Category: What To Buy

This is the most obvious choice for a vibrant hoodie, but definitely not the only one. Pair a beautiful chlorophyll green version with a pair of pale blue jeans to let the hoodie pop, giving you more freedom when it comes to sneakers. You could either match the hoodie with a similar turquoise pair of kicks or opt for a basic white sneaker to give the hoodie primary billing.

If you want to go with a more streetwear look, combine the green hoodie with red shorts and an equally vibrant pair of sneakers, giving the entire outfit a bombastic, flashy style. Streetwear is completely malleable, so whether you’re leaning towards the eye-catching or low-key look, a green Champion hoodie is the way to go.

Aside from the aesthetics, Champion’s hoodies are also notably comfortable and cozy. The Reverse Weave hoodie’s durability coupled with its baggier fit makes it a great option for lounging around the house.

Opt for a darker color, like black or navy, which will wear in beautifully with numerous washes. Pair one of these hoodies with Champion’s Reverse Weave sweatpants, and you’ve got yourself a cozy ‘fit that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of style.

History time! The Champion Reverse Weave technology can actually be traced back to 1938, when it was engineered as the first athletic sweatshirt developed to meet the needs of athletes. Originally conceived (and patented) in 1938, the version we’ve come to know and love today was finalized in 1952. In response to complaints by coaches about the cotton sweatshirts, Champion introduced the novel idea of turning the fabric 90 degrees to eliminate vertical shrinkage and address other issues with fit, durability, and cost.

The brand’s succeeding partnerships with numerous sports organizations throughout the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s firmly cemented them as the premier sportswear option for athletes. Fast-forward to today, and you can see the hoodie donned by a slew of big names in pop culture, from Kendrick Lamar to Odell Beckham Jr.

Although each style in this article is based around the same hoodie, color can totally change a look. By opting for a white hoodie, you can create a basic foundation to build a more formal outfit on top of. Listen, this won’t be an outfit to wear to a wedding, but for a night out in the winter, it’ll look slightly dressier, but still cool.

Pair the white hoodie with a blazer or patterned overshirt and some dress pants. White hoodie, plus a herringbone blazer, plus black flared dress pants? Forget about it. Tie the whole thing together with some leather loafers or clogs and you’re in business.

This high-tech Bluetooth speaker will add a little retro pizazz to any boring dorm room. In addition to playing all their favorite tunes, this super compact radio-style speaker allows them to wirelessly answer calls, skip tracks, and adjust the volume from the side panel. It also comes complete with USB, mini SD, and charging ports.

Price: $14.95

College kids are both endlessly stressed and forever exhausted. The perfect cure? CBD-infused coffee! Bean & Bud’s quality-sourced coffee beans provide an invigorating wake up call that mixes energizing caffeine with anxiety-reducing CBD to ensure your favorite scholar is prepared to handle anything.

Price: $32.99

And what better way to enjoy those beans than by turning ‘em into cold brew? Iced coffee lovers will appreciate the money-saving ease of brewing their own with this fridge-friendly cold brew maker (which kind of looks like it belongs in a lab, so it’s definitely on theme). Its stainless steel filter and cap and BPA-free silicone airtight seal keep the brew fresh for up to two weeks!

Price: $29.99

Remember when we could actually hold pictures in our hands?! This easy-to-use Bluetooth printer connects to any smartphone in order to turn digital snaps into physical photos. Now all their college memories can live on Instagram and decorate their dorm room walls! (Besides, we all know they’re going to delete those drunk pics online as soon as they start looking for a job.)

Price: $99.95

For the same old-school instant photo results along with the added kitsch of being an actual camera, the cult-favorite Instax Mini is always an excellent choice. The newest edition features a selfie mirror next to the front lens, as well as a new macro lens adapter for close-ups. An adjustable brightness dial also guarantees the perfect picture, every time. This funky camera is sure to make them the most popular person at every party.

Price: $64.99

Between the aforementioned stress of workloads and the darkening days of winter ahead, things can start feeling rough for any college student. Luckily, this light therapy lamp is an instant mood-booster. It boasts full-spectrum, UV-free light with clinically proven 10,000 lux intensity and three adjustable brightness levels to provide all the mental health benefits of natural sunlight. Its sleek and low-key design allows it to fit seamlessly on a nightstand.

Price: $39.99

TVs are overrated. Turn any dorm room into a movie theater with this smart mini projector which connects to WiFi to deliver bright and vivid video picture as large as 100 inches, as well as 360-degree sound. Coming in at only 15 ounces, it’s easily portable and can even be used outdoors!

Price: $299.99

Because we all remember the struggle of college cafeteria food, provide the gift of flavor with the TRUFF variety pack. So long as they keep hot sauce in their bag (swag), your recipient can upgrade just about any meal with this truffle-infused selection of spicy condiments. Bonus: they come in a very fancy gift box!

Price: $69.99

Whether they need fuel for a final or are in dire need of a hangover cure, this dorm-friendly breakfast sandwich maker is the one tool everyone needs to craft the perfect breakfast of champions. Bacon, egg, and cheese? Easy-peasy (and cheesy). It even includes a built-in timer so that even the most novice chef can never mess up.

Price: $24.99

One word: snacks! A nostalgic taste of all the treats mom used to buy, the CraveBox Care Package, which is stuffed with 45 pantry favorites ranging from the sweet to the salty (and everything in between), will keep them satisfied between meals – and whenever they have the munchies.

Price: $23.95

Then again, all that college junk food (and beer) can make it all too easy to gain the notorious Freshman Fifteen. Life is about balance, so encourage some healthy habits with the latest Fitbit model, the Charge 4. This updated version of the classic boasts all the same fitness features but with added swimproof capabilities, GPS, and new Active Zone Minutes which track how long someone is exercising in their desired heart rate range.

Price: $149.95

The first rule of adulthood (and, we guess, the Boy Scouts)? Be prepared. That’ll be easy with this deluxe version of the classic Swiss Army Knife. The Swiss Champ packs a whopping 33 functions inside its pocket-sized body, featuring a corkscrew (important), a can opener (also important), a ruler, a magnifying glass, scissors, a nail file, pliers, tweezers, and multiple screwdrivers of different sizes – just to name a few.

Price: $87.99

And since you never know what adventures await on campus, it’s always smart to have first aid supplies on hand. Obviously they’ll never buy this for themselves, but Welly’s fun and functional first aid kit, which includes Ibuprofen, antibiotic ointment, butterfly strips, tape, and a whole lot of bandages, all in a convenient tin, will be much appreciated on any particularly wild night.

Price: $26.99

Doing their own laundry for the first time will be hard enough, so save them the extra confusion of that whole “separating the darks from lights” thing and make it extra easy with HOMEST’s modern, durable, transportable, and, most importantly, clearly labeled double laundry hamper. It’s also collapsible for easy storage!

Price: $18.99

Chances are your college kid is dealing with a small room, which means they have to utilize all the space they’ve got. Help them stay organized with an all-in-one wooden docking station. This pick can top any dresser or nightstand and features room to dock and charge multiple devices from iPhones to Apple Watches, as well as designated space to store glasses, pens, and keys. Plus, it comes with a RFID blocking wallet made of vegan leather that will keep their cards and personal information protected.

Price: $45

Working from bed is always ideal, but without the proper setup it can also be incredibly uncomfortable. An adjustable laptop bed desk, like this one by Nearpow, solves that problem. It’s multifunctional, portable, and can be adjusted to five different heights and three surface angles for ultimate usability. Gives new meaning to the term “protect ya neck.”

Price: $56.99

For the more sentimental student (or gift-giver), you can’t go wrong with the scent of home. These expertly curated, hand-poured  candles are practically made for the recently-relocated, full of all the unique fragrances of almost anyone’s native state, city, or even country! All the warmth, nostalgia, and comfort they’ll need if (or more likely, when), they start to feel homesick.

Price: $29.20

The classic shoe of co-ed shower users everywhere. Available in three colors (white, black, and collegiate navy), the Adidas Adilette Shower Slides provide maximum slip-on comfort with the added bonus of soft cloudfoam for quick drying. Perfect for protecting their feet from the gross germs of locker rooms and beyond.

Price: $25

An amusing tear calendar that’ll upgrade any dorm desk. It features a year’s worth of clever life-improving tips and tricks, from food to exercise to technology, every would-be grownup needs to know. The back of each page also includes fun extras like jokes, puzzles, and inspiring quotes.

Price: $14.39

It might not be the most entertaining gift to get, but it’s certainly useful. With a schedule that likely has them running between classes, the library, an internship, and a job (or two), your favorite student is going to need a backpack that’s professional, stylish, and safe for their treasured gadgets. This cool bag by Mancro has everything they need: a built-in USB charging port, a special pocket for their laptop, an anti-theft lock, and over 12 pockets for ultimate organization.

Price: $19.99

Today, getting stuck with a dead phone is basically the equivalent of getting stranded on a desert island. Thus, a portable charger is as necessary to have on hand as an actual smartphone! This Anker PowerCore model is one of the most highly-rated for a reason: it weighs a little over 12 oz. and contains enough juice to charge an iPhone seven times before needing to be recharged itself. Small but mighty, indeed.

Price: $49.99

Not everything has to be practical. When it comes to college, we all know there will be plenty of fun and games involved, so help make them the life of the party with this hilarious alternative to Cards Against Humanity. Cheeky cards prompt friends to call each other out by naming “Who’s more likely to…” Knowing college kids, they’ll probably find a way to turn it into a drinking game, which they’ll really appreciate you for.

Price: $18

There’s only so much microwaveable ramen one person can handle, but as it turns out, there’s a whole world of microwave meals you can make in a cup. This cookbook is the ultimate resource for the cooking (and time management) impaired, with 250 budget-friendly and individually-portioned recipes suitable for every craving.

Price: $21.88

And since they’ll need a mug to cook in (and drink copious amounts of coffee out of), going the novelty route is always a good idea. This ceramic mug which reads, “Oh Crap! I’m An ADULT Now!” is sure to get lots of laughs and plenty of use. Nothing like the taste of harsh reality to wake you up in the morning.

Price: $19.95

Now that we’re on the subject of hilarious homewares, can we all just take a second to appreciate this hyper-realistic pizza blanket?! Measuring 60-inches in diameter, and made from soft flannel, this deliciously cozy piece of bedding basically turns people into human Hot Pockets – in the best way possible. (Also available in tortilla and waffle prints. Yum.)

Price: $17.99

For the dapper dude on your list, this fancy (yet affordable) kit ensures that he never misses a shave – even in his overcrowded shared bathroom. It comes with a sleek safety razor, badger hair shave brush, sandalwood shave soap, an alum block to prevent razor burn, and five extra blades. A forever-fresh face in a box!

Price: $55

When it comes to grooming, um, elsewhere, nothing beats the products by Manscaped. Their famous must-haves come together in their Performance Package, a bundle of hygiene appliances and skincare (for sensitive areas) including the Weed Whacker ear and nose hair trimmer and the Lawn Mower 3.0 waterproof trimmer featuring Advanced SkinSafe™ Technology. They even throw in a pair of boxers!

Price: $119.99

And to store all the above grooming essentials? A timeless leather toiletry bag fit for a gentleman. We love the selection at Leatherology. This double-zip pick comes with two waterproof-lined compartments while the outer full-grain leather can be customized in various colors. You can even opt for a monogram for just $10 extra!

Price: $120

Weekend trips, overnight stays, sports practice, gym sessions… oh my! The duffle bag that’ll remain their favorite companion throughout all of that and more? The signature Novel Duffle by Herschel. A hidden shoe compartment stores their favorite kicks while a removable shoulder strap makes it easy to schlep around. Available in 28 colors and prints, this high-quality grab-and-go bag will fit anyone’s tastes.

Price: $89.99

Whether they’re typing out their thesis or, let’s be real, playing video games, most students these days spend a lot of time staring at a screen. Help them avoid the detrimental effects of blue light exposure, including eye fatigue, blurry vision, headaches, and trouble sleeping, with these blue light-blocking glasses. The frames are stylish while the non-prescription lenses use advanced technology to filter out all the harmful rays.

Price: $25.95

A cozy-cool beanie with a built-in Bluetooth speaker?! OK, this is actually genius. Available in a range of 30 colors and styles, these knit smart beanies make for the ideal winter accessory, allowing wearers to play music and even answer phone calls without fidgeting with their phone or AirPods. It boasts 6 hours of continuous battery life, so they can quite literally wear their favorite tunes all day.

Price: $29.99

When situations call for more serious concentration (like studying or going through a breakup), these wireless noise-cancelling headphones are here to block out the world. Bose’s renowned QuietComfort over-ear model connects to Bluetooth and also works with Amazon Alexa, so music, entertainment, news, and more are just a voice request away, no switching devices required.

Price: $199

Eureka! The perfect present for bros who love beer, beards, and science. Uncommon Goods’ glass pint glass is covered in quirky illustrations of famous scientists and their occasionally more famous facial hair. Now that’s a pour worth geeking out about.

Price: $18

Bottled beverage fans who may or may not be sneaking booze into their dorm room will also appreciate these clever strip magnets that allow them to make the most of their mini fridge space by suspending bottles from the ceiling inside. Each order comes with two strips and each strip features three super-strong neodymium magnets (i.e. enough to hold a floating six-pack).

Price: $30

The most underrated gift you only realize was underrated once you’re living on your own? Socks. Everyone always needs socks, so why not choose some of the best socks on the market? Bombas’ advanced comfort cotton blend socks come complete with a breathable and cushioned footbed, seamless toes, and stay-up technology. Even better, for every pair sold, they donate one to a homeless shelter.

Price: $68.40

They’ve gotta stay hydrated beyond beer and coffee somehow, so remind them to sip throughout the day with this 40 oz. bottle from the cult-favorite Hydro Flask brand itself. Sustainable, BPA-free, and made of stainless steel with TempShield insulation to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Choose from seven colors!

Price: $54.95

Speaking of keeping drinks cold, they’re gonna need a slightly larger option for all those tailgates, road trips, and frat parties on their calendar. Treat them to one of the best coolers on the market: the YETI Roadie 24. It’s lightweight, compact, and boasts YETI’s Permafrost insulation proven to keep even ice cold for days.

Price: $199.99

A cheeky ode to the iconic red Solo Cups fueling every frat party, now in shot-friendly form! This pack contains 120 mini plastic cups that go straight in the recycling bin for easy cleanup. Cheers to that!

Price: $9.99

Banish the morning struggle with this sunlight-simulating, multifunctional alarm clock. They won’t even think of hitting the snooze button through their early morning class as this alarm gradually energizes them with their own personal sunrise. In addition to FM radio and USB port, it features seven different colors and 20 levels of warm light to set the perfect ambiance at any hour of the day (or night).

Price: $45.99

Sure it’s a bit on the nose, but showing school spirit never goes out of style. These officially-licensed NCAA crewneck shirts are available in the school colors and logos of dozens of colleges and universities across the country. It’s a must for wearing around campus or to the big game.

Price: $34.95

This men’s trifold wallet is made from genuine Italian leather, which will naturally be tough at first (despite being soft to touch) and will only get better with time. It boasts two large cash billfold pockets, which of course can be used for anything else like receipts. It also has a clear window in the middle so ID can be showed easily. The Timberland logo that appears in the bottom right corner is respected. Perhaps the best part of this wallet is that it comes in a bunch of different shades of black and brown, including tan and cognac.

Pros:

• Various color designs
• Genuine leather

Cons:

• Slots can be hard to fit cards in at first

This wallet features a slim design, which means it great to use daily or even to travel with. Despite the slim build, there’s ample storage space. The wallet has six card slots to hold cards, plus a clear slot for ID, two hidden pockets and a large bill compartment. The leather itself is 100% genuine and has an aged look for it, giving it a vintage feel.

Pros:

• Slim design
• Comes with hidden pockets

Cons:

• Only available in one color

Made from 100% cow hide leather, this Fossil wallet features an ID window, 4 slide pockets and 8 credit card slots. However, it must be said that unlike many other options, just opening the wallet won’t be enough for your ID to be seen, because the ID window is hidden by another compartment. Perhaps you prefer not having your ID visible every time you open your wallet, but for many, it could be a hinderance.

Pros:

• Slim build

Cons:

• Clear slot for ID is hidden

Tommy Hilfiger’s trifold wallet is 100% leather and not only features the brand’s logo stitched onto the front of the wallet, but the name of the brand on the inside, which is a nice touch. It can hold up to 13 cards at one time without any of them being in danger of snapping or being held in too tight that they couldn’t be removed easily. An RFID (radio-frequency identification) version can also be purchased.

Pros:

• Can purchase RFID version

Cons:

• ID window isn’t easily accessible

This wallet features many of the great features of the other options on this list, but most notably, RFID is standard with it. RFID protects your wallet and its contents from wireless theft. It’s something you could easily ignore if you were not aware of it but once you become aware, it’s hard to go without. The wallet itself is genuine leather and lined with polyester. The clear ID window features a thumb slider so the ID can easily be removed.

Pros:

• Protected with RFID shield
• Clear ID window features a thumb slider

Cons:

• Only available in one color

This cooling pad is a perfect fit for laptops ranging from 15.6 to 17 inches. Its 3 powerful fans run quietly through USB power. The pad also has an adjustable height, to fit your working style.

Pros:

• Lightweight body
• Great for large laptops
• Fans that run without noise

Cons:

• Not for laptops smaller than 15.6 inches

WHAT WE LIKE: This laptop cooling pad runs efficiently. Its fans are extra quiet and will not disturb you while working. Also, this cooling pad is very lightweight at only 1.5 pounds.

With 4 fans, this laptop cooling pad can lower the temperature of even the largest laptops. It has a wide base that is also super lightweight – at just about 1.5 pounds.

Pros:

• 4 total cooling fans
• Supports all laptop sizes, up to 19 inches
• Lightweight

Cons:

• None

WHAT WE LIKE: This laptop cooling pad has high-powered cooling capabilities, with 4 fans making 1400 rotations per minute. Even though it’s powerful, the fans are quiet and the pad is very lightweight. It has 2 levels of adjustable height too.

This laptop cooling pad suits most laptops, from 12 to 16 inches. Its body is curved with a slight incline to keep cool air circulating. The pad also has excellent traction even if rested on fabric.

Pros:

• Reliable pick for standard-sized laptops (12 to 16 inches)
• Efficient design that circulates cool air and keeps hot air out
• Pad has traction and will not move on all kinds of surfaces

Cons:

• This pad does not have adjustable heights

WHAT WE LIKE: This cooling pad has all the essential features you need. It is USB powered, with two ports for added convenience. Its anti-skid capabilities make it a great pick for when you don’t have a desk to work on. For example, if you have the luxury to work on your couch!

This laptop cooling pad is made to handle some heavy laptops. It has 5 total fans and a 40-pound capacity, supporting laptops as large as 17.3 inches. It has 4 adjustable heights too.

Pros:

• Can support large laptops, with a 40-pound capacity
• 5 total fans, with adjustable speeds
• Includes a USB cord

Cons:

• May be too large and heavy-duty for standard-sized laptops

WHAT WE LIKE: This is a strong cooling pad. You do not need to worry about it breaking down, as laptops don’t tend to weigh more than 40 pounds. It even allows you to modify your fan speed so that you can control just how much cooling off your laptop needs.

This cooling pad is easy to use. It has an LCD screen so that you can manually modify your fan speed. It also adapts to your work needs, with 5 adjustable heights to comfortably angle your computer.

Pros:

• 5 quiet fans with adjustable modes and wind speeds
• 5 height options so that you can have a better angle while working
• Works for most sized laptops, anywhere between 10 to 15.6 inches

Cons:

• None

WHAT WE LIKE: This laptop cooling pad is very accessible. It can be angled however you’d like it. It has 5 fans with 6 wind speed options, each working very quietly. This way, you can precisely arrange the cooling situation necessary for your computer.

These shorts have the right design and materials to help you fit right in with the pros. They are not baggy and have open seams with four-way stitching, giving you an increased range of motion, while preventing the fabric from getting snagged on body parts.

It’s made from materials specially treated to remain dry and clean for longer.

PROS & CONS:

These shorts are flexible and well made, perfect for grappling. They don’t reach past your knee and are strong enough to stand up to intense grappling sessions. The velcro at the front can be uncomfortable if you’re not careful during bathroom breaks.

These MMA shorts are pocket-less so they can be used for grappling without snagging a finger or toe. Its material is incredibly stretchy, so you have your full range of motion without any resistance or restrictions.

Their design is suited for the most intense workouts, like lifting, kickboxing, and wrestling.

PROS & CONS:

If you grapple in these shorts, you will not regret it,. Its materials are very breathable, and its sweat-wicking properties are evident, especially for those intense, grueling fights. Some people find them a bit long, but not so much that it’s a problem.

These MMA shorts are lightweight and designed for grappling, so they have no outer pockets, and can also be used for other activities, like Crossfit, weight lifting, and running.

They have a Hook and Loop velcro with an inner drawstring, along with sweat-wicking capabilities for added comfort.

PROS & CONS:

These are comfortable training shorts with a nice design and a great looking jet black color. They wash easily, and they dry quickly, so they’re always ready for your next training session. The drawstring is a bit unusual.

These MMA shorts have a two-fold waistband that won’t cause chaffing, and a velcro closure paired with a drawstring for maximum stability during even the most intense fights.

These shorts are made from tear-free microfiber materials with side slits for increased mobility.

PROS & CONS:

These shorts are comfortable and will stand up to your most intense stretch test, like deep squats. They generally stop 2-3 inches above the knees, so they’re not as revealing as some options, but the perfect length for most beginners. The velcro closure lining is a bit thick, so you might feel them if doing sit-ups, but generally, you don’t notice them.

These MMA shorts have aggressive slits and a 4-way stretch crotch that give you an excellent range of motion and virtually zero resistance.

The fabric is fast-drying, so cleaning is easy, it’s tear-resistant, so it will stand up to all training types, and it has top quality prints that won’t fade or crack.

PROS & CONS:

These shorts are highly durable and well designed, and they come in a variety of color and pattern options. They have a velcro closure and a drawstring, but the velcro is enough for most people. To get the right fit go with your jeans size, which is usually a couple of inches bigger than your actual waist size.

These MMA shorts have no branding on them, and they’re made from a thick fabric that’s durable and can stand up to a lot of use.

The waistband has a rubber grip that keeps your rashguard secure and a drawstring to customize your fit.

PROS & CONS:

These MMA shorts give you a wide range of motion, and they seem well constructed, so you don’t have to worry about them coming loose during an intense grappling session. They come in a nice variety of plain bright colors and they fit most body types well. Some people do not like the sheen of the fabric, but this is a preference, not a problem.

This Henley shirt is made from 100% cotton. It is super soft and will feel comfortable against your body. It is the perfect shirt to pair with jeans or shorts for a comfy casual look.

This shirt has a simple button closure. It features a three-button placket that adds a subtle stylish element to your outfit.

Pros:

• Features Raglan sleeves for better movement
• Has a tagless neckline

Cons:

• Colors may fade slightly over time

This shirt features a stylish button-up closure and ribbed cuffs. It comes in solid bold colors and can be paired with almost any pair of pants. It can also be layered under a coat or jacket or worn on its own.

This men’s shirt is made from 100% cotton. This makes it quite breathable and comfortable.

Pros:

• Has a left chest pocket and a tagless neck
• Machine washable

Cons:

• May wrinkle easily

This shirt is made from an equal blend of polyester and cotton. It is heavyweight, durable, and is the perfect shirt to wear to the office. It is jersey-knit and, therefore, allows for some stretch.

To ensure you get a long use from this shirt, it features a taped neck and shoulder that help strengthening the shoulder seams.

Pros:

• Has a contrast three-button placket
• Machine-washable

Cons:

• The sleeves may shrink slightly after washing

This men’s long-sleeve shirt is great for a quick and casual look. It will pair nicely with jeans, shorts, sneakers, and boots. It comes in a solid color and has straight sleeves.

This shirt is made from a 100% cotton fabric, has a regular fit, and will provide all-day comfort.

Pros:

• Has a three-button placket
• Machine-washable

Cons:

• Doesn’t have a tagless neck

This long-sleeve Henley shirt for men will always feel comfortable against your skin. It is made from a blend of cotton and spandex and allows for a snug yet stretchy fit.

This slim-fit shirt comes in solid colors and has a high softness and wearability. It is versatile and can be paired with almost any pair of pants.

Pros:

• Has a comfortable round neckline
• Hand and machine-washable

Cons:

• Doesn’t have pockets