No matter what your role is on college move-in day, you can be sure it will be busy and packed with emotions!
Whether you’re a parent sending your student off to college or a student meeting your roommate for the first time, a small roommate gift can go a long way toward breaking the ice and making this big transition feel a little more personal and welcoming.
Already moved in? You can still send a little something in the week or two after move-in!
Select your favorite, or put a few items together and package them as a basket for a themed gift. You can even include some favorite cookies or snacks to make it more personalized. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive – it’s the thought that counts!
We’ve included a mix of college roommate gift ideas below that would be perfect as gifts from a parent or as a gift from roommate to roommate. Think of it as a simple way to kick things off on the right note – and maybe even start a new friendship with a smile.
Fun & Games
Pickleball Set – Get social at the intramural fields with this set that comes with 2 paddles, grip tape, balls, and a case.
Pop Darts – No setup needed for this indoor, outdoor suction cup throwing game.
Yahtzee Game – A classic that still brings everyone together.
Ping Pong Balls – In case the dorm or apartment building has a ping pong table, but your student can’t ever find a viable ping pong ball.
Mini Projector – Turn any night into an instant movie night, game-day viewing party or binge-worthy show viewing! This one even comes with a screen.
Game Day & Spirit Wear
Clear Game Day Bag – A must-have for stadiums and events that require clear bags. Add a sticker with their initials to make it feel more personal (and easy to spot!).
Mini Fan – This small fan is a true lifesaver on really hot game days.
NCAA Logo Golf Towels – About 60 schools are currently available, and it has a hook for hanging on golf bags.
Loud Cup – How fun is this to get noisy while tailgating on game day or in the stadium (if allowed of course). In lots of school colors..
Backpack Cooler – Available in multiple sizes and colors, this slim backpack cooler holds from 35 to 50 cans with ice (depending on which size you choose), great for hauling tailgate food and drink.
Personal Safety
She’s Birdie Keychain Personal Alarm – Another inexpensive but impactful device to keep on hand at all times. There is the original Birdie and also the Birdie+ with a subscription for extra safety features including location sharing with your designated contacts, staying on the phone with you until you are home safely, and contacting authorities if necessary.
Night Cap Drink Cover Scrunchie – Wear the scrunchie on the wrist and have the drink cover on hand during the night. A great way to ensure drinks, even if momentarily unattended, stay safe.
Keychain Pepper Spray – This under $10 small but mighty device can be attached to a keychain, a wristlet or a student ID lanyard and has over 60,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. Note that these are not TSA friendly, and some colleges (and probably most high schools) do not allow pepper spray on campuses.
Monogram PJs– These are a fun way to make dorm life feel a little more like home. The personalized touch makes them feel extra special and are great for first week photo-opps!
Initial Jewelry Dish– A cute and functional catch-all dish for jewelry or small trinkets.
Zip Code Pillow – A sweet little reminder of home or your new college town. Whether you pick their hometown or your school’s zip code, it adds a personal touch to their bed or futon.
Personalized Pennant – A custom pennant with their name, school, or grad year is an easy way to give their space some personality.
Coach Zip Wristlet – I bought this for several college girls last year as gifts and tucked a gift card inside for a perfect, affordable gift at around $35. So many great Coach colors and classic patterns to choose from.
Personalized Toiletry Bag – This personalized leather toiletry bag keeps all their essentials in one place and having their initials on it means it won’t get mixed up with their roommate’s stuff.
See more Sentimental Gift Ideas that are perfect to leave with your student on move-in day.
Dr Squatch Soap – 3-Pack of masculine scents like Wood Barrel Bourbon, Pine Tar, Gold Moss and more made from natural ingredients.
Personalized Toiletry Bag – This personalized toiletry bag keeps all their essentials in one place and having their initials on it means it won’t get mixed up with their roommate’s stuff.
Sleep Mask & Earplugs – A lifesaver for when one roommate has to be up and moving earlier than the other and schedules do not align.
Monogram Makeup Bag – Keeps all their beauty essentials organized and easy to grab on busy mornings.
Snack Box – Because college hunger strikes at all hours, this pack of 45 snacks ensures they always have a favorite treat on hand.
A Special Delivery
Leverage delivery services like Walmart+, Target Circle 360 (which includes Shipt), Instacart and of course, Amazon Prime or Prime Young Adult, to deliver something fun and thoughtful and even fresh directly from local Walmart or Target stores! A few ideas:
Snacks – Think late-night study snacks, quick grab-and-go breakfast bars, microwave popcorn, a sweet treat and some favorite drinks. You could even send a small charcuterie tray from Target right to the dorm room.
Coffee Stash – A variety assortment of coffee pods, flavored syrups, and creamers.
Game Day Goodies – Game day decorations, themed paper products and plastic cups, chips and dips.
I’ve even sent a few frozen pizzas, Gatorade, snacks and ice cream to my son and 3 roommates as a little treat after the long first week (they had access to an oven).
If you haven’t seen our Dorm Packing & 4-Phase Move-In Day Plan, it is our #1 article and a must read for anyone heading to dorm life. Pro Tip: Get a head start!
After The Drop Off
We’ll still be here with helpful tips and recommendations even after the drop-off. Now that move-in is complete, it’s a great time to shift gears and start thinking about how to connect with your student in a different way and prepare for what’s next!
We’d also love to stay in touch in our After The Drop Off: Parenting Through The College Years group. Join us there as we all adjust to having a college student, supporting our kids through their new adventures, discussing their challenges, roommate situations and more. This is a helpful group for moms to navigate new experiences, not a helicopter group trying to manage their student! It’s their time to shine and our time to sit back and cheer them on!
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