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Gift Guides, College · January 6, 2023

31 Useful Birthday Gifts for College Girls She’ll Love

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission that will help me feed me and my cat, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link! Thanks!*

Want to give the best gift to your college friend or girlfriend? This blog post will give the best birthday gifts for college girls!

Buying gifts for someone can be hard. Buying a birthday gift for a college girl is about to be easier and less stressful. These birthday gift ideas combine popular trends and practicality. You’ll find a gift that she’ll obsess over and truly appreciate.

This list will make the shopping experience easier and less stressful! This blog post will give 31 useful gifts for college girls that also can be given on their birthdays. And if you’re a girl in college who doesn’t know what to ask for, this list will give you an idea.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 31 Useful Birthday Gifts for College Girls
    • 1.Fujifilm Camera
    • 2. Beauty Set
    • 3. Fleece Blanket
    • 4. Air Fryer
    • 5. Handheld Vacuum
    • 6. Oversized Sweatshirt
    • 7. Fuzzy Slippers
    • 8. UGG Slippers
    • 9. Blanket Hoodie
    • 10. Lap Desk
    • 11. Filtered Water Bottle
    • 12. Glass Containers 
    • 13. Walking Shoes
    • 14. Rain Jacket 
    • 15. AirPod Pros
    • 16. Mini Waffle Maker
    • 17. Mug with her Initial
    • 18. Trader Joe’s Cookbook
    • 19. iPad
    • 20. Personalized Friend Photo
    • 21. Charm Bracelet
    • 22. Any Gift card
    • 23. Makeup Mirror
    • 24. Laptop Handbag
    • 25. Gold Hoop Earrings
    • 26. Phone Case
    • 27. Rice Cooker 
    • 28. Tote Bag or Canvas Bag
    • 29. Cute Desk Lamp
    • 30. Sunglasses
    • 31. Leggings from Lululemon

31 Useful Birthday Gifts for College Girls

1.Fujifilm Camera

Make memories last forever with a Fujifilm Camera. These cameras have been around since I was in high school. I captured some great memories with my friends with that camera. It’s a nice gift for someone who wants to take fun, candid photos with friends and to remember college.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera, Sky Blue - with Fujifilm instax Mini Instant Daylight Film Twin Pack, 20 Exposures
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera, Sky Blue – with Fujifilm instax Mini Instant Daylight Film Twin Pack, 20 Exposures
  • Instax Mini 11 Camera | Strap | 2x AA Batteries | Two Shutter Button Accessories | (Film Not Included) | Fujifilm 1 Year Limited Warranty | Fujifilm instax mini Instant Daylight Film Twin Pack (20 Exposures)
  • Slim body size
  • Transparent ring lens
  • Automatic Exposure
  • One-touch Selfie Mode
$99.00 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

2. Beauty Set

All the beauty products a girl needs are in a beauty set. Find one that matches her beauty needs and it’ll be a useful gift for sure.

3. Fleece Blanket

There’s no better feeling than being warm and cozy and a fleece blanket is the best gift to give to any college-aged girl.

Sale
Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Washed Blue Throw Blanket for Couch - Thick and Warm, Soft Fuzzy Plush Throw Blanket for Winter, 50x60 Inches
Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Washed Blue Throw Blanket for Couch – Thick and Warm, Soft Fuzzy Plush Throw Blanket for Winter, 50×60 Inches
  • Reversible Softness: Titled the Good Housekeeping Best Bedding Awards Winner as a Fuzzy Fleece Throw, this blanket is designed with 220 GSM velvety…
$25.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

4. Air Fryer

It seems like everyone has an air fryer. Having one is so useful, especially if you’re on a busy schedule. Any college girl would love to have one as a gift to make cooking easier.

Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Reheats, & Dehydrates, 4-in-1, Fries, Frozen Food, Veggies, and Juicy Meat, Less Oil, Easy Meals, Healthy Meals, Compact, 4 QT, Grey, AF101
Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Reheats, & Dehydrates, 4-in-1, Fries, Frozen Food, Veggies, and Juicy Meat, Less Oil, Easy Meals, Healthy Meals, Compact, 4 QT, Grey, AF101
  • LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
$119.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

 

5. Handheld Vacuum

From cleaning a car or mess in their apartment, any college girl would definitely use a handheld vacuum.

Sale
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum, Home and Car Vacuum (HHVI315JO42)
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum, Home and Car Vacuum (HHVI315JO42)
  • Tackle large household messes without stopping to empty the high-capacity dirt bowl
$29.99
Buy on Amazon

 

6. Oversized Sweatshirt

If you walk onto any college campus nowadays, you’re bound to find a few girls wearing an oversized sweatshirt, leggings, and a pair of walking shoes. This oversized sweatshirt from Amazon would make a nice birthday gift for a college girl.

ANRABESS Women Crewneck Batwing Long Sleeve 2024 Fall Oversized Side Slit Ribbed Knit Pullover Sweaters Top Cozy Outfits Pink Small
ANRABESS Women Crewneck Batwing Long Sleeve 2024 Fall Oversized Side Slit Ribbed Knit Pullover Sweaters Top Cozy Outfits Pink Small
  • Fit Type – Loose. Size down if between Bust sizes.
$42.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

7. Fuzzy Slippers

A pair of fuzzy slippers like these are always a good option for a birthday gift.

Vonluxe Women's Fuzzy House Slippers Comfy Memory Foam Bedroom Slippers Warm Slip On Light Shoes Outdoor Indoor Faux Fur Lined Grey5-6
Vonluxe Women’s Fuzzy House Slippers Comfy Memory Foam Bedroom Slippers Warm Slip On Light Shoes Outdoor Indoor Faux Fur Lined Grey5-6
  • STYLISH DESIGN: Adopt sweater knit material, combined with Khaki round button design.The home slippers for women are cute, ultra soft, perfect with fashion.These exquisite and texture bedroom slippers are available in 7 colors.Great for family use and best gift choice.
$24.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

8. UGG Slippers

Trendy is one adjective to describe these Ugg Slippers. These shoes are all over TikTok and Pinterest probably due to their comfortable and also the UGG name behind it.

Buy from UGG.com!

 

9. Blanket Hoodie

Again, comfort is a big thing for college students, especially while studying. A blanket hoodie would be perfect for study sessions during finals week or a slumber party between friends. This one is also cute with cats on it!

Sale
Bedsure Blanket Hoodie
Bedsure Blanket Hoodie
  • 【Good Housekeeping’s 2024 Best Bedding Award】:Our Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket Hoodie won Good Housekeeping’s 2024 Best Bedding Award for its exceptional warmth, ultra-soft flannel exterior, and cozy sherpa lining. “Perfect for ultimate comfort during colder months.” – Good Housekeeping
$28.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

10. Lap Desk

This is probably the most useful gift for college students overall on this list. I have this exact lap desk and love it. It holds a laptop but also has a space for a phone. I also have space for a wireless mouse and a cushion for my wrists. This is a gift that the college girl you know will definitely use.

LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk with Wrist Rest, Mouse Pad, and Phone Holder - Oak Woodgrain - Fits up to 15.6 Inch Laptops - Style No. 91599
LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk with Wrist Rest, Mouse Pad, and Phone Holder – Oak Woodgrain – Fits up to 15.6 Inch Laptops – Style No. 91599
  • Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1″ wide and 14.1″ deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6″. Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5×9″ precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
$39.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

11. Filtered Water Bottle

Every college student needs a water bottle, especially a nice insulated one like this from Amazon. This filtered water bottle will save them tons of money, too.

Sale
Brita Hard-Sided Plastic Premium Filtering Water Bottle, BPA-Free, Reusable, Replaces 300 Plastic Water Bottles, Filter Lasts 2 Months or 40 Gallons, Includes 1 Filter, Night Sky - 26 oz.
Brita Hard-Sided Plastic Premium Filtering Water Bottle, BPA-Free, Reusable, Replaces 300 Plastic Water Bottles, Filter Lasts 2 Months or 40 Gallons, Includes 1 Filter, Night Sky – 26 oz.
  • BRITA WATER FILTER BOTTLE: One 26 oz. BPA-free Brita Hard-Sided Plastic Premium Filtering Water Bottle with one filter that reduces chlorine taste and odor in water as you drink
$15.49 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

12. Glass Containers 

This is the perfect gift for the friend who is always cooking or loves meal prepping. I love glass containers because of how long they last and how they help me save money cooking.

PackIt Mod Lunch Bento Food Storage Container
PackIt Mod Lunch Bento Food Storage Container
  • ONE CONTAINER, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: The Mod Bento Lunch Container includes three removable dividers that wall off thick liquids and solids. Customize your container every time you pack and enjoy your favorite lunches or snacks.
$19.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

13. Walking Shoes

With campus back in-person that means that students are back walking all day. Gift them a pair of walking shoes to help them out! I had these shoes for two three years of college and lasted a long time. I love how my current walking shoes: the Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0.

adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoe, White/Vapour Pink/Wonder White, 5
adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoe, White/Vapour Pink/Wonder White, 5
  • Lightweight running sneakers with a women’s-specific fit
Buy on Amazon

 

14. Rain Jacket 

Rainy days on campus are always hectic. A rain jacket would come in handy for sure!

Sale
Columbia Women's Arcadia Ii Jacket
Columbia Women’s Arcadia Ii Jacket
Vanquish the elements donning Columbia Arcadia II Jacket! This jacket is your ultimate weather warrior, featuring Omni-Tech waterproof and breathable technology for unrivaled protection. Seam-sealed construction ensures no leaks,
$56.25 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

15. AirPod Pros

Noise-canceling and portability are two traits AirPod Pros have that are so useful for college students. I know that I couldn’t go a day on campus without my AirPods. They would be great birthday gifts for college girls who love music or to focus while studying.

Apple AirPods Pro
Apple AirPods Pro
  • RICHER AUDIO EXPERIENCE – The Apple-designed H2 chip pushes advanced audio performance even further, resulting in smarter noise cancellation and…
$294.75 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

16. Mini Waffle Maker

These mini waffle makers have grown in popularity! Breakfast is made easier and simpler with this mini waffle maker as a birthday gift.

DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles
DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles
  • MORE THAN WAFFLES: Make your favorite breakfast classics, or get creative with waffled hash browns, cookies and even biscuit pizzas. Any batter will “waffle” into single serving portions. Great for families or on the go.
$12.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

17. Mug with her Initial

One cannot have too many mugs. A personalized mug with the birthday girl’s initials is a great birthday gift for college students. Target always has some that make cheap gifts.

 

18. Trader Joe’s Cookbook

I have this exact cookbook and can’t wait to use it! I love Trader Joe’s and shopped there throughout college. Even then, this cookbook is a great starter for beginner cooks. Then there is a college version of the cookbook here!

Sale
The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook: 10th Anniversary Edition
The I Love Trader Joe’s Cookbook: 10th Anniversary Edition
  • Twohy, Cherie Mercer (Author)
$18.55 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon
Sale
The I Love Trader Joe's College Cookbook: 10th Anniversary Edition
The I Love Trader Joe’s College Cookbook: 10th Anniversary Edition
  • Lynn, Andrea (Author)
$12.64 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

19. iPad

Something is having an iPad that makes you more organized. There is even a TikTok sound about iPads. It’s one of the best birthday gifts you can give to a college student.

Sale
Apple iPad (10th Generation):
Apple iPad (10th Generation):
  • WHY IPAD — Colorfully reimagined and more versatile than ever, iPad is great for the things you do every day. With an all-screen design, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, powerful A14 Bionic chip, superfast Wi-Fi, and four gorgeous colors, iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
$357.96 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

20. Personalized Friend Photo

For their birthday, gift your college friend a personalized photo of them from Etsy! A friend gave one of us for my birthday and it’s a cute gift that I love.

gifts for college students girl
MnmCreationArt on Etsy

Buy from Etsy.com!

 

21. Charm Bracelet

Jewelry is always a go-to gift for any girl. Charm bracelets are coming back in style. They are sentimental and meaningful gifts. Its customizability also gives the girl the chance to express and show off her personality and style. Pandora’s charm bracelets are a classic!

what is the best birthday gift to a girl

Buy a bracelet from Pandora!

22. Any Gift card

If all things fail or if you don’t know what to give to a college girl for her birthday, a gift card will be nice. College students are busy and often on a budget. A couple of dollars on a gift card like from Target or Amazon is a great gift that they would appreciate.

23. Makeup Mirror

Putting on makeup in a dorm or even apartment lighting isn’t the easiest. Having a makeup mirror would be a gift perfect for makeup-loving girls.

Makeup Vanity Mirror with Lights, 2X 3X 10X Magnification
Makeup Vanity Mirror with Lights, 2X 3X 10X Magnification
  • Built in 21 LED bulbs; HUONUL makeup mirror provides a good brightness for makeup; dim or brighten up the lights with a long pressing of touch screen switch
$20.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

24. Laptop Handbag

Laptops are a must have for college students. But adding a tote handbag will elevate any outfit to be Instagram-ready.

Buy from KateSpade.com!

 

25. Gold Hoop Earrings

Gold hoop earrings are trending right now—especially for the That Girl and Clean Girl aesthetics. They are versatile and can be paired with a pair of jeans for an everyday look or to match a dress.

what to get a college student for her birthday

Buy a pair from JCPenney!

 

26. Phone Case

A phone case is a need, especially on a college campus. There were many days where I dropped my phone while leaving class or dropping it while walking to class. I love how this phone case from Etsy has initials on it, making it way more personalized.

birthday gifts for college girlfriend
Source:SNAPBANDSHOP on Etsy

Buy this case on Etsy!

27. Rice Cooker 

I know that most of my college friends and I struggled to make rice correctly, so one of my friends bought me a mini rice cooker. I absolutely needed this while in undergrad, but I appreciate it so much because it’s perfect for me now in my first apartment.

Sale
Dash Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot
Dash Mini Rice Cooker Steamer with Removable Nonstick Pot
  • MORE THAN RICE: Oatmeal, stew, soup, quinoa, rice, and pasta. The 2-cup/half quart capacity allows for healthier portion control, or individual, quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or sides.
$15.45 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

28. Tote Bag or Canvas Bag

Another useful birthday gift for college girls is a tote bag. Tote bags are so popular right now and it seems like every other girl on Pinterest has one. I know so many people who love collecting cloth tote bags since they come in handy tasks like grocery shopping, sitting in the park to have a picnic, moving, or just as an accessory for an outfit. 

best birthday gift for college girl
Source: VinaHut on Etsy

Buy from Etsy.com!

29. Cute Desk Lamp

Desk lamps are cuter and more practical than ever! If the birthday girl want to charge their phone while studying, then I recommend this desk lamp I used to have. Or if they want something cute to have while reading or chilling out, I love this cat lamp I had that can also be found on some study with me YouTubers’ desk.

Sale
White crown LED Desk Lamp
White crown LED Desk Lamp
  • Versatile LED Desk Lamp: This modern desk lamp features 52 eye-friendly LEDs with 5 adjustable brightness levels and 5 lighting modes, perfect for reading, studying, working or relaxing
$16.19 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon
White crown LED Desk Lamp
White crown LED Desk Lamp
  • 😸[Best Cute Gifts for Women Mom Teen Girls Cat Lovers]: Super cute cat face made by BPA-free washable silicone gives a pleasantly soft touch, is your best gift idea for cat lover women.
$18.99 Amazon Prime
Buy on Amazon

Related: 21 Ways How to Make Your Desk Look Aesthetic

30. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are needed, especially while walking on a college campus. There are days during the fall and spring when the sun is blaring up in the sky and a cloud is nowhere to be found. It also helps make the birthday girl look more stylish, too!

I got my pair of sunglasses (The Hepburn Sunglasses) from Privé Revaux and love them.

useful gifts for college students

Gift someone this exact pair! 

31. Leggings from Lululemon

Finally, another birthday gift idea for a college-aged girl you can give is a workout set from Lululemon. Walk on a college campus and you’re going to find tons of girls sporting a part of Lululemon shorts, tops and/or leggings. It’s also a great outfit choice for a girl that goes to school on a walking campus.

useful gifts for college students

Buy a pair of leggings on Lululemon.com!

 

That’s it for this blog post about birthday gifts for college girls!

Pin for later ⬇️

Before you go, check out more gift guides!

  • 50 Christmas Gifts For College Girls That She’ll Adore
  • The Ultimate BTS Gifts Guide For BTS Fans and ARMY

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Posted In: Gift Guides, College

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Comments

  1. Y2MP3.ONE says

    December 12, 2024 at 3:21 AM

    Loved this list! It’s so refreshing to see gift ideas that are both practical and fun. I especially appreciate the mix of trendy items and essentials. You’ve given me some great ideas for my roommate’s birthday! Thanks, Ariel!

    Reply

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