New computer, new iPad, new clothes, bedding and room decor

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Too early. She'll get a list from college and may be coordinating with a new roommate. Plus so much can be purchased here and then picked up where she ends up. All the college move in stuff is it's own excitement as is graduation and what you'll gift for that. IMO do what you would for any regular Christmas.

Agree with this. However, if she needs a new laptop, this might be a good time to get that.

I thought about that however some colleges arrange for great deals on laptops. You're going to want that pricing. Beats any Christmas promotion. A few also strongly suggest either regular or MAC.

Plus, six or eight months is an eternity when it comes to technology. Anything you buy now at a great price is going to be cheaper (or better for the same price) by next June or July.

This, plus you don't know what the school recommends. My program recommended getting a PC, my sister's recommended a Mac.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Too early. She'll get a list from college and may be coordinating with a new roommate. Plus so much can be purchased here and then picked up where she ends up. All the college move in stuff is it's own excitement as is graduation and what you'll gift for that. IMO do what you would for any regular Christmas.

Agree with this. However, if she needs a new laptop, this might be a good time to get that.

I thought about that however some colleges arrange for great deals on laptops. You're going to want that pricing. Beats any Christmas promotion. A few also strongly suggest either regular or MAC.

Plus, six or eight months is an eternity when it comes to technology. Anything you buy now at a great price is going to be cheaper (or better for the same price) by next June or July.

A gift certificate for a facial or mani-pedi to de-stress after college apps

Anonymous wrote:Too early. She'll get a list from college and may be coordinating with a new roommate. Plus so much can be purchased here and then picked up where she ends up. All the college move in stuff is it's own excitement as is graduation and what you'll gift for that. IMO do what you would for any regular Christmas.

OP here - you raise a good point. I thought of this and don't plan on getting her everything she needs right now. BUT, what I would normally do for holiday shopping: stress out about WTF to get her because I have no idea So I thought this was a good place to start!

Have read a few good ideas here already, thanks everyone -- keep 'em coming!

Anonymous wrote:

Too early. She'll get a list from college and may be coordinating with a new roommate. Plus so much can be purchased here and then picked up where she ends up. All the college move in stuff is it's own excitement as is graduation and what you'll gift for that. IMO do what you would for any regular Christmas.

Agree with this. However, if she needs a new laptop, this might be a good time to get that.

I thought about that however some colleges arrange for great deals on laptops. You're going to want that pricing. Beats any Christmas promotion. A few also strongly suggest either regular or MAC.

Too early. She'll get a list from college and may be coordinating with a new roommate. Plus so much can be purchased here and then picked up where she ends up. All the college move in stuff is it's own excitement as is graduation and what you'll gift for that. IMO do what you would for any regular Christmas.

Agree with this. However, if she needs a new laptop, this might be a good time to get that.

Too early. She'll get a list from college and may be coordinating with a new roommate. Plus so much can be purchased here and then picked up where she ends up. All the college move in stuff is it's own excitement as is graduation and what you'll gift for that. IMO do what you would for any regular Christmas.

Agree with this. However, if she needs a new laptop, this might be a good time to get that.

A huge box of condoms

Pizza gift cards

Stocking stuffer - really long phone charger that can be used from the top bunk, etc. This is by far my child’s favorite thing we got.

I gave her some of the FUN stuff for college (not utilitarian stuff). Like if you can get her to choose any room decorations now or "collegey" gear. I wanted her to get excited, since the application process is tiring and stressful.

I also gave her two college guides with sound advice, written in teenspeak. Here is an example: "The Her Campus Guide to College Life: How to Manage Relationships, Stay Safe and Healthy, Handle Stress, and Have the Best Years of Your Life." The summer before going away, I noticed how often she read that book. I think it reassured her, without her having to let me know what she was worried or felt uninformed about.

If you know she’ll be headed to a colder climate, take advantage of winter sales on outerwear. Windproof and waterproof matter as much as warm.

Twin XL or full/queen down comforter.

Commuter mug that keeps stuff warm (or cold) for 8-12 hours.

Too early. She'll get a list from college and may be coordinating with a new roommate. Plus so much can be purchased here and then picked up where she ends up. All the college move in stuff is it's own excitement as is graduation and what you'll gift for that. IMO do what you would for any regular Christmas.

My daughter will be off to college (crossing fingers on those apps!) next year and I'm thinking that it would be good to start stocking up on the stuff she'll need for college/dorm life so we don't have to buy it all at once. I'd love to hear your thoughts --give me your practical must-haves, but also some fun/frivolous ideas too! Thanks!!!