7 Best Gifts for College Students in Canada
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected all major sectors of Canada’s economy. The Education sector has been greatly affected with schools being closed and most learners forced to study virtually from home. Thus, when selecting a gift to give to a college student, you should be in a position to determine if they are in school or learning virtually. It is also important to note that college life also keeps evolving.
The current generation can be referred to as Gen-Zers. This is because they are more technologically exposed compared to other generations. They are also politically empowered such that they understand basic political affairs. Here are some of the best gifts for a college student present day:
Apple AirPods
Apple Airpods are a favorite for many college students in Canada. This is because of their excellent attributes. One of the noticeable advantages of having apple air pods is that they are wireless. This means that once you have them on you are not disturbed by many cables on your workspace.
The apple air pods are also available in all ear fits. This means that they fit perfectly removing the discomfort that comes with wearing earphones. The airpods are sweat-resistant; this means that if you prefer working out in the school gym or taking a walk in the morning with your fellow college mates, you can do it stress-free.
What is more, is that they have a transparency mode. This means that you can still listen to your favorite song while still having an ear for what is happening in your surroundings. You can also choose to be immersed in the beat by activating the active noise canceling feature.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
- Active Noise Cancellation + Transparency Mode
- Up to 30 hours total battery with case
- Sweat and water resistant (IPX4)
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
Smartphone
Every college student would appreciate a smartphone as a gift. However, the smartphone should be up to date and running on the current Android or iOS versions.
A good smartphone ensures that a student can access entertainment, connect with classmates, manage their schedule, and stay productive throughout the school year. With the right device, they can handle coursework, video calls, and research all from one screen.
Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
From the olden college days when one had to carry a stereo to listen to music with friends, the future is now Bluetooth speakers. Bluetooth speakers are a favorite for many Canadian college students. This is because college students love to have a good time.
What better way to do this than having a portable Bluetooth speaker that you connect to your phone and play your favorite playlist. The portable Bluetooth speakers are a good way to chill with friends instead of everyone listening to their music. What’s more, is that there are now waterproof Bluetooth speakers. This means that if your drink spills on the speaker, it is still able to function.
JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof rated
- 12 hours of playtime per charge
- PartyBoost to link multiple JBL speakers
- Available in 12+ colors
Ear Plugs
Sleep is an essential activity in a human being. Being in college requires you to concentrate, which can be achieved by having a quality sleep. What better way to do this than having earplugs. Earplugs are worn when sleeping to ensure that you are completely immersed in your sleep. This means that you are far away from distractions like noises from the other colleague’s room or your noisy roommate.
Dry Erase Sticky Notes
A college students’ life is a hectic one, full of projects and assignments that have deadlines to meet. Thus, the need to have a reminder. One gift that would come in handy for a college student would be dry-erase sticky notes. This ensures that you can organize your work by placing it on the wall to keep you updated on current and future tasks that you need to perform.
Smartphone Mount
The smartphone mount is an essential good that may come in handy for college students. This is because college students may want to watch their favorite tv show from the comfort of their bed or desk. Also, in this tech era, a student may want to make a video call hence the need to mount the phone in the most comfortable position.
Power Bank
A portable charger would be a great gift idea for a college student. A portable charger ensures that the phone does not run dry on a charge while being used. A power bank stores power ensuring that the college students’ phone is always on.
Anker 20,000mAh Power Bank
- 20,000mAh capacity for multiple charges
- USB-C Power Delivery + USB-A ports
- Charges 2 devices simultaneously
- Compact enough for any backpack
If you’re not sure what a specific student already owns, a gift card to Amazon.ca or the Apple Store is always a safe bet. Canadian college students tend to prioritize tech accessories, noise-blocking gear for studying, and anything that helps them stay organized between classes.
What are the best tech gifts for college students in Canada?
The top tech gifts for Canadian college students include Apple AirPods Pro, a portable power bank, Bluetooth speakers, a smartphone mount, and noise-canceling earbuds. Practical tech that helps with studying, staying connected, and managing daily campus life tends to go down best.
What is a good gift budget for a college student in Canada?
A $30-$75 CAD budget covers practical gifts like power banks, earplugs, dry-erase notepads, and phone accessories. For premium gifts like AirPods or quality Bluetooth speakers, budget $150-$350 CAD. A heartfelt gift doesn’t have to be expensive, though. Useful and thoughtful beats expensive every time.
Are AirPods worth it as a college gift?
Yes, especially for students with iPhones. AirPods are used daily for online lectures, studying in libraries, commuting, and calls. The noise cancellation on AirPods Pro is particularly valuable in noisy dorms. They’re durable, have excellent battery life, and hold their value well.
What non-tech gifts are good for college students?
Great non-tech gifts include a quality reusable coffee tumbler, a noise machine for better sleep, a desk organizer set, comfortable ergonomic chair cushions, a planners or bullet journal, a grocery store gift card, or a meal delivery service subscription. Practical gifts that reduce everyday friction are always appreciated.
Do Canadian college students need a power bank?
Absolutely. Between classes, libraries, common areas, and transit, students often can’t plug in for hours. A 20,000mAh power bank can fully charge a smartphone 4-5 times and is small enough to carry in any bag. It’s one of the most practical gifts on this list.
What should you avoid gifting a college student?
Avoid bulky items they can’t fit in a dorm room, anything requiring setup expertise, or gifts tied to a specific platform they don’t use. Sentimental-only gifts (like framed photos) can feel impractical during a busy semester. Consumables that run out (like coffee) are usually welcome, but avoid assuming dietary preferences.
College students would appreciate any of the gifts on this list. The best approach is to pick something practical that fits their daily routine, whether that’s on campus or studying from home.