Ideas for Going Away to College Gift

[margiemc]

I need some good, not real expensive, ideas for going away to college gifts. My best friend's son is starting in a few weeks and I wanted to get him a few things for school. I thought the DIS would be able to come up with some creative ideas! Thanks!

 

[drivencrazy]

Why not do a care package... some paper, pens... and then some goodies like crackers, slim jims... snacks that will keep for when he may need a little something? Maybe put it in a small trash can that he can also use?

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

quarters and laundry soap.

snacks, snacks, and more snacks.

 

[hegfam]

My sister filled an airtight container with all kinds of meds - pain relievers, cough syrup, first-aid cream, itch cream, band aids, tums, pepto, thermometer, anything you might normally use at home, 'cause at one time or another, they'll need something.

Storage containers, small laundry hampers, towel sets, shampoo, razors, or single-serve meals, microwaveable soups, pastas, anything that will keep without refrigeration. Snacks like Rice Krispie treats, individually wrapped cookies, chips, etc.

A storage rack for cd's,dvds, drawer organizer and school supplies. Also some kind of hanging organizer that hangs from the closet rod. The girls use small dry-erase boards outside their doorm rooms for messages, not sure if the boys do that too.

Sending my 2nd DD off in a 2-year span, so I'm pretty practiced at this point!

 

[trulygoofy]

Gift cards to fast food places. Dorm food isn't always so good!

 

[Brenda in CA]

Walmart has microwaves for $29. I'm getting one for my little sister and a basket full of microwaveable foods (popcorn, cup of soups, Easy-Mac, etc.).

 

[minniebeth]

My neice is going to college and I asked her what she would like....
phone cards, change, gift cards for various things such as fast food, pizza places, restaurants, Walmart, Target, etc., iTunes.
I love the care package idea as well....definately the snacks and perhaps candy/gum? In college, my nephew lived on Easy Mac, Ramen and Lipton noodles during those long nights of studying(?).

 

[nordkin]

My daughter received a collapsable laundry hamper filled with detergent, dryer sheets, plastic plates and bowls, a few pieces of flatware, snacks, and a gift card for Walmart. She loved it.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

Walmart has microwaves for $29. I'm getting one for my little sister and a basket full of microwaveable foods (popcorn, cup of soups, Easy-Mac, etc.).

make sure your college allows microwaves in rooms -- ours doesn't.

 

[feedindy]

I always like to do basics baskets. I do them for baby showers, bridal showers, grad/going to college gifts. For this one you could get a laundry basket and fill it with detergent, fabric softener, a roll of quarters if that's in your budget, paper towels, ziploc bags, pencils and pens, hand sanitizer, stamps, envelopes, etc.

 

[Crazoo]

How about a watch? That's what my parents bought me when I went... it was good because I didn't have one and because your schedule is always so different every day it was very helpful.

There's a sale on Amazon right now too
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1532423

 

[D L and K's Mom]

This probably does not cost anything but see if your local newspaper will deliver to the college. I loved keeping up with all the little things goin on in my hometown.

 

[Crazoo]

How about slippers/flip flops? If he's using a shared washroom he'll want to wear them in the shower.

 

[margiemc]

These are all great ideas! Keep 'em coming!

 

[flagdaytwins]

All these ideas are awesome!

There's always a gift card from the actual college bookstore s/he is attending.....which you might be able to purchase online....just a thought.

 

[caribear]

If he is going to be staying in a dorm with a shared shower I suggest a "Shower Tote".....go to the dollar store and buy a plastic bin/tote with a handle...fill it with flip flops, soap, shampoo, shaver, shaving cream, a washcloth/sponge......pretty inexpensive for these items and a something he will definitely need!

 

[Todd&Copper]

I second (or third) gift cards for food. But find places that are easily acessible - a lot of universities d not allow freshmen to have cars so he may have to rely on walking or a university or locally run bus.

 

[jennynoel]

Depending on where he's going to college a Jamba Juice gift card would be great. My brother was hooked on the smoothies when he first got to college and I felt good sending them because I figured it was the only fruits and veggies he was getting on a regular basis!

For my sister I sent a small electric kettle, a pretty mug and some tea. You could probably do a take on that for a guy, but I don't know if he'd appreciate it as much.

 

[jackdis]

I just saw a back to college kitchen set in target. It was in a tub and had everything you would need. I thought that would have been great to have way back when I was in school.

 

[jackdis]

Here's the link.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...2/601-2997326-4582562?ie=UTF8&asin=B000NOA850

There's also a first apartment one.

They're both 29.99.