Life at college requires a lot of adjustments: learning to live with roommates; budgeting time and money; balancing study, work, and leisure time; and most of all, getting along without the daily TLC of being at home.Sure, college students expect these challenges and even welcome them. After all, college is the time to spread their wings and take off on their own career paths and life goals. Still, they do love to know that someone back home is pulling for them.
This holiday season, parents and friends of students in college can choose from a wealth of gadgets and gifts that will ease the day to day college grind and bring some joy to their favorite students. Here are a few suggestions that are sure to be appreciated by students attending in-state or out-of-state college programs.
Electronics & Digital Gifts
Smart phones, tablets, and laptops are always at the top of college wish lists. This year, there are some new takes on old favorites:
• Charging backpacks, messenger cases & purses
• Pen scanners: a great way to take notes
• Headphones: noise eliminating, Bluetooth & sleep bands
• Bluetooth speakers
• Kindle Voyage & digital books
• Apps & app gift cards
Old-School Standards
Students who will be graduating soon will be set to enter the job market with these classics:
• Monogrammed business card holder for the young professional
• Leather portfolio to make a good impression when delivering resumes
• Books on time & money management, surviving college, or succeeding at the job hunt
• Personalized journals to keep track of dreams & life goals
Relief from College Stress
For the student who is reeling from college exams or the weight of college loans, here are some gift suggestions to ease the stress:
• Membership at a gym, health club, or yoga studio
• Sports watch or fitness tracker
• Adult coloring books
• Meditation CDs
• Tickets to a concert or event
Personal Comforts
These gifts are always welcome additions to a crowded dorm room:
• Single serve coffee maker like the Keurig Mini
• A hanging toiletry case for keeping personal items organized & accessible
• Bedside storage caddy
• Care packages: Mom’s are best, but check out the dorm survival kits on Amazon.
When in Doubt
Some items are always a hit. If you don’t know what a college student needs, opt for:
• Restaurant gift cards
• Plane tickets
• Gift Certificates
• Cash
For an extra touch, tuck these into a Christmas stocking or slip them inside a personalized card you made at shutterfly.com or vistaprint.com.
