Looking for a gift to encourage your favorite college student or college graduate? Check out these ideas!

(Quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Off to College Gifts

Slim Wallet. I am in love with this key chain wallet! I loved the version I used as a college student. My key chain wallet came as a gift and I didn’t really think much of it…until I got to campus. Practically, the ability to keep my ID, license, and dorm key in one spot…priceless. Mine lasted for years, until I retired it worn and faded (three college degrees later).

Water Bottle. Okay, this isn’t the fanciest water bottle option on the market. BUT, it’s what I use every day and enjoy because I can get ice from an ice machine without making a mess due to the large mouth. The lid is connected to the bottle so I can’t lose it. Finally, the bottle holds 32 ounces, so drinking two a day keeps me hydrated! (It also comes in a variety of colors so you can pick a favorite color or team color!)

Umbrellas. For those off-to-college high school graduates, umbrellas are a must have item! Find a personality matching design and help keep your college student dry on rainy walks across campus.

Hammock Set. I love my hammock. Initially, I avoided the purchase because it seemed wasteful; however, I’ve used my hammock SO much to read, rest, and relax. I don’t use this set (I have an Eno with premium straps), but if I were to do it again, this set looks just a good and comes with everything you need in one purchase! Your college student will enjoy studying outside (or laughing with friends) in their hammock!

Money. College cost money. If you don’t want to give straight cash, gift cards to popular college eateries will be enjoyed! Do some research for your college grads new town – find the local coffee shop, where are the late night eats – get gift cards there! [Locally, those would be Cook Out, Starbucks, and, Chic-Fil-A]. Also, Amazon gift cards will go a long way in purchasing supplies for school (books, scantrons, etc).

Semester Stress Busters

Amazon Prime. Give the stress-relieving gift of free 2-day shipping, music streaming, and Prime video. Amazon prime free 2-day shipping can send Scantrons to your college students door, provide books for class, or the perfect interview outfit. Many college students don’t pack a tv to college in trade for streaming services, Prime offers access to thousands of shows and movies.

Coffee. Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 of a college semester will be challenging. Period. Classes with four test for your entire grade typically happen on those weeks. In my research, I find a lot of papers due on those same weeks. It gets stressful. Sleep goes down. Need for caffeine goes up. If your college grad loves coffee (and has a Keurig), send a package of K-cups to help them save money and power up during stressful weeks! Send a Starbucks branded coffee cup along with the K-Cups as a bonus. 🙂

Headphones. Finding quiet study places can create more of a challenge than the studying itself. Noise cancelling headphones that can also work for taking a walk or going for a stress relieving run can help create study friendly environments!

Laundry. This works two ways. One, if your college student is nearby, offer to pickup and drop-off laundry. If school stress is getting high, so is the pile of laundry. Another option, send detergent and dryer sheets – just the money saving of detergent will give relief to your grad.

College Graduation Gifts

Career Clothes. Building a career wardrobe will look different based upon your college grads career track and personality! Gift cards to stores with styling scrubs, great business casual options, or crisp suits will greatly help your college grad!

Financial Success. Most college graduates will start managing more money and bills than ever before. Send them into the world with financial wisdom from Dave Ramsey (or your preferred financial guru). We work a modified Dave Ramsey plan which has put us on a great track for our financial future!

Student Loan Payment. Speaking of finances, depending on the amount of student debt, monthly loan payments can range drastically in amount. Sending some cash with a note steering the monies towards paying off debt would show great love for the financial future of your college grad.

Classy Tote. Moving from college world to professional world requires some upgrades. A classy leather tote bag for your college graduates laptop will take the place of the 5th grade LL Bean Backpack for the next phase of life.