We’ve found wonderful Christmas gifts for college students and teens under $50. Some are practical, while others are just fun. We guarantee that they will love these birthday or holiday gift ideas.
We are a reader-supported site and receive small compensation from purchases made through some of the links on this page.
Christmas gifts under $50 for teens and college students
1. lululemon Belt Bag (lululemon)
lululemon remains a top brand for our daughters, in particular, and this cross-body bag is both functional and trendy. Available in lots of pretty colors and sizes.
2.
3. Stick Man Table Lamp (Amazon)
Why have a boring table lamp when you can have a fun one?
4. Hydrate and Chill (Ulta)
All the moisturizer you need for the next three very dry months.
5. JALL Wakeup Sunrise Alarm Clock (Amazon)
This alarm clock does it all — sunrise simulation light with seven natural sounds. Gradually increase light from 10% brightness to 100% by 30 minutes before alarm setting time. There are many other options to help make waking up much more pleasant.
6. Anker Nano Power Bank (Amazon)
Your son or daughter will never have a dead phone again when you have one of these Anker power banks in a backpack to charge your phone quickly. There is no need for a charging cable as the built-in lightening connector attaches directly to an iPhone.
7. Socks and More(Bombas)
Bombas makes wonderful socks for all sorts of activities and sports and here is where you can find all their socks and sock sets under $50. Plus, Bombas will donate a pair of socks to a person experiencing homelessness for every pair purchased.
8.
9. Lego Disney and Pixar “Up” House (Amazon)
Here’s one of the Lego sets created to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary. There are Lego sets at every price point and many under $50.
10. Belkin Quick Charge Dual Charging Pad (Amazon)
Quickly charge iPhone and Airpods with this Belkin device.
11. Apple Air Tag (Amazon)
When your teen or college student slips an Apple AirTag in their wallet or backpack, they will never have a problem finding it, especially at the last minute when it is crucial to get out the door for a class.
12. HASHIBO Shape Shifting Box (Amazon)
Award-winning, patented fidget cube. This fidget box features 36 rare earth magnets that transform into over 70 shapes. Fits comfortably in your hand.
13. NCAA Fan Gear (Fanatics)
Fanatics is THE place to shop for anyone on your list with a favorite team — NCAA or any pro team for any sport. There is an incredible selection of officially licensed merchandise to choose from.
14. lululemon Wristlet (lululemon)
I’m in love with this wristlet in black and gold and think it would work for any occasion as a clutch or to throw in a larger bag. It is water resistant, but the key feature is the hidden-phone slot in the middle.
15. Drunk Elephant Sunscreen (Amazon)
Has your daughter been asking for Drunk Elephant skincare? Here is the SPF 30 sunscreen that she will WANT to use.
16. Sol de Janiero Bum Bum Cream (Amazon)
Here is another favorite cosmetics for your daughter. Here is how the yummy fragrance of this smoothing cream is described on Amazon — “Brazilian Beauty Blend of Cupuaçu Butter, Açaí Oil, and Coconut Oil softens while a light mica shimmer creates an all-over highlighting gorgeous glow.” One for her…one for me, too!
17. Stanley Quencher (Stanley)
LOVE the gorgeous color of this wildly popular Stanley tumbler that keeps hot beverages hot and cold things cold.
18. University Wine Glasses (Uncommon Goods)
We love these stemless wine glasses with campus and college logos. Perfect for your 21+ college student.
19. SPIbelt Large Pocket Running Belt for Adults (Amazon)
Expands to fit anything you need to carry on a run. Comes in many color combos for the runner in the family.
20. Anker Magnetic 2-in-1 Charger (Amazon)
Fast wireless charging for two devices at once. This one gets great reviews.
21. Fleece Lined Hoodie (Target)
Do hoodies ever go out of style for our teens? Target makes different styles and offers many colors and sizes, all well-priced.
22. Hydroflask (Amazon)
A good water bottle is necessary, and there is no better bottle (IMO) than Hydroflask. The hardest thing about shopping for your teen for a new bottle is choosing between the numerous shapes, sizes, and colors.
23. Fleece Hoodie (Target)
This fleece hoodie from Target comes in six pretty colors and many sizes.
24. Moshi Digits Winter Touchscreen Gloves (Amazon)
These warm knit gloves let you continue working on your devices while keeping your hands toasty. These cloves get the top ratings.
25. e.l.f. 11pc Brush Collection (Target)
This 11-piece brush set has everything you need to do an expert makeover. We love that each brush tells you precisely what it’s for. This is a great brand, and our teens love it. This 11-piece brush set has everything you need to do an expert makeover. We love that each brush tells you precisely what it’s for. This is a great brand, and our teens love it.
26. Cervical Heat Pack | Heat and Cold Therapy (Amazon)
Relieve muscle pain and tension-gentle pressure and warmth. Suitable for the teen who carries all the stress.
23. BAGGU Duck Bag (Amazon)
Canvas everyday tote that is spacious and roomy. They have a great, versatile style.
27. Ergonomic Foot Rest (Amazon)
This ergonomic footrest can be a soft spot for feet and provide support for improved posture.
28. Levoit Air Purifier Mini (Amazon)
Levoit is a top brand in air purifiers, and this mini version is perfect for a dorm room, bedroom, office, or apartment living room. With a real HEPA filter, your teen or young adult can have cleaner air filtered for smoke, allergies, pet dander, odor, and dust.
Add essential oil to the fragrance pad for aromatherapy. 10 inches high.
29. Kendra Scott Rose Gold Necklace (Kendra Scott)
We are big fans of Kendra Scott jewelry and think that your daughter would love to have something special under the tree on Christmas morning. This pretty necklace is a bestseller.
31. YETI Tumbler (YETI)
If you’ve not yet experienced the fantastic heat-keeping capabilities of a YETI tumbler, NOW is the time to do so. Your young adult can make an oversized coffee at home and skip the expensive Starbucks on the way to work. The same applies to cold drinks if they prefer a cold brew or an iced coffee.
32. Instant Pot Frother (Amazon)
You never need to go to Starbucks again when you have this instant frother. Add milk and choose cold foam, light warm foam, thick warm foam, and warming without foaming. YUM!
33. Acrylic Nail Kit (Amazon
This acrylic nail set includes everything your teen will need to do acrylics at home. It can also be a fun activity for your daughter to do with her friends.
34.
35. Eagle Creek Packing Cubes (Amazon)
Packing cubes will make moving to and from college so much easier. Your teen can organize their shirts, pants, and other clothing by separating each type into cubes. These are ultra-lightweight and water-resistant. The New York Times Wirecutter ranks these as “Best for Most” and states, “Simple and solidly constructed, this three-cube set keeps your bag organized while traveling.”
36. Anker Magnetic Battery Portable Charger (Amazon)
This portable charger conveniently offers hands-free viewing so your teen can keep their phone propped up as it charges. The portable design has a width of just .5 inches. Plus, it comes with a 24-month warranty.
More Great Gift Ideas
Awesome and Super-Popular 2023 Holiday Gifts for Him
2023 Holiday Gifts for Her That She Will Love
