Having trouble coming up with gift ideas for your student? It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. For freshmen, college is often their first experience away from home for an extended period of time. It can be difficult to adjust to a new city, new people, and new challenges. A meaningful gift to remind them of family can help your student when they are feeling homesick and make their new living space feel like home. Even upperclassmen miss their family, even if they don’t admit it. Here are some ideas for gifts from the heart that your student will appreciate, even if they tell you it’s cheesy.
Recipe book- Nothing brings back good memories like some home cooked food. This gift idea is especially suited for upperclassmen who may be cooking for themselves. Some recipes for family favorites can help your student learn how to cook while giving them the comforts of home. Who knows, you may even get a surprise call from your student asking for help!
Framed childhood/family photos- With the prevalence of smartphones today, many students do not have an actual camera, and so many do not have printed photos. Some good quality family photos or funny childhood photos can be a great touch for a dorm room or apartment to make them smile and make their room feel cozy.
Contact book- Most students don’t know people’s phone numbers, addresses, and emails by heart because they store that information in their phone. A list of information for relatives, grandparents, parents, and siblings can be helpful for sending holiday gift thank you’s and graduation invitations later on. This is also great to have if their phone breaks or dies in an emergency!
Home state wall art- This is a great gift idea for out-of-state students. A popular trend for wall art right now is a canvas or framed picture of their home state with a small heart over their hometown. It is a simple and cute item that it easy to make and that looks great in any room!
Give an experience- Your student has missed you a lot this semester! Give them the gift of an experience with you, for example, a cooking class,a yoga class, a painting class, or tickets to a play.
Necessities gift basket- As a college student, money is often tight. A basket with necessities like shampoo, soap, hair gel, snacks, notebooks, and pens can be the perfect gift.
If your student is worried about gift giving this year, tell them to come see us at the Student Money Management Center. We have handouts on homemade and inexpensive gift ideas and we can help them make a budget for holiday gifts so they don’t overspend. Happy gifting!