Whether you're packing up your freshman for their maiden voyage to the dorm, or sending back your senior for one last year of higher learning, this budget-friendly gift guide will be sure to round out your collegiate essentials packing list. Bargain Hunter Merisa Vinick taps into exactly what this year's co-eds and empty-nesters never knew they wanted - but won't be able to live without.
Measure Treasure Box
As “awesome” as the new roommate is, you still think that your freshman should keep his or her valuables out of sight. This unisex keepsake box is a good way to stash away those private things that other people might also find “awesome.”
Recycled Rules Square Box, WorldMarket.com, $9.99
Computer Scout
Being prepared requires more these days than it used to. Make sure your student is never caught off guard – whether at a tailgate party or in the computer lab.
Swiss Army 256MB USB Memory Ruby 7-tool Knife, $30.71, Overstock.com
Here Comes the Sun
Many dorms have a ban on candles because they are fire hazards. This whimsical sun jar is a safe, fun way to get that relaxing glow without aggravating the R.A.
Sun Jar, UrbanOutfitters.com, $45
Keep Your Composure
Perhaps your sophomore likes a glass of water by their bed, or maybe just needs a neat way to organize pens on the desk. Either way, you don’t need much of an excuse to buy this adorable, affordable cup. (However, you’ll probably find yourself making up plenty of excuses to justify buying all the other fantastic items from Fishs Eddy’s totally addictive Web site.)
Composition Cup, $7.95, FishsEddy.com
Building Blocks
Not every moment of Philosophy 101 will be thrilling. For those moments, this notebook is a fun, nostalgic distraction that will allow him to still listen to the professor while also keeping him awake.
LEGO Book with a Build Your Own Cover Design, Etsy.com, $37.
They’ll Flip
Even a monkey could operate this sleek, no-nonsense, simple USB-plug-in video camera. It will be a great way for your freshman to send you pictures and videos of his or her new life away from home, and to goof around with new friends. (A prudent counterpart to this gift is a brief discussion about what videos may or may not be “Facebook appropriate,” and how to use discretion in posting things online. It’s sure to elicit a few eye rolls, but hey, what doesn’t with your teenager these days?)
The Flip Ultra Camcorder, $149.99, TheFlip.com
Collegiate Fanfare
Dorm-room temperatures are sometimes tricky to regulate. Don’t sweat it! This retro table fan will make studying a breeze! It will also provide some much-needed white noise when the roommate is making a ruckus at bedtime.
Deco Table Fan, on sale from $75 to $55, TheCompanyStore.com
The Apple of Your Eye
Your princess is going off to college, and you want something special to memorialize this significant time. Channeling memories of bringing the teacher an apple on the first day of school, she will surely think of you every time she sees the apple charm on her neck in the mirror as she runs out the door to class.
Elsa Peretti Apple Pendant, $185, Tiffany.com
Spork!
This utensil was surely made with a college student’s diet in mind. Noodles? Check. Salty broth? No problem. Now if only it came with a mom to wash it afterward, it would be perfect.
Ramen Spoon and Fork, $14, Uncommongoods.com
Flip-Flop Socks
Just thinking about your baby’s bare tootsies on the dirty dorm floor is enough to make you rethink this whole higher education thing. But don’t ask for a tuition refund just yet. These socks will ensure that even when they’re just flip-flopping to the bathroom, their feet stay warm and clean.
Flip- Flop Socks, $13, Uncommongoods.com
Stepping Stool
Is your new coed academically gifted but vertically challenged? If so, this is a dorm-room essential. Sleek and durable, this step stool will double as extra seating when friends come over to “study.”
E-Z Foldz Folding Plastic Step Stool, $14.99, BedBathBeyond.com
That’s a Wrap
Sometimes that walk from the dorm room to the ladies’ room can be longer than you’d like it to be. Your honey will be covered up in this adorable terry shower wrap while she’s primping and prancing.
Juicy Couture Gold Crest Terry Spa Wrap, on sale from $85 to $55, Nordstrom.com
CooKeys
They say that education unlocks doors. Make that experience a little sweeter with these key-toppers, and help your coed remember which is which.
COOKEYS, $5, SpoonSisters.com, 15% spoonsister purchases with code: COLLEGE
From gadgets to dorm decor, check out these thoughtful presents guaranteed to please those headed back to school.
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