Wondering what special gifts for dorm room you need to get? Check out some of these amazing ideas that your graduating high school senior will need for their dorm!
If you are wondering what to get, then here are some of the top choices that your graduating senior will love!
Don’t worry about picking the wrong gift because these are all practical gift ideas that are loved by college students.
You can either mix and match the gifts or get one and wrap it nicely.
Make your senior’s move-in day extra special and college a lasting memory.
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Best Gifts for Dorm Room
1. Mattress Topper
It’s a comfy mattress topper that can help prevent any spills, rest better, and sleep nicer.
Sleep is a total top of my list priority in college and I treasure every minute of it ever since morning classes and late nights.
Quality sleep or nap means so much to me, especially in college.
Whenever I have nights in, a movie in bed, or homework in bed; I am so appreciative of having a mattress topper to make everything that much comfier.
Make sure you purchase the right size and most college dorms are twin xl.
2. Comforter Set
What else do college students need?
Yes, that’s right-a nice, clean comforter set for all four years of their college life (and maybe more).
There are a ton of colors to choose from, but I recommend steering away from the whites and light colors.
They get dirty really fast and let’s face it, how often do you think college students wash their comforters?
Yep, barely any so pick a color that can withstand their nasty snack days on the bed, accidental spills, and usage.
Go for a deep color to stay on the safe side.
A comforter set is also one of the best gifts for dorm room because everyone needs one to sleep.
3. Cooking Hot Pot
Living in dorm rooms will have a lot of restrictions.
Picking one of these hot pots is perfect for cooking, heating food, or making meals all within the confines of a dorm room.
It will be perfect to cook by the window so it won’t set off the alarm.
This pot is a win-win since it’s simple to create meals and your student doesn’t have to consume dining hall food all the time.
I think this is on the top of my list as one of the most practical gifts for dorm room.
4. Shower Caddy
A shower caddy is a must-have for anyone who has lived in a dorm before.
It’s so convenient and you don’t have to pile your shampoos and conditioners on the nasty shower floor.
You just take it when you need to hop into the shower and hang it to dry once you are out of the shower.
I have had a shower caddy all four years of my college career and it has been an essential.
This will be a great gift addition to a shower set and very useful too!
5. Shower Set
Pick up a set of body wash, lotion, and lip balm for your student because this is an essential.
Everyone needs to take a shower so it’s inevitable that they can benefit from a nice set.
You can pair this up with the other shower gift options on this list as a gift basket bundle.
Find scents that they like or pick lightly scented products.
This will be super cute with a pair of fuzzy socks or a bathrobe set to upgrade the gift!
Need more gift ideas, but on a budget? Check out Top High School Senior Gifts Under $25.
6. Laptop
If your student doesn’t have a laptop yet, consider buying them a nice one for college.
They will need one for writing papers, turning in assignments, and occasionally watching movies.
I highly recommend a Macbook for its long battery life and fast processing.
Previously, I owned an Asus Zenbook but the battery needs to be replaced after four years of use.
I use my laptop constantly and for long periods of time, so I always go for long- lasting battery life and extensive processing power.
You can pick a laptop with your child because they might prefer Windows or Apple settings.
Make sure to check the specs before committing to one because laptops are quite expensive.
7. Snack Package
I haven’t counted the times I walk to the market at night because I was craving some snacks or chips.
It would be a lifesaver to have a snack box in the dorm.
After a late-night study session or a movie night, a bag of chips or popcorn is the way to go.
Plus, it’s way cheaper to purchase snacks outside of the college markets since prices are jacked up within the campus.
Send a snack box off to your college student and let them enjoy some sweets or treats after a busy night.
8. Gift Card
Are you having trouble deciding what to get?
Sometimes, the simpler the gift the better.
You can get a gift card from their favorite store or just get an Amazon gift card and they can get things shipped to their dorm.
This way they can pick up anything they might need for college that they prefer.
They have the choice to pick a gift, and you don’t have to stress about finding the perfect present.
9. Headphones
A set of quality headphones is a must-have on the gift list.
If you have no idea what to get as a dorm gift, headphones are the way to go!
From listening to music to going through podcasts or lectures during walks, headphones are an essential.
It’s better to get the wireless ones so it’s easier to move around without getting tangled in wires.
Find ones that are high quality for better sound and longer battery life.
10. Hand & Feet Care Set
Pick up a hands and toes gift set for your college student.
I always needed lip balm because my lips were chapped throughout the day.
It’s nice to sneak a care package in so it will remind them to moisturize and take care of themselves.
I can always use some hand cream or lip balm, so they are always welcome on my list.
These are great as a gift stuffer or care package to send off in between changing seasons.
11. Tea Set
If your student enjoys a cup of hot tea, purchase a box so they can drink each day.
You can go with black tea which is a classic flavor, but if you know what they like, you can get them their favorite flavors too.
I highly recommend chamomile, green tea, or peppermint tea since they aid with either sleeping, calming, and digesting.
If they are more of a coffee person, you can also get them coffee mixes or coffee sets.
You can help them save money by purchasing items that they go through daily and are pricey in college.
12. Reading Pillow
Another essential that I have loved during my four years living in a dorm is a reading pillow.
Instead of leaning on my sleeping pillow, I much prefer having a reading pillow to lean on.
I love to do my readings, homework, and watch movies all while leaning on my bed.
It definitely upgrades the resting experience and I highly suggest you get one.
If they love to work on the bed, then this is a great gift to get!
13. Glass Bottle
I have discovered that I drink more liquids when my bottle is cute.
This glass tumbler is super aesthetic and adorable.
Plus, there is a silicone grip that prevents it from slipping.
You can make smoothies, coffees, or fruit teas and sip out of this bottle.
Save the planet with a reusable bottle and enjoy drinks out of a nice bottle.
14. Blender Cup
Sometimes, 8 am classes are inevitable and when that rolls around, a portable blender is your best friend.
This is such a practical gift if your student love drinking smoothies.
They can just whip up a smoothie in minutes and bring the cup with them on the way to class.
Then, they can just wash it after class or during their day.
This is super convenient and a nice gift for busy mornings.
15. Corduroy Tote Bag
Tote bags are always a great option as a gift.
I love carrying tote bags to the library to study or go grocery shopping.
There are a ton of cute colors to choose from, but I recommend picking neutral colors so they go with outfits better.
You can go with sturdy canvas, soft corduroy, or thick nylon material for a longer-lasting hold.
If you want your gift to pop more, you can include a cute wallet or hoodie along with it.
16. Cute Wallet
I love carrying small wallets as opposed to large, bulky ones in college.
There will be credit cards, driver’s license, and student id to carry around.
Grab a cute wallet for your student so they can have all their cards and money with them.
Go for a sturdy and smaller size so it will limit the weight that they need to carry.
If they already have a wallet, consider another gift option like a tote bag or hoodie.
Need more ideas or posts like gifts for dorm room? Check out College Freshman Gifts That Are Actually Useful.
17. Water Kettle
I always need to boil water for teas, coffees, and instant noodles so a kettle will be a top must-have.
It will be so convenient for morning drinks or late-night noodles.
You can pick either glass or steel, but I recommend the glass option since it is cheaper and works.
This kettle boils water quickly so it will save time and it’s super simple to clean.
I say this kettle and the hot pot are two top appliances to get for dorms since it’s difficult to cook in a room.
18. Basic Hoodie
You can never have too many hoodies and if you find your student sporting a hoodie 24/7, then consider buying them another one.
They are like my pajamas and I LOVE lounging in hoodies.
You can pick a basic color or their college colors.
I personally don’t like having large plastic text or images on my hoodie since it can feel uncomfortable.
Go for simpler styles so they can rest comfortably.
19. Towel Set
Showering is a must in college which brings us to the importance of towels.
Grab a set that has multiple so they can have an extra set when they wash their towels.
Go for darker colors since light colors can easily stain or get dirty.
I also like fluffier or heavier towels since it soaks up the water faster than thin ones.
Spurge a bit on a towel set or bathrobe set so they can have a nice shower experience.
20. Cloud Sandals
Dorm showers are nasty. And I mean the floors because you never know who has foot fungus or what’s been on there.
These cloud sandals are ultra soft like walking on clouds.
They also dry super fast so your student can wear them quickly to walk around in.
You definitely want to get a comfortable pair because they will be wearing it their entire college career.
There are multiple colors and I currently have a pair of gray ones that I love.
21. Scrunchies
Like hoodies, you can never have enough scrunchies.
I recommend going for more neutral colors instead of colorful ones since they go with any type of outfit.
You can get a set of scrunchies and pair it with a shower set or a hoodie to make the gift more complete.
Go for velvet or fabric scrunchies since they protect your hair better than hair elastics.
These gifts for dorm room are sure to delight your student and they will definitely love them!
Hopefully, this list gave you some fun ideas and inspired some gift options for you!
Do you have any other ideas for gifts in the dorm room?
