stoneware crock.
These silicon utensils can withstand heat up to 450-degrees, and won’t scratch non-stick pots or pans.
Plus, you can choose from six colors to further personalize it.
The utensils in this set are durable and stunning, adding some decorative elements to a kitchen.
And the crock helps keep your college-aged chef’s utensils organized, too!
Final Thoughts on Gifts for College Bound Student
The perfect gifts for students are those that are fun and can make a difference in their lives.
Choose any of the above gifts for the next occasion, but be sure to consider what your student needs most.
The best students’ gifts are affordable–so they can always fit into your budget–and full of value.
Author’s Bio: Robert Griffith has been all about writing since starting college. He loved writing screenplays and poems in the beginning and, after joining the college writing club, he started writing on a professional level. He is currently the number one essay writer for a global academic writing website.
Don’t forget to save this article for later on Pinterest!
Next Steps
Now that you know the best affordable and last-minute gifts for college students, dive deeper into what college students need here:
- Gift Guide: Best Gifts for College Boys
- Gift Guide: Best Gifts for College Girls
- Best Travel Accessories List To Power Up Your Student’s Amazing Journey
- Top College Essays: 7 Ways You Can Help Your Child with College Application Writing
- Students Volunteering: How To Plan an Epic Journey with “Voluntourism”