The college life is most certainly a struggle and any student in college can look at you and tell you that. And now we are at the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas! Christmas is when college students come home to detox and sleep the days away. I know that with Christmas comes the hard questions like "What would you like this year?" or "Are you going to give me any hints on what to get you?"
Just in case anyone out there needs a holiday gift idea for their college-going student or just in case a student needs an idea to tell someone, here are some hints for you.
1. Money
I don't think I can stress this enough. Money is crucial to survival. Not every student has a meal plan and can go on campus and eat lunch. Also, you can only eat McDonald's so many times before you blow up like a balloon. Some students might even appreciate the cash to help them get by on rent for the months that work doesn't bring in enough money for. Plus, it never hurts to go on a little shopping spree when the seasons change.
2. Gift Cards
Obviously, this goes along with money. But gift cards are always a great idea too for if you want the student to only spend it on certain things. I know that there is nothing better than a big cup of Starbs on a cold day or a Subway sandwich for when you feel like you've eaten too much candy. All you have to do is do a little research on what all places are around the area the student goes to school and go from there.
3. Fuzzy Socks
I don't know about boys, but girls LOVE fuzzy socks. They can be worn around the dorm or house as house shoes. They can keep your toes warm for a quick trip outside or they can look super cute popping out of your combat boots on a cold day.
4. A Keurig Coffee Pot
Coffee is a must have for those who know how to stomach it. Coffee was personally my BFF during finals week, and I took great advantage of having my own Keurig in my dorm. Even if your student doesn't like coffee, a Keurig is still good for making hot chocolate or hot tea.
5. A Fit Bit bracelet
I know this may seem a little odd for a Christmas gift, but for some students it would be really appreciated. The Fit Bit can be worn all the time, and it will count your steps. Personally, I've always wondered how may steps it takes me to walk my schedule every day and how much of a workout I really do get.
6. An instant (Polaroid) camera
I know that we live in the day and age where our smartphones take amazing pictures and we would much rather just use them, but a Polaroid camera is a perfect way to capture those candid moments and have them printed for you to put on display to brag about instantly.
7. Speakers
Every student wants to have a nice jam session every now and again between studying, and a speaker could maximize their listening ability! Plus, it could make them the lifesaver at a small party.
8. Blankets and pillows
Who knows when you're going to need an extra blanket or pillow for taking a spontaneous road trip to the beach or the mountains and you have to sleep in your car because, well, college kids are broke.
