20 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for College Students That They'll Love
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Coming from me, a mom of teens, young adults on up to college kids are super tough to shop for. And there are only so many gift cards you can buy before you start shaking your head. We asked our CityMoms members: What are the best stocking stuffer ideas for college kids? You know, the ones they won't immediately throw away (ahem, candy canes) and could actually use?
Here are their top 20 picks for the little things that make a big impact and, more importantly, serve as an excellent stocking stuffer.
Stocking stuffer ideas for college students, and your young adults:
Gift Cards: Give the gift of choice with a variety of gift cards to their favorite stores or online retailers. Keep your eyes peeled on Target's website - they often offer a 10% off gift cards promotion around the holidays. (At the time of posting, their promotion included a $10 Target gift card for every $100 spent on other gift cards.) My teen boys have loved gift cards for their gaming console, and teen girls love ones to Altered State or Five Below but really, grabbing a gift card to any of their favorite shops is a good idea.
Portable Charger: Help them stay connected on-the-go with a handy portable charger for their cell phone. Plus it's a great way to make sure their phone is always charged when they need to call or text you to reload their Apple Pay balance.
Lip Balm: Great for keeping their lips hydrated during the harsh winter months - we're partial at home to anything by Laneige, but the Burt's Bees gift set makes good stocking stuffers too.
Card Games: Add some fun to their dorm room with a set of entertaining card games they can play with friends. One fun card game we love is Phase 10, but Taco vs. Burrito has become a fast hit at home too.
Mini Bluetooth Speaker: Let them enjoy their favorite music in their dorm room or on-the-go with a compact Bluetooth speaker. I'm always surprised how small these can be - making them one of the best stocking stuffers!
Apple Airtags: Honestly, these have been such a lifesaver for us to find lost keys, wallets, and even when my teen forgets where they parked their car (no really). I love that they also come in 4-packs, and are the right size to tuck into a pocket or wallet sleeve without taking up too much room.
Laptop Stickers: Take a peek at any college girl or boy's laptop and you'll notice this personal expression is all over their device. Grab a few stickers from virtually anywhere (I even spotted a few at the gas station!) they can use to bejewel their laptop, water bottle, or notebooks. If they love Taylor Swift, this set is a safe bet.
Snacks: Fill their stocking with a mix of their favorite snacks for late-night study sessions or quick bites on the go - my daughter loves beef jerky, and my son loves the Nerds Gummy Clusters. Both fit perfectly in a stocking.
Face Masks: A little self-care goes a long way with rejuvenating face masks for relaxation, especially after a full day of classes. These come in a set of 6, and are perfect for splitting between a few stockings.
Keychain: Keep their keys organized and add a personal touch with a cute and functional keychain. Combine it with #6 for a little extra punch, making it the perfect stocking stuffer or grab one with a wallet attachment.
Have someone just a wee smaller at home?
10 More stocking stuffer ideas for college students…
Coffee Mug: Fuel their caffeine addiction with a fun and quirky coffee mug for their morning brew. Or grab an insulated mug they can take to class.
Phone Stand: Help them stay hands-free while watching videos or video chatting with a convenient phone stand. This is one of my favorite things to gift because it always seems like a need.
Hand Warmers: Maybe a more practical gift, but a good one for winter weather months - these are one of the best things for keeping college students warm on their walk to class.
Cozy or Fuzzy Socks: Keep their toes warm and toasty during the chilly winter months with a pair of plush cozy socks. I tuck some in my kids' stocking every year!
Water Bottle: Keep them hydrated throughout the day with a durable and stylish water bottle for their daily adventures. The Owala brand is all the rage this season.
Stress Ball: Help them destress during exams or long study sessions with a fun and squishy stress ball - therapy dough is pretty easily available in many stores and also serves the same purpose.
Dude Wipes: We're obsessed with these at my house, especially with two athletes. They fit perfectly into a stocking or backpack, and are excellent for a quick wipe down after a gym class or sweaty walk across campus.
Bath Bombs: Maybe their dorm has a tub, or maybe they'll just indulge in yours while they're home visiting. Either way, bath bombs are one of my favorite stocking stuffers.
Smart Plugs: Another super practical gift that I love - these can be used in a dorm to control lights, the Keurig, or anything your college student might need to add a little smart technology to.
Phone Wallet: Help them streamline their essentials with a convenient phone wallet that holds their cash, cards, and ID. My son loves his, and it magnetizes to the back of his phone for safe keeping!
