25 Back-To-School Gifts College Students Will Actually Use

Best College TV — Insignia 24-inch 720p HD Smart LED Fire TV 

Where to buy: $99.99 (Originally $150), Amazon

For the ultimate back-to-school gift, you can't go wrong with a dorm-sized television. With a comfortably-sized 24-inch screen, the Insignia HD Smart LED TV Fire TV is a great option for compact spaces. It's got Amazon's Fire TV already built-in, so your college kid can unwind after a long day of classes (and homework!) by enjoying tens of thousands of channels and apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and more. 

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Best College Sheets — Brooklinen Classic Core 

Where to buy: $99, Brooklinen

At the top of any college packing list should be a good set of sheets. Send your student off in comfort with the Brooklinen classic core set, which includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillow cases. Made of an incredibly soft, 100 percent long-staple cotton, these high-quality sheets are breathable, durable, and, most importantly, easy to wash. 

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Best College Reading Pillow — Milliard Reading Pillow

Where to buy: $32.99 (Originally $49.99), Amazon

Whether they're finishing the last chapter of Richard III or having a movie marathon with roommates, your college man or woman will get a kick out of this Milliard reading pillow. Covered in an incredibly soft velour and made of a comfortable memory foam, this pillow's fill is adjustable for a completely customizable fit that will stay with them for the next four years. 

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Best College Book — The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter 

Where to buy: $11.98 (Originally $17), Amazon

Get your college student reading ahead of the class with a gifted copy of clinical psychologist Meg Jay's The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter — And How to Make the Most of Them Now. Filled with valuable tips on how to make the most out of your 20s, this book teaches readers how to better navigate work, relationships, personality, social networks, and identity during this transformative time. 

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Best College Laptop Lap Desk — LapGear 

Where to buy: From $29.99, Amazon

A perfect companion to the reading pillow, the LapGear designer lap desk is bound to be a hit. Designed to turn any place you're sitting into the perfect writing area, this lap desk, complete with a handy phone holder, will help your child or grandchild stay comfortable as they craft those soon-to-be award-winning essays. 

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Best College Weighted Blanket — Quility 

Where to buy: $85 (Originally 109.70), Amazon

While college is a time for fun and exploration, it can also be plenty taxing as students learn how to manage things on their own or simply experience a case of homesickness. Stress can take a toll if not addressed, and a weighted blanket will provide an easy way to relieve anxiety. Designed to hit pressure points in the body and calm frazzled nerves, this blanket will feel like a much-needed hug once finals come around. 

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Best College Candle — Homesick Scented Candle

Where to buy: $29.95, Amazon

Speaking of being homesick, you can also help your kid or grandkid to cure that inevitable melancholy with one of Homesick's scented candles. Crafted with each of the 50 states in mind, these 13.75-ounce jars are filled with scents that are bound to bring about memories of home. They'll also stay lit for a good long while, with each one burning between 60 to 80 hours. 

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Best College Noise-Cancelling Headphones — Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II

Where to buy: $199 (Originally $299), Amazon

When it's time to get down to business, absolute quiet is a must. With these noise-cancelling Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II, your student can easily transform any spot on campus into the perfect environment for hitting the books. As one of the most popular models on the market for noise control, these Bose wonders are essential for deep-focus study sessions.

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Best College iPhone Charger — Xcentz 

Where to buy: $16.99, Amazon

It's no secret that dorms are often equipped with limited outlet space and weird layouts. Help your college kid stay connected and charged no matter what with the circumstance with the Xcentz iPhone charger. Thanks to its three-foot cord, your loved one will never have to worry about a dead battery — meaning no missed calls from mom or grandma! 

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Best College Portable Charger — Anker PowerCore 

Where to buy: $49.99, Amazon

Speaking of dead batteries, we can all agree that there's nothing more frustrating than having your phone quit when you're out and about. If your student is depending on their phone as a means of transportation via ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Lyft, it can also put them in a dangerous situation. But fear not! With the slim Anker PowerCore in their bag or pocket, they'll be able to juice up on-the-go, no matter where the night may take them. 

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Best College Toothbrush — BURST Whitening Sonic Toothbrush

Where to buy: $69.99, BURST

The easiest way for your college kiddo to stay healthy while away at school is for them to keep up with their oral care. With the BURST Whitening Sonic Toothbrush, they'll be well-equipped to do just that. Sleek and stylish, this electric brush features whitening charcoal bristles, three brush modes, and a 2-minute timer to make sure they're getting a thorough clean. Best of all, BURST offers a subscription plan that will send them a fresh replacement head every three months to make sure they stay on top of their dental hygiene. 

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Best College Coffee Thermos — Zojirushi 

Where to buy: $24.99 (Originally $39.99), Amazon

For most college students, coffee isn't just a drink — it's a way of life. If your child relies on their morning cup of joe to get them going, gift them with the ultimate thermos from Zojirushi. One of the most beloved finds on the market, this best-selling stainless steel pick is known for its superior temperature control, keeping water ice cold for up to 16 hours and coffee piping hot for up 6. And, with an easy-to-clean design and a leak-proof lock design, it's easy to reuse for every class, meeting, or function they may have to attend. 

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Best College Cookbook — Recipes Every College Student Should Know

Where to buy: $9.30, Amazon

For most students, college marks the first time they'll be living away from their parents. That likely means it's also the first time your kid will be in charge of what they eat on a daily basis. For some helpful guidance, gift them with a copy of Christine Nelson's Recipes Every College Student Should Know. With this book on hand, they'll quickly learn how to fend for — and feed — themselves something other than ramen. 

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Best College Kitchenware — Tasse Verre Porcelain Ramen Noodle Soup Bowls 

Where to buy: $24.97, Amazon

Even with a solid cookbook on hand, it's inevitable that your child or grandchild will likely find themselves eating a bit more Ramen than usual. Thankfully, there are these gorgeous porcelain ramen soup bowls — complete with bamboo chopsticks — from Tasse Verre to make the experience both safe and enjoyable. It features chopstick holders that dual as safe handles and is made from non-toxic materials. 

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Best College Workout Headphones — Jaybird Tarah Bluetooth Wireless 

Where to buy: $79.95 (Originally $99.99), Amazon

Whether they're a student athlete training hard for the new season or simply trying to avoid the dreaded "freshman 15," workouts will be much easier with a pair of Jaybird Tarah bluetooth wireless sport headphones on hand. They feature a minimalist design, six hours of premium wireless sound per charge, and waterproof/sweatproof construction, making them the absolute perfect headphone for sporting activity. 

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Best College Fitness Tracker — Fitbit Alta HR

Where to buy: $124.70, Amazon

Gaining weight in the first year of college is something that many college kids worry about, but with the Fitbit Alta HR on their wrist, they can kiss their worries goodbye. This handy little tracker provides the perfect way monitor their activity, complete with heart-rate charts, a sleep tracker, step and calorie counters, and a clock. With a little self-awareness, your student will stay motivated to keep moving and subsequently, keep healthy. 

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Best College Speaker — Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2

Where to buy: $99.99, Amazon

Whether they're hanging out on the quad with friends or — gulp — partying on their dorm floor, the sound will always be rocking with the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 speaker. Though small in size, this speaker packs a surprisingly powerful punch. Waterproof and offering a whopping 13 hours of battery life, this tune-provider will allow your child to jam out to their favorite tunes whenever, wherever. 

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Best College Planner — Lion Planner

Where to buy: $23.95 (Originally $29.95), Amazon

College is the ultimate test of one's organization. Help your favorite studier get in the groove with the Lion Planner. Regarded as one of the most in-depth daily planners around, your college kid will have everything they need for maintaining their increasingly hectic schedules thanks to an intuitive layout, complete with a spot to write down priorities and goals to make sure they approach each day with a positive mindset. 

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Best College iPad — Apple Pro 3

Where to buy: $249 (Originally $329), Amazon

If there's one tech gift every college student wants, it's an iPad. From games and movies to superior note-taking apps and book displays, Apple's Pro 3 is easily the ultimate piece of college tech. With a gorgeous 9.7-inch retina display, fingerprint lock, and up to 10 hours of battery life, this is one gift that won't go neglected. 

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Best College iPad Keyboard —Logitech iPad Pro 

Where to buy: $103.81 (Originally $149.99), Amazon

For days when lugging that clunky laptop across campus just isn't worth it, your student can put their note-taking apps to the test thanks with the Logitech iPad Pro keyboard case. Designed to snap onto the Apple iPad, this case transforms into mini laptop that's easier to carry and more fun to use. 

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Best College Printer — HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless 

Where to buy: $49.89 (Originally $99.99), Amazon

Depending on their major, your college student's workload may come with a lot of printing. To make sure they never have to worry about turning a paper in late, gift them with an HP OfficeJet 3830 all-in-one wireless printer. From copying and scanning to faxing, and, of course, printing, this device makes for the ultimate one-stop paper shop. It also comes in a compact design that won't rob them of any valuable real estate on their side of the dorm room. 

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Best College Messenger Bag — Modoker 

Where to buy: $26.99, Amazon

Give your college student an upgrade from the dated backpacks of yore with this Modoker laptop messenger bag. Made from a high-quality and durable washed canvas, it features multiple pockets that include everything from a padded interior opening for laptops to a side mesh holder for water bottles. Comfortable and versatile, they'll look slick and polished with this bag on their shoulder. 

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Best College Tote Bag — Lo & Sons The Seville Tote

Where to buy: $278.60 (Originally $398), Lo & Sons

Whether your kid or grandkid is looking for a stylish laptop alternative or wants to impress on the first day of an internship, they're sure to love the sophistication of the Lo & Sons Seville tote bag. Featuring the brand's classic multi-pocketed interior, this tote is a dream for staying organized. Crafted of soft Saffiano leather and featuring gold accents, it also offers up a super stylish way to hit the books.

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Best College Suitcase — Away The Bigger Carry- On 

Where to buy: $225, Away Luggage

When the time for winter or spring break rolls around, allow your kiddo to travel in style with Away's The Bigger carry-on suitcase. A lauded favorite in the world of luggage, this carry-on is perfect for visits back home. Designed to last a lifetime, this suitcase features a built-in charger that helps to ensure your favorite pupil is never stranded — even at the airport.  

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