PSUMoms mobile logo

Great Gift Ideas For Your Penn State College Student

If you are struggling to think of something to send your college student at Penn State, look no further! We have surveyed students and the results are in. Here are the most appreciated gifts they have received.

Some links on this site will take you to item pages on Amazon. Full disclosure: PSUMoms participates in the Amazon Associates program, and we’ll earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through the links on this page (at no extra cost to you). We’ve worked hard to research and recommend items that are both high-quality and inexpensive.

1. CASH! (Or some PSUMoms recommended alternatives)

It's not even a competition when it comes to this result. the most sought after gift of all is money. College students always need money so if you're looking to send your student a quick gift send them some cash. If you don't want to send cash because you're afraid it might be spent on alcohol you can send them a cash equivalent like LionCash or an amazon gift card. Other great gift cards are those to local restaurants. It doesn't need to be fancy even something like Wendy's, Subway or Arby's works great. We even got a response from someone who said her parents clip coupons and send them to her once a week so she can save money at the grocery store. What a unique idea!

2. Apple Watch or Fitbit Activity Tracker

Students are constantly on the move at Penn State University. Some classes and dorms can be almost a mile away from a classroom building at any given time.

Our members love the idea of being able to track their movement throughout the day and frequently report how surprised they are by how many steps they are taking and how many calories they are burning.

3. College Care Package

A care package is one of the best ways to show how much you care and miss your student while they are away from home. For those that are unaware a care package is a box or bag of small, but thoughtful items you send to your student. You can fill it with items that remind them of home, items they frequently run out of or just a few surprises to let them know you are thinking of them. Some great ideas to put inside:

4. Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

We were surprised by how many members replied about how grateful they are to have noise cancelling bluetooth headphones at college. However, the more replies we read the more obvious it became. They are perfect for long walks to class, listening to music when you don't want to bother your roommate, Listening to music or tuning into the TV's at the gym and one person even said they left their headphones on overnight playing spanish lessons to learn in their sleep!

5. Penn State Sweatshirt (And other PSU Apparel)

Students LOVE to support Penn State and wear her colors, but sometimes it can be very expensive. A single sweatshirt can be as much as $70 which doesn't exactly put it at the top of many student shopping lists. That is however why they make great gifts since it's something your student likely does not buy frequently for themselves. Check out some other popular clothing responses:

6. Plane, Train or Bus Ticket Home

Sometimes students just want to come home to see their family and disconnect from the college atmosphere. The unfortunate reality is students seldom can afford the cost to do so. While it may not seem flashy or arrive in a huge box the gift of a plane, train or bus ticket home is something really special you can do for your student.

7. Penn State Football Tickets

Students can enter a lottery through the university to purchase Penn State football tickets in the student section but the sad reality is very few will actually get them. Purchasing tickets on eBay or through many of the other second hand ticket options is a great gift idea.

8. Amazon Prime Gift Subscription

More than 100 million people are now subscribed to Amazon prime. This is one of the easiest and most useful gifts you can buy for your student. They will have access to music, movies, books and free 2 day shipping for anything on Amazon. This comes in handy for those last minute supplies they need for next weeks classes. Click the link above to find out how to gift an Amazon Prime subscription.

9. Pots, Pans & Utensils for Cooking

If your student lives in an apartment without easy access to the dining halls it is likely they will want and need to cook meals for themselves. A nice set of pots, pans and utensils is key and can make an excellent gift.

10. Cupcakes from the Penn State Bakery

We didn't receive many responses indicating gifts from the Penn State Bakery, but we thought the idea was so unique that it should make the list. The Penn State Bakery takes orders and will deliver them right on campus. Check out the link and let us know your experience.