Gift suggestions for college-age son?

[sherry7]

My 21 year old son lives at home and attends a local college. I'm pretty lost on what to buy him this year, and he's not giving me any clues.

I bought him a nice watch last year, he already has a MP3 player that he rarely listens to, I bought him a netbook for high school graduation, and he HATES getting clothes as a gift (doesn't need them anyway). In the past, I've bought him PS3 or Xbox 360 games, but he recently said he never has time to play them since he studies so much.

I'm out of ideas...any suggestions?

 

[Kika]

Hmm...that's a tough one.

Have you asked him?

Gift cards, maybe?

 

[Marionnette]

My 21 year old son lives at home and attends a local college. I'm pretty lost on what to buy him this year, and he's not giving me any clues.

I bought him a nice watch last year, he already has a MP3 player that he rarely listens to, I bought him a netbook for high school graduation, and he HATES getting clothes as a gift (doesn't need them anyway). In the past, I've bought him PS3 or Xbox 360 games, but he recently said he never has time to play them since he studies so much.

I'm out of ideas...any suggestions?

Food gift cards. My son is at psu altoona. Sheetz gift cards are number one on his list b/c he can buy gas or food with them. Any pizza place, mcdonald's etc. Maybe put together a basket of his favorite study snacks and add the gift card. A small refrigerator for his room to keep water and sodas handy when he is studying. Book light so he can study in bed. Maybe a backrest pillow too. Movie tickets or gift cards so he can catch a couple movies during semester break.

 

[RangerPooh]

What kind of note taker is her, on thew computer or with pen and paper? DH often uses a Live Scribe Pen in class and loves it. He's used it for work too. I think he has the one that retails for ~$199, and loves it!

Otherwise what about gift cards. You can always get him one to where he likes to eat or go with his friends. Restaurant, movie, gas...

Any hobbies or books that he likes to read?

What about offering to pay for his spring registration? Or a gift card (homemade coupon) that you'll buy his books for the spring.

 

[lucyanna girl]

Maybe a new wallet full of gift cards for places he visits often? A movie gift card, gas card is always good for a student, his campus book store, Starbucks, a restaurant he likes, a mall gift card, etc,

I'm in the same boat only with my college freshman daughter. Girls are probably easier. She loves clothes, makeup, perfume, etc.

My daughter is getting these for her boyfriend: a jacket, a belt, a wallet, a pair of the leather UGG slip on shoes, some cologne, and a shirt from Hollister's.

Good luck,

Penny

 

[sherry7]

Great ideas so far! I especially like the idea for the wallet with gift cards in it.

 

[dislal]

I have to go with the gas gift cards!!

 

[mtblujeans]

Are there any local activities he enjoys doing? DH gives one of our college sons ski passes, each year, that he uses when he comes home for Christmas break. Our younger son is partial to 'gas money'.

 

[DawnM]

I was just coming on to suggest gift cards! Gas cards if he has a car, Target, Walmart, food places, whatever things he likes.

 

[dzorn]

Does he pay for his own books? Then a gift card for the book store.

Denise in MI

 

[rusty4]

I just bought my 21 and 23 year old DS's a GPS. They have the
Garmin Nuvi 255W at Best Buy for $89.99 right now.

I am going to do gift cards as well. I have bought them clothes too. I had a harder time with that though. They always want new socks and underwear too.

Right now I have noticed that alot of restaurants have deals where you buy a $30 card for $20. So now is the time to buy!

 

[crusoe2]

We're getting our college-age son a Kindle or Nook, a gift card for book downloads, and some accessories for it (like a light). He loves to read but we're also hoping he'll be able to download some of his college textbooks onto it. I'm also thinking about getting him some rain gear - both pants and jacket - so that he doesn't get soaked hiking from class to class on rainy days.

 

[ssawka]

Does he have a cell phone through you? Could you upgrade him to an iPhone or Droid? That would involve getting a data plan though, if he doesn't already have one.

 

[Bearvet]

We are doing the cell phone upgrade with data plan for DS21 (and DS17 and DS15). They have no clue and are going to be ecstatic! They won't get much else, but I think they'll be fine with that.

DS21 is going to Germany in Dec. for a college elective, so that's a big chunk of his gift too.

 

[Coll0610]

Maybe a new electric razor? If he's anywhere near graduation, could he use a briefcase or an interview suit (although I know you said he didn't like getting clothes)?

 

[Brandi1leigh]

I agree with gift cards...especially to places he might not usually be able to afford (the movies, restaurants, etc). Or how about an iTunes gift card, you said he has an MP3 player.

What about accessories for the MP3 player if he doesn't have them? A car charger, carrying case, etc.

I know you said he doesn't like clothes, but what about a jersey or hat from a favorite sports team. If those are too expensive and you just want some small gifts, they make cups, keychains etc from his fave sports team (if he has a favorite team). Or from his college.

Good luck!

 

[rusty4]

I came up with another idea today. DS was starting his car and it was covered in ice. I am looking at remote car starters this morning to see if they are affordable or not. I had one years ago and loved it and DH has one in his car and uses it all the time too.