2021 Holiday Gift Guide For College Students

gift guide for college students

Looking for the perfect gift for a college student in your life? We've rounded up some of the top lifestyle and wellness products of the year to keep your student happy, healthy, and thriving through the holiday season.

All products have been independently selected by Bluebird staff. Pricing and availability are subject to change at any time.


  • Prat Smartbook Sketchbook: Whether your college kid is an art student or just an avid doodler, the Prat Smartbook Sketchbook is an affordable yet highly practical gift. This stylish and compact sketchbook packs 160 pages of 70 gsm Fabriano paper to provide a smooth, ideal writing surface for creativity to come to life.  $8

  • Wool Dryer Balls: Help your college student invest in eco-friendly laundry options. Wool dryer balls are a sustainably sourced, no-waste alternative to the typical single-use and chemical laden dryer sheets. Each dryer ball can be used for 1000+ loads to reduce static and drying time which ultimately helps save time, energy and waste. $10

  • Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder: If anyone is likely to get frequently dehydrated, it’s college students. This naturally flavored electrolyte drink mix contains the six electrolytes and key minerals that support hydration - magnesium, potassium, calcium, chloride, sodium, and phosphorus - plus no sugar or calories. $19

  • Lemon Flavored CBD Oil: This CBD oil is perfect for college athletes looking to enjoy CBD without stress. It’s made with broad-spectrum hemp extract containing non-detectable levels of THC* plus natural flavors and sugar-free sweeteners. Each serving packs 10 mg of CBD to support whole-body wellness all day long. $29.95

  • Back & Neck Massage Hook: Hours of sitting at a desk studying can lead to some serious shoulder and neck tension. This deep tissue massage hook uses the principles of acupressure to easily relieve points of tension and soothe tight, sore muscles. $20

  • The I Love Trader Joe’s College Cookbook: With budget restrictions, limited kitchen space, and a general lack of cooking experience, making healthy and wholesome meals can be a challenge. This cookbook features 180 delicious recipes designed to fit into a college student's budget using easily acquired ingredients from Trader Joe’s.  - $20

  • LED Neck Reading Light: Reading, studying, coloring, and other hobbies can be accessible in any dark nook or dorm bed with this LED Neck Reading Light. With three soothing colors and six adjustable levels of brightness, your student can enjoy their favorite hobby even late at night.  - $20

  • Himalayan Salt Lamp: Creating a comfortable, inviting space can be challenging in small, shared spaces. Himalayan salt lamps are an easy way to bring some zen into any dorm room or apartment. In addition to using warm lighting to create a relaxing environment, salt lamps can also help purify the air. $20

  • Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook: Save space and reduce waste with a smart notebook that allows you to write and save notes to the cloud. The notebook includes a Pilot Frixion pen and paper made from synthetic material, so that once you’ve filled your notebook and saved your notes, you can wipe the paper clean with water and a microfiber towel and start anew. $28

  • Portable Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Keep your college student fueled up with a portable cold brew coffee maker. Each pitcher brews 64 oz of rich coffee that can be used for cold or hot beverages, and the lightweight design makes it super easy for traveling. $35

  • Three-in-One Classic Stainless Steel Food Container: Here’s another great option for the environmentally conscious - a nesting lunchbox and to-go food container made from stainless steel. This three-piece set was designed to comfortably fit a main entree and two sides, so you can bring a healthy, delicious meal to class, work, or anywhere else. $36

  • Bombas Gripper Slippers: Bombas slippers are more like half slipper and half sock, which makes them perfect for any college student looking to keep their tootsies warm and stylish. In addition to making incredibly soft and comfy footwear, Bombas also donates one pair of socks to homeless shelters for every pair purchased, so you can feel good about supporting your student as well as those in need.  $40

  • Calm 12-Month Subscription: Calm is the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation, and has been called “the world’s happiest app.” A yearly premium subscription includes access to daily “calm” sessions, 100+ guided meditations, sleep stories, music tracks, and masterclasses for balancing mental, emotional, and physical health.  $70

  • Fjallraven Kanken Rainbow Backpack: Fjallraven has become one of the trendiest brands in the activewear industry, and for good reason. Their products, including this limited edition backpack, are built for longevity with sustainably sourced materials to endure daily use for years.  $90 

  • Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones are a must-have on any college student’s wish list. Whether for studying, exercising, or just relaxing between work and classes, the JLab headphones deliver high-quality sound for a reasonable price compared to top audio competitors.  $100