Christmas shopping is one of the most fun but difficult times of the year. Getting people the right present is a lot of pressure and the best place to turn for tips is the internet. Now at the tip of your fingers are hundreds of websites detailing the perfect gift for everyone on your list. But if you're shopping for a college student then you need a very specific list, one written by a college student themselves. Well, your holiday prayers have been answered. Here is my ultimate and surefire guide of what to give your college student.
1. Noise Canceling Headphones
College, if you haven't heard, is a loud place. Between people running down dorm hallways or blasting music or just the normal bustle of the student center, it is very hard to get any of the peace and quiet needed to study. So this Christmas give your college student the gift of good grades by investing in a pair of quality noise canceling headphones that they can use to study effectively or just rock out. Oh, and these are also very handy for students with roommates that snore.
2. Netflix
Now, of course, most kids already have Netflix or another streaming website, but if the college kid in your life is lacking a place to watch TV online...get them one quick! Although, this unlimited source of entertainment seems like a dangerous gift, it is actually an important socialization and relaxation tool required in college. Don't let your college student be the only one not spending hours each night catching up on their favorite show instead of sleeping and purchase a subscription today.
3. Clothing
One of the most important life skills learned in college is the art of creatively using your wardrobe for as long as possible without doing laundry. We have enough stuff on our plates as it is, so laundry often gets put on the bottom of the to-do list. Help your college student out by gifting them a few extra pairs of pants, socks, underwear, leggings, etc.. Clothing from the university bookstore is often also appreciated because what college student doesn't need an extra hoodie or shirt to wear to the big game?
4. Dorm Decor
Most dorms look more like prison cells than bedrooms. So this year give that poor college student something nice to spruce up their room and make it feel a little more homey. This gift really has a lot of room for personalization. Some suggestions are quirky motivational posters to inspire or a poster of the most recent band you can remember them liking, basically anything that screams "young people might like this" works.
5. Homemade Cookies
Although, you may not have ever guessed it, one of the most appreciated gift among college students is food, specifically cookies. We will essentially take any free food given to us especially if it's homemade, but cookies are really where it's at. There is nothing better than a fresh batch of cookies made with love. And they taste even better after weeks of college food. So this year go all out and bake all sorts of cookies and give your college student a giant box. I promise a giant grin from them in return.
6. A NutriBullet
College is like the Olympics of seeing how long you can survive eating food of no nutritional value. Who has time to stop at the dining hall and eat a full serving of fruits and veggies? Not someone with a paper due in three hours. Give the gift of good health this year in the form of the handy NutriBullet or other similar blender like appliance. Now your college student can blend up fruits and protein on the go. The only downsides to this present are the distinct possibilities that it gets used once and never washed again or is used for something other than a healthy smoothie.
7. A Keurig
Another good appliance to gift would be a Keurig or another type coffeemaker, even if they aren't caffeine addicts. As we push the limits on healthy eating we also push the limits on healthy sleeping. At some point or another, we all need a cup of strong coffee to get us through midnight studying or morning classes. This gift also saves your student money in the long run and the Keurig can be used to brew tea and soups as well.
8. A Hoverboard Segway Thingy
These new hoverboard contraptions are going to be the next skateboard on college campuses all over the world, so help your college student be their hipster selves and get on the trend before anyone else. Walking to class is time-consuming and just plain unenjoyable most of the time, but these things will surely speed up the commute while earning your college student some street cred. Just be sure to warn them upon gifting not to ride it on ice or while intoxicated.
9. Gift Cards
If none of the above ideas seem like a good fit for the college student in your life then you better stick with something safe like the standard gift card. Figure out a store they like, be it a clothing store, a bookstore, or even amazon is a safe choice and let them buy their own gift from there. Trust me, they will not think the gift is any less amazing or thoughtful and they are guaranteed to like what they buy using the gift card. Really it's a win-win situation. Don't know what stores they like? See idea #10 below.
10. Money
Finally, we end with the easiest and most beloved gift of all: cold hard cash. It is a universally known fact that college students have like zero dollars and what we do have is dutifully spent on pizza and other necessities. So when in doubt, just throw a few bucks our way and you will be our favorite person. Sometimes the best gifts are the simple ones that come straight from the bank.
I hope these ideas helped solve your yuletide dilemmas this year when it comes to the college students on your shopping list. As for the other people on your list? I can't help you there. Shopping for children and adults is hard. Good luck and Happy Holidays!
DISCLAIMER: Buy and give these presents at your own risk. I do not guarantee the enjoyment of these gifts by your collge student. We can be a picky lot.
