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What to get your College Student for the Holidays

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If asked, many college students would prefer money or gift cards for the holidays - and while they are theoretically valid gifts, money and gift cards aren’t what most parents are looking to give their college students for the holidays.

Shopping for college students can be tough. We’ve compiled a list of suggestions for useful and fun presents to make a college student's life easier. Read more to learn about holiday gifts that get your college student excited.

  1. Functional, useful items for dorm room or college apartment
    • High thread count sheets, or flannel sheets, fluffy, matching set of towels, down pillows or a very cozy blanket
    • A good reading lamp
    • A decent coffee maker or espresso maker
    • Nice picture frames
    • Cooking basics for a student's first apartment: measuring cups and spoons, a sharp knife, a cookie/pizza sheet, an all-in-one kitchen set.

    2. Most college students don't have a lot of money, so the last place their money goes is on nice household items. Bring a little luxury in a college student's life by buying something that is both functional and high quality. A few ideas:

     

  2. Electronic or digital gifts for them to enjoy in their down time
    • Laptop, flat screen monitor or printer
    • Computer or video games
    • New cellphone
    • DVDs - movies, TV series, etc.
    • A subscription to NetFlix or similar service
    • A gift certificate for digital music
    • iPod or MP3 – or accessories for these items

    3. Entertainment gifts are also a good idea, as they are almost always appreciated by bored and broke college students. Some suggestions:

     

  3. Clothing items that they’ll love
    • Bath robe and slippers (since almost all college students have roommates)
    • Warm clothes, like socks, gloves or a fleece pullover
    • College clothing, such as a sweatshirt
    • Clothing with the letters of a student's fraternity or sorority
    • A gift certificate to the student's favorite clothing store

    4. Most college students don't have a lot of extra money to spend on clothing. When buying clothing for a student, remember to keep it low maintenance; if it needs ironing or dry-cleaning, they probably won’t end up wearing it. Some suggestions:

     

  4. Gift Certificates 

Give the gift of shopping, which a college student doesn't have the funds to enjoy frequently. A few gift certificate ideas:
    • Restaurant
    • Book stores
    • iPod tunes
    • Movie theater
    • Massage