The holidays are fast approaching, or as Twitter user @austin_jazmyn put it: ‘Tis the season to be asked what you want for Christmas and immediately forget every item you’ve ever wanted. Here is a comprehensive list of everything your college student actually wants for Christmas, even when they say “hmmm I don’t know” because they’ve forgotten everything they’ve ever wanted.
1. Socks
Socks are great, and you can never have too many fun socks. Target has some really cool sock advent calendars available right now, so grab one of those and you’ll be good to go.
2. Coffee
Maybe this means a Starbucks gift card, a gift certificate to a local coffee shop, or some specialty beans for them to grind and brew at home. This could also include funky coffee mugs or a Yeti/Hydro Flask so they can keep their drink warm all day.
3. Stickers
For a fun and cheap stocking stuffer, check out Redbubble.com for an extensive collection of stickers for your student to affix to their laptop or new Hydro Flask.
4. Gift Certificates to Treat Yo Self
Get your student a gift certificate for something like a manicure/pedicure, a massage, a haircut/color, or any other sort of nice, pampering luxury they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.
5. Experiences
What are your student’s hobbies? Buy them a ski pass or a week’s worth of yoga classes and I guarantee they’ll love it.
6. Concert Tickets
Check the local listings for upcoming music events, or ask your student who they’re dying to see. These will surely be a hit. (Hint, hint Mom).
7. Gas Card
Buy your student a tank of gas. This is a great gift. Or maybe they can save it for a Spring Break road trip.
8. Gift Certificate to a Nice Restaurant
They can save this for when they’re exceptionally sick of campus food/ramen noodles/chicken nuggets.
9. College Gear
I realized the other day that I have no clothes from my school. Sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweats, leggings: there are all sorts of fun ways for your student to proclaim their school pride.
10. Gift Cards or Cold Hard Cash
If none of these strike your fancy, there’s always the backup plan of various gift cards (Amazon, Victoria’s Secret, Nike) or good, old-fashioned cash money.
11. Bonus (but unrealistic and totally unfeasible) Items:
A normal sleep schedule
Bills/student loans paid
Motivation/general enthusiasm
Better parking on campus