Christmas is coming up, and parents are not asking about finals. Instead, they are asking what their stressed-out college kid wants for Christmas. My mom, being the planner she is, made me make a list the day after Thanksgiving when I was home a few weeks ago. Now, parents are struggling to buy gifts and struggling to receive lists from their college children who don't have time to think about it. Fear not parents, here's a general list of what college kids want for Christmas, I guarantee it:
1. Money, money, and money
Ideally, I know this is not what you want your child to unwrap, because where's the fun in that? But we all want it and we all need it, so if any aunts or uncles are stuck, you can never, ever go wrong with money.
2. Bowl game tickets
This might have to be an early Christmas present for some kids and for some it might be too late, but remember for next year. Nothing is as fun as cheering on your college team in a bowl game, but I guarantee it is 10 times better when you get to go to the city where they are and cheer them on in person, especially if the bowl game is at your hometown. Shout out to my Rebs heading to the Sugar Bowl!
3. An ostrich pillow 
This is probably the coolest pillow in the word, but it is also the ugliest, so some parents may be hesitant to buy it, aka my mom. This pillow is perfect for taking a snooze anywhere from the Student Union to the library.
4. Gift cards, lots of gift cards
Nothing feels better in the world than thinking you are not spending money, especially when you are in college. The feeling of buying things at Target and using my gift cards knowing my debit card isn't crying is indescribable. It's an easy gift for parent's to buy and its an easy gift for kids to enjoy, so it's a win all around.
5. Headphones
Like a nice pair of headphones, too. Nothing is worse than realizing your headphones are on their last legs and knowing you are going to have to pay a pretty penny for some quality new ones. You can never have enough headphones, I promise you.
6. A printer
With extra paper and ink, please. I know this is on my Christmas list, so hopefully Santa pulls through. The convience of not having to wake up early to go to the library, to fight with the library printer to work, and to pay money for a crappy print job is a gift you should want to give your so beautiful and hardworking child.
7. Clothes
I love clothes, just as I know most girls and a lot of guys do too. However, none of us like actually buying the clothes. However, maybe you could just take us on a shopping trip and let us pick out the clothes ourselves...
8. These graphic T-shirts
You may not like them, but they represent college in a nutshell.
9. A Keurig machine
What college kid doesn't like coffee? A Keurig is the perfect gift to help your child save time and money.
10. Peace and quiet 
This may not be what you want to give your child, it may not even be a real Christmas gift, but it is something we all want and need. We just had finals, we just finished another semester of college, and all we want to do is sleep in our own bed for long periods of time. This gift is free and priceless, and we will forever love you for it.
