Fashion
19 Affordable, But Still Cool Gifts You Should Buy for Your College Roommate
If you're in college, it’s sometimes difficult to decide if you should get your college roommate a holiday gift. You’re both in school, so it’s hard to justify spending the extra dough, when you’re trying to afford books and supplies for next semester. She'll understand — right?
But on the other hand, she’s been there for you, from midterms to house parties. The holidays are the perfect time to get your partner in crime something special. So if you’re looking for a little something to give to the girl who has seen you eat ice cream with a fork (rather than do dishes, obviously), we’ve got a couple of ideas for you.
Written by Abigail Cardi
Editor's note: This post is sponsored by Alex and Ani
Fast Flats
If you’re sick of your roommate complaining about her feet at the end of a long night out, give her a not-so-subtle holiday hint in the form of these fast flats. Her feet – and your sanity – will thank you.
Desk Lamp
So your roommate didn’t move in with the all-important desk lamp? What a serious error in judgment. Go ahead and fix it with this adorable (periwinkle!) desk lamp, so she can get her study on, even when you’re trying to sleep.
Aerie Fur Pom Beanie
Whether your winters are frigid or mild, your recipient will look and feel great in this cozy beanie, which probably comes in her fave color.
Fur Pom Beanie, $13, Amazon
A Chic Flask
If your roommate doesn’t particularly enjoy Natty Light at house parties, hook a girl up with this killer wood flask.
Real Wood Flask, $10, Amazon
Cutlery Drainer
There’s nothing worse than a counter dripping with wetness from the dishes. Do everyone in your house (apartment, dorm suite, whatever) a favor and let this elephant dry the cutlery for you.
Jumbo Cutlery Drainer, $17, Amazon
The Cutest Headband
This headband, apart from being absolutely adorable, is also a classic. It basically goes with everything – from study day sweats to the cardigan your roommate will wear at her next internship.
Tortoise headband, $4, Amazon
Infinity Scarf
This scarf will keep your roommates warm, even on the longest of campus walks. Just pick a color that will complement her winter coat and you’re good to go.
Birthstone Charm Bangle
If your roommate isn’t quite on the level where you’re borrowing all her clothes (yet), you can still get her a personalized accessory that’s sure to fit. This expandable bangle featuring her birthstone will remind her of what makes her unique, and how lucky she is to live with a thoughtful person like you.
Mini Emergency Kit
This is the kind of thing you probably wouldn’t buy for yourself, but would actually be really excited to get for a gift, especially when it comes in handy. This emergency kit contains everything a college girl could possibly need, from safety pins to nail polish remover pads to pain relievers.
Skeleton Key Post Earrings
Your roommate is the one person who shares a key to your home. These beautiful earrings express power, choice, and liberation, all essential qualities for the person you so generously share common ground with.
Flannel Sheets
If you’ve ever slept on flannel sheets, you know the pure heaven that it is. Flannel sheets are the gift that keeps on giving.
A Great Book
Is there any gift better than getting to hang out with America’s best friend, Amy Poehler? No, there is not. Get this book for your roommate, then ask to borrow it when she’s done. It’s a win-win, really.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler, $10, Amazon
Phase 10
Does your roommate like fun, and having friends over? Do you?
The great thing about this card game is that it’s both fun and somewhat mindless: You can play with a group of friends in a casual way, with drinks and snacks and general chatting.
But the best thing about this game is it can also get strangely competitive. Your friends will be fighting over the color phase before you know it — in a fun way, we promise!
Headphones
Headphones are essential to college life. Whether you’re walking to class or using a computer at the library, you need to listen to your jams. And even if your roommate already has a pair, headphones are like hair ties: They get lost pretty easily, so go ahead and get her a cute backup pair.
An Adorable Agenda
If you’re going to write down a study schedule (ugh) you might as well write it in an adorable day planner, right? Right. Your roommate can schedule in style with this gold-dotted planner from Kate Spade.
Pendleton x Recover iPhone Case
Your phone is basically the one object you spend the most time with (sad, but true), so it might as well be adorable. This case is great, and made out of real wood, which is awesome.
Chevron Jewelry Organizer
Fashionable and functional, this organizer has a hook so your recipient can hang it on the door, to glam up that room in an instant.
Monogrammed Pillow
Who doesn’t love a good monogram? Honestly, if I could monogram everything I own, I would. Just kidding — or am I?
Spiritwear
The best thing about college is that you can basically get away with wearing just about everything to class. Once you exit the first month or so, you get over wearing cute outfits to class and basically just wear sweats. Get your roomie some spiritwear: You know she’ll wear it. The Pink Collegiate Collection has gear for a number of schools in stock, but feel free to look at your local college bookstore, too.
