Have you ever thought to yourself: What should I get my college-aged son/daughter/grandchild? Here is a Christmas list that is bound to impress your newly-adulting college student.
1. Gift Cards
When we were kids, gift cards, especially restaurant gift cards, did not mean nearly as much as they do now. When I used to get restaurant gift cards, they would help my parents' out more than me. The only other benefit was that they helped me convince my parents that we should go out and perhaps get a dessert. Now, gift cards are the secret to escaping campus and getting something nicer than dining hall food.
2. Basic Necessities
Boring, I know. However, if your college student is buying everything for themselves from his or her own paycheck or even an allotment from his or her parents, a basic necessity is a great gift because the college student can then put the money saved toward another item. If you really know the student well, you could also buy a luxury item like the student's favorite perfume or cologne or a special makeup item.
3. Entertainment
Colleges have events all the time that students are unable to attend due to lack of funds. For example, comedian Gabriel Iglesias is coming to my college, the University of South Florida, and I would not have been able to go if it was not for the generosity of my boyfriend's parents. Check out what events your student's college has coming up by looking online and consider buying tickets. Additionally, you could also see what places around campus are popular. For USF, Busch Gardens is extremely popular among students. Consider buying a year pass to a popular amusement park located near your student's college. Finally, if the college has no big events or popular places around the campus, you could always buy the student a Netflix subscription, a popular game or gaming console or any electronic device. Kids from my generation loves nothing more than to find the latest gadget under the tree.
4. Food and/or Gasoline
This idea is also somewhat boring but so helpful in the long run. Every student has his or her food addiction. I love coke, but coke is fairly expensive, at least now that it is coming out of my pocket. A large supply of groceries would not only be extremely helpful, but it is also a great way to give a practical gift without feeling impersonal by giving a gift card. Gasoline is also very expensive and necessary. It may not be the most impressive gift, but saving money on gas means having more money for other desires.
5. Money
When all else fails, money is always a great option, I know, it isn't very personal and didn't require much thought. However, as college kids, we appreciate having spending money so we can go to the movies or drive through a fast food restaurant. Never underestimate the power of the dollar bill.
