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Looking for the perfect gift for college students? These gifts for dorm room are both practical and adorable!
Whether you know someone who’s a new high school graduate heading off the college for the first time or a current college student returning for their senior year, college girls can never have enough helpful things for their dorm room. There are tons of options out there, from super practical essentials (like storage bins and mini fridges) to cute decor that will make their dorm feel like home (like fairy lights and trendy tapestries). On top of that, there are all sorts of fun and personalized picks that will match their vibe perfectly.
The best gifts for dorm room not only represent their personal style, but are also useful in their daily college dorm life. I’ve compiled a list of dorm room gifts that made my life a whole lot easier, cuter, and ultimately better (and you might even find their college roommates reaching for these things!).
Whether you’re shopping for your friend, daughter, or even yourself, these dorm room essentials are universally helpful to anyone in their new home away from home. Take a look at the ultimate gifts for dorm room below.
Check out the best gifts for dorm room!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
1. Instant Camera
Capture all those fun college memories with this instant camera! This is a great idea for those who love the nostalgic feel of polaroid pictures, and it’s the perfect way to decorate their dorm room walls.
2. Galaxy Projector Night Light
A galaxy projector night light is a great option for a night owl who wants to study in peace or turn their dorm into a chill environment. It will provide them with a soft glow to see by, and it won’t be harsh on their tired eyes.
3. Dorm Keychain
All college girls should have a dorm keychian that makes it easy to find their dorm key — It’s a lifesaver!
4. Leather Makeup Bag Organizer
This bag fits everything you’ll ever need! It’s essential for makeup, toiletries, and more.
5. Shower Caddy
A shower caddy is a great dorm gift because it keeps all of their shower essentials organized and within easy reach. Plus, it comes in fun colors to match their bathroom decor.
6. Towel Wrap
A towel wrap is one of the most underrated dorm essentials. This cozy towel wrap is perfect for going from the shower to getting ready in the morning, and you don’t have to worry about it falling off like a regular towel.
7. Noise-Canceling Headphones
If it’s their first time living with other recent high school grads, dorms can get noisy! These noise-canceling headphones will be a lifesaver when they need to focus on studying or just want to zone out and listen to their favorite music.
8. Mini Fridge
A mini fridge is the perfect dorm gift for college students if they don’t have one already. Stock up on their favorite snacks and drinks with this mini fridge. It’s the perfect size for their dorm room, and they won’t have to rely on that far-away communal fridge for late-night cravings.
9. Water Bottle
This cute water bottle is a lifesaver! Every new student needs a refillable water bottle that they can bring from class to class and refill on campus. Plus, there are so many fun colors to choose from, so you can easily match their personal aesthetic.
10. Customized Jewelry Box
This customized jewelry box if the perfect gift idea for dorm rooms since it’s small, compact, and personalized.
Gifts for Dorm Room:
11. Felt Message Board
This cute message board is a fun way for them to personalize their dorm room and stay organized. They can use it to write inspirational quotes, keep track of their to-do list, or display photos with friends.
12. Fairy Lights
All college girls need a fairy light as part of their dorm room decor. These magical fairy lights are the best way to add a little bit of twinkle and whimsy to their space, creating a dreamy and inviting atmosphere.
13. Subscription Box
Spoil them with a fun subscription box that delivers a variety of goodies to their dorm room every month. These gifts are a great way for them to try out beauty products, snacks, stationery, or even self-care essentials. Alternatively, get them a one-time box like this snack COLLEGEBOX.
14. Dorm Bedside Shelf
This is the perfect place to put their phone, drink, alarm clock, headphones, and more. It comes in handy when your dorm bed is too high off the ground to reach a bedside table!
15. Comfy Throw Pillow
Let them create their dream bed with a super cute and comfy throw pillow. It’s a great idea and perfect for adding a pop of color and providing some extra back support while studying in bed.
16. Mist Diffusers
Dorm life can get dry and stuffy. These mist diffusers add a touch of moisture to the air and come in amazing scents like eucalyptus or citrus. They’ll be breathing easy and feeling refreshed all semester long and it will keep their skin from getting dry on those cold winter days.
17. Cute Area Rug
A small area rug adds a touch of personality and warmth to their space, and it’s perfect for placing under their desk or beside their bed. They come in many different colors so you can get one that matches their decor.
18. Collapsible Drying Rack
Dorm rooms are short on space, so a collapsible drying rack is a lifesaver. They can easily dry delicates or hand-washed clothes without taking up too much space in their room.
19. Self Adhesive Holders
Hold toothbrushes, keys, razors, or anything they can’t forget with these white silicone holders that are self-adhesive.
20. Soft Fleece Blanket
All college girls need something for those cold winter days! This cozy soft fleece blanket is perfect for movie marathons, late-night studying, or just cuddling up with a good book.
Dorm Room Gift Ideas:
21. Card Game
If you’re looking for cool gifts that will come in handy at parties, a fun card game is perfect! They will definitely use it for fun drinking games, chill hangouts, and more, so it’s sure to get plenty of use.
22. Alarm Clock
Having a phone alarm can be stressful because you’re bound to reach for it during the night and mess up your sleep with blue light. Instead, gift them this adorable alarm clock that has stress-free wake up songs and a seriously cute design.
23. Reading Light
Those dorm room overhead lights aren’t great for reading. This handy reading light clips right onto their book, providing the perfect amount of light for late-night study sessions without disturbing their roommate.
24. Lap Desk
Cozy movie nights in bed? Studying on the couch? This lap desk is a must-have item for comfy productivity. Plus, it comes with a built-in cup holder for those late-night study sessions with tea.
25. Desk Organizer
Your desk can get messy fast, so the best dorm gifts help keep things organized. This desk organizer will help them keep their pens, pencils, highlighters, and sticky notes all in one place.
(RELATED: 21 Best Dorm Room Color Scheme Ideas For College)
26. Laundry Bags
Laundry day won’t be a drag with these cute laundry bags! They’re way more stylish than a plastic bag, and they come in fun prints to match their dorm vibe.
27. Travel Mug
Coffee on the go is essential for early classes. This travel mug will keep their drink hot (or cold!) and it’s way better for the environment than disposable cups.
28. Reed Diffusers
Every college dorm needs some sort of air freshener. These reed diffusers come in amazing scents like lavender or vanilla, and they’ll fill their space with a delightful fragrance all semester long.
29. Danish Pastel Stackable Crates
Pastels are all the rage! These cute Danish pastel stackable crates will add a touch of trendy style to their dorm room while organizing their makeup, school supplies, or snacks.
30. Aesthetic School Supplies
School supplies are always a great pick for college students (since it’s all so easy to lose!). An aesthetic and colorful pen set, some cute highlighters, and a trendy notebook will make note-taking way more fun.
31. Mattress Pad
Protecting your mattress in college is a must. This plush mattress pad will make their dorm room bed feel like a cloud, which is essential for their new home away from home.
Gifts for Roommates:
32. Desk Lamp
Dorm room lighting can be harsh. This cute desk lamp will provide them with the perfect amount of light for studying late into the night, and the stylish design will add a personal touch to their space. It also has a calendar and LCD screen, charging port, and customizable colored lights.
33. Luxurious Home Fragrances Pillow Mist
Help them create a spa-like atmosphere in their dorm room with luxurious home fragrances pillow mist. This is a great gift idea if they have trouble sleeping. Just spray it on your pillow for an instant good night’s sleep.
34. VSCO Preppy Book Decor
Help them achieve the trendy VSCO preppy look with this set of fake decorative coffee table books. They are actually storage boxes so they can hide jewelry and other small items inside.
35. Bluetooth Speakers
Having good speakers when getting ready to go out is essential to dorm life. Blast their favorite music with these portable Bluetooth speakers. Perfect for dorm room dance parties, movie nights with friends, or just jamming out while they get ready for class.
(RELATED: 49 Must-Have Dorm Wall Decor Ideas)
36. Jewelry Organizer
She can keep all of her jewelry organized in this simple organizer that holds rings, bracelets, necklaces, and more.
37. Satin Pillowcase
A satin pillowcase is a must for any girl who prioritizes her hair and skin health. Plus, it feels luxurious!
38. Safety Alarm Keychain
This gift is a great choice to keep her safe when she goes out at night. Since it’s a keychain, she can put it with her dorm keys and always feel protected.
39. Positive Potato
Show them how much you believe in their dreams with this adorable potato knitted plushie! It’s cute, uplifting, and portable so they can take it anywhere.
Best Dorm Supplies:
40. Sherpa Blanket Hoodie
Dorm life can get cold during the winter months, so bundle up with a sherpa blanket hoodie. It’s lowkey cute enough to wear to the library, and maybe even to class!
41. Mini Waffle Maker
They can make their favorite breakfast classics, or get creative with waffled hash browns, cookies and even biscuit pizzas, all from the comfort of their dorm.
42. Desk Fan
Dorm rooms can get stuffy, especially during those warmer months. A small desk fan will help keep them cool and comfortable while they study or relax in their space.
43. Starbucks Gift Card
Sponsor their morning coffee before class! College students basically run on coffee so you can’t go wrong with a Starbucks gift card.
44. Shower Shoes
Shower shoes are a dorm room essential for college students who have shared bathrooms. These ones provide arch support and come in the cutest colors.
45. Air Purifier Humidifer
College can be a breeding ground for germs. This air purifier will help eliminate dust, allergens, and odors from their dorm room, keeping them healthy and focused throughout the semester.
(RELATED: 49 Pink Dorm Room Ideas We’re Obsessed With)
46. Sticky Notes Dispenser
Keep their desk organized and their notes readily available with a cute and fun sticky note dispenser. They can choose from a variety of shapes, animals, or even motivational quotes.
47. Taylor Affirmations Lyrics Posters
Every Swiftie will love this poster for their dorm room! It has great positive messages that are perfect to see every morning.
Best Dorm Ideas:
48. Bluetooth Shower Speaker
They can play music even in the shower with this waterproof speaker. This is a must-have for college students who don’t want to bring their phone into the shared bathrooms.
49. Electric Cooker Non-Stick Sauté Pan
This is a true dorm room essential for college students who love to cook — and it makes it easier for students who have no idea what to do in the kitchen! Gifts like this are sure to be used at least weekly.
50. Fuzzy Slippers
These trendy slippers are a perfect gift for dorm rooms since they will keep their feet warm and are super cute and aesthetic.
51. Amazon Digital Gift Card
You can’t go wrong with this! Let them pick out their own perfect gift using a digital gift card that can be sent to their phone via text in seconds.
Now, you have an idea of the items that are on every college girls wish lists! The good news is that any of these great gift ideas will be the best gifts for dorm room. Now, go ahead and spoil them with the perfect dorm gift!
This post was all about gifts for dorm room.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
