This post is all about the best stocking stuffers for college students.
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If you’re looking for the best stocking stuffers for college students in 2023 look no further! Looking for stocking stuffer ideas online can be super hard because sometimes the price ranges are a bit crazy. Like who is spending $50 on a stocking stuffer? Not me!
But, don’t worry this list keeps the items below 15 dollars. These stocking stuffer ideas are perfect for the college students in your life. I’m pretty confident considering I want everything on this list! Like literally everything please, haha.
It can be tricky to shop for college students, especially girls because they’re always keeping up with (constantly changing!) trends. But that’s what I’m here for – I’ve compiled the trendiest (and most practical) stocking stuffers.
Looking for the best gifts for college students? Make sure to check out my complete guide to the perfect gifts for her!
Best Stocking Stuffers for College Students in 2023
1. AIRPOD’S CASE
I have this exact airpod’s case and I am always being asked about it! It’s cute, functional, and is easy to put on and take off. Plus, who doesn’t love the popsicle design? It comes in purple, brown, pink, and blue.
2. FROTHER
If you’ve never used a milk frother before….you NEED to get one! Most students are addicted to coffee anddd the best coffee tool out there? A portable frother. I use my frother for everything – to mix energy drinks, protein powder, coffee, and to froth milk for my tea. I’ve gotten it as a gift for all my friends and family because it’s so convenient.
3. SRIRACHA KEYCHAIN
If you like spicy things, chances are you LOVE sriracha. Most of my friends put sriracha on everything. And this keychain is the perfect gift for those obsessed with the sauce. While it doesn’t come with sriracha, you can pair it with a bottle for a funny (and practical) stocking stuffer.
4. SLIPPERS
Okay, so they are 15.99, but that’s basically 15 dollars right? These slippers come in SO many different patterns. I own four of them…so far. Oops. This is another item that I keep getting as gifts for my family and friends because everyone just loves them. And I’m not kidding about the patterns, they seriously have a version for everyone!
5. HOT CHOCOLATE
Silly cow hot chocolate is the best. Most flavors are dairy free, gluten-free and vegan-friendly too! They have so many different kinds: chocolate mousse, peppermint, chocolate sea salt & caramel, ginger snap, pumpkin spice, java chip, and more. I’m convinced that everyone needs hot chocolate in their stocking! Plus, it comes in an adorable glass bottle.
6. COLOR DEPOSITING HAIR MASK
If you have a friend or family member in college chances are they have wanted to dye their hair at one point or another. This hair mask is the not-so-permanent solution! You let it sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and it lasts for a few washes. It’s so fun and best of all, temporary! It makes the perfect trendy stocking stuffer.
P.S. I’ve used this exact color and can definitely vouch for it.
7. LAVENDER OIL
Getting a good night’s sleep in college is, well, not the easiest. Between loud roommates, late night study sessions, parties, etc., anything that can help get quality sleep is always a bonus! This lavender roll on oil is perfect for creating a calming atmosphere.
8. FUN WRITING PENS
No one knows how it happens, but pens and pencils disappear SO quickly in school settings. These pens are perfect for taking notes because they each have two colors! This way you can highlight/underline certain sections without having to use a separate pen.
9. PRESS ON NAILS

Press on nails are perfect for a fun stocking stuffer for college girls! They’re easy, hassle free, and perfect for any campus events. Plus, not everyone has a salon near their college so press on nails are an easy way to look salon ready at home. I always assumed press on nails would fall off after a few hours, but NOPE. They stay! The brand above is one of my favorites – they’re so easy to use and last so long.
10. HAIR SCRUNCHIES
I honestly don’t know any girl in college who has enough scrunchies. They’re another item that just magically disappears. These scrunchies are the perfect stocking stuffer for college students because they come in neutral colors, don’t damage hair, and come in a pack. Plus, with over 15,000 5 star reviews, these scrunchies are well-liked!
11. ICE ROLLER
Ice rollers are all the rage right now. Rolling cold ice on your face first thing in the morning is a great way to wake up for class. Plus, they help with puffiness. Most college students have a fridge/freezer combo in their room where they can keep this as well. Know any college students who have a hard time waking up? This could be the perfect stocking stuffer for them!
OTHER IDEAS:
Books: Books are always a great stocking stuffer for college students. However, since there’s already a lot of heavy reading in college, I recommend a fiction read.
Book recommendations for college students:
- City of Thieves by David Benioff.
- Normal People by Sally Rooney
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Lip Balm / Lotion: You can never go wrong with lip balm / chap stick or lotion! Especially in the winter.
- Cocokind Lip Balm
- Lip Balm Set (for those who never seem to have enough!)
- Aquaphor Lip Repair
- Hand Lotion Set
- Burt’s Bees Lotion Set
Tea/Coffee: If you know they make coffee in their dorm or apartment, a great stocking stuffer is some of their favorite tea and/or coffee. Or, get them a new flavor to try!
P.S. These single serve bags are PERFECT for college students that don’t have a coffee maker.
Hand Sanitizer: Not sure this one needs much of an explanation, but getting sick in college during wintertime is a little too easy. Encourage them to stay healthy with some hand sanitizer spray.
Coffee Gift Cards: Another easy option is to get them a coffee gift card for $5-15 for their local coffee shop.
Treats: And, of course, some fun treats are an easy way to fill up a stocking! If they don’t like candy, you can add in mints or gum. These gingermints are my favorite, you can find them at your local Trader Joes.
Make sure to check out my other gift guides for additional ideas:
- The BEST gifts for cooking lovers
- Gifts for the Gilmore Girls fan
- The perfect gifts for mom (or the mom figure in your life!)
- Gifts for her: the complete list of gifts she will love this year
And that’s everything! Let me know if you found these stocking stuffers for college students helpful. And, let me know any other ideas you have!
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