Gift cards can be an effective way for students and recent graduates to manage their finances and stick to their budgets. From groceries, snacks and dorm room necessities, using gift cards will make shopping simpler without overspending.
A Spotify gift card provides access to thousands of songs and playlists – perfect for studying or relaxing while Brooklinen provides silk eye masks for late-night study sessions.
1. Grocery Store Gift Cards
Gift cards accepted at grocery stores are a great way to help recipients make healthy food choices while staying within their budget. Loading an amount onto one can act as a physical limit that prevents overspending during weekly trips and thus lower total costs.
Safeway gift cards enable recipients to stock up on essential pantry staples and household necessities without stretching their budget too far. Gift cards accepted at other supermarkets may also work; just remember to consider their location when giving one as an incentive!
To select an ideal grocery store gift card, start with your monthly budget and identify areas in which spending could be cut back. Next, search for cards that meet those categories.
2. Amazon Gift Card
Amazon gift cards make shopping convenient: Redeem them by entering their claim code found on either the back of the physical card or included with their eGift email at checkout; any balance will automatically be deducted from their total.
If your student is feeling peckish but can’t make it out to their favorite eatery, an Uber Eats gift card or goldbelly card could help satisfy both their palate and wallet. Or indulge them with whatever specific food craving they might be having such as deep dish pizza or cheesecake!
3. Streaming Service Gift Cards
Streaming services make an ideal present for college students who enjoy watching video streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, whether that means providing access to just a few months to a full year of content or covering multiple semesters worth. Some providers such as these offer physical gift cards in various denominations allowing you to cover up to 12 months of service at once.
Peacock TV streaming service, featuring scripted series such as the Real Housewives franchise and Bravo reality shows without editorial filtering; as well as uncensored reality series from Bravo; and NBC broadcasts. Peacock also offers digital gift card options in $25 increments up to $100!
BritBox is an exceptional streaming service dedicated to British culture, from Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie films and comedies to standup comedy specials and more. One of our favorites for teens, BritBox provides everything British!
4. Coffee Shop Gift Cards
College students needing caffeine when studying for exams or finishing assignments may appreciate receiving a gift card to their favorite coffee shop – making sure they stay productive without breaking the bank in doing so! Purchasing one as an affordable gift idea.
Reusable water bottles make great dorm room additions, while silk eye masks may prove helpful on nights spent pulling an all-nighter. A Parks Project fleece jacket would also make an excellent present as its purchase will contribute funds toward habitat and wildlife restoration projects in national parks.
An elegant pen set or monogrammed notepad are easy ways to elevate their style for their first job search, while LinkedIn Premium subscription is another fantastic way to help them quickly advance in their career path.
5. Meal Delivery Service Gift Cards
College students often grow frustrated with what their dining hall has to offer, so meal delivery services like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh could provide a welcome respite while still staying within budget.
Digital gift cards offer an eco-friendly solution that saves both time and money compared to physical cards; instantly delivered by email or text message for instantaneous gift giving or unexpected expenses without breaking the bank. They’re perfect last-minute presents or covering unexpected expenses without draining savings accounts!
Are you searching for ways to save more on travel, groceries and entertainment expenses? Discover Prime Student membership – designed specifically with students in mind.
6. Public Transportation or Ride-Sharing Gift Cards
College students rely on public transportation – whether or not they own their own car on campus – as essential transportation options. Gift cards for Uber or local bus or train service will allow them to get around more easily.
Gifting college students the right gifts can also help save them money when trying to cut expenses. Avoid card-network gift cards such as Visa or MasterCard which profit from fees when used.
Gen Zers love music, and an iTunes or Spotify gift card can provide them with just the motivation they need to finish an essay or liven up their study space with some tunes. A noise-canceling set may also help during late night studying sessions!
7. Clothing Store Gift Cards
Students at colleges who are not on campus are often faced with high costs. Offering gift cards for support is a good solution to ease some their financial burden.
If you know that your loved one is one particular retailer or brand think about gifting your gift card to them that lets them shop in one go it could make an impact when planning to cover unexpected costs or replenishing supply.
Nike sneakers are essential to those who love sneaker shoes, while the streetwear shop End is known for providing low-cost designer clothes. An gift card to the airline might be useful should the recipient have to go on a trip for work or school reasons.
8. Tech and App Store Gift Cards
College students may use gift cards as an easy and cost-effective way of purchasing new or refurbished technology, such as headphones, portable speakers or laptops and tablets. When purchasing technology through gift cards it should cover all essential costs – headphones should always cover their purchase, for instance!
Gift cards that can be redeemed at multiple retailers can make an ideal present, especially those that support local independent shops near where your recipient lives and offer easy online redemption.
Give someone more flexibility by giving a prepaid card as it provides greater prepayment and usage flexibility than traditional gift cards. They can be loaded multiple times and used anywhere major cards are accepted.
9. Bookstore Gift Cards
If your recipient enjoys reading, a Barnes and Noble gift card makes an ideal present. The national bookstore sells an extensive selection of books including textbooks and guides for classes.
At any school, anything that helps relieve student stress counts as an excellent gift – and this oil diffuser does exactly that! With its soothing lavender fragrance spreading across their space and easy clean-up requirements.
This stylish set of playing cards provides students with an affordable way to upgrade their dorm room. The minimalist design fits easily in any drawer or cube, while its durable plastic resists stains. Furthermore, this product comes complete with a handy pouch to safely store each deck between uses.