Getting gift ideas for a college student can be a challenge. Most traditional college students have been away from home for a period of time so you are likely unsure how much their tastes have changed, if at all. Finding fun gifts is not impossible, however. Following are a few gift ideas that are sure to please.
Gadgets
Even though college students are often not the wealthiest people they still typically have interest in the newest gadget. If you can afford it, the newest iPod, the most recent iPhone or even an attractive and sleek laptop are great gift ideas. These gifts are all great for school as well. Students can download tutorial podcasts to their iPod to help them through any course, they can download a flash card app to their iPhone to help them quiz themselves for the big test or they can tote their laptop to every class to take notes and write papers.
If all of those are out of your reach, try a smart pen. Smart pens allow students to take notes in class the traditional way, however, when the student gets to their computer, they can download their notes and convert them to typed font. This allows students to get a head start on their papers when they have some down time between classes. It also creates a more legitimate set of notes which can aid studying. Gadgets are often the most valuable gift a college student can receive.
Care Packages
Even if it's not a holiday or birthday, everyone who is away from home for the first time loves to receive well thought out care packages. Send baked goods or something from their favorite bakery back home. Add a piece of art from a younger sibling, niece or nephew, or other child the college student is close to. However, the gifts that are most fun to incorporate are those silly little things, you saw while shopping, that made you think of the recipient. Silly games, funny cards, bubble bath, anything you see that makes you think about this person for any reason are all great gift ideas. Whatever you send, it's just nice for them to know you care.
Money
When you're a poor college student you begin to dread the next ramen noodle or cold pizza meal. This is why cold hard cash can be the best gift. While college students have the same basic needs as all of us, they often lack the time to work full time or are simply not used to budgeting their funds. While cash is a great gift, it's obviously not a wise idea to send cash through the mail. Of course you can write a check but other options include money orders, wire transfers, pre-loaded bank debit cards or gift certificates.
Gift certificates can be particularly handy if you are concerned about how your gift is spent. If you determine that the student needs clothes then find out where they like to shop and get a gift certificate for that location. If you think they need food, remember that many grocery stores have gift certificates as well.
These gift ideas are sure to please the traditional college student. Anything that can ease the stress of difficult coursework and homesickness makes the best gift ideas so even if it's silly you should feel free to buy and send as many care packages as you can. Image is not easy but a few fun gift ideas can help ease the stress.