17 Fun and Useful Gifts for Roommates That Will Bring You Even Closer

A pretty mug — like this one from Anthropologie decked out in delicate, whimsical flowers — makes any cup of dorm coffee taste that much better. Plus, if you get your roommate a monogrammed mug, you’re sure to never mix it up with your own. Keep in mind that this one isn’t microwave-safe; if you’re looking for one you can reheat then try this stoneware mug that you can tailor to your roomie’s favorite hobby.

These flower-themed socks are more special than they might seem: Each pair is hand-embroidered with a different bloom designed for each month of the year, so you can choose the pair that aligns with your roommate’s birthday month. It adds an extra-personal touch to a practical gift.

Your roommate’s latent green thumb is about to come in full bloom with these beautiful, affordable succulents! These plants are able to thrive without much light or consistent watering, which makes them ideal for a dorm room. If your plant dies within six months of when you placed the order, Succulents Box will refund you with a $15 gift card!

If your roommate’s phone is always on 5%, give them the gift of a full battery with this quirky portable charger. Made out of a converted Altoids tin, it’s nice and compact and looks more fun in your tote bag than a traditional power bank. It works with iPhones and Android; just keep in mind that you’ll need a USB-C cable to charge the charger, which you can add on to your order (or just use one you already have).

The '90s are officially back in style with these jazzy $8 banana clips. These clips will ensure that your roommate always has the bounciest ponytails and the most effortless updos. If you really want to spoil them, add on these matching zigzag headbands for an effortlessly cool hairstyle that they can pull off even when they’re running out the door for a 9 a.m. class.

If your roommate is always tossing and turning in the middle of the night, this gift is about to save their sleep schedule. This satin sleep mask sports a silly cat pattern and comes with a matching scrunchie, to boot. The best part? A well-rested roomie is a gift to you, too!

Studying has never been so chic. The next time your roommate pulls an all-nighter, these floral gel pens will brighten up their midnight note-taking with pink, orange, and metallic gold ink. If you want to level up this gift, add on these matching floral highlighters for even more stylish stationery.

This K-beauty brand’s jelly lip melt comes in four fruity flavors and is perfect to give to your roommate who’s always asking to use your lip balm. It’s sure to leave them feeling glowy, plus it’s small enough to fit in any bag, which makes it both practical and adorable.

Is your roommate always losing their AirPods in the mess of their desk or the depths of their tote bag? Help make their search a little easier (and way cuter) with this glittery AirPods case, which comes in 10 different colors and has a key chain to clip on to a lanyard or purse.

This comfy cloud pillow will make your roommate’s bed the coziest place to be. Soft enough to sleep on, this pillow can spruce up your shared room for $15.

For a roommate whose desk is scattered with mismatched earrings, this adorable trinket box will help to keep those earrings neatly contained. Inspired by Parisian cafes, the mosaic-style heart design is especially fitting for your friend who is obsessed with Emily in Paris or who just got back from studying abroad in France.

Whether your roommate doesn’t drink coffee or drinks too much coffee and is looking to branch out, this traditional matcha kit is an elegant gift to aid them in their tea-drinking journey. The kit includes a bamboo whisk and scoop, a stainless steel sifter, and a handbook to teach them everything they need to know to make the perfect cup of matcha. Who knows, maybe they’ll even whisk up a mug for you!

For anyone with a crafty roommate, this amigurumi crochet kit is sure to keep them busy. From bunnies to bats, this kit comes in dozens of different animal designs — all suited to fit different skill levels. The kit comes with everything you need to make the amigurumi, including a crochet hook, meaning it’s also ideal for a beginner who’s just looking for a cozy new hobby.

Good roommates don’t let their roommates walk around the dorm barefoot. These slippers come in both slip-on and wraparound versions and over a dozen different colors and patterns, so you can customize your pick to their preferences. With these comfy cows on their feet, your roommate is sure to get compliments every time they walk down the hallway.

If your roommate is always locking themselves out of the dorm, this Vera Bradley case will help turn their ID into a chic staple they never forget. The case features a breakaway lanyard and a zip pocket for storing cash and coins. From patchwork to paisley to a solid-colored version, it comes in a few different options so you can tailor it to your roomie’s style.

Okay, you’ve taken countless photos together, but how to display them? Enter: these charming string lights affixed with 52 little clips, so you can hang up and spotlight your favorite memories together at the same time. They are USB-charged (you can even use a power bank) and you can control them with a remote that is programmed with all kinds of lighting options, like twinkling or fading in and out.

A disposable camera is such a fun, throwback way to capture you and your roommate’s next night out. With 27 exposures and built-in flash for indoor and outdoor settings, these cameras are an affordable alternative to pricier Polaroids. Best of all, these cameras come in a two-pack, so you can even keep one and give one away! If you are looking to splurge a bit, you could also treat them to a Camp Snap camera, which pairs the convenience of a digital camera with the screen-free can’t-see-the-photo nature of a film camera that keeps you in the moment with your friends.