Shopping as a college student can often feel daunting, and staying within a tight budget can be challenging. As a college student who loves all things Gen Z, I have put together a list of the best Gen Z gift ideas, all under $25, which are sure to appeal to the typical college student just in time for the holiday shopping season. A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better gift, so read this curated list to find Gen Z gift ideas that a college student will not only think are cute but will use.
1. Jelly Cats
There’s a reason why everyone and their mother have been obsessed with Jelly Cats lately.
This $22 Jelly Cat reindeer is the perfect winter-themed gift, and it would look adorable in a dorm room.
Jelly Cat makes a wide variety of adorable, holiday-themed stuffed animals, including key chains, which make the cutest, versatile additions.
2. Planners and journals
It can be difficult for college students to keep track of assignments, and journaling is essential for mental wellness.
This affordable Urban Outfitters journal, priced at $10, looks cute on a desk and is extremely useful for anyone, especially busy students. This journal easily ranks as one of the best gifts for college students.
As an added bonus, this journal is super tiny, making it perfect for on-the-go note-taking.
3. Tote Bags
Wanna help reduce plastic waste while adding to your outfit?
This $17.49 Forever 21 tote bag is the perfect gift for a college student who’s on the go and doesn’t want to carry around a heavy bag or backpack. The puffy material is a well-loved winter fashion trend.
This lightweight bag is excellent for engaging in all the season’s winter festivities.
4. Sephora gift sets
Sephora honestly ate with their gift sets this year.
These $21 Sephora set of Laneige lip sleeping masks have been one of the most trending lip products for years, and these mini products would fit perfectly in a bag for going to class.
These hydrating lip masks come in mango, berry, gummy bear, watermelon pop, and peach iced tea.
5. Under eye patches
These $20 Skin Gym reusable under-eye patches from Ulta are aesthetically pleasing and super practical.
They are sure to eliminate eye bags from studying for finals and are the perfect way to practice self-care on a budget.
These patches are made of medical-grade silicone, which makes them suitable for all skin types and great for reducing the appearance of fatigue.
6. Press on nail sets
Manicures can become a drain on the wallet, which is why Gen Z has been loving acrylic nail sets that can last weeks.
This $15 Glamnetic set from Ulta offers the perfect Hailey Bieber-inspired “glazed donut” nails.
This set allows for a professional-looking manicure that you can do in a fraction of the time. Luxury doesn’t always have to mean expensive, and these nails are proof of this.
7. Hair accessories
Nothing screams ‘clean girl’ like a classic slick back hairstyle.
With these practical $12 clips from EMI JAY, anyone can elevate their look to be more put together.
These flower clips are perfect for wanting a quick but chic hairstyle for class, going out with friends, and wanting a unique style.
8. Lip balms
Lip balms are perfect for a busy college student who can only fit a few things in their bag on the way to class.
Ole Henrikson is a TikTok-approved brand that has received much love lately. This $22 lip treatment is sure to keep your lips hydrated throughout the harsh winter.
Thanks to the lip-specific peptides, kokum and mango seed butter, and cloudberry oil, chapped lips will be a thing of the past.
9. Bag charms
Jane Birkify your bag with these adorable bag charms.
Bag accessories help add a unique, fun, and personalized look to any bag, and the trendy and dainty swan, ross, martini glass, and flower charms add a cool-girl look to any outfit.
This affordable yet on trend bag charm $15 from Urban Outfitters.
10. Classic hoop earrings
These staple earrings are perfect for a casual going-to-class look or a more elevated night out with friends.
These $24 Made by Mary earrings won’t tarnish quickly and are always timeless.
In fact, these 9mm hoops are shower-approved, making them practical for anyone who likes classic, staple jewelry.
11. Sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses is always necessary, especially to achieve that ‘model off duty’ aesthetic.
These affordable $19.50 J. Crew frames give a chic yet effortless look.
Tortoise shells are the new trending Gen Z print, and they will be sure to upgrade anyone’s look with a classic piece.
12. Pajama sets
Want to feel luxurious and cozy? These adorable matching sets are perfect. They’re also high-quality, made of silky material.
These $14.99 Amazon pajamas will make you look straight out of a Pinterest board.
Nothing makes someone look more put together than a matching set, which is a simple way to create a sleek look for the nighttime.
13. A matcha kit
Matcha: Gen Z in a drink.
College students love caffeine, but they also love a cute beverage. A matcha drink in hand is the perfect accessory for going to class or running errands. It will keep the energy up and also taste amazing.
Being able to make their matcha with these cute tools is the perfect gift for a caffeine-addicted college student trying to save money by not buying their morning drink. This Jade Leaf set costs $23.95.
14. Plants
Dorms can look super dull, but these realistic fake plants can come to the rescue. If you prefer the real deal, plenty of plants are perfect for students, too.
These $12 Target plants are perfect for the nature-loving college student who wants to take the gray out of their dorm room.
As a bonus, they re-bloom throughout the year so that they will last a while.
15. Cute picture frames
A picture is worth a thousand words, so why not make it look cute too?
These Anthropologie frames are perfect for displaying memories with your friends and are fantastic dorm and apartment decorations that any college student would love. This is one of the best gifts for college students missing home.
The hand-painted floral designs are super elegant, making the pictures even more special. The 4″ x 6″ costs $24, and the 4″ x 4″ costs $18.
16. Owala water bottles
Hydration is essential, and the Owala water bottle is the new it-girl water bottle of the year.
This $17.09 Owala bottle comes in many cute colors and is vital for the busy college student who often forgets to drink water throughout the day.
Drinks can be kept cold and carried around in style with Owala water bottles, which fit perfectly in a backpack and have recently taken over schools.
17. Travel and makeup bags
Organization is crucial, especially for college life when you’re adjusting to living on your own.
These super cute $18 Blackbough bags will definitely be helpful for organizing beauty products or school supplies in a displayable way. The floral, quilted look is perfect for any lover of the coquette style.
This Gen Z gift idea is also perfect for students looking to travel, as it has ample storage and is perfect to take on the go.
18. A digital camera
Digital cameras are perfect for capturing memories on a night out with friends, but unfortunately, they typically cost hundreds of dollars.
This adorable, pale pink Amazon camera is much more affordable at $19.99 and gets the job done for the friend group photographer. Gen Z loves taking photos, so a camera easily ranks as one of the best gift ideas.
The camera’s petite size makes it easy to carry, and it has an anti-shake ability.
19. Light up mirrors
With the ‘get ready with me’ craze taking TikTok by storm, a light-up mirror is essential for college students.
Become the next Alix Earl with this mirror that is perfect for doing makeup and hair and is much more affordable than a full-fledged vanity setup, which can also take up a lot of space.
This $16.99 Amazon vanity also fits comfortably on a dorm room desk.
20. Hair tools
With Dyson’s being so expensive, affordable hair tools are vital for budgeting college students who want the Victoria’s Secret bombshell blowout look.
This Revlon hair dryer, priced at $22.49, uses round brushes to achieve the perfect styling for bouncy and voluptuous hair.
With thermal brush attachments and three heat/speed settings, you can reduce frizz, making hair-doing in the morning much simpler.
21. Slippers
Let’s face it: dorms can get cold and depressing.
These adorable $20 slippers can bring joy to your feet and combine leisure with style.
Additionally, these fuzzy slippers from Target can be worn outside, making class a little more cozy in the winter.
22. Candles
While most dorms unfortunately prohibit candles, this gift is for you if you have alternative housing.
Candles are an affordable luxury that will not be trending, making your space smell amazing and adding decoration.
This cozy and wintery Christmas cookie-scented candle from Yankee Candle is currently on sale for $18.60 and would make the perfect gift for anyone Christmas-obsessed.
23. Phone cases
A new phone case is an easy way to spruce up an everyday item.
Freshen up your mirror selfies with this trending Princess Polly leopard print and pink floral case, which costs $15 and has a size range from iPhone 11s to the 16 pro.
The leopard print craze isn’t over yet, and this case is a great way to show personal style.
24. Eye sleeping masks
Quality sleep is key; therefore, a sleeping mask is one way to ensure that you are getting quality sleep and are not rudely awoken by light shining through see-through dorm window blinds.
This Kitsch sleeping mask is super luxurious but still budget-friendly. It costs $18 but is currently on sale for $12.
The silky material feels elegant and won’t cause eye irritation, allowing for a peaceful sleep.
25. Fragrance samples
Anyone on ‘Perfume-Tok’ knows the disappointment of searching up trending perfumes only to see the high price tag.
However, don’t fear—Ulta sells this affordable luxury mini perfume set for $15, featuring fragrances from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Viktor and Rolf, and Givenchy.
Now, designer perfume is attainable, and expanding your perfume collection can now come at a reasonable price.
Finally, as the holiday season is approaching, I hope these Gen Z gift ideas can offer you some inspiration for the gift-giving season. These are some of the best gifts for college students this semester or just someone who loves current trends for this winter, let this list be your guide to all things present-related. And with that, good luck this season, and happy shopping!
