20 Best Gift Cards for College Students That They'll Actually Love

Finding the perfect gift for a college student can feel impossible. Cash feels impersonal, and guessing what they actually need? Good luck with that. Gift cards hit that sweet spot – practical enough to help with real expenses, but flexible enough to let them choose what matters most right now.

College life throws curveballs daily. One week they're surviving on ramen, the next they need textbooks that cost more than rent. The best gift cards recognize this reality and give students the freedom to tackle whatever's on their plate – whether that's groceries, gas, or a much-needed coffee break during finals.

Food & Dining Gift Cards

1. Amazon Gift Card

Amazon has basically become the everything store for college students. Textbooks, dorm essentials, late-night snacks, random stuff they didn't know they needed – it's all there with Prime shipping that actually reaches campus mailrooms.

Pros:

• Works for literally everyone
• No expiration date stress
• Can combine multiple cards for bigger purchases
• Digital delivery means no last-minute panic shopping

Cons:

• Might feel a bit impersonal to some
• Easy to forget about in a cluttered email inbox

2. Starbucks Gift Card

Coffee isn't just a drink in college – it's survival fuel. Starbucks locations are everywhere on campus, and that mobile app makes grabbing coffee between classes seamless. Plus, students can earn rewards points for free drinks later.

Pros:

• Locations on most college campuses
• Mobile ordering saves time between classes
• Rewards program offers free drinks and food
• Works for food items, not just coffee

Cons:

• More expensive than making coffee at home
• Limited to Starbucks locations only
• Can become a daily habit that drains the card quickly

3. Chipotle Gift Card

Fast-casual dining that doesn't break the bank? Chipotle gets it. Students can customize their meals, eat something relatively healthy, and fuel up between study sessions. The portions are generous enough to sometimes stretch into two meals.

Pros:

• Customizable, filling meals
• Healthier than typical fast food options
• Many locations near college campuses
• Mobile app allows easy ordering and pickup

Cons:

• Limited to one restaurant chain
• Not available in all college towns
• Can get repetitive if used too frequently

4. Subway Gift Card

Sometimes you need a quick sandwich between classes, and Subway delivers exactly that. It's affordable, available almost everywhere, and offers enough variety to keep things interesting. Perfect for students who need to grab something fast.

Pros:

• Widely available locations
• Affordable meal options
• Variety of sandwich combinations
• Quick service for students in a hurry

Cons:

• Food quality can be inconsistent
• Limited to one type of cuisine
• Not the most exciting dining option

5. Pizza Hut Gift Card

Let's be honest – pizza is a college food group. Whether it's a late-night study session or feeding a dorm room full of friends, Pizza Hut delivers (literally). Students can order online and have food arrive without leaving their books.

Pros:

• Delivery available to most dorms and apartments
• Can feed multiple people at once
• Online ordering is convenient
• Variety of menu options beyond pizza

Cons:

• Not the healthiest food choice
• Delivery fees can add up
• Limited nutritional value for regular meals

Retail & Shopping Gift Cards

6. Target Gift Card

Target bridges the gap between necessities and nice-to-haves perfectly. Students can grab toiletries, dorm decor, snacks, and clothes all in one trip. The prices are reasonable, and there's usually a location within reach of campus.

Pros:

• Wide variety of products in one store
• Competitive prices on essentials
• Frequent sales and promotions
• Many locations near college campuses

Cons:

• Can encourage unnecessary spending
• Some items cost more than discount retailers
• Easy to overspend on non-essentials

7. Walmart Gift Card

When budget is the top priority, Walmart comes through. Students can stretch their dollars further on groceries, toiletries, and basic necessities. It's not glamorous, but it's practical – and that matters when you're living on a tight budget.

Pros:

• Very competitive prices on essentials
• Grocery and household items available
• Locations in most college towns
• Great for bulk purchases

Cons:

• Limited selection of trendy or name-brand items
• Shopping experience isn't always pleasant
• May require a car to reach some locations

8. Best Buy Gift Card

Technology needs don't stop in college – they intensify. Whether it's a new laptop charger, headphones for studying, or upgrading tech that's falling apart, Best Buy covers the electronics students actually use daily.

Pros:

• Wide selection of electronics and tech accessories
• Price matching with competitors
• Geek Squad services for tech support
• Online and in-store shopping options

Cons:

• Can be expensive for major purchases
• Tempting to buy unnecessary tech gadgets
• Limited to electronics and related items

9. GameStop Gift Card

Gaming provides stress relief and social connection for many college students. GameStop gift cards let them grab new releases, trade in old games, or pick up accessories for their setup. It's entertainment that can last for months.

Pros:

• Wide selection of games and gaming accessories
• Trade-in programs for old games
• Covers multiple gaming platforms
• Pre-order options for new releases

Cons:

• Limited to gaming-related purchases
• Can encourage excessive gaming instead of studying
• Some students prefer digital game purchases

Entertainment & Streaming Gift Cards

10. Netflix Gift Card

Streaming services are essential for downtime and background noise while studying. Netflix offers enough variety to satisfy different moods – whether that's binge-watching during winter break or having something on while doing homework.

Pros:

• Huge library of movies and TV shows
• No ads on standard plans
• Can be shared with roommates or family
• Works on all devices

Cons:

• Monthly subscription model means it runs out
• Can be distracting during study time
• Content rotates, so favorites might disappear

11. Spotify Gift Card

Music makes everything better – studying, working out, walking to class, or just relaxing. Spotify Premium removes ads and allows offline listening, which is perfect for students who don't want to burn through their data plans.

Pros:

• Ad-free listening experience
• Offline downloads save data
• Huge music library and podcast selection
• Student discount available for direct subscriptions

Cons:

• Subscription-based, so benefits are temporary
• Requires internet for most features
• Can be distracting during focused study time

12. Apple Gift Card

For students in the Apple ecosystem, these gift cards are incredibly versatile. They work for apps, music, movies, iCloud storage, or even hardware purchases. It's especially useful for students who need more storage space for school files.

Pros:

• Works across all Apple services and products
• Can be used for practical needs like storage
• Easy to redeem and use
• No expiration date

Cons:

• Only useful for Apple users
• Can encourage unnecessary app purchases
• Doesn't work with non-Apple devices or services

13. Google Play Gift Card

Android users need love too. Google Play cards work for apps, games, movies, books, and even Google services like extra storage. Students can grab productivity apps for school or entertainment for breaks.

Pros:

• Works for apps, media, and Google services
• Useful for both entertainment and productivity
• Easy to redeem on Android devices
• Can be used for educational apps and resources

Cons:

• Limited to Google/Android ecosystem
• Easy to spend on unnecessary apps or games
• Some students prefer iOS devices

Transportation & Gas Gift Cards

14. Shell Gift Card

Gas prices hurt everyone, but they're especially painful for college students. A Shell gift card helps with one of those unavoidable expenses – getting to campus, work, or back home for breaks. Every little bit helps when budgets are tight.

Pros:

• Helps with necessary transportation costs
• Shell stations are widely available
• Can also be used for snacks and drinks
• Practical gift that addresses real needs

Cons:

• Only useful for students with cars
• Limited to Shell gas stations
• Doesn't cover other car expenses like maintenance

15. Uber Gift Card

Not every student has a car, but everyone needs to get around sometimes. Uber cards help with rides to internships, jobs, airports, or just getting around town when campus shuttles don't cut it.

Pros:

• Perfect for students without cars
• Useful for getting to jobs or internships
• Safer than walking alone at night
• Works in most college towns and cities

Cons:

• Can get expensive quickly
• Limited to areas where Uber operates
• Doesn't help with daily campus transportation

Clothing & Personal Care Gift Cards

16. Nike Gift Card

Athletic wear isn't just for working out in college – it's daily attire. Nike cards let students grab comfortable clothes for class, actual workout gear, or shoes that can handle walking across campus multiple times a day.

Pros:

• High-quality athletic and casual wear
• Durable products that last through college
• Wide variety of styles and sizes
• Good for both exercise and everyday wear

Cons:

• More expensive than budget clothing options
• Limited to Nike brand products
• May encourage spending on non-essential items

17. Old Navy Gift Card

College fashion needs to be comfortable, affordable, and versatile. Old Navy hits all three marks with basics that work for class, casual hangouts, and even some dressier occasions. The prices won't destroy a student budget.

Pros:

• Affordable clothing options
• Wide range of sizes and styles
• Frequent sales and promotions
• Good for building a basic wardrobe

Cons:

• Quality can be inconsistent
• Styles may not appeal to all students
• Limited to one brand's aesthetic

18. Sephora Gift Card

Self-care matters in college, even when time and money are scarce. Sephora cards let students pick up skincare essentials, makeup for special occasions, or just something that makes them feel good during stressful times.

Pros:

• Wide selection of beauty and skincare products
• Knowledgeable staff can provide advice
• Loyalty program offers additional benefits
• Products for various budgets and needs

Cons:

• Can be expensive for college budgets
• May encourage unnecessary purchases
• Not useful for students uninterested in beauty products

Grocery & Essentials Gift Cards

19. Kroger Gift Card

Groceries are a major expense that many college students underestimate. Kroger cards help with everything from actual cooking ingredients to dorm-friendly snacks and toiletries. It's practical support for daily life.

Pros:

• Covers food and household essentials
• Competitive grocery prices
• Many locations near college campuses
• Can be used for pharmacy items too

Cons:

• Limited to Kroger family stores
• Not available in all regions
• Requires transportation to larger stores

20. CVS Gift Card

Late-night pharmacy runs are a college reality. CVS cards cover medications, toiletries, snacks, and all those random essentials that run out at inconvenient times. Many locations stay open late, which is perfect for student schedules.

Pros:

• Convenient locations with extended hours
• Covers health and personal care needs
• Photo services for school projects
• Pharmacy services for prescriptions

Cons:

• More expensive than larger retailers
• Limited selection compared to bigger stores
• Easy to overspend on convenience items

How to Choose the Right Gift Card

Think about what the student actually needs right now. A freshman living in dorms might appreciate dining options and essentials, while a senior with an apartment might prefer grocery stores and gas cards. Consider their lifestyle, location, and current challenges.

The best gift cards solve real problems. Food cards address hunger and social dining. Retail cards help with necessities and room setup. Entertainment cards provide stress relief. Transportation cards tackle getting around. Choose based on what would genuinely make their life easier.

Making Gift Cards More Personal

Include a note explaining why you chose that specific card. "Thought this might help with gas money for your internship" feels more thoughtful than just handing over plastic. You can also combine smaller amounts across different categories – maybe $25 for coffee and $25 for gas.

Consider the timing too. A Starbucks card during finals week hits differently than one given randomly. Netflix cards are perfect for winter break, while clothing store cards work great before a new semester starts.

Gift cards aren't the lazy option when chosen thoughtfully. They're practical support that gives students control over their own needs. In a time when everything feels uncertain and expensive, that flexibility is exactly what they need.