12 Nov Gift Ideas for High School & College Students

With the holidays approaching and Black Friday and Cyber Monday just a week away, now is a great time to start thinking about gifts for high school and college students.

While each student’s interests, needs, and preferences vary,  here are several gift ideas (with links to reviews where appropriate) that are generally well-received:

1. Tech Gadgets

• Wireless Earbuds: Convenient for listening to music, watching videos, or making calls.

• Tablet or E-Reader: Useful for reading digital books and taking notes.

• Portable Charger: Essential for keeping devices charged on the go.

• Laptop Stand: Helps in maintaining a good posture while using a laptop.

• ThePhotostick Omni: Instantly backs up photos and videos.

2. Educational Tools

• Subscription to Educational Apps: Duolingo, Coursera, or Khan Academy are fan favorites. According to YPulse, Kahoot! and Google Classroom are the top-ranking educational brands for teens, as they bring gamification and innovation to studying.

• Books: Consider motivational books, novels, or educational books related to their field of study.

• Stationery Kit: High-quality pens, notebooks, and other stationery items can be useful.

3. Fitness Gear

• Sports Equipment: Consider a yoga mat, dumbbells, or resistance bands.

• Reusable Water Bottle: Environmentally friendly and handy for staying hydrated.

• Fitness Tracker: Helpful for monitoring physical activity and sleep.

4. Fashion and Accessories

• Clothing Items: Stylish and comfortable clothing, like hoodies or t-shirts.

• Watches or Jewelry: A nice watch or jewelry can be a cherished gift.

• Sunglasses: A trendy pair of sunglasses can be both practical and stylish.

5. Hobby-Related Gifts

• Art Supplies: For the aspiring artist, consider sketch pads, drawing pencils, or paint sets.

• Music Subscription: Spotify or Apple Music are great for the music enthusiast.

• Gaming Accessories: For gamers, consider controllers, headsets, or game gift cards.

6. Personal Care Items

• Skincare or Haircare Sets: High-quality products can be appreciated. Two skincare and makeup brands, E.L.F. and The Ordinary, have become teens’ top brands.

• Subscription Box Services: Monthly boxes of beauty products, snacks, or other items.

• Sleep Aid Items: A quality pillow, sleep mask, or weighted blanket are great options.

7. Study Aids

• Planners or Organizers: Helps in keeping track of assignments and deadlines.

• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Useful for studying in noisy environments.

• Lamp with Charging Port: Practical for studying and charging devices.

8. Gift Cards

• Food Delivery Gift Cards: Helpful for late-night study sessions.

• Retailer Gift Cards: Allows them to choose what they like.

• Coffee Shop Gift Cards: Great for the coffee lover.

9. Home and Dorm Essentials

• Compact Cookware or Kitchen Appliances: Consider a mini waffle maker, portable blender, or air fryer.

• Wall Art or Decor: To personalize their living space.

• Bedding Set: A cozy, stylish bedding set can be practical and appreciated.

10. Experience Gifts

• Concert Tickets: To see their favorite band or artist.

• Adventure Experiences: Such as escape room experiences or paintball sessions.

• Museum or Theme Park Tickets: For a fun day out.