If you have a friend or family member who’s starting college in the fall, you may be struggling to find just the right gift to convey your well wishes. It’s easy to go with the good old fail-safe option of cash or a gift card. But it’s also nice to give something a bit more personalized to their tastes or the unique challenges they’ll be facing in this new chapter of their life. Here are a few good gift ideas for college freshmen that are both thoughtful and useful.
Portable Espresso Maker
A student’s first year of college may involve long nights finishing up research papers or studying for exams. Those nights call for a little (or maybe a lot) of caffeine. If they’re studying at the library, or if they’ve kept going later into the night than the last available coffeeshop, this portable espresso maker should do just the trick. It’s compact and requires no battery or electricity, making it the perfect tool to throw in their backpack and go.
Canvas Laundry Bag
For many students, being away at college means having no easy access to a washer and dryer. Consequently, they find themselves lugging their dirty laundry across campus, to a local laundromat, or even back home with them on the weekends. Laundry baskets can be bulky and difficult to store or carry. This canvas laundry bag, complete with drawstring closure and carrying strap, is a much better option. Its printed laundry how-to list adds a humorous, yet helpful, touch.
Custom Earplugs
Whether it’s to block out unwanted whispers in the library or unruly neighbors next door, these custom molded earplugs are sure to be a hit. They can be heated and custom shaped for a perfect fit. Available in a variety of colors, they’re also great for sleeping and swimming.
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Wall Calendar
New college students have a lot to keep up with. This peel and stick dry erase calendar can help. It comes with six extra bubble stickers to emphasize the most important events. It’s reusable, so it can get them all the way to graduation. And, since it hangs without requiring holes in the wall, they won’t have to worry about the security deposit.
Honor the soon-to-be freshman in your life with a special gift for him or her. Starting college is quite an adjustment, but the right gift can help make it easier.
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