The Best Gifts for College Guys Are Useful, Unique Subscriptions (2021)

Posted by Timothy Paradis

Hard work, late nights, memory-making, stress and loads of fun: this is just a glimpse of college life. The Cratejoy marketplace makes it easy to send your son, nephew, brother or friend a gift box that’s curated specifically to meet all his student needs, and filled with practical gifts (think coffee and snacks), cool gifts, and a little connection to help him feel less homesick.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift or care package to send directly to your favorite college student or grad at college campuses across the country, this handy gift guide will point you towards fun, practical and cheap gifts for young men!

What are the best gifts for college guys?

VINYL MOON Membership

VINYL MOON Membership

From $31.00 per box
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The art of the mixtape isn’t lost on Vinyl Moon, a vinyl “mixtape” subscription box that combines the best new music (read: 10 new artists from around the world) with original artwork and stunning color-rich pressed vinyl to create an ultra-deluxe listening experience. There’s even a lyric book with band information included in each box so your record-lover can sing along to their new favorite tracks.

Shipping: Due to global supply chain issues affecting vinyl manufacturing, we occasionally have delays receiving our releases, and ship as soon as we receive the records from the pressing plant. If you join after we receive that month's record, we will ship your box immediately! Domestic orders ship via USPS. International order ship via DHL eCommerce.

“Great job guys—nice eclectic mix. I am so happy that my daughter gifted CrateJoy to me. I love being exposed to new music.” — Jeff W.

The Deadbolt Mystery Society Monthly Box

The Deadbolt Mystery Society Monthly Box

From $23.66 per box
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With the Deadbolt Mystery Society, they can have a monthly immersive experience without the dead body to clean up. Each month brings them a unique, stand-alone box that includes intriguing scenarios, lively characters, and fascinating stories.

Shipping: Subscriptions are taken from the first day of the month through the last day of the month at 6PM CST. Boxes ship to subscribers the first week of the following month. (Ex. Subscriptions from December 1-31 ship the first week of Jan 2024). Subscription renewals take place on the 15th of every month. Shipping rates applied when address is added.

“I've been a customer since the beginning. I love the all-in-one monthly boxes. I've collected every box released but until this year, I never completed any. But now I have monthly murder mystery nights with my friends and we have a huge collection to choose from so we're never bored! Highly recommend DMS over all the other subscription boxes.” – Amanda A.

Exotic Noods

Exotic Noods

From $18.66 per box
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Specialty noodles from around the world arrive every month in noodle packs, instant bowls or a mix of both, treating your lucky recipient to delicious flavors and new styles, all taste-tested by their very own Ramen King. Each box contains a pamphlet with a description of each noodle treat in your box as well.

Shipping: Every shipment is in regular batches. We ship by the 10th of each month unless the 10th falls on a Sunday or Holiday, then we will ship on the next business day. Fulfillment is usually ahead of schedule and we will ship before the 10th pending the circumstances. Cut off for the regular batch is 11:59 PST on the 4th of the month.

“We absolutely love this subscription box. We have enjoyed noods for over a year and can't remember any duplicates, although some boxes have come with similar Ramen in them. We have bought some of the Ramen we've loved from our monthly boxes. Exotic Noods is a really fun and delicious subscription box.” – Nancy G.

Cold Brew Club Monthly Subscription

Cold Brew Club Monthly Subscription

From $53.16 per box
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Treat them to a cafe-quality cold brew every day! Whether they likes their coffee plain black or likes to DIY theirmorning brew with some coconut creamer and sugar, the Cold Brew Club delivers convenient fridge-friendly pouches that are sure to get their day started! Each pouch makes 38 cups and unlike Amazon, is shipped on a certified carbon-neutral model doing its part in sustaining our planet.

Shipping: We ship our boxes within 2 business days from receiving your order. Your next box will ship on the same day of the month you ordered. Example: Mike ordered Cold Brew Club on the 11th of June. His next box will be shipped on July 11th.

“Very interesting coffee, arrived fresh. Has a distinct nutty taste, a little sour, but without leaving an acidic aftertaste.” – Hong N.

Basic Man Subscription

Basic Man Subscription

From $19.99 per box
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Shipping: FREE Shipping (USA). Initial orders ship within 5-10 business days from CT. Renewals process by around the 10th each month (if not sooner) and ship out soon thereafter. Subscriptions can be paused.

The Hop-Heads Beer Club

The Hop-Heads Beer Club

From $47.95 per box
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Trying to win the best gift award this year? Surprise them with a fridge stocked with crisp craft beers from unique international and U.S. breweries. With each monthly subscription to the HopsHeads Beer Club, they'll receive award-winning IPAs, Double IPAs, Imperial IPLs, and more from two or more breweries. Each box is accompanied by a monthly newsletter with tasting notes and brewery profiles.

Shipping: An Adult Signature is required upon delivery. We cannot ship beer to AL-AK-AR-DE-HI-KY-MA-MS-NE-UT. Delivery Schedules-Orders placed by the 15th should arrive within 3-4 weeks of purchase via a carrier in your region. If placed after the 15th, your membership will commence in the following month and arrive by the final week of that month.

“Got it for my dad for fathers day. He likes it a lot. Would gift again.” – Alana H.

Comic Mystery Box

Comic Mystery Box

From $31.00 per box
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For comic collectors, Comic Mystery Box delivers 15 collector’s comics from new issues to variants. Each box comes with $60 worth of comics, including vintage issues dating back 30-40 years.

Shipping: FAST, FREE SHIPPING IN USA. Order today and your box of 16 comics will arrive in 2-4 days. You'll get a new box approximately every 30 days thereafter until you cancel.

“Received lots of great comics and options to read, even helped me discover some I didn't know existed. The comics arrive well packaged and protected, I'm very happy and hope to continue this subscription for a long time to come!” – Khaezarn

Fresche Box

Fresche Box

From $12.95 per box
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If he's been on the hunt for quality grooming products, then the Fresche Box is the perfect gift box to give him. Committing to full-sized bottles can be pricey and wasteful, especially if the products aren't up to his standards. This curated box includes 5 sample-sized products he can try before he buys. Each box includes items from skincare and body products from body wash, shaving oils, creams, shampoos, and conditioners.

Shipping: Your pack will ship within 2 business days of ordering via USPS.

“I ordered this for a friend of mine for a Father’s Day gift and he loves the idea of sampling and recommendations before he goes out and we’re to get something he wouldn’t like! Thanks so much!” - Michelle R.

Jerky Snob

Jerky Snob

From $15.49 per box
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Jerky Snob takes dried meats seriously. Beef jerky makes for the perfect snack for road trips, while watching Netflix, and even on the way to the gym. Whether they're a dried meat connoisseur or looking for another source of protein, Jerky Snob curates premium handcrafted jerky from small-batch artisans. Choose between 3 different levels, sending from 2 bags up to a full pound, for a variety of protein-packed tasty products.

Shipping: **Shipping not included. Ships to the U.S. ONLY (all 50 states, 5 territories, and APOs.) New orders ship in 1-3 business days, or the date specified. (Gifts ship in logo package via USPS). Regular shipment is 12-16th of each month. No pork allowed? Dietary restrictions? Questions? Scroll to the bottom and click "Contact Seller."

“My S.O. loved these! I got this for him for his birthday and he thoroughly enjoyed looking forward to a new delivery each month. The jerky was really good, exceptionally fresh! Even his least favorite jerky's, the sugar free ones, were pretty good. They just need some kin of sweetness to balance out the flavor. All in all this was a wonderful experience and will be my first stop for future gifts!” -Donna H.

Dungeon Crate™

Dungeon Crate™

From $28.65 per box
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Dungeon Crate is a monthly subscription box that's going to take their tabletop setup to the next level. One of the best subscription boxes for Dungeon Masters and D&D guilds, this box is curated by in-the-know, experienced gamers who handpick and deliver a whole lotta loot, including RPG accessories, miniatures, and dice, plus downloadable adventures, campaigns, and maps.

Shipping: Cut offs for the current month are the 4th of the month. Boxes are shipped the third week of the month. Each crate includes a monthly code for exclusive digital downloads. Calculated shipping costs apply. Cancelling only stops the auto renewal process, this is a NON-REFUNDABLE item.

"Gave a 3mos sub to my 17yo son for his birthday and he LOVES it. He's into D&D, MTG, Yugioh and Pathfinder. He's asked for another 3mos for Christmas." - Leslie M.

He Time by My Me Time Box

He Time by My Me Time Box

From $62.50 per box
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Men can also appreciate a great beauty box especially when it comes to luxury essentials. He Time By My Me Time is a great gift for men who may be looking to try new and premium grooming and lifestyle products. Each box includes 8 to 10 items such as skincare and body products, aromatherapy, accessories, and gourmet goodies.

Shipping: Next shipment MARCH 10, 2024 Ship every 3 months Shipping Schedule *March 10, 2023 *June 5, 2023 *September 10, 2023 *December 5, 2023

“I bought a two-box subscription for my 20-something son. He opened the first one under the Christmas tree and loved it. His second box just arrived. It is even better than the first. I am very impressed with the selection and how the items complement each other.” – Robin D.

Monthly Box

Monthly Box

From $50.00 per box
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Whether he's a workaholic with very little time on his hands or a young man just starting out on his own, the All He Loves Box is a great way to get him the high-quality gear he needs to make the most of life. Merging convenience and preparedness, each box sends a curated mix of practical premium lifestyle products, including handyman tools, tech gadgets, survival gear and more.

Shipping: We ship our monthly boxes between 5th-20th of the month. You will receive an e-mail with tracking information on the day that your box ships.

“This was such a fun box and the quality of the items was great. I was surprised at how fast they shipped it as well. I will buy from this seller again.” - Lara H.

###Check out our other guides below for even more great gift ideas!

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