With the spirit of giving in the air, someone every holiday season is bound to ask you, “What would you like for the holidays this year?"

And unless you've recently seen a must-have item online, it can be tough to come up with something on the spot.

If you're tired of responding with the same old answers, it's time to brainstorm outside the box. Here are some gifts you might not have thought of, but just may be the perfect things to add to your wish list:

1. Uber Gift Card

Especially for those who don't have a car at school, Uber is a game changer. And with a gift card, you can treat yourself and Uber to class in style and, better yet, guilt-free. You can buy it online, or in person from stores like Target and CVS.

2. External Hard Drive

While this may not be the most exciting gift, it might be the most practical. Based on my research, they cost on average $60, and can be a real lifesaver when your computer crashes the night before a research paper is due.

3. Care Package

Given that the holidays fall right around finals week, a care package is an underrated early holiday gift. From cookies, to hot chocolate, to incense, they can be customized to your personality, and act as a survival kit for getting through exam week.

4. Keurig

College kids are notorious for living on little-to-no sleep, and often rely on caffeinated beverages to wake up in the mornings. Coffee and tea drinkers alike can use the Keurig to easily brew a cup at their leisure, without having to drop some cash at the local coffee shop.

5. Starbucks Gift Card

If you just can't give up your Chai Tea lattes and Caramel Macchiatos – rightfully so – maybe ask for a Starbucks gift card this year so you can splurge on food and drinks to you heart's desire.

6. Tile Tracker

Say goodbye to concern over losing your keys, wallet or anything else that you can't track via iCloud. Depending on how many you buy, these trackers range from about $25 to $150, and work through Bluetooth. Stick these trackers on anything of value and, through the app on your phone, keep tabs on them at all times.

7. Stuffed animal replica of your pet

If there's one thing college students really miss, it's their cats and dogs. But thanks to The Shelter Pups, you can send in a photo of your furry friend, note any unique markings they have and The Shelter Pups will make you a stuffed animal version of your pet. As you'll see, the resemblance is uncanny. You can also “adopt" one of their pre-made stuffed animals, and for every one of these adoptions, the company donates money to your local shelter.

8. Homesick candle

You might have seen this product trending in videos on Facebook, but ICYMI, Homesick makes candles with scents inspired by each of the 50 states. So, unless you go to school in your hometown, it's the perfect way to take a little piece of home back to college with you.

9. Card holder that sticks to your phone

It's no secret that we have our phones on us at all times, so we might as well make our lives easier by keeping our credit cards handy, too. With a card case stuck to the back of your phone, there's no need to fuss over digging your wallet out of the bottom of your backpack. Plus, it can be a real space-saver in small handbags.

10. Portable laptop charger

You probably already have a portable phone charger, but did you know you can get one for your laptop, too? Instead of carrying around wires and desperately looking for an outlet, you'll be able to use a small charger on the go. They don't come cheap, so it's the perfect gift that you wouldn't buy for yourself.

11. Planner

With the new year ringing in, good chance you'll be needing a new planner. Sure, it's easy to find a plain, cheap one anywhere, but there are some really special ones out there that will be oh-so-satisfying to use. Don't underestimate the gift of organization.

12. Speakers

So this one may be a bit expected, but hey, you can never go wrong with a pair of wireless speakers. With a range of prices and features, speakers are the perfect gift from your extended family, friends or parents.

13. Noise Canceling Headphones

While headphones are something every college kid owns, they're even more special when they can block out the noise around you. Say goodbye to the sound of the person chomping gum next to you in the library.