If you know a college student, you know that they are probably broke. Even with the help of parents, we still struggle to make it work sometimes. So here are ten ideas that the college student in your life will appreciate!

1. Cash

This is an easy one. One of the big things that college students ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS need is cash. No matter what age, or what the situation, a little help goes a long way.

2. Books

I'm not talking about textbooks (although I can attest that if you helped pay for their textbooks, they may cry). I'm talking about taking a leaf from Finland's book. One of their traditions is that every Christmas Eve, families exchange books and stay up all night reading and eating chocolate. I personally think that sounds delightful. You don't have to spend very much either. Barnes and Noble Booksellers has a shelf in every store (including the campus stores) with their "Barnes and Noble Classics". These paperback treasures only cost $7.99, or you can splurge and buy a collectors edition of classics for $15-$20.

3. Gift Cards

No, it's not the same as cash. With cash there is a certain responsibility that is felt to pay for practical things (at least for me there is). Gift cards give students permission to spoil themselves with a nice dinner, new clothes, or even helping with textbooks if you want to think more responsibly. iTunes and Amazon, both rent and sell textbooks to students.

4. Care Packages

Who doesn't love getting a care package?? I mean come on. Think of the possibilities with this one. You can send them a "spa" package where you send them toiletries. You could send them a snack pack filled with some of their favorite goodies to take back to school. I mean seriously, it all counts!

5. Games

Chill parents, it's okay to play games and take our minds off school. Speak Out, Pie Face, monopoly, or a classic deck of cards are just a few ideas. But honestly, it's good to get our minds off school for a little bit and just hangout with our friends.

6. Portable Chargers

No, we aren't going to be on social media sites during class (well, at least not the whole class). We live in a society that revolves around technology, our classes do too. If your student is like me, they have a huge laptop that is not only heavy, but doesn't fit in their backpack so a smart phone has to double as a laptop. I carry a full blown charger with me and struggle to find an outlet during my lunch period to charge my phone. So trust me, they would greatly appreciate it.

7. Slippers/Socks

You know, the thing we used to groan about when we found them in our stockings or in any gift pile when we were kids. Some students have to walk down hallways to get from the shower to their room. Socks and slippers are not only cleaner, but they keeps cozy.

8. Lap Top

Ok, so here's the thing. Our professors put everything online. Let me say it again...EVERYTHING is online. A good laptop that will last is a really nice gift that will not only be appreciated, but will probably be the most used item in their dorm room. Lets be honest, college students are zombies who drink coffee to resemble humans. If you think we look human, we have had our coffee to create that optical illusion.

9. Privacy Tent or huge tapestry

So this is a great present for the person with the roommate they can't stand, or just someone who likes to hide away from the world (literally). This popup tent attaches to the bed and gives your student an escape. Although an alternative to this would be a tapestry. Though it may not provide the same type of privacy, your student could use it as a curtain of sorts.

10. Blankets

So we don't always get to control the temperature on our floor, or in the apartment because of you know, other people living there. So for some 70 degrees maybe too cold. But no matter what, blankets are always a welcomed gift (especially the fuzzy fleece blankets).