10 Christmas Gift Ideas For College Students

If you’re looking for a gift idea for a son or daughter in college or your college girlfriend, check out this list of 10 Christmas gift ideas for college students. And no, there’s nothing suggesting that you should fork over one thousand dollars for a trip to Europe like so many other lists recommend.

1. Cell phone with contract. You don’t have to shell out for a brand new iPhone, but you could get a lower end Android phone with a contract. Most college students already have cell phones, but if the one in your life doesn’t have one or needs an upgrade, this is a great college student gift idea.
2. ITunes gift card. You can’t always get out of supporting Apple. College students love music, games and applications, so they’ll love you to death for getting them a $15 iTunes gift card to spend however they please at the Apple store.
3. Gas money. If your college student is not a freshman, then they likely have their own car. And of course, they always need gas to keep it topped off. Giving them gas money, either in the form of cash or in a gift card, is always a hit.
4. Starbucks gift card. College students have a thing for caffeine highs. Well, it’s better than drug highs, so keep them busy with their coffee rather than their “coke” by giving them a Starbucks gift card.
5. Case of energy drinks. One of the best Christmas gift ideas for college students is a case of their favorite energy drink. Since not all college students dig the coffee taste, get them a case or selection of Amp, Monster, Venom, Rock Star or Red Bull.
6. Brand name underwear. College girls of any age love Victoria’s Secret, especially their “Pink” line. And for the guys, get American Eagle or Jockey. Just don’t get them embarrassing boxers.
7. Sweatshirt from their favorite store. You might not be thrilled about being a walking advertisement for a department store, but chances are, your college student friend doesn’t mind a bit. Find out what their favorite clothing store is (such as Aeropostale, American Eagle, Hollister or Abercrombie and Fitch) and purchase a sweatshirt bearing the emblem.
8. Sphere chair or butterfly chair. Not all dorm rooms are big enough to accommodate big sofa beds with tons of pillows. This leaves college students with few places to hang out. A great Christmas gift idea for college students is a sphere or butterfly chair that collapses when they’re not using it.
9. Movie tickets. The college student in your life probably doesn’t have a lot of money for entertainment. So help them out in that department with some theater tickets to a movie they want to see.
10. Restaurant gift card. College students love eating at restaurants like The Olive Garden, Chili’s and TGI Friday’s. Since these are typically out of their price range, give them the means for a special night out with a gift card to their favorite higher-end restaurant. That’s one of the best Christmas gift ideas for college students on this list.