We are all familiar with the typical graduation gifts: books, money, gift cards, luggage, and alarm clocks. But, before sending teens off to college to pursue their dreams, here are some unique gift suggestions that might make their college life much easier.
Smartphones
If you haven’t dropped some change on one of these little gadgets you might want to consider it. Apps for these devices abound that can help them with finding textbook bargains, finding local restaurants and entertainment, and helping them keep in touch with their professors and classmates. They can upload their class schedules and set alarm reminders for test dates. They can also use the device to take pictures of all the fun they will be having while in college and send them to you via text message or email.
Ebook Readers
Book readers can lighten the backpack load and offer tremendous savings over hard cover textbooks. Many college textbooks, along with the classics, are offered in Ebook format and can be downloaded for a fraction of the hard copy cost and stored on these book readers. Keeping all their textbooks on hand, and easily accessible makes these readers a great gift for any graduate.
“The Naked Roommate” by Harlan Cohen
Don’t send your student off to college without a copy of this book. It is practical, down-to-earth advice on everything your teen will need to know about college roommates, sex, relationships and college life. With real-life experiences and advice from Harlan, other college students and college professionals, your teen will be prepared for just about any circumstance that arises.
College Toolbox
When I sent my daughter off to college, I gave her a toolbox with basic tools: hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, picture hanging hardware, duct tape, nails, hooks, and the like. You can’t go wrong with this necessity item. Follow this nifty link to build your own toolbox at the price point you prefer.
Instructive Laundry Bag
Laundry: every college student’s nightmare. Most of them have never done a load of laundry before leaving home. This laundry bag from DormBuys.com provides them with detailed instructions on how to sort, wash and care for their laundry.
SlouchBack
The SlouchBack is a must have accessory for college dorm life! With the SlouchBack, there's no need to buy an expensive, awkward-sized couch that will only clutter an already-too-small dorm room. With just the simple flip of a switch, the SlouchBack dorm furniture inflates and allows you to turn a regular bed into a comfortable and stylish dorm couch, creating additional dorm room seating and more work and leisure space at a fraction of the price of new furniture. Then it deflates easily and can be stored when not in use.
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