If the gifts from “The 12 Days of Christmas” don’t quite float your boat, you might be at a loss for what to get your roomies. Before you freak out, remember that you see this person more than anyone else. So finding the perfect gift should be easier than wrangling six geese a laying—whatever that means.
Check out 21 great gifts for every kind of roommate in your life.
1. Mew Yorker Throw Pillow
For the roommate who constantly begs you to let them get a cat, but can’t handle the responsibility or the financial drag of pet rent. Help your cat-loving roomie make a bold statement that says, “I’m a cat lady, but I’m sophisticated,” with this chic shirt.
Price $32.99
2. Leather Tassel Charm
Prevent key confusion with color-coded tassels for the whole apartment.
Price $11.50
3. Succulent Tapestry
If your roommate consistently throws out dead or decaying plants, this tapestry is sure to spread some Christmas cheer. Requiring zero-watering, and no tender, loving care, this tapestry is as low-maintenance as plants come.
Price $45.00
4. Wool Socks
Sure there was a time when getting socks for Christmas was maybe the least exciting thing to unwrap, but times have changed. “Nice warm socks are the perfect gift for everyone because everyone needs socks,” Indiana University senior Jaron Kaufman said. Your roomie will thank you for this gift every time they trudge through snow on the way to class.
Price $17.99
5. Blanket Scarf
Go for an accessory that can double as a sleep-aid. Blanket scarfs will keep your roommate snuggled in their winter coat while also making a fashion statement. Or if the opportunity arises, it makes the perfect blanket for an impromptu nap in the student union.
Price $12.99
6. Hang in There Shower Curtain
If your group of live-in besties have had more than your fair-share of meltdowns, consider this motivational mammal. We’re all at our most vulnerable, and most ready to cry in the privacy of a steaming stream of water, just before we get in the shower. What better to fend off that emotional attack than a cheery sloth urging you to face the day?
Price $49.99
7. Bold Canvas Backpack
If your roommate needs some minor encouragement to crack a book once in a while, look no further. A stylish backpack might be just what they need to hit the library instead of the bars next semester.
Price $39.99
8. IKEA Pressa Hanging Dryer
Chances are you and your roommates haven’t found an organized way to dry your delicates on the one day a month you actually do your laundry. Enter the IKEA octopus. With eight tentacles each equipped with two clips, it’s the perfect companion to the small army of thongs going through the wash.
Price $10.50
9. Geometric Fox Tee
This t-shirt makes it easier than ever to tell your closest bro that you think he’s foxy. “My roommates are outdoorsy,” said Kaufman. “Geometric shapes are very in right now and I want my roommates to look like cool kids.” If you want to go above and beyond, create a Fantastic Mr. Fox-themed gift basket complete with this shirt, some Wes Anderson and juice boxes to share.
Price $24.99
10. Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Candle
Maybe finals are over, but the leftover stress could hang around for days. The great thing about candles as gifts is that they aren’t just for the receiver. Their scents will calm the entire apartment’s vibe.
Price $19.47
11. Bathtub Wine Glass Holder
But seriously, what is more relaxing than wine in a bathtub? “For the roommate who loves a good wine, you can’t go wrong with this gift,” IU senior Jessica Ivetich. “And since you’re roommates, maybe you’ll be able to reap the benefits with your own glass later on.”
Price $9.25
12. Sorry I Have Plans Tee
That peaceful roommate who has not once puked on your favorite rug after a night out? She deserves a gold medal. But since you’re in college and don’t have a lot of gold to spare, opt for this shirt. Never shame them for preferring a night-in with their fuzzy friend to a night-out on the town. Glorify their homebody habits.
Price $24.99
13. Magnetic Poetry Bitch Kit
Every apartment needs a conversation piece. Make yours a bitchy set of magnets. “It’s witty, practical, inexpensive and still appreciated,” said IU junior Ally Burdick. Sure visiting parents might be slightly uncomfortable with the snarky remarks on your freezer door, but it sure beats passive-aggressive sticky notes between roomies.
Price $29.99
14. TubShroom
Sure you and your roommate might have luscious locks, but how many times have you had to free a hairball the size of a small dog from your drain? Prevent any future arguments about whose turn it is to get elbow-deep in the shower sludge and get a drain cover that will work for everyone.
Price $12.99
15. Friends: The Complete Series
I think the logic is pretty clear here. “It’s a classic and you’re basically buying them 236 episodes of love and laughter,” said Burdick.
Price $59.99
16. Mermaid Bottle Opener
Functional and decorative, this bottle opener is perfect for any aspiring mermaid. “Bottle openers are usually either boring or ugly,” Ivetich. “This one is great for someone who appreciates an ice cold brew but also has a more whimsical taste.” Give the counters and door hinges a break and make drinking easier than ever before.
Price $10.88
17. Dishwasher Magnet Sign
For all those times you’ve accidentally ran the dishwasher when it was already clean. “I have four roommates. We make a lot of dirty dishes and have no idea when the dishwasher is being run,” said Kaufman. “A super easy to use sign like this would benefit everyone in the apartment.” Never waste energy again with this handy magnet keeping you updated on the dishwasher’s contents.
Price $12.99
18. Thug Life Doormat
Even if the most “thug” thing you’ve ever done is speed through a yellow light, this welcome mat can brighten your doorway. Besides just being cute, it can help prevent all the salt from the sidewalk being tracked into your apartment this winter.
Price $6
19. BÖHM Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
College apartments have notoriously thin walls. “Even if you’re living at a normal volume, your roommate can probably hear you,” said Kaufman. “So give them the gift of complete silence.” Keep roommate relations civil by keeping it down, but if that isn’t enough opt for some noise-canceling headphones for whomever you share a wall with.
Price $84.99
20. The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo
Whether or not you see pieces of your own life in Trainwreck, helping your roommate grow their book collection is never a bad thing.
Price $17.50
21. Comfy Pants
Is your roommate a notorious napper? Get her some gear. “As roommates, you probably know what each other does on a daily basis,” said Ivetich. “If a roomie’s favorite activity is currently binge watching Grey’s Anatomy, then cozy pajama pants are the perfect gift!” If more than one of your roommates fits this description—no worries. They sell multiple patterns.
Price $12.99
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