If you’re on the hunt for the best Christmas gift ideas for college girls in 2024, you’re in the right place. As a parent of college students and someone who’s spent years diving deep into all things dorm and college life, I know just how challenging it can be to shop for college students – especially when they’re keeping up with all the latest trends!

College girls these days are not only hard to shop for, but they also tend to have very specific tastes. Whether it’s your daughter, niece, or a family friend, staying up to date on what’s popular in the college world can feel overwhelming. I may have two college-aged sons, but I’ve enlisted the help of several savvy girls in college and girl moms to pull together this list of the items that college girls will be talking about and asking for this holiday season.

Some of these gift ideas might seem a little unexpected, but all 65+ of them are tried and true favorites among college girls. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a college girl in your life or adding a few new ideas to your own wish list, you’re bound to find something special here.

Looking for smaller items perfect for the stocking or under the tree? Be sure to also checkout our 75+ Stocking Stuffer Ideas for College Students! Find ALL of our Gift Idea Lists for college students here.

Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas For College Girls | Under $50

Beauty & Personal Care

• Sol de Janeiro Rio Brazilian Jet Set – A favorite scent, this travel-ready set has cream, body wash and perfume mist all in smaller sized.
• Heatless Overnight Curlers – A fun and easy way to get those curls overnight.
• Summer Fridays Lip Balm – THE Hydrating lip treatment that softens lips and leaves a glossy finish. Perfect size for a purse or game-day bag.
• Power Mist Top 5 Assorted Set – A popular hand sanitizer, this set has the top scents to stash in all the convenient places.
• Patrick Ta Double-Take Cream and Powder Blush – A favorite brand!
• Sol De Janeiro Body Spray – Popular body spray that comes in many different scents. 
• Silk Pillow Case – You can never go wrong with a silk pillow case! This two pack comes in multiple colors. At home or at college, she’ll be covered.
• Rotating Makeup Organizer – A best-seller from our Dorm Shopping Facebook Group.

Clothing, Shoes & Bags

• Aerie Off-Duty Flannel Boxer – Super cute patterns and prints including a fun leopard print.
• Ruffle Socks are a cute trend. These from Free People come in multiple fun colors. Or go for a 6-pack in white.
• Lululemon Boxy Tote Bag – A tote with pockets, zippered spaces, key ring and storage in a water-resistant fabric.
• Oversized Hoodie – This essential basic at a great price will become her go-to comfy choice. Available in multiple colors.
• Coach Zip Wristlet – I bought this for my several college girls last year as gifts and tucked a gift card inside for a perfect, affordable gift at around $30. So many great Coach colors and classic patterns to choose from.
• College Logo Gear – Fans Edge has the longest list of schools (over 500!) and lots of cute game day, lounge wear, accessories and more. All students love fan gear! Click on the College Teams filter to find her team and be sure to explore both women’s and men’s collections.
• White Cowgirl Boots – Super trendy boots for college game day and a night out on the town.
• Fuzzy Knit Sweater – Cute and cozy with loads of colors and patterns.
• Bathrobe – If they realize now that they could actually use one – this lightweight waffle mid-length robe is perfect for dorm life. Several colors available.
• JW Pei Shoulder Bag – As of the time of this article, a few of the colors are under $50. Super popular shoulder bag for college students.
• Soft Weekender Bag – Pretty quilted design in a few fun colors. We also love this tried and true college favorite weekender.
• Quilted Micro Purse – A super popular and cute mini accessory from Free People for a backpack or to carry by itself.
• Quilted Cosmetic Bag with Floral Print – Includes 3-pieces.
• Two Piece PJ Set – PJs always make a great holiday gift! These come in multiple patterns and colors.
• American Eagle Festive Feels Sweater – Fun striped and wintery patterns including a nice Fair Isle pattern.

Food & Drink

• A Holiday Stanley – This pomegranate and gold color is gorgeous!
• Owala FreeSip – Is another great water bottle option for the girl on the go. This sipper closes fully so can be thrown in their backpack without worry of spilling. Available in multiple sizes in fun colors.
• Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Make cold brew right in their dorm or apartment. Just add ground coffee and water! 2 sizes available.
• Margarita Glasses – Set of 6 stemless glasses (stemmed also available). A great addition to the bar cart.

Fun & Games

• Pickleball Set – Get social at the intramural fields with this set that comes with 2 paddles, grip tape, balls, and a case. 
• What Do You Meme Game – such a fun game to play with roommates and friends.
• Custom Pet Pillow – Take 25% off with the code found on this page in our Dorm Shopping Group – it changes every month! All About Vibe is a leader in custom pet pillows which are handmade in the USA (Chicago) and come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee – they will remake until you are 100% pleased.
• Stocking Stuffer Ideas – Find more ideas under $50 in our list of Stocking Stuffer Ideas for College Students!

Jewelry

• Free People Maxamillion Charm Necklace – Grab this one before it sells out! A big trend this season, this necklace is available in a variety of styles.
• PuraVida Deck The Halls Bracelet Set – 8 slip-on stretch bracelets in unique holiday colors. You won’t want to wait for her to open this all month!
• Bubble Initial Necklace – Love this simple but classic necklace (allow 3 weeks for delivery of custom items from Bauble Bar).

Practical

• Pink Tool Kit – Super handy and practical gift, perfect for college dorm and apartment (other colors available).
• Rechargeable Hand Warmers – Great for the long walks across campus this winter – especially if they refuse to wear gloves!

From $50 to $100: Unique and Stylish Gift ideas for College Girls

Beauty & Personal Care

• Olaplex Hair Care Gift Set – 3 favorites, for all hair types, all in one gift set.
• A favorite amongst college girls – layering perfume scents! Combining similar scents with lotion, body sprays and perfumes is so popular right now. A few key staples for their layering assortment:
  • EOS Vanilla Cashmere Lotion – The perfect primer before you put perfume on. EOS lotions are available in a variety of scents that can be used in conjunction with perfumes and body sprays. (Under $10)
  • Dossier Amber Saffron Eau de Parfum – Inspired by a pricier brand, this scent is light saffron, orange blossom and Cedarwood (among other dreamy notes) (Under $50). She’d also love this Discovery Set of three Dossier scents to experiment with (Under $50).
  • Billie Eilish Perfume – A trending scent of vanilla and musk. (Under $60)
  • Sol De Janeiro Body Spray – Popular body spray that comes in many different scents (Under $30). 
  • Finery Body Spray – A Target exclusive at a great price, this scent touts a “A hypnotic and delicious veil of smoky vanilla”. Multiple scents are available. (Under $20)

Clothing, Shoes & Bags

• Aerie Getaway Quarter Snap Sweatshirt – Lots of colors of this stylish and comfy staple.
• Checkered Hardside Spinner Suitcase – Fun colors to pick from with a fun and unique pattern.
• Bombas Gift Box – Not only are these super comfy socks in festive patterns, it comes in a fun box ready for gifting!
• Cropped Cardigan – Cute over a dress or paired with a skirt or jeans from American Eagle.
• Free People Hot Shot Crossover Set – A two piece set in a variety of colors that likely won’t last long!
• Classic sneakers New Balance 574 and 574+ (a modern twist with stacked midsole). Stylish neutrals great for everyday.
• Free People Movement My Time Layer – This long sleeve, open back is a top choice in a variety of colors.
• Lululemon Adjustable Mini Shoulder Bag 3L – Adjustable strap allows for a cross-body or shoulder bag look.

Food & Drink

• Bar Cart – For those in apartments, this is a great living room accessory. Stocked with cute glasses, sparkling water or for those of age, other favorite beverages.
• Stanley Mini Cooler – The perfect expansion to her Stanley collection.
• IceMule Backpack Cooler – Another fun option in an array of colors and sizes. This waterproof backpack is super convenient when packing drinks or food to take to a friends, a tailgate or party.
• Smart Warming Coffee Mug – For the coffee lover who has to have their coffee hot.

Jewelry

• Classic Kendra Scott Heart Necklace – This cute necklace features a 19″ chain and is great for layering with her other necklaces. My neighbor’s college daughter has this and loves! Partner it with this chain dotted with mini colorful hearts (her other daughter has this one and loves!)

Fun & Games

• Mini Projector – Project all your favorite movies, sporting events and shows onto the wall or use the included projector screen. Fun for gatherings!

Practical & Tech

• AirTags – Use AirTags to track your backpack, wallet, keys, gym bag, luggage, car, bike, scooter, etc.
• UGG Plush Throw Blanket – You can never go wrong with a cozy blanket or UGG! OEKO-TEX® certified.

Splurge-Worthy Gift ideas For College GirlS | Over $100

Beauty & Personal Care

• Beauty Box Subscription – What a treat to receive a new box with new beauty items every month!
• Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System – Powerful Hair Dryer Brush & Multi-Styler with Auto-Wrap Curlers. This is a limited time lilac color but also available in the standard color too.

Clothing, Shoes & Bags

• Adidas Gazelle Bold – A favorite style that typically sells out early in popular colors.
• Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie – A Lulu favorite in tons of colors.
• Roller Rabbit Pajamas– The cute viral pajama sets that come in many different designs.
• UGG Tazz Platform Slippers– A favorite indoor and outdoor shoe and slipper.
• Tory Burch Wallet – This one is very popular, or take a look through all Tory Burch gifts under $250.
• Longchamp Bag – These seem to be the high-end choice amongst college girls at the moment. If you want to thoroughly surprise, this would be a fun one!
• College Football Jersey – THE essential game-day staple.
• Free People Movement Cozy Set – This shorts and sweatshirt set is offered in two comfy colors.

Practical & Tech

• Hatch Restore 2 – This sound machine and sunrise alarm clock puts them to sleep and wakes them up with soothing sounds and light. It may be a bit of a splurge but I was just speaking with two college-aged girls who both have them and they couldn’t stop raving about theirs!
• Barefoot Dreams Blanket – A coveted, super soft blanket.
• Apple iPad 10th Gen – Great for note-taking (such fun apps out there!),  researching, reading textbooks, and watching their favorite shows. Protect it with a highly rated cover.
• Apple Pencil (2st Generation) – The must-have accessory for the iPad for note-taking apps like Goodnotes that allows them to draw and take handwritten notes and can even convert to typewritten text. So fun and productive!
• Beats Solo 4 – Over the head, wireless favorite headphones in fun colors.
• Airpod Pros 2nd Gen – Need a new pair, or looking to upgrade? Apple’s noise cancelling headphones are a go to favorite.
• Oura Ring Gen 3 – A smart ring that tracks biometrics for sleep and health that we keep seeing on their gift lists. Sizing kit is needed prior to purchase to ensure the correct size (gift wrap the sizing kit as the initial gift).
• Dash Cam – If your student has a car at college, this is a must-have. Protect them against scammers, vandals and angry adults who are quick to blame scared young adults even when not at fault. 
• Countertop Ice Machine – Our recommended ice maker, perfect for a countertop!

looking for more college student holiday gift ideas? visit our other gift guides:

• 75 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for College Students
• Dorm Gifts You Can Safely Buy Before You Know Your Dorm Assignment
• Gifts for College Guys
• Gifts for College Apartments (coming soon!)
• Gifts for Travels
• White Elephant Gifts (coming soon!)

If you’re the parent of a college student, join us in the After The Drop Off | Parenting Through The College Years Facebook group. Lots of great ideas being shared there by parents!

Have a student moving into a dorm? Our over 100k member Dorm Shopping Recommendations & Deal Alerts Facebook group will guide you through non-toxic, practical and reusable items to consider and keep you up to date on what you don’t need or probably aren’t allowed to bring!

Other unique gift ideas: PREMIUM RETAILER MEMBERSHIPS

Want a ‘free’, quick and easy gift? Give your student the gift of an Amazon Prime Young Adult membership! The first 6-months are free and then $7.49/month. Verify with proof of age or college enrollment. 

You could also consider Target Circle 360 which is Target’s premium membership for shipping as well as same-day deliveries from the store.

Walmart’s Walmart+ Student is similar to Target Circle 360 aYou’d need to go through the verification process first which looks like the same 3rd party process as Target’s. Like Target, this includes premium shipping plus same-day delivery from the store. While this only includes Walmart, there are additional benefits such as 25% off Burger King everyday, saving 10 cents per gallon at Exxon, Mobile and Walmart gas stations, and a free Paramount+ streaming membership.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

For all of our college parenting ideas, please join us in our helpful and supportive After The Drop Off: Parenting Through The College Years Facebook Community and/or follow us on Instagram!

For great deals on great brands that young adults AND moms love, follow our Positively Great Deals For Savvy Moms Facebook group.

Of course we’d love it if you’d share this list of ideas with your family and others who are shopping for college-aged girls. Thank you!