With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to solidify your Christmas wish list. Whether you’re treating yourself or hinting at family, creating the perfect list can be overwhelming. To make it a little less overwhelming, here is a carefully compiled list of my 20 must-have items, ranging from personal care to practical essentials– all based on personal experience, college needs, and things I can’t live without.
1. Kipling Backpack
A durable backpack is important, especially since you’ll be carrying it with you almost every day. One of my favorite brands is Kipling. I’ve had this backpack since middle school and it hasn’t let me down. Kipling offers cute and durable options in tons of colors and patterns, so it’s easy to find one that fits your style.
2. Owala or Hydroflask (or any durable water bottle)
Having a cute and reliable water bottle is essential as a college student, especially in the Florida heat. Owala and Hydroflasks both offer great color combinations and keep your drinks cold for hours. A high-quality and cute water bottle is an underrated but seriously necessary gift.
3. JBL Go 4
This makes for the perfect gift for a music lover. I have one myself, and the sound quality is incredible for its size. It’s compact, lightweight, and convenient to bring along on your travels like trips to the beach. Plus, it also comes in fun colors.
4. On Cloudnova 2 or Hokas
A comfortable tennis shoe is a must, especially for a college student. Personally, I have the On Cloudnova 2s, and having a comfortable shoe makes the biggest difference, particularly for someone who walks everywhere on campus.
5. Anker Powerbank
Portable chargers are small and easy to stick in your backpack or purse and make perfect practical gifts, especially for long days on campus or when you’re traveling and need your phone.
6. iPad or Tablet + Apple Pencil or Stylus
Though this is a pricier item, digital note taking is a genuine life changer. I first began taking notes on my iPad during my freshman year of high school, and having all your notes organized in one spot is a game changer for productivity and clutter free studying.
7. Spotify or Apple Music Subscription
A subscription to a music streaming service is ideal for anyone who cannot function without music (most of us college students). Even if you aren’t a big music listener, Spotify and Apple Music also offer a wide range of podcasts to choose from.
8. Sony WH-1000XM4 (or any good noise cancelling headphone)
A good noise cancelling headphone is a game changer, especially for intense study sessions. AirPod Pros are a great option too, but the Sony WH-1000XM4s take the listening experience to another level with stronger noise cancelling and higher audio quality.
9. Monitor
A monitor is a great addition if you have a heavy workload. Having multiple screens can drastically increase productivity, allowing you to seamlessly multitask between windows and tabs.
10. Surge Protector
Whether you are in a dorm or not, these make one of the most practical gifts. It keeps all your devices charged and allows you to safely charge them all at once, which is super practical for study spaces.
Personal Care Items:
11. Dyson Airwrap (or a dupe!)
The T3 Aire 360 is a great alternative and comes in a variety of cute colors. Though it only offers three attachments, it is just as effective as models like the Dyson Airwrap and Shark Flexstyle but at a more affordable price and with much cuter color options.
12. Skincare
The Christmas season provides a great opportunity to ask for restocks on your favorite skincare lines. Whether it be a serum, moisturizer, or cleanser, this is your chance to refresh and restock your routine.
13. Fragrances
Likewise, the holidays offer a great opportunity to restock your favorite fragrances or simply try something totally new. Whether you lean towards warm vanilla scents or muskier ones, fragrances make thoughtful and personal gifts.
14. Lippies
Lip products make the perfect stocking stuffers. From lip balms to glosses, they’re small, fun, and easy to customize based on your makeup style.
15. Facemasks
Facemasks are great self-care items for a well deserved self care night. They’re affordable, relaxing, and make great stocking stuffers.
16. Gift Cards
Gift cards to Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, or even your favorite coffee place make great gifts for those who are indecisive. They allow you to choose exactly what you want, guilt free and on your own time.
17. Ugg Slippers
Comfort is key, and Ugg slippers are crucial. They’re cozy, warm, comfortable, and make the perfect shoe for chilly mornings or when you’re lounging around at home or your dorm.
18. Candles and/or Candle Warmer
Candles can make any space feel warm and cozy, particularly during the holiday season. If your dorm doesn’t allow open flames, a candle warmer is the perfect alternative for adding a fragrance without causing a fire hazard.
19. Pajama Set
You can never go wrong with a pajama set. Matching sets make you feel cute and put together, even if you’re just hanging out in your room.
20. Moroccan Oil Treatment
Hair treatments are great gifts for anyone who loves keeping their hair healthy and shiny. One of my favorites is the Moroccan Treatment by Moroccanoil. It nourishes, smooths frizz, and adds shine without making your hair look greasy.