Holiday gifts for first-year college students?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Of course every student is different, yada yada, but — if you've had a first-year college student, what are some not-so-obvious things they've enjoyed as holiday presents in their first year? Maybe things they weren't thinking about when they left for college four months earlier, but now realize might make their lives easier or more fun. (This could include non-physical things like digital subscriptions, certificates for services or products in their college town, etc.)

For what it's worth, my own first-year is a dude at a cold-winter LAC, in a dorm, STEM-focused, not an athlete or Greek guy, but I imagine there are some useful things that cut across gender or academic focus.

If it's a cold weather climate, think about these:

Electric hand warmers that also can recharge their phone. Cheap on Amazon.

Sorel water proof boots that keep feet warm below 10 degrees.

Gift cards to the things they like, resturants, coffee shops, etc...

Straight up cash to spend on things they like, not things you think would be good presents for them. They are starting to spread their wings.

An Apple TV box. We have a family subscription and our kid loves it. Great for dorms and apartments.

[Anonymous]

Dishes, pots and pans, small appliances

He didn’t need those things in the dorm but moved into an apartment sophomore year, and there’s great deals on those things on Black Friday

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Small desktop humidifier
Gloves that work with phone screen
Mini projector
Good winter boots like Timberlands
Noise canceling headphones
Subscription to a streaming service

Great ideas! Regarding the humidifier, I assume you need to clear this with your roommate before using in the room, right? (in my day, the only gadgets we used in the room were a fan, mini fridge and boom box)