Best Gifts For College Girls - Subscription Box Expert

30 Unique Gifts For College Girls That She’ll Love Every Single Day

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It’s that time of year again when college students are preparing to head back to school and the holiday season is nearing.

If you have a college student in your life, you may be wondering what kind of gifts to get them. Well, we’ve got you covered with the perfect gift ideas for the college girls in your life!

Not only does our list feature gifts that are unique, but they’re also going to be things that she’ll be able to enjoy on a daily basis.


Apple Watch

Price Range: $500-600

Apple Watch Ultra

When it comes to picking the perfect gift for the college girl in your life, you can’t go wrong with the Apple Watch Ultra. This sleek and stylish device is packed with features that any busy student will appreciate, from its fitness tracking capabilities to its built-in music player.

Plus, with a variety of different strap and case options available, the Apple Watch is sure to fit any fashion taste.

So if you’re looking for a gift that’s both practical and chic, make sure to put an Apple Watch at the top of your list.

Lululemon Leggings

Price Range: $100-200

Lululemon Wunder Under Tights

Lululemon leggings are some of the most popular athleisure wear, like ever. All of their leggings are not only stylish and form-fitting, but they’re also comfortable and perfect for working out or running errands.

And get this–even after dozens/hundreds of washes, they remain as tightly fit as day one. Such craftsmanship!

Plus, they come in a variety of colors and patterns so you can find the perfect pair for your favorite girl. Trust us, she’ll love these leggings, so don’t be surprised when you find that she’s wearing them all the time!

Our top recommendation for the utmost functionality? Lululemon’s Wunder Under High Rise leggings–they’ve actually got pockets!

AirPod Pros

Price Range: $200-300

Bluetooth headphones are a college essential and beloved item by many. If she doesn’t already own a pair, Air Pod Pros are going to be a great gift that she’ll use on a daily basis.

We have yet to meet anyone who’s not been excited to receive these!

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera

Price Range: $100-200

Fujifilm Instax EVO

If you’re looking for a fun gift that can capture memories along the way, the Fujifilm Instax EVO Camera is going to be perfect. This stylish and fun camera is perfect for capturing all of life’s memories, big and small.

With its easy-to-use controls and variety of fun features, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera is sure to be a hit with any college girl. And at under $100, it’s a great gift that won’t break the bank!

Essential Oil Diffuser

Price Range: $50-100

Vitruvi Stone Diffuser

There are a lot of things that college girls need in order to make their dorm rooms feel like home. One of the most essential items on that list is an oil diffuser.

Not only does the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser look absolutely gorgeous and make the space smell nice, but it also has some great benefits for your health. The greatest health benefit of all? It can help reduce stress levels.

College can be a very stressful time for students. Between classes, exams, and social obligations, it can be tough to find time to relax. An oil diffuser can help to create a calm and relaxing environment in her dorm room, which can help to reduce stress levels and promote better sleep.

Crafted out of high-quality porcelain, these beautiful stone diffusers will help her diffuse essential oils throughout her home, while doubling as a stunningly simple piece of decor. It’s a self-care gift and a housewarming gift all wrapped up in one awesome product. Best of all, they come in 4 different earth-tone colors.

A Good Pair Of Walking Shoes

Price Range: $80-150

Ecco Soft 7 Walking Shoes

If you’ve ever walked across a college campus, you know it’s basically a workout disguised as higher education. From early-morning lectures on one end to late labs on the other, a solid pair of walking shoes can make or break her day.

That’s why a comfortable, supportive pair makes one of the most practical gifts you can give a college kid!

Our favorite pick: the ECCO Soft 7. They’re sleek enough to wear with jeans or casual outfits, yet cushioned and durable enough to handle miles of walking each day. Plus, they’re great for travel (i.e. those darn European cobblestones).

We love that they’re breathable, easy to clean, and last for years — even through rain, coffee spills, festival dirt/dust, and campus construction zones.


TAKE YOUR PICK: OTHER GREAT WALKING SHOES


JBL Flip Bluetooth Speaker

Price Range: $80-150

The JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker is perfect for any dorm room or small apartment and is sure to be a hit with any music lover.

The sound quality is amazing, and the speaker is small enough to fit in any backpack or purse. Trust us, this is one gift she’ll be using all year long, whether it’s in her apartment, on the beach, or simply hanging out on campus!

For a more vintage look & feel: Check out the Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker. Such a sleek and cool look!

Portable Power Bank

Price Range: Under $50

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the college girl in your life who lives life on-the-go, look no further than a portable power bank.

Whether she’s always out and about or just needs a little extra juice for her phone, this is a great gift that will come in handy again and again.

There are a lot of different power banks out there to choose from, so how do you know which one is right for her? First, consider how much power she’ll need.

If she only uses her phone for occasional texts and calls, a smaller capacity power bank should suffice. But if she’s constantly on social media or streaming videos, she’ll need something with more juice.

The power banks by Anker are always sleek and stylish so they will match anyone’s aesthetic perfectly.

Silk Pillowcase

Price Range: $50-100

Silk pillowcases are not only incredibly soft and luxurious, but they also have some amazing benefits for skin and hair.

College girls will love how silk pillowcases help to keep their skin hydrated and their hair frizz-free. Plus, they’ll appreciate not having to worry about stains on their pillows!

The silk pillowcases by Blissy are among the best in the market (they come in a cute scrunchie set too), so we recommend going with this brand, commonly found at places like Nordstrom, indie lifestyle shops, and home decor shops.

nomakenolife

Price Range: Under $50

nomakenolife Subscription Box

nomakenolife is your gateway to the best of Korean and Japanese drugstore skincare and makeup. Each box is packed with high-quality, innovative products straight from Japan, featuring brands like Canmake (beloved for their affordable yet high-performing makeup) and innisfree (an affordable skincare powerhouse).

We’d say nomakenolife is better for younger people since it focuses on cute, fun, trendy, and IG-worthy items that skew more on the makeup side (eyeshadow, lip gloss, mascara, etc.) than skincare.

Instant Pot

Price Range: $50-100

We don’t care what anyone says, Instant Pots are still our best friend in the kitchen. And they’re especially great for college students!

The Instant Pot is a must-have for any college student. It’s perfect for making quick and easy meals, and it’s small enough to fit in even the smallest dorm room.

Plus, it’s super affordable, so you can get one for your student without breaking the bank. Trust us, she’ll love it!

Pro Tip: Be sure to pick up an Instant Pot cookbook so she has somewhere to effortlessly start.

Monos Metro Weekender Bag

Price Range: $200-300

Monos Metro Duffel Review -

The Monos Metro Duffel is a college girl’s dream bag. This stylish and functional duffel is perfect for carrying all of her essentials, whether she’s headed to class or hitting the gym.

The Monos Metro Duffel makes a great gift for any college girl who likes to be stylish and organized. Order yours today and make her college year even better! If you get her one of these, you can trust she’ll never have to buy another weekender bag for at least a decade!

Checkered Throw Blanket

Price Range: Under $50

Checker print is back in style, all! This cute-as-heck checkered throw blanket is perfect for young adults because of its youthful and playful print. Plus, it comes in 8 cute colors to match her aesthetic.

Whether you’re looking for a gift for your daughter, niece, or friend, a throw blanket is always a good idea. They’re perfect for snuggling up on the couch or using as an extra layer when studying in the library.

Party Games

Price Range: Under $50

If you’re looking for the perfect party board game to gift your favorite college girl, here are three of the best party games to ensure she and her friends are laughing nonstop:

What Do You Meme?: This new game has taken the internet by storm and is perfect for a group of girls who love to meme and be silly. It’s sure to be a hit at any party.

Throw Throw Burrito: There’s literally no other game on the market that involves competitively throwing soft burritos at each other. It’s so much fun!

Scrawl: Terrible Drawings and Ridiculous Guesses: This drawing game of telephone is always a favorite among groups of friends.

For more awesome party board games, check out this post on the best party games by our game-loving friends at Land of Trivia.

Pajama Set

Price Range: Under $50

Because one can never have too many pairs of cozy pajamas. Here are our top picks for the best pajama sets for college girls, sure to keep her warm and comfortable in bed all year long.

Pendleton Beach Towel

Price Range: $50-100

Pendleton Beach Towels

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift for a college student or you’re in need of a beach blanket yourself, Pendleton’s oversized beach towels are a beautiful option. These towels are not only stylish and eye-catching, but they’re also made from high-quality materials that are built to last you for YEARS.

Pendleton beach towels are available in a variety of different iconic designs (seriously, the patterns are so colorful and unique), so you’re sure to find one that the college girl in your life will love.

P.F. Candle Co. Teakwood & Tobacco Soy Wax Candle

Price Range: Under $50

P.F. Candle Co.’s best-selling soy candle in Teakwood & Tobacco is a cult-favorite among everyone I know, including us! It just smells so freaking good.

Their scents are not overwhelmingly strong and will make her new dorm or apartment smell amazing and cozy at the same time. Not to mention, they look great due to their minimalist design–perfect for that clean, simple home aesthetic!

Looking to pair this candle with another product for a college care package gift? We also highly recommend their diffusers and anything ‘Amber & Moss’ scented.

BONUS: We recently discovered a genius, new way to light candles. Enter the electric candle lighter–these babies solve the problem of finicky matches, lighters, and burnt fingers! Instead of using flammable fluids or friction to start a flame, electric candle lighters contain a lithium-ion battery in a slim case. Touch that little arc of heat to the candle wick and the candle will magically light!

Love Goodly

Price Range: Under $50

Love Goodly Beauty Box

It’s crazy when you actually learn how many chemicals and toxins we’ve all been putting on our faces and eating every day. The LOVE GOODLY box aims to change that.

With this lifestyle/beauty subscription box, every other month you will receive 4-5 cruelty-free, toxin-free, vegan products, with mainly full size products. You can expect a good mix of beauty and skincare products, healthy snacks, wellness products, and eco-style accessories.

Each box provides a really good value, always over $80+. In addition to receiving the box, you’ll also have access to LOVE GOODLY’s shop, which sells many of the brands featured in the boxes. Lastly, every purchase always supports one of their fabulous cause partners. This is a subscription that your teen will feel good about supporting!

Adults & Crafts Subscription Box

Price Range: Under $50

The Adults & Crafts Crate - The 10 Best Subscription Boxes For Arts and Crafts and DIY Projects

Adults & Crafts is a thoughtfully curated subscription box for all types of adults & teens. With this fun and artsy subscription, she’ll be able to create fun and trendy projects every month!

You can expect a different craft with each box, allowing you to expand your art skills and learn a new craft technique such as wood-burning, clockmaking, embossing, and engraving. Each project will take you about 2-4 hours, perfect for a crafty night in.

Previous projects include wine carriers, epoxy resin coasters, wine and cheese serving trays, hanging terrariums, holiday wreaths, candles, & more! This arts and crafts gift subscription is one of our go-to’s for family night, friendly hangouts, and date nights.

TheraBox – Self-Care Subscription Box

Price Range: Under $50

TheraBox - Self Care Subscription Box: Best Gifts For New Moms and Expecting Mothers

Unbox happiness on a monthly basis! This wildly popular box is one of our favorite gifts for just about anyone who appreciates a little self-care. 

TheraBox contents are mindfully curated by therapists to reduce stress & increase joy through self-love. Each box includes 1 research-inspired therapeutic activity to promote gratitude and happiness. It will also feature 6-8 self-care and wellness products that will serve to reduce stress & enhance your mind, body, and soul!

You can expect products ranging from aromatherapy, natural/organic bath, body, skincare products, and other lifestyle goodies! Each box has over $120+ retail value, so this is quite a deal for the price you’re paying!

Frequency: Monthly
Cost: Plans starting at $35/month, cancel anytime
Ships to: Ships worldwide from United States

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small

Price Range: Under $50

Finally, a book that college kids will be addicted to picking up! From glassblowing in the Czech Republic to swimming with dolphins in New Zealand, The Bucket List is the perfect gift for the passionate traveler.

This hardcover, illustrated book features around-the-world, continent-by-continent listings of the most desired treks, experiences, beaches, museums, monuments, islands, mountains, and more.

We’ve owned a copy of this book for about three years now, and to this day, it’s still so stimulating and fun flipping through it. This book is perfect for college girls who seem to always catch the travel bug.

Finders Seekers Subscription Box

Price Range: Under $50

Finders Seekers Review - SubscriptionBoxExpert

Finders Seekers  is a monthly “escape room” style subscription box, ideal for teens and adults who loves puzzles, escape rooms, solving mysteries, or anything requiring a little brainpower.

With Finders Seekers, you will experience a mystery puzzle box featuring a new destination theme each month. In addition to the puzzle/escape room experience, you’ll get a mini travel experience, too, learning about different regions of the world while you solve riddles and puzzles!

Amazon Prime Student Membership

Price Range: Under $50

This is just about the most practical gift idea on this list! With Prime Student, she’ll get free shipping on millions of items, exclusive deals and discounts, and access to Prime Video and Music.

Plus, with a 6-month free trial, it’s the perfect way to help her save time and money while she’s away at school.

Pro Tip: To give her a jumpstart on picking up college essentials for her dorm or apartment, you could even pair this gift with an Amazon gift card.

PMD Clean Pro Smart Facial Cleansing Device

Price Range: $50 – $100

The PMD Clean Pro is a top-of-the-line facial cleansing device that uses sonic pulsations to deeply cleanse the skin, removing 99.5% of dirt and oil.

Your favorite college girl will love this gift because it’s not only practical, but it’s also luxurious. The PMD Clean Pro is made with medical-grade silicone and has a sleek, ergonomic design. Plus, it comes with a luxurious travel case, so she can take it with her on the go.

The PMD Clean Pro is the perfect gift for any college girl who wants to keep her skin looking its best. Order yours today and give her the gift of healthy, beautiful skin!

College Care Package Ideas: Below are inexpensive gift ideas that we think would be perfect in a college care package or college gift basket.

Open-Flat Makeup Toiletry Bag

Price Range: Under $50

Eachy Makeup Bag

A cute travel toiletry bag makes for a perfect, practical gift for college girls. They’re a travel essential, useful for keeping all of her toiletries organized and in one place while she’s on the go.

We love the toiletry bags by Eachy because it has transparent sides for providing a clear overview of contents. Not to mention, they’re built sturdily, making them great for overnight stays, daily use in forms, gym showers, and outdoor activities.

This Works Sleeping Spray

Price Range: Under $50

Give the gift of a good night’s sleep with a bottle of This Works’ Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. This sleeping spray is the perfect present for anyone on your list (we’ve certainly gifted our fair share of this to our own friends/family)!

This luxurious spray is made with natural ingredients and helps promote a restful night’s sleep. Just spritz it on your pillow before bedtime and inhale the calming scent of lavender, chamomile, and vetiver.

The college girl in your life will love this thoughtful gift that shows you care about their well-being.

Felt Letter Board

Price Range: Under $50

If you’re looking to compile a college care package for the college girl in your life, a felt letter board is a unique addition.

This fun and trendy accessory is perfect for spicing up any dorm room or apartment. She can compile a welcome message for her apartment, or change it up on a daily basis to communicate with her roomies.

Plus, it’s great for social media pictures! It’s a fun way to keep friends and family updated on what’s going on in her life.

Cropped Workout Tank Tops

Price Range: Under $50

Workout tank tops are perfect for hitting the gym or going on a run. They’re also great for layering under jackets and sweaters when the weather starts to cool down.

CRZ YOGA Pima Cotton Cropped Tank Tops are so comfortable and breezy, making them perfect for her gym days. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you’re sure to find one that your college student will love.

Plus, the cropped cut makes them super stylish so she can actually wear these out on normal days too!

Capri Blue Candle in Volcano

Price Range: Under $50

Capri Blue Candle

No lie, we absolutely adore Capri Blue candles, especially Volcano, their signature scent. Volcano is an energizing blend of exotic citrus and sugary notes.

Feeling like you’re in a tropical paradise doesn’t have to include flying miles away! The scents of all of their candles are simply divine and will transport her to her best tropical dreams.

Capri Blue also has equally amazing diffusers, too!

Laptop / Waterbottle Stickers

Price Range: Under $25

Laptop Waterbottle Stickers

A cute set of stickers that she can stick wherever she wants is a great addition to any college care package.

College students are always on the go! They are constantly running to and from classes, meetings, and social events. And, of course, they always need their trusty laptops and water bottles by their side. That’s why these laptop and water bottle stickers make the perfect gift for busy college girls!

These stickers are not only stylish and trendy, but they also help to keep laptops and water bottles safe from scratches. And best of all, these stickers make great gifts for their friends too!

Toilet Paper

Price Range: Under $50

Last but definitely not least, yes, a huge pack of toilet paper. Because who couldn’t use more toilet paper? Not only is this a unique gift (you’ll be the only one to get her this, that’s for sure!), but it’s also extremely practical.

Perfect for that extremely practical college girl who doesn’t like nonsensical gifts or clutter!


The best gifts for college girls are those that are both useful and personal. A gift that can help with the transition to college life, like a new set of headphones or an at-home virtual assistant, is always appreciated.

We hope you were able to find a gift from our list that the college girl in your life will love. Whatever you choose, make sure it comes from the heart!

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