Which stocking stuffers are best for college students?
One of the most exciting moments of Christmas is diving into stockings to see what treasures they’re stuffed with. If you’re stuffing a stocking for a college student this year, you may be searching for items that are a bit different from previous years, especially as they’re embarking on early stages of adulting.
Stocking stuffers for college students include classic picks like candy, beauty and grooming products, as well as practical items like gift cards and tech accessories. Stockings are also the perfect place to tuck in small wishlist items, ranging from electronics to kitchen gadgets.
What to know about stocking stuffers for college students
Popular types of stocking stuffers for college students
College students often have much different needs and wants from high school students. Many of them even take on new hobbies or interests while they’re at college, which unlocks the door to a whole new world of gifts. Other college students are doing internships or have already begun working.
More than anything, finding the right stocking stuffers for college students boils down to choosing gifts that suit their lifestyles or make college life more comfortable. Here are some of the most popular categories:
- College students living on campus may appreciate small dorm living essentials, like smart plugs or wireless chargers.
- Travel gifts come in handy for commuting or studies abroad, including insulated tumblers, passport holders and luggage tags.
- Tech gifts rank high on many college students’ wish lists, particularly items like fitness trackers, streaming devices and smartphones.
- Practical gifts are much appreciated, including extra chargers, Post-it Notes and highlighters.
- Many college students like to unwind between assignments and exams with self-care items like under-eye patches, aromatherapy candles or cooling neck wraps.
- Food- and drink-related stocking stuffers remain perennial favorites, especially snacks, candy and coffee.
Tips for giving gift cards as stocking stuffers
Some of the most requested stocking stuffers among college students are gift cards to their favorite retailers, food delivery services or salons. Not only do they let recipients pick out exactly what they want, they’re easy, no-fuss stocking stuffers for gift-givers, too.
There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when giving gift cards. Many retailers let you purchase physical gift cards, whereas others only send electronic vouchers to the recipient’s email. Only some gift cards come with gift sleeves or boxes, and when they don’t, you’ll need to place them in a card or box so they don’t get lost inside stockings. Lastly, double-check the gift card’s receipt to confirm it was activated for the correct amount.
Do I wrap stocking stuffers?
There are two schools of thought when it comes to wrapping stocking stuffers: some people prefer to leave them unwrapped so recipients don’t need to spend extra time tearing away paper or tissue. Other people wrap stocking stuffers to add another element of surprise. Ultimately, it’s a matter of preference.
12 best stocking stuffers for college students
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite: available at Amazon
Compact and capable, the budget-friendly Fire TV stick offers access to all major streaming apps, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and Netflix. It comes with an Alexa-enabled remote that lets users find their favorite shows and movies with voice command.
JBL CLIP 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker: available at Amazon and Kohl’s
Tiny but mighty, this Bluetooth speaker is the perfect sidekick that streams music for up to 10 hours. It has a built-in carabiner that clips onto backpacks for hands-free portability. The speaker has an IPX7 waterproof rating, making it suitable for shower or beach use.
Tile Sticker Bluetooth Tracker: available at Amazon
The Tile Sticker is a Bluetooth device tracker that sticks to most surfaces so users can track devices, ranging from remotes to sunglasses cases. The tracker is compatible with most iOS and Android devices and even works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri.
Wallet Ninja 18-in-1 Multitool: available at Amazon
A practical gift that comes in handy more than you think, Wallet Ninja is an all-in-one tool that functions as a cell phone stand, screwdriver and more. The built-to-last tool is made with four-times heat-treated steel and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Fitbit Luxe Fitness Tracker: available at Amazon, Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods
The all-new Fitbit Luxe has an updated look with a few new features, including stress management tools and a low-profile band. The design coordinates well with all outfits, including business-casual clothing worn to internships.
Braun 9-in-1 Hair and Body Grooming Razor Kit: available at Amazon
There isn’t much this Braun grooming device can’t handle. Not only does it have several beard-trimming attachments, it has an AutoSensing Motor that adapts to any beard length or thickness.
Calvin Klein Men's 3-Pc. Eternity Gift Set: available at Macy’s
Packaged in a slender, stocking-friendly box, this Calvin Klein fragrance sampler features the designer’s top scents. The 1-ounce mini bottles are ideal for travel, as they fit inside most toiletry cases.
Levi’s Hero Beanie: available at Amazon and Macy’s
The versatile Levi’s Hero Beanie is so cozy, many people turn it into their go-to cold-weather hat. The super-soft acrylic design has an adjustable fold-up cuff that features a sewn-in leather logo patch.
Urban Decay Naked Cyber Eyeshadow Palette: available at Ulta
Urban Decay’s new palette features a futuristic color story with bold shades like warm red and blue iridescent silver. The 12 shades feature a variety of finishes so wearers can experiment with different day-to-night looks.
GE Color-Changing LED Night-Light: available at Amazon
These color-changing LED night-lights offer three lighting modes, including a soft white mode for traditional lighting. The night-lights conserve energy by automatically turning on at dusk and turning off at dawn.
Charter Club Faux-Fur Slipper Socks: available at Macy’s
Let’s face it: dorm floors are rarely as warm and inviting as the ones at home. These slipper socks have fluffy linings and nonslip soles, making them both comfortable and safe. To boot, they’re machine-washable.
Zulay Original Milk Frother: available at Amazon
This handheld milk frother is made for crafting cafe-quality coffee drinks, right in the comfort of your own dorm. The device is easy to rinse off and clean after use, plus it comes with an upright stand for storage.
Sian Babish is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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