10
great gifts for college students | | By Casey
Nitsch • Bankrate.com |
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Whether you are a college student yourself or shopping
for someone currently in school, getting a special gift this season
without breaking the bank might seem almost impossible. Dorm life
presents a unique challenge as well, since both time and space in
which to enjoy a gift are limited.
Here are 10 easy-to-find and gentle-on-the wallet
items sure to enrich college life for your loved one without adding
to the clutter.
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| 10 great gifts for college students: | |
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1.
Rain boots
One of the hottest and most useful trends of the season is a pair
of rain boots that should be on every college girl's wish list.
Totally waterproof rubber exteriors provide an affordable and worry-free
alternative to maintaining suede or leather against the elements.
These boots come in an array of bold colors and patterns that will
brighten the grayest days on campus this winter. In addition to
being both fashionable and practical, these boots are easily affordable.
Target carries a wide selection of styles, such as the attractive
Cabana multi-stripe boot, for just under $20. Additional styles
can be viewed online at target.com.
2.
iPod dock
One of the most popular items of the season is the iPod dock, which
is available from a multitude of manufacturers in all shapes, sizes
and styles. These docks come with speakers far superior to those
in laptops, which most students would otherwise use to project their
music. Unfortunately, some models can cost several hundred dollars;
but the iBlaster orb, which adapts to any version of the iPod and
also acts as a charger, sells for just under $50. The orb comes
in seven different colors and is available at Bed
Bath & Beyond.
3.
Comfort pillows
Whether finals have just ended or are right around the corner, nothing
will be higher on your college student's list than a little rest
and relaxation over the holiday break. Give the gift of sleep this
season and for semesters to come with a comfort pillow, such as
a NAP Travel Pillow or Quick NAP pillow from Brookstone.
The NAP line provides an alternative to the better-known Tempur-Pedic
pillows featured in the same store, with comparable comfort at a
much lower price. The smaller pillows in the NAP line range from
$10 to $35 and are available in wedge or U-shaped styles for better
sleep at home or on the road.
4.
Portable electronics charger
Few college students will leave campus without their cell phones
or laptops. Unfortunately, chargers for one or both often get left
behind. The Jump-Start DC Power Plus, available for about $40 from
Sharper Image,
will eliminate the inconvenience of dead batteries in these and
other portable electronic devices. Its single nickel-cadmium battery
packs enough power to jump-start a car in minutes and run the item's
built-in flashlight. At 10 inches long and weighing only 2 pounds,
the Power Plus fits easily in a backpack or shoulder bag and is
small enough that a student can take it anywhere it might come in
handy.
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