If your college student is getting their first apartment, they’re probably filling it with rickety used furniture and things that they can get for free on marketplace websites. Giving them a gift that’s a little nicer and made by one of our Artisan Shopping Directory members will brighten up their space and make them feel special.
These gift ideas for first apartments were suggested by our members, and will fit the bill when you’re looking for a thoughtful housewarming gift.
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Removable window clings.
For an apartment you need to make sure that your decor isn’t permanent so that your landlord doesn’t have a fit and charge you for repairs when you move out!
These window clings from Lil Fox Designs will bring light & happiness into your apartment, and they’re easy to apply without permanent adhesion.
Ceramic plant hanger.
This air plant pocket by Magpie Mischief can easily be hung up with a small command hook, so it won’t damage the walls in an apartment.
Fridge decor.
Add a splash of color to your apartment fridge, filing cabinet, or white board with these champagne cork and artificial flower magnets from Corkies By Steph. And there’s no concern about damaging the walls with these!
Heavy-duty bookends.
These heavy-duty metal bookends by Bent Design Furniture will add a splash of color to a generic apartment, and will help to corral all of those textbooks!
These also come in a mirrored version for a more modern look.
Monitor shelves and risers.
Bent Designs Furniture also makes desk accessories like this computer monitor riser. This would be a great gift that would upgrade an apartment and also be something that the student can use in the future.
For an article about setting up a home bar or a man cave, click here.
Custom shower curtain.
Know what everyone forgets when they move into a new apartment? Shower curtains. Or curtains in general. Get them this personalized monogram shower curtain in red and other colors to help make the apartment their own.
Stylish bulletin boards.
This linen fabric bulletin board from The Dezign Shoppe is another portable object that will add a stylish flair to an apartment but will also serve a useful purpose.
Salina designs these and has a lot of options including decorated and plain pinboards, so check the site out to see what’s available.
To see the full Artisan Shopping Directory sections, including signups for discounts, click here.
Self-care gifts for relaxation.
Heading off to college can be a scary and stressful time and long night full of studies. Make sure that your student is taking care of themselves with a bit of self care. They can just “pop” this heating pad set from Natural Body Comfort into the microwave and “boom”… A wonderful and natural way to help them relax and also feel a bit of a warm hug from home.
Reusable heating pad.
Another wellness option is this thoughtful gift of a reusable heating pad by TKDz. Let them know you are always thinking of them while they are making a new journey in their lives. Wellness is important and in the new trend for self care, the benefits a heating pad can offer are endless.
LP record stand.
If your college student is into the vinyl resurgence, they’ll appreciate this record stand from Bent Design Furniture that’s designed to hold old-school LPs.
Personalized name sign.
A custom name sign by Home Branded to put in their apartment can make it feel more like “their” space.
Shiny bead and sequin ornaments.
Send your college kid a gift box with a selection of hand beaded ornaments from Holidays Lane so that they can decorate for Christmas, then have these hanging up in a window the rest of the year!
Cool dark artwork.
If your kid is on the dark side, check out the artwork from ShadowMyths. Each painting has a story behind it, or they can interpret it however they want to.
Vintage decor.
If you want to support your college student’s passion for sustainability and repurposing, get some vintage planters and create a little indoor garden for their new apartment. This planter is one of the ones that Our Seasons Past vintage has, and they’ll make a cute display that will work in a kitchen or living room.
Vintage style wall art.
For kids who have a more classic aesthetic, a print from French Vintage Prints will help them to decorate. There’s a wide variety of subject matter in Anne’s shop, so you’ll be able to find something that fits their interests and decorating style.
Boho macrame wall hangings.
College students love macrame…I made a macrame wall hanging with a kit from Wires and Knots Design, and my daughter took it for her apartment. You can buy kits or the finished product and decorate an apartment, or buy a kit and let your kid DIY it.
Ceramic olive oil dispenser.
A handmade ceramic piece for the kitchen, like this olive oil dispenser from Hester’s Studio, will make your college student feel very “grown” and adult. And it’s something that’s both upscale and useful.
Cute kitchen linens.
If you’re looking for unique linens to give, Linens and Things has them. This vintage tea towel is one example of the kitchen decor and home decor items that you can find in this cute vintage shop that specializes in linens.
Cute shower curtains.
An easy way to personalize a generic apartment is to buy a unique shower curtain for the bathroom. Motor City Design Works can provide unique designs that will give some personality to a bland bathroom.