12 Gift Cards Perfect for Students on a Tight Budget

Choosing the right gift for students can be challenging - especially when you want to give a thoughtful gift without spending too much. Gift cards are functional, useful, and you can find options within your price range to provide students with the flexibility to purchase what they need.

12 Affordable gift card ideas for the student on a budget.

1. Amazon Gift Card

An all-purpose gift card where students can buy textbooks, electronics, dorm room supplies, and so much more, all in one place.

2. Starbucks Gift Card

Caffeine is a student’s best friend. A Starbucks gift card is a small but thoughtful gift to help get them started on long study marathons.

3. Netflix Gift Card

An excellent option for unwinding after exams and a week of study ed or a stressful day of studying. A gift card will take study relaxation (and entertainment) to another level.

4. Spotify Gift Card

For all the music lovers on your list, a Spotify gift card will make those study and commute hours a little more enjoyable with access to quality ad-free playlists and podcasts.

5. Target Gift Card

Whether it's the next snack for the study or supplies for the week, personal hygiene items, or a study tool, Target has nearly all the needs of students for their unique needs.

6. Subway / Domino’s Gift Card

When students are swamped with class and life and don’t have time to cook, they can pick up their favorite sandwich or pizza with these food gift cards.

7. Google Play Gift Card

A good option for Android users to purchase apps, audiobooks, or digital aids to facilitate the studying process.  

8. Uber Eats Gift Card  

Students living off-campus will enjoy the convenience of delivery right to their front door.  

9. Sephora Gift Card  

If you're looking for a thoughtful way to promote self-care for a student that enjoys skincare and beauty, consider a gift card to Sephora. If you're searching for where to buy sephora gift cards, they can be purchased directly on the brand's website or on popular e-gift sites.  

10. Apple Gift Card

Great for Apple users who might want to purchase music, apps, or icloud storage for studying.  

11. Barnes & Noble Gift Card  

Perfect for bookworms who enjoy reading books outside of their course.  

12. Visa or Mastercard Prepaid Card  

This option is universal and students appreciate the flexibility to spend on whatever they want.  

Final Thoughts  

Gift cards are not only practical, they are budget-friendly and approved by students! With these 12 thoughtful gift ideas, you are guaranteed to provide a great gift, to meet students' needs, wherever they are in their studies for both serious studying use and occasional enjoyment.