Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas for College Students

College students can be very interesting to shop for. Here are some ideas of things you can buy for them this Christmas that'll make their day and make life in college a little easier and more convenient. As a college graduate, take it from me, these are some Christmas gifts that college students actually want.

The Top Ten

Cash

Sometimes the best gift is a simple one. You can't go wrong with cash. College students are always broke. All you have to do is give them some cash, like some 20s or something like that.
I remember that most of the time people would give me between $20 and $100. Any amount in that range is good and will be very much appreciated. If you're really feeling generous, go for a gift card to their favorite restaurant, or a standard Visa gift card works too. Anything that has to do with money will go a long way.
Tickets to an Event

College kids love experiences, but they usually don't have the money to buy tickets. If their favorite artist is playing a concert nearby or their favorite sports team is playing, get them some tickets and enjoy some quality time together.
I always liked getting tickets to go to a concert or a game as a Christmas gift. It makes it feel that much more meaningful and memorable. It is a perfect way to spend time together or give an opportunity to make memories with friends that will last a lifetime.
Noise Cancelling Headphones

Dorm rooms can get noisy. The walls are kind of thin. This would be the perfect gift for any college student to get into the groove and grind through those hours of studying without having to worry about all the distractions.
I can confirm that these are a total game changer that any college student would greatly appreciate. These can be very pricey, usually over $100.
Mini Keurig

College kids run on caffeine pretty much. While large coffee makers are generally banned from dorm rooms because of a fire hazard, this single serve mini Keurig is generally allowed based on what I can find. It does depend on the school though.
If it's allowed, this is a good option to brew a fresh cup of coffee every day and start the day off right. I definitely wish I would've had one of these, especially for the early morning classes. These are right around $50.
Portable Charger

It keeps your devices charged when you're out and about on campus or on the town. It is always handy to have, and it can charge a variety of different devices. On top of that, you'll be the MVP of the friend group if you're the one with the portable charger.
I have one and can confirm it's very clutch, especially when I travel. You can find a decent one for under $30.
Mini Refrigerator

This is a dorm room must have. A mini fridge is very clutch. It is the perfect size for storing your favorite beverages and some food items. It is very compact and portable, which makes it easy to store, and it can be used for a long time. Usually these will cost around $120 to $150.
Extension Outlet

In a typical college dorm room, outlets are few and far between. There may only be two outlets in the whole room. Get one of these and you can charge all your devices from one outlet.
Trust me when I say that this is a true game changer. No more fighting with your roommates over the outlet space. You can find a decent one for under $20.
Blanket

Dorm rooms can get pretty chilly, especially in the colder months. A blanket, or really any comfort item, will go a long way toward making college life feel more comfortable.
Any college student would gladly appreciate it. It is perfect for staying warm and cozy. These will vary depending on how nice you want them to be, but generally speaking, a decent college blanket averages $40 to $50.
Water Filter

Instead of buying single use plastic water bottles, get a water filter and have unlimited fresh drinking water. I promise you that it saves you money in the long run, so you don't have to keep buying a case of plastic water bottles. You can fill it up at any sink.
The one I use was about $30, but again, it will save you money in the long run, so it's totally worth it.
Portable Shower Caddy

Anyone in college knows that at some point you will have a communal shower in your building or if you live in an apartment with roommates. This portable shower caddy is useful for keeping all your soaps, shampoo, and conditioner organized when going to the shower.
It is a handy, practical gift that anyone can use. You can get a decent one for under $15.