Back to school, back to school, to prove to Dad I’m not a fool! Buying a gift for a college-bound teen might be easier than you think. Though it may seem quite the contrary, college students appreciate much more than just monetary gifts, and he or she will have a room that needs decorating and supplies that need buying. There is the endless gift certificate route, which can be to clothing stores, gas stations, grocery stores, favorite places to eat, bookstores, Netflix (because who doesn’t love movies?), and mega stores, like Target and Walmart, but if you want to offer something tangible, read on for ideas.
School/Dorm Supplies
It may not seem like the most creative idea ever, but college kids need certain supplies. They are usually not in the greatest financial situation and their parents will absolutely appreciate it.
Laptops
Quite possibly the best gift you can give.
Learn how to choose the right one in our Laptop Computers guide.
Notebooks
Be creative and make a gift basket full of supplies, like notebooks, folders,pens,pencils, and a calculator. It will be a much appreciated present!
Microwaves
Most meals will come out of this simple device.
Look for a small, compact appliance to ensure it will fit in a dorm room.
Cookbooks
Unless kids are going to culinary school, they’ll most likely be living off ramen noodles. There are plenty of cookbooks geared towards college students.
Bedding
College kids can always use an extra pair of sheets, a comforter, or even a new pillow.
Or how about a fleece blanket and a basket of toiletries?
Entertainment
Hard-working students need a break every once in a while to prevent their brains from imploding.
Handheld Games
Help your favorite college student pass time between classes with video games.
Sony’s PSP and the Nintendo DSi XL are great options.
MP3 Players
MP3 players are perfect for solo treks to class, killing time, and even ignoring roommates!
Consider the iPod Touch,Sony Walkman X Series and the Zune HD.
Televisions
Give a college student a chance to sit back and relax. TVs make great gifts for college bound teenagers.
Make sure the screen is pretty small, unless the student is moving into a large suite.
eBook Readers
Hopefully your little student will be hitting the books hard, so why not lessen that stack of tomes?
Some popular choices are the Kindle DX, Sony Reader, the Nook, and the new iPad.
DVD Players
You can never watch too many movies. Pair up this great gift idea with a gift card to Netflix.
Go one step further and get a Blu-ray player that has Wifi so he or she can instantly stream movies.
Everything Else
Totally stumped? Try some of these simple gift ideas. They’ll also make good add-ons to other gifts.
Laptop Bags
Getting through school is tough enough; carrying things with you shouldn’t be. Make the life of some lucky college student a bit easier by giving him/her a laptop bag.
Most come with a slot for a standard size laptop, as well as compartments for your AC adapter and mouse.
Consider bags made by Timbuk2,Manhattan Portage,Targus, and Kensington.
Flash Drives
These are a great utility that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors that fit into any lifestyle.
Perfect for the student who wakes up early to print a paper, only to find that the printer isn’t going to cooperate. This is a reliable way of getting your documents to a computer lab.
Poker Sets
Great for late night get-togethers, poker sets are fun, unisex gifts for everyone.
These can be had for as little as $15, while some can reach upwards of $150.
Excalibur and the World Series of Poker produce great sets.
Powermat Charging Mat
This nifty little device can charge multiple devices at once.
Simply it in and rest your devices on top. The mat will stop sending power once items are fully charged.
Board Games
After students have watched every movie possible, playing board games will be a nice alternative.
Stick with classics like Apples to Apples,Cranium, and Scene It? (especially great after all that movie watching!)
Quick Picks
iLuv Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker
I assure you no student will miss Organic Chem with this vibrating alarm clock.
Garmin nvi 255W Portable GPS Navigator
Perfect for those who will be dorming out of state and are new to the area.
The Healthy College Cookbook
Over 300 easy, quick, cheap meals that will satisfy every type of college student.
Logitech 2 MP HD Webcam Pro 9000
Now he or she can be in touch with the family the entire semester.
The Everything College Survival Book
Help students learn the art of balancing school and social life, how to save money, and more.