College students‘ life isn’t filled with much else but partying, having sex, and occasionally learning a thing or two, depending on how terrible their hangover is that day. College students, like everyone else, expect Christmas gifts to arrive.
Not all college gift suggestions are great. Some teenagers will never use the college gifts that are provided. If your gift has been served on the spot and your child doesn’t want it, that is alright.
College Student Gift Ideas
Electronics
There’s always something new on the market that will please kids. Tablet computers are great for taking notes and catching up on TV shows. Noise-cancelling headphones drown out a roommate’s loud music when trying to study. Portable music players add an energizing soundtrack to sessions at the gym. And, of course, cell phones are indispensable. If you’re giving an electronic, write down the product registration number if you don’t receive or lose it en route.
Gift Cards
If all else fails, “buy a gift card,” says Marjorie Savage, author of the college advice book You’re on Your Own (But I’m Here If You Need Me). “They’re even easy to purchase online.”
Clothing
Clothes are usually an unwanted gift, but that changes once kids start college. “Many students at the University of Minnesota email their parents photos of the jeans or shirts they want,” says Savage. “A lot of them ask for warmer coats during the winter.”
School Swag
Students love clothes and gear from the college bookstores and student stores. “Be sure to buy from the bookstore’s website so your child can return your gift if it doesn’t fit,” says Sarah Schupp, founder of UniversityParent.com.
Laundry Gear
Most students have to schlep their clothes to the laundry room every week, so a laundry bag that fits like a backpack is an inexpensive godsend.
Event Tickets
Tickets to a campus sporting event, movie theatre, convention or concert are a sure hit, as long as you know a kid’s taste.
Two-wheel Transportation
Most college campuses are too big to walk everywhere, so bikes are a primary way to get around. Give your child ten extra minutes of sleep every morning, and he’ll love you forever.
Travel
If Spring break is around the corner, offer your child a plane ticket to somewhere fun for a gift that he’ll remember.
Everyday Needs
A gift card to a brick-and-mortar superstore will save your student money on toiletries and supplies, and she’ll appreciate it even more if everything is delivered. “Most students don’t have a car, and even laundry detergent can be hard to take home on your bike,” says Schupp.
Large Items
Your child may have coveted an inflatable chair or futon before he started school, but don’t splurge on those items yet because chances are, he won’t have space in his dorm room. “Rooms are already filled up by the holidays, and they’ve found other ways to adapt,” says Savage. In addition, students move a lot, so they need portable things. Heavy furniture and giant pieces of wall art don’t travel well.
Non-essential Valuables
Diamond tennis bracelets are beautiful, but objects that go to college tend to get lost. They sure make fine graduation gifts, though!
Job Prep
Books and other resources for finding the perfect career will probably only remind a college student of the hard years that await her. “There’s so much pressure already,” says Schupp. Let your undergrad experience college life. Over time, you can get a feel for her post-college goals, so you can surprise her with the perfect book when she’s close to graduation.
