The Verge’s back-to-school gift guide 2021: the best gifts for students
YubiKey 5C NFC
If you are going to college where trying to hack into accounts is a spectator sport it is a good idea for you to make sure your online stuff is secure. You can use a 2FA security code to help.
Price: $45 – $55
Amazon
Yubico
Google Chromecast
You can watch a video on your computer, but if the video is too large to be displayed on a big screen, you can use a Google Chromecast. The 4K streamer features a rich library of apps, and you can use Google Assistant to voice-command the video.
Price: $30
Amazon
Best Buy
FinalStraw
This is the reusable straw that is recommended by The Strategist. It’s colorful, collapsible and comes with a carry case that you can attach to your keys, so it’s always at hand. Price: $17-20
Amazon
Target
REI
Tarot card poster
These matte prints by Sonia Lazo, an illustrator, are stunning and fun. These are great for decorating new spaces, especially if your preference is to add a personal touch rather than the mid-century artwork that graces many classic tarot cards.
Price: $22
Etsy
Moxi roller skates
While you can always choose a Schwinn for campus transportation, nothing is more stylish than a pair of skates. Moxi’s Rainbow Rider Skates are comfortable and great for beginners. They feature flashy rainbows on both the sides.
Price: $109
Amazon
Derby Warehouse
Moxi Skates
Grubhub gift card
It can be tiresome to eat the same menu every day. Fortunately, Grubhub makes it easy to skip spaghetti night at the cafeteria and order delivery from one of your favorite restaurants — even if it is the Taco Bell six blocks away.
Price: From $25 to $100
Amazon
Grubhub
Target
Bentgo lunchbox
Bentgo’s dropproof food carriers don’t look like the tin containers that are often associated with lunchboxes. They are available in many sizes and shapes. All of them have rubberized edges, portion compartments and a leak-proof design that can withstand more than a few drops.
Price: $25
Amazon
Target
Walmart
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40
The best instant cameras are the funniest. The vintage-inspired Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 allows you to quickly capture traditional photos and take candid selfies. The nostalgia is enhanced by the high-contrast frame and Polaroid-like frame.
Price: $100
Amazon
Target
Best Buy
Kikkerland Hammer Multitool
The Multitool from Kikkerland is all about convenience. Unscrew the base of the hammer and you will find a series screwdrivers. The smallest one is ideal for fixing eyeglasses.
Price: From $10 to $30
Amazon
Walmart
Kikkerland
SodaStream Fizzi
This SodaStream Fizzi doesn’t use power — just set it up and enjoy sparkling water at the press of a button. It can also be used with all SodaStream flavors or carbonation bottles so you can finally get rid of the Pamplemousse LaCroix.
Price: $70
Amazon
Target
Walmart
Stasher bags
Stasher’s airtight silicon bags are an eco-friendly choice to plastic bags. These bags are ideal for packing lunch, and they come in a variety sizes and colors. Larger bags have enough space for everything except the kitchen sink or a steak.
Prices: $7 to $28
Amazon
Target
REI
Soundance Laptop Stand
Dorm rooms can be… cozy. A laptop stand such as the Soundance Laptop Stand can be a great addition to your desk. It can raise your machine and make it more spacious.
Price range: $24 – $47
Amazon
Walmart
Sears
Addalock Portable Door Lock
A portable lock is a safer option for a dorm room. Addalock’s simple device is easy to use and compatible with most doors that have a hinge or swing inward.
Price: $18
Amazon
Addalock
Full Circle dustpan
Full Circle’s brush sets are great for keeping small messes from getting on your desk or floor. It’s simple, but it comes with a bamboo handle which is easier on the eyes than most other dustpans.
Price: From $9 to $15
Amazon
Walmart
World Market
MacBook Air (2020).
The 2020 MacBook Air is stunning thanks to Apple’s M1 processor. The 13-inch MacBook Air is a marvel of performance and battery life. It also has an iconic wedge-shaped body and the ability run iPhone and iPad applications natively. It’s no wonder it’s our number one choice. The best laptop.
Price: $900
Amazon
Best Buy
B&H Photo
Fitbit Charge 4
The Fitbit Charge 4 is Fitbit’s most advanced fitness tracker. It’s outfitted with an onboard GPS, solid sleep tracking, and Spotify support, letting you shuffle between Beyoncé and Billie Eilish without ever pulling out your phone.
Price: $100
Amazon
Target
Best Buy
Salt Fat Acid Heat
It’s one thing to follow a recipe; it’s another to learn how to cook. Samin Nosrat’s wonderful recipes are simply amazing Salt Fat Acid HeatThe latter is what she teaches, showing you how to use the four elements of cooking to create something both delicious and fun. Price: $17-$39
Amazon
Target
Walmart
Sonos Roam
The Sonos Roam, a portable speaker that is pint-sized, is what Sonos fans have been waiting for since the Sonos Move. It supports Apple’s AirPlay 2 wireless charging, as well hands-free voice commands. It has a rugged design that is suitable for weekend camping as well as afternoons on the quad.
Price: $169
Target
Sonos
Best Buy
Anker Nebula Capsule 2
Although home theater projectors can be great, they are not the most portable. Anker’s Nebula Capsule II can be used as an Android TV-equipped tallboy. It can display a 100-inch, 720p image when the sun goes down. This makes backyard screenings of it possible. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off It is a breeze. Price: $460 – $520
Amazon
Walmart
Nebula
Horti gift card
A green thumb is not a guarantee unless you are a botany student. Horti’s monthly subscriptions make it easy to learn proper plant care, whether you love succulents, exotic Calathea varieties, or pet-friendly ferns.
Price: $25-500
Horti
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
The Dell XPS 13 latest model is a feat of engineering. The 2020 model is a standout 2-in-1 with a near bezel-less 16/10 display, elegant design, and integrated graphics that are capable of handling light gaming for those times you need to take a break from all the cramming. Price: $1,150
Dell
VanMoof – S3
Electric bikes aren’t necessarily a replacement for a bike — they’re a replacement for a car. VanMoof’s pedal-assisted S3 electric bike is a great choice for long commutes. It has near-silent operation, anti-theft protection, and is priced to be a bargain.
Price: $2,298
Vanmoof
Sundream throw
A good throw is a timeless gift that’s always good to have. Sundream’s ultrasoft blankets are made from reclaimed materials derived from post-consumer materials. They come in a variety vibrant designs that will brighten any space.
Prices: $38 – $41
Sundream
Huckberry
Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony’s WF1000XM4 wireless headphones are the best when it comes to noise cancelling. They provide superior sound quality and a long battery life, making them the perfect companion for late nights in the library.
Price: $278
Amazon
Target
Best Buy
Wingspan
Cards Against Humanity is overrated. Wingspan is a beautiful board game that offers just the right amount strategy. Elizabeth Hargrave’s board game, Wingspan, is a great choice if you want to expand beyond the basics.
Price: From $43 to $60
Amazon
Target
Barnes & Noble
JanSport Right Package
Few backpacks can be as timeless as JanSport Right Pack. This backpack, unlike its 1980s counterpart, has a padded laptop sleeves and a side pouch for your favorite beverage.
Price: $50 – $60
Amazon
JanSport
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Apple AirTags
AirTags are very Apple, which is not a problem. The Bluetooth trackers, which can be customized with your own branding, are easy to set up and use end-to-end encryption. You can also rely upon Apple’s robust network to locate your goods. You won’t ever lose your keys again at soccer practice.
Price: $29
Amazon
Target
Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy S21
There are better phones than the Samsung Galaxy S21, but none can beat the S21 in value. The midrange Android phone packs a 6.2 inch OLED display, 5G connectivity, the same Snapdragon 8888 processor as the Galaxy Ultra, which ensures it will be plenty fast for the future.
Price: $750
Amazon
Best Buy
B&H Photo
Bodum Chambord French Press
Even if you choose to brew your own coffee, frequent trips can be expensive to Starbucks. Bodum’s Chambord French Press is a great option to make grit-free coffee at your home.
Prices: $37-40
Amazon
Target
Walmart
Beats Solo Pro
Headphones don’t have to be subtle — just look at the Beats Solo Pro. The Apple’s upgraded noise cancelling tech and clear sound make these headphones a hit. Beats is no longer known for its bass-heavy nature. The bright colors are just one advantage.
Price: $150-300
Amazon
Best Buy
Walmart
Field Notes: National Park Series
Field Notes are the simplest form of notes, and that is exactly what they are. Pocket-sized memo pads are great for jotting down quick notes, to-do lists, or other information on the go. They also make it easy to save time by not having to search for your notes app in an emergency.
Price: $13-15
Amazon
Huckberry
Field Notes
Logitech C920S webcam
A good webcam can make all the difference if you want to chat with your parents, or even drop by your Spanish class remotely. Logitech’s C920S offers 1080p resolution with a physical shutter that provides greater privacy assurance.
Price: $65-$70
Amazon
Target
Best Buy
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1
The Instant Pot has become a household name over the past few years due to its versatility. The popular slow cooker is very versatile and can cook rice as well as ribs. It takes up very little counter space.
Price: $89 to 100
Amazon
Target
Best Buy
Nintendo Switch Lite
While the Nintendo Switch OLED model may be coming soon, the portable-only Switch Lite will still be a great way to play between classes for significantly less. The popular handheld can play most of the same games and is available in a variety fun colors.
Price: $199
Amazon
Target
Best Buy
Fjallraven Kånken Totepack
Are you having trouble choosing between a backpack and a shoulder bag? Fjallraven’s Convertible Totepack, which is made from both a backpack and a shoulder tote, has a zippered front pocket and a padded 13-inch Sleeve. There is also a pad on the seat so you can take a rest no matter where you are.
Price: $95
Amazon
Fjallraven
REI
Apple iPhone 12
Apple’s iPhone 12 has four options, but the standard build is still the best. The flagship phone features a fast A14 Bionic processor, 5G support, and an OLED display. It also has an excellent camera system that ensures your IG shots shine regardless of the setting.
Price: $799
Best Buy
Apple
Anker PowerPort III Nano charger
Students are rarely sedentary. This is why Anker’s PowerPort III Nano Fast Charger is so useful. This USB-C mini charger is only a fraction of Apple’s original 20W charger and can charge your iPhone from 12 to 50% in 25 minutes.
Price: $14 – $17
Amazon
Walmart
Anker
Epic Nalgene OG
The Epic Nalgene OG is the next generation in reusable water bottles. The 32-ounce container is BPA-free and made from recyclable plastic. It also contains a filter that can absorb heavy metals and chemicals.
Price: $39
Amazon
Walmart
Epic Water Filters
Sonos Symfonisk picture frame speaker
Ikea’s picture frame speaker is just like other Symfonisk products. It produces a distinctive, robust sound from behind a black- or white print that’s slightly more subtle than your favorite band posters.
Price: $199
Ikea
Logitech MX Anywhere 3
Sometimes, a trackpad won’t do the trick in the classroom. Logitech’s MX Anywhere 3 mouse is the best choice. It’s a lightweight, portable mouse with a great scroll wheel and a comfortable design.
Price: $75 – $80
Amazon
Best Buy
Walmart
Amazon Echo Show 5 (second-gen).
Every kid needs an alarm clock — or in this case, a smart display — to make sure they get to class on time. Amazon’s Echo Show 5 can be used as a bedside companion and features many of the Echo Show’s hallmarks (sunrise alarms included).
Price: $85
Amazon
Best Buy
AirPods Pro
AirPods are almost synonymous with wireless earbuds. The AirPods Pro, Apple’s most powerful in-ears, offers deep integration with iOS and well-balanced sound. There is enough noise cancellation to drown out your friend who refuses. Fortnite
Prices: From $190 to 200
Amazon
Target
Best Buy
Theory11 Voyager Playing Card
A deck of playing cards is one of the most versatile gifts. Theory11 has some of the best. Its current lineup is beautifully designed, nicely weighted, and depicts a range of styles — from the Americana-esque artwork of the 1930s to the sci-fi sheen of The Mandalorian.
Price: $7-10
Amazon
Target
Walmart
Hello Fresh gift card
While cooking can be rewarding, it can also take a lot of time. Hello Fresh makes it easy to choose from a variety of quick-hit recipes. They also ship ingredients directly to your home, eliminating the guesswork.
Price: $65 – $130
Target
Hello Fresh
Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Acer’s Chromebook Spin 713 is a convertible that punches well above its weight. The sturdy aluminum machine has a stunning 3:2 display and backlit keyboard. It also features ample RAM and an 11th Gen CPU that is designed to handle as many tabs (really) as you can throw at it. Price: $700
Best Buy
