Finding affordable yet thoughtful gifts for college students can be challenging. After all, many students are constantly on the go and don't have much space in their dorm rooms. At the same time, you don't want to get them something they'll get little use of. Here are 10 gift ideas under $50 that students will truly appreciate – they're practical, affordable, and will make their lives just a little bit easier.
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Reusable Water Bottle
Every student knows how important it is to stay hydrated, especially while pulling all-nighters studying for exams. A reusable water bottle that keeps drinks cool is an essential for being on campus. Look for bottles in the 20-30 oz range that are BPA-free, come with a carrying strap, and have leak-proof lids. S'well, Hydro Flask, and Nalgene are great brands that all have bottles under $30. Staying hydrated has never been more stylish or eco-friendly!
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Wireless Earbuds
Whether they're commuting, working out, or trying to drown out noise in the dorm, wireless earbuds are incredibly handy for students on the go. Top audio brands like Apple, Sony, and Jabra all make affordable true wireless earbuds under $50 that offer great sound quality and connectivity. Earbuds allow students to stay entertained, focused on work, or catch up on a lecture without wires getting in the way. Plus, they take up hardly any space in tight dorm rooms or backpacks.
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Planners and Notebooks
Every semester brings new classes and assignments to keep organized. Give the gift of planning and productivity with stylish planners, notebooks, and organizational tools. Popular choices include bullet journals, planners from Erin Condren or Day Designer, or graph notebooks from Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 – all priced around $15-25.
For note-taking classes, spiral bound notebooks, composition books, and laptop stands are always useful to have. Personalized options with the student's name or major are a nice touch.
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Portable Phone Charger (Power Bank)
Without a doubt, one of the handiest accessories for students on the go is a portable phone charger. Whether it's between classes, during a long study session in the library, or an unexpected dead battery – a power bank is a lifesaver. Look for reputable brands like Anker or RAVPower that offer high capacity chargers (10,000+ mAh) for $20-40. These keep phones charged for days without an outlet in sight. They're small enough to slip in pockets or backpacks, and some even have additional charging capabilities for tablets or laptops.
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Blue Light Blocking Glasses
The negative effects of blue light from digital screens are well documented, and students spend countless hours staring at laptops, phones, and tablets each semester. Blue light-blocking glasses help reduce eye strain, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. Look for glasses from Uvex, Felix Gray, or Zeal Optics that block blue light but aren't overly dark or strange-looking. At $25-40, they provide hours of more comfortable screen time without irritation so students can keep studying late into the night.
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Personalized Stationery
Despite notes being taken on laptops, some students still love receiving handwritten letters or sending thank you cards. Custom stationery sets, notebooks, or notecards make thoughtful gifts especially if personalized. Etsy sellers offer sets featuring the monogram, favorite quote, or school mascot for $10-30. It feels luxurious to write with nice paper and pens versus doing everything digitally. Plus, it's a nice break for hands that are constantly typing.
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Desk Accessories
Small desk accessories make working and studying more efficient and enjoyable. Options like pen holders, pencil cups, desk organizational trays, monitor risers, laptop stools, charging docks and more can all be found for under $20 each. Brands like Grovemade, Fellow, and SAFARILAND sell beautiful handcrafted accessories, while options from AmazonBasics are affordably minimalist. Post-it notes, paperclips, staplers and other desk essentials are also appreciated stocking stuffers.
Read more: Easy Ways to Get Best Student Discounts
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Lap Desk
For students without much work space in small dorm rooms, a lap desk is extremely useful. They provide an portable workspace whether studying in bed, on the couch, or commuting. Options made of wood, plastic, or padded fabric run $15-40 and fold up for easy storage. Many have storage compartments, cup holders, and adjustable legs so they work on almost any surface. Brands like Roocase, Soundance, and AmazonBasics offer sturdy, lightweight lap desks.
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Amazon Echo Dot (or Similar Smart Speaker)
While a full-size smart speaker may be too big for tight quarters, the Amazon Echo Dot is a practical gift that fits right on a desk or nightstand. For less than $30, it provides hands-free help with homework questions, timers for studying, news briefings, music, calling rides, and more – all with voice commands. Students find Echos useful for playing music in dorms and apartments, and it's a cheaper alternative to expensive smart home devices.
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Coffee Maker or French Press
Whether their preferred brew is drip coffee, pour-over, or an affordable and eco-friendly French press, student caffeine aficionados will appreciate being able to make a fresh pot in their room. Small 4-6 cup coffee makers from brands like Mr. Coffee, Cuisinart, and Black & Decker are affordable at $15-30, and french presses around the same price make a strong, robust cup. They allow for early mornings, late nights working, and weekends lounging without needing to run to the café. Beans or coffee gift cards are nice stocking stuffers to include.
Gifting any of these thoughtful, practical student essentials under $50 is sure to be appreciated throughout the semester. They provide useful tools for studying, staying organized, and making dorm life just a little bit nicer. Best of all, these ideas fit any budget and save cash-strapped students from having to purchase everything themselves. Practical presents power students through exams, projects, and the adventures of college living.