Finding the perfect gift for a student isn't always easy. They're juggling classes, social life, and tight budgets while figuring out what they actually need. Gift cards solve that puzzle beautifully — they get exactly what they want, when they want it, without you having to guess their current obsession or dorm room situation.

Whether you're shopping for a high schooler saving for college or a graduate student living on ramen, the right gift card can make their day (and their wallet) a whole lot happier. We've rounded up 17 solid options that cover everything from daily essentials to entertainment splurges.

Why Gift Cards Make Perfect Student Gifts

Students live in a world of constantly changing needs and wants. What seemed essential in September might be completely irrelevant by December. Gift cards give them the flexibility to adapt their purchases to their current reality — whether that's textbooks, late-night snacks, or a much-needed coffee run during finals week.

Plus, let's be honest: most students are operating on pretty tight budgets. A gift card lets them stretch their dollars further by choosing exactly what fits their needs and price range.

17 Best Gift Cards for Students

Amazon, Target, Starbucks gift cards and more for convenient shopping and daily needs.

1. Amazon Gift Card

Amazon has become the everything store for students. From textbooks and school supplies to dorm essentials and random 2 AM purchases, it's probably where they're shopping anyway.

Best for: Students who need flexibility and convenience Price range: $10-$500

Pros:

• Covers textbooks, school supplies, electronics, and pretty much everything else
• Prime Student membership makes shipping fast and affordable
• Easy to use on mobile while rushing between classes
• Never expires, so no pressure to spend immediately

Cons:

• Can feel impersonal compared to store-specific cards
• Easy to blow on impulse purchases instead of necessities

2. Target Gift Card

Target hits that sweet spot between practical and fun. Students can grab everything from cleaning supplies to trendy clothes, often at prices that don't make their bank account cry.

Best for: Students who want variety without breaking the bank Price range: $5-$500

Pros:

• Great selection of affordable basics and trendy items
• Frequent sales and student discounts
• Good quality store brands that save money
• Physical locations near most campuses

Cons:

• Limited textbook selection
• May encourage unnecessary shopping trips

3. Starbucks Gift Card

Coffee fuels the student experience. Whether it's a morning pick-me-up before class or an all-night study session companion, Starbucks cards are always appreciated.

Best for: Coffee-loving students and study session fuel Price range: $5-$200

Pros:

• Perfect for daily coffee habits or special treats
• Locations on most college campuses
• Mobile app makes ordering quick between classes
• Can be used for food items too, not just drinks

Cons:

• Limited to one brand when cheaper coffee options exist
• Money disappears quickly with daily use

4. Walmart Gift Card

When you need to make every dollar count, Walmart delivers. It's where budget-conscious students go for groceries, dorm supplies, and basic necessities without the markup.

Best for: Students watching every penny Price range: $5-$200

Pros:

• Rock-bottom prices on groceries and essentials
• Huge selection of everything from food to electronics
• Locations everywhere, plus online shopping
• Great for bulk purchases that save money long-term

Cons:

• Shopping experience isn't always pleasant
• Quality can be hit-or-miss on some items

5. Apple Gift Card

For students already in the Apple ecosystem, these cards are gold. They cover everything from apps and music to new devices and accessories.

Best for: Students with iPhones, iPads, or Macs Price range: $10-$200

Pros:

• Works for App Store, iTunes, and Apple hardware
• Great for productivity apps and creative software students need
• Can go toward expensive textbook apps or study tools
• Integrates seamlessly with devices they already own

Cons:

• Useless if they're not Apple users
• Expensive ecosystem can eat through gift card value quickly

6. Netflix Gift Card

Entertainment is essential for mental health, especially during stressful semesters. Netflix cards give students months of binge-watching without the monthly subscription worry.

Best for: Students who need downtime and entertainment Price range: $15-$100

Pros:

• Covers multiple months of subscription
• Great for stress relief and social bonding with roommates
• Works on any device they own
• No ongoing payment commitment

Cons:

• Purely entertainment — doesn't help with practical needs
• Subscription will eventually need renewal

7. Spotify Gift Card

Music makes everything better, from workout sessions to study marathons. Spotify Premium eliminates ads and allows offline listening — perfect for students on limited data plans.

Best for: Music-loving students and commuters Price range: $10-$60

Pros:

• Ad-free listening improves study sessions
• Offline downloads save data
• Student discount makes premium affordable
• Works great for parties and social gatherings

Cons:

• Another subscription to eventually maintain
• Limited value if they already have premium or prefer other music services

8. Google Play Gift Card

Android users and Google service fans will appreciate cards that work across the entire Google ecosystem, from apps to movies to cloud storage.

Best for: Android users and Google service subscribers Price range: $10-$200

Pros:

• Works for apps, games, movies, books, and Google services
• Can pay for Google Drive storage for school projects
• Great selection of productivity and educational apps
• Integrates with Android devices seamlessly

Cons:

• Limited usefulness for iPhone users
• Easy to spend on games instead of productive apps

9. GameStop Gift Card

Gaming provides stress relief and social connection for many students. GameStop cards cover new releases, retro games, and gaming accessories.

Best for: Students who game for fun or stress relief Price range: $10-$500

Pros:

• Covers games for all major consoles and PC
• Can be used online or in-store
• Great for pre-ordering anticipated releases
• Includes gaming accessories and collectibles

Cons:

• Very specific interest — useless for non-gamers
• Games can be expensive, so cards might not go far

10. Visa Gift Card

Sometimes flexibility trumps everything else. Visa gift cards work almost everywhere, giving students complete freedom to spend where they need to most.

Best for: Students with unpredictable or specific needs Price range: $25-$500

Pros:

• Accepted almost everywhere credit cards work
• Perfect when you don't know their preferences
• Can be used for bills, groceries, or fun purchases
• No restrictions on where or how to spend

Cons:

• Often come with activation fees
• Can be lost or stolen like cash
• May have expiration dates or maintenance fees

11. Chipotle Gift Card

Fast-casual dining is a student staple, and Chipotle offers relatively healthy options that don't completely destroy budgets. Cards provide several satisfying meals.

Best for: Students who eat out regularly Price range: $10-$200

Pros:

• Healthier than typical fast food options
• Filling meals that provide good value
• Mobile ordering saves time between classes
• Customizable options accommodate dietary restrictions

Cons:

• Limited to one restaurant chain
• Can get expensive for regular dining
• Not available in all areas

12. Barnes & Noble Gift Card

For students who still prefer physical books or need specific textbooks, Barnes & Noble remains relevant. Cards also work for cafés, gifts, and study supplies.

Best for: Book lovers and students needing textbooks Price range: $5-$500

Pros:

• Great selection of textbooks and academic materials
• Can be used for coffee and snacks in café areas
• Covers novels, study guides, and reference materials
• Often located near college campuses

Cons:

• Textbooks are expensive, so cards might not stretch far
• Digital alternatives are often cheaper
• Limited locations compared to online retailers

13. Uber Gift Card

Transportation is a real expense for students, especially those without cars. Uber cards provide safe, reliable rides for everything from grocery runs to night out transportation.

Best for: Students without reliable transportation Price range: $15-$200

Pros:

• Safe transportation option, especially at night
• Convenient for grocery shopping without a car
• Works in most college towns and cities
• Can also be used for Uber Eats food delivery

Cons:

• Rides can be expensive, so cards don't last long
• Surge pricing can drain value quickly
• Not useful in areas without Uber service

14. Steam Gift Card

PC gaming is huge among students, and Steam is the primary platform. Cards give access to thousands of games, from indie titles to major releases.

Best for: PC gaming enthusiasts Price range: $5-$100

Pros:

• Massive library of games at various price points
• Frequent sales make money go further
• Great for stress relief and social gaming
• Can purchase games for friends too

Cons:

• Only useful for PC gamers
• Can be addictive and distract from studies
• Games require decent computer hardware

15. DoorDash Gift Card

When studying takes priority over cooking, food delivery becomes essential. DoorDash cards provide access to restaurant variety without the cooking time commitment.

Best for: Busy students who order delivery food Price range: $15-$200

Pros:

• Access to many local restaurants
• Saves time during busy study periods
• Great for group orders with roommates
• Available in most college areas

Cons:

• Delivery fees and tips eat into card value
• More expensive than cooking at home
• Can encourage unhealthy eating habits

16. REI Gift Card

For outdoorsy students or those at schools with great outdoor access, REI cards provide gear for adventures and active lifestyles.

Best for: Students who love outdoor activities Price range: $25-$500

Pros:

• High-quality gear that lasts for years
• Great for hiking, camping, and outdoor sports
• Excellent return policy and customer service
• Member dividends provide additional value

Cons:

• Expensive items mean cards might not go far
• Limited appeal for non-outdoor enthusiasts
• Not useful for students in urban areas without outdoor access

17. Local Restaurant Gift Card

Supporting local businesses while giving students a break from dining hall food creates a win-win situation. Choose popular spots near their campus.

Best for: Students who appreciate local dining experiences Price range: Varies by restaurant

Pros:

• Supports local businesses near campus
• Provides variety from typical chain restaurants
• Often better quality than fast food options
• Creates opportunities for social dining experiences

Cons:

• Limited to specific location
• May not be convenient for their schedule or location
• Value varies significantly by restaurant

How to Choose the Right Gift Card

Think about the student's current situation and priorities. A freshman living in dorms has different needs than a senior in an apartment. Someone studying engineering might appreciate tech-focused cards, while an art student might prefer creative supply options.

Consider their lifestyle too. Do they cook for themselves or rely on meal plans? Are they commuters or campus residents? Do they work part-time or focus entirely on studies? These factors influence which gift cards will actually get used and appreciated.

Budget matters, but so does thoughtfulness. A $25 card to their favorite coffee shop might mean more than a $50 card to a store they never visit.

Making Gift Cards Feel More Personal

Nobody wants to hand over a generic gift card and call it done. Add a personal note explaining why you chose that particular card. Maybe mention how you know they love that coffee shop, or how you remember them talking about needing new headphones.

Consider pairing smaller gift cards together — maybe a Starbucks card with a bookstore card for the perfect study session combo. Or include a small physical item along with the card to make the gift feel more complete.

Final Thoughts

The best gift cards for students are the ones they'll actually use. Whether that's covering basic necessities, funding their coffee addiction, or providing entertainment during stressful times, the right choice depends on knowing what matters most to them right now.

Students' needs change constantly, but their appreciation for flexibility and financial help remains consistent. Any of these 17 options will give them the freedom to choose what they need most, exactly when they need it.

​17 Best Gift Cards for Students: Smart Choices for Every Budget and Interest

17 Best Gift Cards for Students: Smart Choices for Every Budget and Interest