70 Gift Ideas for Your Roommate
Buying a gift for a roommate is just like buying a gift for anyone else, with one key exception. You live with them!
Love them or hate them, whatever you buy for them is most likely going to have a direct impact on your life. So choose wisely. With a little cunning, a gift for a roommate can double as a gift for yourself without them suspecting a thing!
This list we’ve put together is full of great gifts in their own right, but many are also fun or useful things that can streamline communal activities and make living together more enjoyable. From fancy headphones and tech accessories to calendars and candles, you’re bound to find the ideal gift of your roommate here.
Make your Netflix nights more fun for your roommate by giving this bean-less bag that anyone can comfortably sit on for hours! Instead of beans, it has memory foam inside so it is fluffier yet more durable. This gift brings the fun in functional as it not only adds a splash of color in any room but also serves as an extra seat. It comes in different colors so you can choose one that suits your roommate’s personality best.
Your roommate may not be able to bring feline friends in your home. The least you can do is give this pillow that looks like a cat that your roommate can hug, too! Made of 70% polyester and 30% cotton, this works perfectly as either a functional pillow or just a cute addition to the bed. It looks realistic enough that it could pass as a real pet, if only from a distance.
Who doesn’t like accessories that are comfy enough to help one sleep, too? This blanket scarf is a great fashion accessory for the colder months. It can also serve as an instant blanket should the need arise, like those breaks between classes that are perfect for a quick nap. This acrylic shawl that looks and feels like cashmere comes in various designs that are versatile enough to be worn with different outfits.
While you should never encourage excessive drinking, it’s still a good idea to know what to do when those dreadful hungover mornings happen. This book is among the top gifts for roommates who enjoy regular drinks and then complain about their hangover the day after. It has a lot of recipes and helpful concoctions plus fun graphics tests to take if they want to understand their state of mind better.
If there’s that one gift that anyone would appreciate, it’s a bedside lamp. This beautiful but useful gift will do you one better. It’s a touch lamp that can change brightness levels and color with just a soft touch to the mesh part of the speaker. It’s a fun bedside lamp that will also play good music until your roommate falls asleep. With its 1800MA battery, this can serve as a light source or play music for about 10 hours.
You can surprise your roommate with this vacuum insulated beer can or bottle cooler that will keep beer cold for hours. This double-walled cooler is made of stainless steel and is BPA-free, so it’s perfect for anyone who cares for the environment. It also comes with a bottle opener. If your roommate enjoys a bottle of beer at parties or out of town trips, then this is the gift to get.
This waffle maker is for the roommate who enjoys a good breakfast but hates having to go out to get it. This kitchen appliance is compact so it won’t take much space. It’s easy enough to use; no advanced cooking skills required! It can make your roommate (and you) utterly sumptuous waffles every single time. And it’s not just a waffle maker but also a hash brown and panini maker.
For your hardworking roommate who spends hours working on her laptop, this awesome laptop desk is a failproof present. Its surface is made of solid MDF that only requires simple wiping to keep it clean. It’s very lightweight so your roommate can tote it around the apartment or even bring it outside the house. This portable desk can help your roommate work comfortably anywhere without having to strain her back. No need to use the dining table as a work desk either!
If you live with a roommate who likes leaving messages for people, then this is a gift to consider. This felt board is protected by an oak frame that will last for a long time. It comes with 300 letters so your roommate won't have to worry about running out of letters. A beautiful message board like this one looks great on doors and walls.
Pamper your roommate with this set of Korean face masks that can relax anyone after a busy day. The set includes 12 face mask variants that are meant to deliver different benefits to the skin. They can brighten, firm, moisturize, banish blemishes, and make the skin more balanced and a whole lot healthier. These masks are the best gifts for roommates after finals week or after a big project at work.
Your roommate doesn't have to be a serious poet to appreciate a gift like this one. This original set from Magnetic Poetry comes with more than 300 tiles of beautiful words and phrases. Your roommate can use it to enhance creative writing skills, to decorate a fridge door or locker, or to leave important messages to everyone in the house. This gift is a cute decoration and a brain-teasing toy at the same time.
If your roommate loves jewelry and trinkets but always loses them, then there is no better gift than this pretty keepsake box. It is hand-carved from a Willow tree then hand-painted by an artist named Susan Lordi from Kansas City. This small resin box features a bas-relief carving of two friends on its lid, so it's not just a box but a reminder of your beautiful friendship as well.
This headset is the gift to someone who enjoys playing games on the Xbox or PS4. It is surround sound capable and comes with a flip-up mic that automatically mutes when you flip it up. It also features a variable mic monitoring that will allow your friend to adjust voice volume so there won't be shouting while playing. No noise from the game and no shouting - this is just as much a gift for you as it is for your roommate!
If your roommate always carries books and other stuff everywhere, then this cute backpack from Herschel is an ideal present. It features a drawstring cinched opening that will keep your roommate's belongings safe inside. It can hold a 15-inch laptop plus a few books but still small and light enough to carry around all day comfortably. The Retreat backpack comes in different colors, but this Barbados Cherry Black Crosshatch looks gorgeous.
What's better than having a nice, long bath? Here's one - having a nice, long bath while watching your favorite shows and sipping your favorite wine! Sounds amazing? Your roommate will think so, too. Go ahead and give your roommate this bathtub caddy tray that can hold a tablet or phone, a candle, and a wine glass. Don't worry about it not fitting the bathtub because both sides can be extended.
Are the dishes clean or dirty? Here's the thing to help you and your roommate figure it out at a glance. This dishwasher magnet features a sliding shutter that you guys can easily push to let everyone know if the dishes are already clean or not. No need to walk to the dishwasher to check because of the clear and bright colors that anyone can see from across the room.
Your roommate likes the idea of eating healthy home-prepped meals for lunch, but a brown paper bag ruins an entire look. Give this lunch bag as a present, and you'll be thanked for it. It's big enough to hold two to three containers of food, drinks, and fruits or other snacks. It comes in varying designs that all look good, but the black and white stripes will surely look good with any outfit.
Does your roommate have trouble remembering what things to get when grocery shopping? This cute and undeniably useful gift for your forgetful friend will ensure that no item will be forgotten! Your roommate will enjoy checking off boxes for depleted items because it takes less than a second! It's so much easier than making a list on blank paper or even a smartphone. Get this for your roommate, and trips to the supermarket will be shorter, too.
This gift is one that your roommate will find a use for sooner or later. The portable clothesline features 12 clothespins. black clips that keep the pins in place, and hooks on both ends so it can be hung anywhere. It's one of those simple things that can make life easier. This is among the most practical gifts for roommates. Whether your friend is traveling, camping, or simply saving money on laundry, this clothesline is going to be useful.
It's inevitable that you'll be making noise sometimes with your friends or play loud music while your roommate needs to focus on what he or she is doing. This thoughtful gift is for one of those times. These wireless over-the-ear headphones can be connected to any device via Bluetooth. Its cushioned ear pads allow for hours of comfortable listening. It fits snugly so your roommate can wear it even when doing physical activities outside, too.
You know better than anyone else that behind the fashionable and ultra-cool image your roommate has is actually a sloth-like being who loves to just lounge around at home in comfort. Perfect for those 'just chill' days, this pair of comfy stretchy pants can take your roommate from the bedroom to the gym if needed. It comes with nice fade-proof 3D prints that are suitable for both men and women.
You rarely see your roommate wear gloves probably because it's a lot of trouble to take them off when using a smartphone. Keep your roomie's hands from freezing while still allowing the use of touchscreen gadgets with this pair of innovative gloves. These knitted gloves have three-finger touchscreen capable technology that works with all devices. Each pair comes with a lifetime warranty so you can get a refund if they don't work.
Whether your roommate is obsessed with staying on schedule or needs a little help with her planning skills, this calendar planner will be a nice gift to help her stay on track. Your roommate can have it on the desk or hang it on the wall and never miss homework or an appointment again. The brown paper used for the calendar looks vintage and doubles as an Instagram-worthy decor as well.
If your roommate is a great thinker like yourself, this waterproof notepad and pencil set is a clever gift to get. With the Aqua Notes pad on your bathroom wall, no big ideas will be lost because your roommate can write them down as soon as he screams "Eureka!". It is perfect for doodling or solving math homework while taking a bath, too. This waterproof notepad is a brilliant idea and your roommate will think so, too.
Hand-carved from the mines in Pakistan, the Levoit Himalayan salt rock lamp is indeed a unique gift that any roommate will love. The salt lamp stands on a polished base of rubberwood that is 100% non-toxic and all natural. This lamp can safely illuminate any room and lend a relaxing ambiance to any space. It will be a nice piece to add on your friend's nightstand or work desk.
Does your roommate get home dripping when it rains? Does your umbrella always go missing when you need it? You know the answer to the problem - Get your roommate an umbrella! This automatic and compact one from Rain-Mate is a good choice. It is easy to operate and small enough to fit inside any purse or bag. There's no reason for your roommate to use your umbrella! Just remember to get it in a different color to avoid confusion.
With all the negativities around, it's always a good idea to start the day with something good. Share the positivity with your roommate through this deck of affirmation cards. Each one contains a message that will inspire even the most pessimistic person. It's the perfect mood booster, too. It's a whole lot better than checking the horoscope every morning. Give it as a gift to your roommate and witness the positive transformation happen.
Your roommate may not be at par with you as an all-around handyman. That's fine. You can get your roomie ready for unexpected situations with this survival pocket tool that can fit inside a wallet! This stainless steel multiuse tool functions as a bottle cap opener, can opener, wrench, saw blade, knife, ruler, and screwdriver. It comes in a nice leatherette case. No McGyver skills required to use this handy tool!
For that roommate who loves good coffee but hates paying too much for a cup every single day, this is an excellent choice for a gift. This lightweight frother features a BPA-free shaft and a stainless steel whisk that rotates really fast to create sweet foam for beverages. It is easy to use and easy to clean so your friend can use it anytime with no trouble. Get ready to try different concoctions as your roommate will love experimenting with it.
So, your roommate has decided to take on the challenge of saving money! Show encouragement with this innovative digital coin savings jar. It comes with a plastic lid that has an LCD display. This coin bank will keep track of every penny, nickel, dime, or dollar that your friend saves. Bills can be easily added manually. If your roommate is saving up for something, this gift can be used to see how close to the goal he or she is.
Help transform your roommate's room with beautiful string lights. It can be plugged to a power bank via USB port so it can be installed anywhere in the bedroom. It doesn't have to be close to a power outlet. The string of the fairy lights is made of premium quality copper. It will look great draped on a dresser or around the headboard. You can also place it inside a big jar when you hand it to your roommate!
There is a reason there are coloring books for adults - no one outgrows this activity! It is the best stress-relieving gift for your busy roommate who needs a breather! This official coloring book from the makers of Bob's Burgers will let your roommate literally give color to some of the most amazing moments from the show plus extra puns that will make anyone laugh. Your roommate will enjoy hours of coloring fun.
If your roommate is looking for a new hobby and is fairly musical, then you should consider getting this 17-key thumb piano. A Kalimba is an enchanting instrument that is originally from Africa. This is probably the only instrument that wouldn't even sound terrible even if a beginner is playing it. Because of its soothing sound, you won't find it distracting even if your roommate spends hours practicing at home.
Perhaps the kalimba is a little too complicated and your roommate is looking for something easier to play. The ukulele is the best instrument for people who are interested in picking up their first instrument. This starter kit from Kala includes a soprano size ukulele as well as a booklet, a tuner app, a soft gig bag, and access to online lessons. Look forward to happy tunes when your roommate learns how to play it!
When you are going to live with other people for a while, it's important that at least one of you cooks, right? Well, if one of your roommates show an inclination to cooking, you can help improve that skill by getting this revised edition of a classic cookbook loved by so many people. As the title indicates, there are 365 recipes of soup suitable for any season and any occasion. Your roommate will love trying each recipe!
If your roommate is into the virtual reality and 3D gaming, getting this VR glasses is a smart move. Your friend will enjoy the incredible visual immersion this pair of glasses offers. It will take his gaming and watching experience to a whole new level. It's very lightweight so it should be comfortable to wear even for extended periods. It can be used with any mobile device that is 4.7 inches to 6.2 inches big.
For the fun roommate who is secretly a mermaid, this knitted mermaid tail blanket is a wonderful choice for a gift, whatever the occasion may be. The outer layer is a breathable yarn carefully while the ins knitted in an exquisite wave pattern while the inside is a soft lambswool. It's the comfiest blanket your friend could ask for! The blanket comes with a shoulder strap to keep it from slipping. It comes in beautiful pastel colors, too!
Maybe your roommate prefers a different whimsical creature. If your roommate is a more active person who likes to keep moving while still keeping warm instead of slipping into a cozy tail, you might want to get her this adult unicorn onesie. It is made of a plush material that your roommate will want to wear it all day! It is loose-fitting so there will be no restriction in movement and she can freely move around the house.
This tiny but mighty USB-powered humidifier can help prevent stuffy air in your roommate's room and keep them safe from germs and viruses in the air. It will also ensure no one suffers from flaky skin and chapped lips! After four hours, it turns off on its own so it's safe to use. The night light that comes with it turns off in an hour. The only thing your roommate has to remember is that there should be enough water before turning the humidifier on.
You don't need to ask your glamorous friend to know that at the end of the day, she would like to give her feet a rest from wearing her high heels for hours. This pair of fuzzy slippers that are lined with man-made fleece just hugs the feet. Every pair has rubber soles for noiseless walking and zero risks of slipping. The insole is made of memory foam that will feel like it is molding to the feet while keeping its original shape.
Do you feel like your roommate has more gadgets than the local tech store? Then charging all those gizmos must be a bit of a challenge. Help out by gifting this ever-reliable charging station organizer from Hercules Tuff. It can charge up to six gadgets at the same time. The package includes four lightning cables that are compatible with most Apple devices like iPhones and iPads, a micro USB cable, and a Type-C cable for Android devices. There's no need for your roommate to bring all the individual chargers for each gadget. It's truly one of the top gifts for roommates!
Your roommate is an adventurous and outdoorsy type of guy and he likes to spend some weekends camping and backpacking. This hammock from Wise Owl Outfitters will be a great addition to his growing collection of camping gears and accessories. The hammock is made of heavy-duty material which is actually the same one used for parachutes! It's easy to set up as the package already includes carabiners and tree straps. You have different color combinations and two variations (single and double) to choose from.
Is your roommate a fitness buff or is she someone who needs a little push to start moving? Whether it's one or the other, one or two kettlebells may be all she needs to get back on track. Yes4All vinyl coated kettlebells come in different weights from 5 to 50 lbs. Each one has a slightly textured handle for a better grip. The flat bottom allows for steadier upright storage. Workout with your roommate to encourage her more!
If your roomie has bold-colored hair, like green, pink, or blue, then this product is one of the best things you can get her. Even if she's rocking your usual blondes or reds, this organic dry shampoo can help keep her hair color looking good for much longer. It's the best-kept secret of anyone who can't wash their hair regularly but want to keep their heads smelling fresh. It wouldn't hurt to have one in your arsenal, too.
Your roommate is the best concert artist ever - at least in your apartment. Support that intense passion for music by getting this splash-proof speaker for your roomie and her long shower concerts. This 3rd generation OontZ Angle packs crystal clear sound that is surprisingly loud and crisp for its price. The mids are accurate and the bass is booming. It's portable so your roomie can take it wherever she goes.
In the world of skin care, it's all about the mists these days. Make sure your beloved roomie gets to put her freshest and best face forward by giving her this facial spray duo from one of the most trusted brands, Mario Badescu. The Aloe, Cucumber, and Green Tea variant are so hydrating and invigorating even the most tired skin will feel fresh. The Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater will leave skin with a healthy glow.
Here's another skin must-try - a jade roller! Beauty experts are raving about this. This 'magic wand' will cool and tighten your eyes, face, and neck. It's the best tool to have on hand after a stressful day at school or work. Your roommate can use this with her favorite face creams or masks for better application and absorption of the skin. It is also useful for those who get migraine attacks.
Believe it or not, your roommate has a lot to think about, too. When there's a need for unwavering concentration, this thinking putty can be a helpful aid. This putty from Crazy Aaron is made of non-toxic silicone that doesn't dry out. This variant, Cosmic Star Dust will look like the galaxy in your roomie's hands! It will be a pleasant surprise when the putty multicolored glitters and glows in the dark.
Yes, everything these days is flawlessly edited and curated on Instagram, but everybody knows the best memories come from those candid and untouched moments. Give your roommate the opportunity to catch the most memorable shots with this Instax Mini from Fujifilm. This mini version is more streamlined and gives better quality images. There are ten fun colors to choose from but the black and white one looks so classically elegant.
Everyone's lips get dry. Don't believe all of the things moisturizing lipsticks claim. If you are looking for thoughtful gifts for roommates that will not be tossed in storage somewhere, lip balms are your best bet. This set of six hydrating lip balms from ArtNaturals is all that you need to make sure all of your roommates have nourished and smooch-ready whatever the weather may be. Each tube contains natural beeswax with coconut, sunflower seed, and jojoba oils that work wonders on dry lips.
You and your buddies envy those homes on Pinterest that look fresh and inviting with their indoor plants. However, you all know you can't keep a plant alive to save your own lives! If your roomies really want something green inside the house that is not made of plastic, succulents are your best option. You can divide a collection of 20 mini succulents among you and your roommates or just get the pack of four for the one who has a green thumb!
You and your roommate look out for each other, so its only right that you care about his or her wellness. Give this therapeutic set of essential oils that are therapeutic grade. This kit includes relaxing scents like Breathe Blend, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Good Sleep Blend, Lavender, Lemon, Muscle Relief, Rosemary, Sweet Orange, Peppermint, Stress Relief Blends, Robbers, and Tea Tree. These essential oils can help relieve your roommate's pains and aches.
Everyone knows the benefits of silk pillowcases for the skin and hair. So why not let your favorite roomie reap those benefits by wrapping this luxurious pillowcase and giving it to her as a gift? It is made of 100% Mulberry Silk and features a hidden zipper that won't snag hair. ZIMASILK Silk pillowcase is an anti-aging product that can protect the skin from developing fine lines. Your friend will drift into a relaxing sleep and wake up fresh and beautiful with this gift.
For your roommate who is all about protecting the environment, this reusable cup from KeepCup. It comes in three sizes which are small, medium, and large which can hold 8oz, 12oz, and 16oz, respectively. The cup itself is made of sturdy plastic that can handle any hot or cold drink. It's the perfect reusable cup for anyone who wants to enjoy their beverages to go without using disposable cups that could harm the environment.
Is tequila the drink of choice in your current home? Then your roommates will love you even more if you give them this set of tequila salt shot glasses from The Spice Lab. It is made of pink Himalayan salt that looks like a gorgeous rose quartz. Each glass is 100% unique because they are made from food grade Himalayan salt rock. No need to worry about over-salting your drinks! Simply pour your favorite liquor, drink, and take a bite of that lime!
Living with other people means having to keep your voice down and your music volume low so as not to disturb your roomies. It's just common courtesy. But if it really can't be helped, your roommates will approve of Mack's Snoozers. This pack contains six pairs of putty earplugs made of silicone that can be molded to snugly fit the ears of the wearer! This product is doctor-recommended for people with snoring housemates!
Nobody likes spending hours sitting while they're studying or working, but sometimes it's just needed. For those long nights that your roommate has to endure, this back and neck pillow massager will be a perfect companion. It can effectively relieve soreness and tightness on the back and neck. The straps it comes with can be used to secure it on the chair. Your roommate will no longer those long hours working or finishing school requirements.
Robes are essential if you share a house with other people. So why not give your roommate this beautiful textured bathrobe from Just Love? Made with the finest velour, this kimono-style house robe is so comfortable to wear around the house. Each one is made with care that your roomie won't see any loose seams! It comes in five pastel colors that looks both stylish and calming. The robe will fit all shapes and sizes of women from petite to plus-size.
So, your roommate decided to grow his beard. You might not be ready for it and so is he. Make sure he does this right by gifting him this ultimate grooming kit for men and their beards from Viking Revolution. The gift set comes in a gray metal tin box where you can find a wooden boar hair beard brush, a pocket beard comb, a styling balm, a beard oil, and a pair of scissors for trimming. It has everything your roommate would need to make sure his beard grows healthy and beautiful.
Having a drink with your roommates on weekends is one of the perks of living with other people. But drinking with a group also means there could be confusion as to which drinks belong to who. All that accidental glass swapping ends when you give your roommates this set of wine glass markers. It comes in different variations but this particular set includes four men in different uniforms. Give one to each of your roommates and you'll never mistake another person's drink for yours.
If you are a natural worry-wart, you probably wait until all of your roommates are home before you could sleep. Well one of the best gifts for roommates is one that will help keep them safe and give you peace of mind, like this personal alarm keychain. Its siren song alarm is up to 130 dB, and pressing the alarm will catch people's attention. There's also a built-in mini LED flashlight. Get different colors for you and your roommates.
You are convinced your roommate had been a Jedi once by the way he still breathes and lives Star Wars. His love for the franchise, however, makes buying a gift for him so easy! He will be delighted to receive this set of peel and stick wall decals that show characters from the Classic Star Wars movies. He'll get 31 decals that he can easily apply on his walls, laptop, skateboard, or any smooth surface. All the stickers can be removed without leaving any residue.
You and your roomies have watched and re-watched all the best modern sitcoms. How about giving them this awesome collection of The Golden Girls? The show won an Emmy in its first year and set the bar high for all comedy series that followed. You can find out why so many people loved Betty White, Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, and Rue McClanahan. The collection includes 21 discs.
Does your roommate love to read? When there's limited space, collecting books may not be ideal. Give your favorite roommate this latest version of Kindle Paperwhite that is now waterproof and offers twice the storage. It's the thinnest Paperwhite yet. Kindle Unlimited is also available for free for three months. With this gift, your roomie can read all the books she wants without filling your place with books.
There is always a need for storage in any living space, and your roommate will agree. That's why this ottoman that doubles as storage are an excellent idea for a gift. Your roommate can use it to store her linens, towels, or other stuff. This bench is made of non-woven polyester and comes in gorgeous shades. It is strong enough that it can support anyone or anything 500lbs or less.
If you have roomies who love evening runs, the best gifs to get them are these LED shoe clip lights. They can easily attach the hooks onto their shoes, and they don't have to worry about not being seen by drivers passing them by. Every clip has two modes for the lights - flashing and steady. The shoe clip lights are waterproof, too. This gift may be small, but they can do wonders in making sure your friends are safe when they run at night.
For the housemate that loves everything old school, this turntable is one of the best gifts he or she will get this year. The suitcases come in 18 colors, some are plain, and the others have printed designs. This turquoise one will add a pop of color to your roomie's bedroom. The turntable can play any vinyl record with 33 1/3, 45. or 78 RPM. It is Bluetooth-enabled, so your friend can still play digital music from any gadget.
Does your roommate like eco-friendly products? Then she shouldn't miss this sampler kit from Ethique that features five of the brand's bestsellers which include, Heali Kiwi Solid Shampoo, Frizz Wrangler Solid Shampoo, St. Clements Solid Shampoo, Wonderbar Solid Conditioner, and The Guardian Solid Conditioner. This is perfect if your friend is the type of person who wants to try products first before committing to their full sizes.
Support your roommates' efforts to go green by getting them all their own bamboo cutlery set. These wooden utensils include a spoon, a fork, a pair of chopsticks, a knife, a straw, and a brush. All of these are stored in a rolling canvas bag that your roommates can bring everywhere they go so they won't have to use disposables.
This may be the one gift that is so different from all the other options because you won't give this notepad as it is. Instead, you'll fill out the sheet and check the right boxes to remind your good friend of the good things that happened even if they're having a bad day. You will give this simple gift, every time your roomie's need an encouraging high-five.