Need Christmas Ideas for High School Seniors!!!!

[tar heel]

Obviously, luggage is a better idea for her than it was for me!

 

[Stephanie218]

I got luggage as a present senior year and loved it. I love traveling and going to school across the country, I use it often...as a matter of fact, I'm packing tomorrow to go to California for the weekend!

So anyway, it is definately a practical and useful gift, as long as she isn't too apprehensive about college.

 

[Lil_Tink]

I would say gift certificates or cash.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

DD17 will be going to college next year - so what kinds of things will she need that I could get her for Christmas? I don't know where she's going, so I'm not sure about rules for things like microwaves, etc. I'm also going to wait and get her a laptop based on the specifications of her school, when we know what it is!!!! Any ideas for thigns your new college students really liked or needed? Or, for that matter, any other ideas for the teen who has most of the "things" like Ipods, cell phones, etc.???

I could have written this exact post! As a matter of fact, I had planned to!

There's a lot of good info on this thread that I had already learned along the way, and it's good to see what I've heard is true! I too thought "laptop", until I heard from a couple of sources to wait until she's at college since there may be specs/discounts/etc. I also had thought a mini-fridge, and then we visited one college that doesn't allow them...you need to rent, from them, what someone else on this thread called a "microfridge"...a combo microwave and refrigerator, the reason being the university is so large, that it would overload the circuits if many people used both a microwave and a mini-fridge; this way, while the microwave is being used, the refrigerator goes off, and vice versa.

DD has been talking about going away to college since she first found out college existed, in nursery school! (From her then recently graduated teacher, Miss Cindy. ) She's always been extremely independent, and for the last couple of years, has been drooling over the Linens & Things and Target "dorm" collections. So, while some people may lean toward giving things for use now, I know that my DD would be THRILLED with things for college. (Last April she went to Spain, so last Christmas we focused on gifts for that trip, and she was VERY happy with what she got.) At the same time, I understand what someone else said about roommates coordinating some of their purchases (right down to colors). Still, we're leaning toward getting her a TV (small and with earphones) because even if the roommate has one, I think she'd like her own.

Depending on what actual gifts we end up getting, I'll probably throw in some gift cards for Linens & Things (and keep her supplied with those 20% off coupons along the way ) and Target. Her birthday is at the end of August, so we can get more specific then.

As far as the "now" gift of clothes...DD has been working for two years now, and she's got so many clothes, she doesn't need any more! As a matter of fact, she better do some cleaning out of whatever she doesn't take with her when she goes.

I don't expect my DD to get a lot of graduation gifts. I'm the youngest of my generation, so all my older relatives (sibs, cousins) have lots of kids AND grandchildren; we long ago passed on exchanging gifts except among a very few of us.

 

[Megster]

Picture frames or any kind of picture holder is always a good gift. She can use it now and take it to school. Printer might be a good gift as you don't need to know what kind of laptop you're going to get. DVDs or movies? A nice pair of slippers? Those are both things I use all the time in my dorm room but would still be practical while she's at home.

 

[DVCLiz]

I could have written this exact post! As a matter of fact, I had planned to!

There's a lot of good info on this thread that I had already learned along the way, and it's good to see what I've heard is true! I too thought "laptop", until I heard from a couple of sources to wait until she's at college since there may be specs/discounts/etc. I also had thought a mini-fridge, and then we visited one college that doesn't allow them...you need to rent, from them, what someone else on this thread called a "microfridge"...a combo microwave and refrigerator, the reason being the university is so large, that it would overload the circuits if many people used both a microwave and a mini-fridge; this way, while the microwave is being used, the refrigerator goes off, and vice versa.

DD has been talking about going away to college since she first found out college existed, in nursery school! (From her then recently graduated teacher, Miss Cindy. ) She's always been extremely independent, and for the last couple of years, has been drooling over the Linens & Things and Target "dorm" collections. So, while some people may lean toward giving things for use now, I know that my DD would be THRILLED with things for college. (Last April she went to Spain, so last Christmas we focused on gifts for that trip, and she was VERY happy with what she got.) At the same time, I understand what someone else said about roommates coordinating some of their purchases (right down to colors). Still, we're leaning toward getting her a TV (small and with earphones) because even if the roommate has one, I think she'd like her own.

Depending on what actual gifts we end up getting, I'll probably throw in some gift cards for Linens & Things (and keep her supplied with those 20% off coupons along the way ) and Target. Her birthday is at the end of August, so we can get more specific then.

As far as the "now" gift of clothes...DD has been working for two years now, and she's got so many clothes, she doesn't need any more! As a matter of fact, she better do some cleaning out of whatever she doesn't take with her when she goes.

I don't expect my DD to get a lot of graduation gifts. I'm the youngest of my generation, so all my older relatives (sibs, cousins) have lots of kids AND grandchildren; we long ago passed on exchanging gifts except among a very few of us.

Sounds like we have exactly the same daughter!!!! When I told her that someone on this thread had expressed a concern that college gifts at Christmas would send a "You're outta here" message, she laughed and said, "I don't think you have to worry, Mom." (Note to that poster - you were giving very good advice, so I hope I didn't hurt your feelings there!!!)

Yes, it was easy last year when DD had her big trip to Africa, but that is not in the cards for this year, so looks like it will be luggage, a digital camera, and some 7 jeans. Oh, and I'm knitting a blanket for her, too, so that will be something she can take to college!!!

 

[mom2boys]

While I too wanted to get a jumpstart on outfitting my daughter for college the Christmas before her graduation, she wasn't there yet. Careful that you don't send a message that sounds like "Merry Christmas, can't wait til you're outta here" to your daughter. If you get her something she needs for college, make sure it's something she can use now.

Good point. I was not at all appreciative of the luggage I received for Christmas my senior year of high school. I really did interpurt it as - "see ya". My mother was just being practical & I used it for many years to come.
Maybe: Cash, clothes, CDs, prepaid music downloads

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I decided to look online at one of the colleges my DD applied to, to see what they allow/don't allow, and their suggestions for what to bring. Just to give people an idea of what to buy (or not buy)...

Your room will have basic furniture including:

• Single bed frame and mattress
  (mattress dimensions - 80" long x 36" wide)
• Desk and chair
• Bookcase
• Bureau
• Wardrobe or closet

Note: Only University-issued furniture is allowed in student rooms. The University also provides wastebaskets and recycling bins.

Local telephone service is provided, but you have to bring your own telephone. All rooms are connected to a University Cable Television Service. Service includes local and regional programming, a movie channel, a student-run station and various satellite networks.

Below are some guidelines for what you can and cannot bring when you move into your new campus home.

What You Should Bring - The Basics

• Blankets
• Clothes hangers
• Desk lamp
• Pillows
• Sheets (to fit mattress 80" long x 36" wide)
• Towels
• Touch-tone telephone

Electrical Appliances

The following electrical appliances can be used in your room:

• CD player/stereo system
• Coffee maker with an automatic shut-off and integrated duel safety circuit
• Computer equipment
• DVD
• Fan
• Heating pad
• Lamp
• Microwave/refrigerator with integrated circuit
  (renting an approved unit)
• Portable hair dryer
• Radio
• Small refrigerator - 3.0 cu.ft. or less - with a ground adapter plug
• Television set
• VCR

All appliances with exposed heating coils or those that can become excessively hot are potential fire hazards and are prohibited from your room.

The following items may be used in common areas only (kitchenettes, laundry rooms, and utility rooms):

• Coffee makers that do not have an automatic shut-off
• Corn poppers
• Electric frying pans
• Hot plates
• Irons
• Microwave ovens
• Sun lamps
• Toasters

Prohibited Items

You may not have hazardous items in your room at all. Possession of any items listed below violates the Residence Hall Regulations in the Code of Student Conduct and will result in disciplinary action.

Prohibited items include:

• Incense
• Candles*
• Air conditioners
• Electric cooking grills
• Firearms or lethal weapons of any sort
• Facsimiles of weapons
• Fireworks or explosives
• Flammable liquids
• Gas-powered equipment
• Halogen Lamps
• Laser pointers
• Lighted smoking materials
• Pellet guns
• Pets (except for service animals and fish in 10-gallon tanks)
• Pyrotechnic devices of any sort
• Quartz heaters
• Space heaters
• Waterbeds

[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]*Except for religious purposes only in designated areas as outlined in the Residence Hall Manual.[/font]

Note from Mare...be sure your children leave their guns at home.


In addition to bringing the basics: sheets*, blankets, pillows, towels, clothes hangers and a touch-tone telephone; you may also want to bring some of the following items.

• Quilt/comforter
• Alarm Clock
• Laundry basket/bag
• Laundry detergent
• Stackable crates
• Storage containers for under the bed
• Something to carry shower/bathroom items
• Flip flops (for the shower)
• Sewing kit
• Umbrella
• Backpack
• Fan
• School supplies
• Stationery and stamps
• Cleaning supplies (to clean your room!)
• Posters or decorations

 

[Lynn CC]

We gave DS a flatscreen,desktop TV, I think it was 19 or 20 inches. It's really lightweight. I carried it up the 10 flights of stairs to his dorm room on move-in day this fall, while DH and DS took the heavier things. It's something that doesn't take up much room and she could probably use it before she goes too.
Here is a list of things DS made up last summer before he left. He says he uses everything on this list! Maybe you can find something on here...

Plastic bowl and cup
Coffee cup (I got a sleeve of thermal disposable with lids for peppermint tea)
Fork, knife, spoon
bottle opener (I got a small one that the bank was giving away to open coke bottles)
Alarm clock/clock radio (I got a small battery & a light up electric…don’t want to miss class)
Trash Can (I just got a medium size metal with no lid, and empty it often)
One Under the Bed Rubbermaid tub (which is kind of big we have adjustable beds so I can store some things) Safe (for extra cash, and important papers) also under bed laundry basket a pull string laundry bag to take laundry home in!
Laundry Detergent
Cleaning Supplies for Disinfecting Everything!
In the under the bed Rubbermaid tub I store some Bose Headphone/ noise cancellation (I use these a lot they plug into TV They also drown out a lot of noise when I’m trying to read.

20” flat screen, it doesn’t take up much room at all!)
Small Microwave
Small Fridge (I got a 4.2 cu feet, we can have up to 5 cu feet)
Natural Sunlight light from Sharper Image for Desktop
Laptop 17” viewing screen with number keypad
Portable Printer (Cannon iP90, it’s nice and small)
Hangers
Fan for desktop
Phone and cell phone, Ethernet cord cat.6, a monster cord (it has many 3 prong plugs to plug into from Linens and things), A very large Surge Protector (I filled up all the plugs in it).
Extension cords, especially for Fridge and microwave
Cable Cord for TV
2 sets sheets I got Twin Extra Long, but I put a Full Flat on for some extra sheet, and pillowcases, I bought 2 dozen very high count…love a fresh soft pillowcase after a long day!
Quilt and 3 pillows, a foam mattress pad the kind you can sink into (it’s comfy)
Blanket
9 Bath Towels
A drawer full of Boxers and socks, 3 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs sneakers, boots, winter coat, hat and gloves dress pants and shirts, ties,
A wardrobe organizer (it has a lot of compartments that hang down over the bar which I store towels and pillowcases. I have 5 drawers to store clothes as well that came with the room.
-Bedside nightstand bought a Rubbermaid 4 drawer white plastic) that I store medicine and flashlight in etc… all the drawers are full with stuff I may need!
Cologne, shampoo, soap, Advil, Tums, Airborne, Nyquil
A Lantern light (the kind you would take camping) that runs on batteries in case powers out.
Paper Towel Holder with paper towels, Kleenex
We have our own Bathrooms, so we have to supply everything and clean them too
Bathroom rugs 4, Shower curtain and liner, Toothpaste holder, Toilet over the lid fresheners, Renuzit room air freshener
Lysol Spray(lots of it), cleaning supplies
Disposable toilet wand cleaners.
Fiberglass shower cleaner
Over the shower caddy
Caddy for toiletries to carry into shower (not the kind with compartments, small basket)
Electric toothbrush/ toothpaste, dental floss
Q Tips,
nail clippers
Tweezers
Razors
Hair dryer
5 cases Poland Spring Water( individual) and other drinks
Granola Bars
Some snacks and cereal
Winter Coat, Hat Gloves, LL Bean Raincoat, Large size umbrella for 2!
Extra Batteries for everything
Calculator
Filler and computer paper
Ruler
Pens, pencils (small metal pencil sharpener (the kind architects use)
Tacks for posters
Star Wars Calendar
5- 3 ring binders
5 – 1 subject notebooks
Extra battery for cell phone & hands free for long conversations
Paper clips
Scissors
Stapler
Tape
Day Planner
Graphing & Scientific Calculator
2 Backpacks (pack for different days, saves switching everything)
CD player with headphones
Playstation w/games also used as DVD player for movies
Clothes for the season (I’ll switch)


Just think we get to lug all this up to the 10th floor!

 

[monarchsfan16]

I received the luggage my freshman year of high school. I had already sort of known I was getting it (mom had asked me what kind I would like), although it wasn't quite what I had asked for...But I was still thinking "you trying to get rid of me?". Especially with the fact that it was a set of 3 rolling duffles. I used them throughout high school, but haven't used them for college. Instead I just filled up smaller duffles, and boxes with my clothes, because they are easier to store.
I second the picture frame idea. I like to get the cheap plastic kind. I don't know how exactly to describe them, but it's just one piece of clear plastic; no decorations, and they stand on their own, not with that thing that moves in and out on the back. They take up less room, meaning I can have more pictures in my room. Right now they're on my desk, and on my tv (the tv is on my dresser )

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Lynn, great list! Printing it out now. The TV sounds awesome (TEN flights?!?!?!?). I'm leaning towards that as the "big" gift. I think I'll make a "college box" for her, and put a bunch of little things in it from your list. Thanks!

IKEA has a little toolbox for $5. I barely looked at it, but the next time I'm there, I might pick it up for her. Unless I can get something simpler and smaller. I don't want to turn her little dorm room into a mini full-sized home!

You know what DD is most excited about getting? Towels. She's been talking about picking out new towels for the last couple of years. I guess it's like "playing house". I'll let her pick them out herself, since they're obviously so important to her!

 

[DVCLiz]

That IS a great list - thanks!!!!!!!!

 

[Pam]

I bought my daughter a hot pink tool kit set last year when she left for college. I believe I bought it at Fred Flair.

I just noticed that Collections, Etc. had a lavendar one for $9.99. Here's the link:

http://www.collectionsetc.com/Item14174.aspx

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Cute tool set! Thanks for the link. She loves pink and purple. And as far as luggage...she came home from shopping last night, all excited because SHE bought HERSELF a new set of luggage (purple )! I told her about the luggage discussion here, and she said "are you kidding?!"