Gift Guide for College Students

The NH Monadnock Thrive Guide

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Keene State Students in the snow

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Don’t know what to get your college student this holiday season? Check out this gift guide filled with ideas ranging from tech to school supplies to fashion— you’ll definitely find the perfect gift for them here!


Monadnock Region Merch (starting at $20)

Whether your college student attends one of our own local universities or is just missing home, a Monadnock Region gift is a great way to keep them connected to this place they love. We have hats, pullovers, t-shirts, and much more in a range of sizes.

Fjällräven Känken Backpack ($90) | Synergy (Keene, NH)

A college staple is a durable backpack, and Fjällräven has exactly that. Their Känken bags are waterproof, roomy, dirt resistant, and have handles! The bags come in different sizes (including a mini [$80], a crossbody [$35], and a sling shoulder [$70]) and 13 unique colors. With the Känken bags, there’s something for every college student.

Urban Exchange Thrifting (prices vary) | Urban Exchange (Keene, NH)

If your college student is more into thrifting, then take them to browse around the aisles of Urban Exchange. They carry sweaters, coats, jeans, bags, and accessories— all items both new and used. With an abundance of options at amazing prices, there’s bound to be something here for all thrifters.

Ted’s Shoe & Sport (price varies) | Ted’s Shoe & Sport (Keene, NH)

Dedicated to providing the best footwear for active people everywhere, Ted’s offers the perfect shoes that will push athletes to their very best. With their New Balance FuelCell SD100 v5, wins like the Franklin Pierce men’s soccer program’s third consecutive Northeast-10 Championship are achievable. Or, with their Nike Structure 25, accomplishments like Keene State College’s women’s cross country team coming out on top as Little East Conference champions are met with ease.

Carmen Striped V-Neck Knit Sweater ($48) | Mabel & Lou Boutique (Keene, NH)

Shop from this trendy boutique in downtown Keene for new and cute clothes. This cropped V-neck sweater features exposed seam detailing and would look great with their Marlee Straight Leg Denim ($56) high-rise jeans for that vintage look everyone has recently been going for.

Dr. Martens 1460 Vegan Felix Lace Up Boots ($170) | Synergy (Keene, NH)

Looking for a stylish boot that will last you years (maybe even all of college)? Then Doc Martens has you covered. With their wide array of durable boots, there’s a style for everyone; from the fur-lined platform Chelsea boot to the sophisticated Adrian loafers. These shoes will withstand all life has to throw.

Beeze Tees Unisex Crew Sweatshirt (price varies) | Beeze Tees (Keene, NH)

Sweatshirts are always great gifts for anyone. With Beeze Tees, you can design and customize sweatshirts, shirts, mugs, tote bags, and more with pictures, text, and even a team name! They also sell Keene State College and Keene High apparel in-store for those who want to show their support for the schools.

Willow Jacket ($139) | Moe Momentum Clothing (Keene, NH)

Bundle up this winter with the comfy and stylish Willow Jacket. Made of faux shearling and featuring a trendy color block pattern, this jacket will be sure to impress your college student. Get it before the cold months truly hit us to stay warm yet look cool.

SMARTWOOL Men’s Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer ($90) | Eastern Mountain Sports (Peterborough, NH)

For kids who enjoy hiking (looking at you Franklin Pierce students), this base layer is perfect for keeping warm during long, cold hikes on trails just outside of campus. Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters also carries a whole host of hiking gear for those who are veterans or beginners. From tents to backpacks to cookware, they have you covered.

Restaurant Gift Cards (prices vary) | (Keene, NH)

The easiest but best present is always a gift card, specifically one for a restaurant. Hear the best places to eat in downtown Keene from KSC students themselves! With many possibilities available (Fritz, Thai Garden, Elm City Brew Pub, and more), take their word and get a gift certificate this holiday season.

WarShots Drinking Game ($30) | Walmart (Keene, NH)

This flip on the classic tabletop game Battleship brings everyone back to their childhood but with an adult twist. Battle your friends using your favorite spirit and sink your opponents both literally and figuratively.

Airpods ($100) | Target (Keene, NH)

Finding affordable yet high-quality wireless headphones is easy when Airpods are on the market. They’re perfect for studying, working out, doing chores, or just lounging around without having a long wire attached to your phone. If you don’t know what to get your kid in college, Airpods are a safe and easy choice.

VANKYO Leisure Mini Projector ($100) | Target (Keene, NH)

Gain coolness points with your friends with VANKYO’s wireless projector. Simply tape a sheet to a wall, make some popcorn, and pick a movie to project to enjoy a luxury at-home (or at-dorm) movie theatre experience.

Iron Flask Insulated Water Bottle ($30) | Target (Keene, NH)

Every college student needs a water bottle as they’re constantly on the go. This particular bottle is insulated to keep the cold drinks cold (for student-athletes during practices) and hot drinks hot (for students itching for some caffeine for their 8 a.m. classes).

Room Essentials Weighted Blanket ($25) | Target (Keene, NH)

This 12-pound weighted blanket is perfect for incoming college students to help them with their first month away from home. Used to help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety (something all college students feel), weighted blankets are a great gift for all.

Victorinox Recruit Pocket Knife ($28) | Target (Keene, NH)

You never know when you might need a screwdriver, bottle opener, and wire stripper at the same time. That’s what the Victorinox Pocket Knife is for. Don’t lug a heavy, bulky toolbox all the way to college; instead, invest in a multipurpose tool for half the price and space.

Made By Design Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser ($20) | Target (Keene, NH)

Diffusers are a great way to make a dorm feel like home. Since most colleges don’t allow candles, a diffuser is a great alternative. This one acts as an air purifier, ionizer, and soft night light with a timer for 4 and 8 hours. Pick up their essential oils as well to create a calming dorm atmosphere.

More To Explore

clicking wine glasses at restaurant

Cozy Winter Dining in the Monadnock Region

Fireplaces, candlelight, warm beverages, hearty bowls of pasta…these are just some of the things making these restaurants some of the coziest places to enjoy a

Girl checking out at Antique shop

Shopping

There are three hubs for shopping in the Monadnock Region; Peterborough and Wilton, both in Hillsborough County, and Keene in Cheshire County. Scattered throughout the

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