Just because your child has grown up and gone off to college doesn't mean he or she doesn't still love practical and whimsical little gifts. Here's a list of cool stuff to stock that stocking.
1. Holiday Underwear
Courtesy American Eagle 2009
Sure, it's silly, but college kids always need underwear - the more underwear you have, the less laundry desperation, right? And American Eagle, Victoria's Secret and other stores popular with teens churn out amusingly patterned boxer shorts for young men and women. This particular, holiday light-festooned pair hails from American Eagle and runs $12.50 a pair. Plus, it glows in the dark.
2. Thumb drives by the 3-pack
Dell
Whether they're dashing off to the library to print an essay or backing up copies of a lose-it-and-die senior thesis, thumb drives are an indispensable part of college life. Buy them by the 3-pack in impossible-to-lose hues - bright pink or red, anyone? - from Dell and other manufacturers. ($29.99)
3. Lip gloss and makeup palettes
Sephora
Add a little low cost, luxurious pampering via a makeup palette, such as this Sephora Harmon 3 lip gloss set, which includes six shimmery shades. ($12)
4. Cozy lounge socks
Karen Neuburger Socks
Chenille socks make studying that much cozier, always a help in the far-from-home environment of a dorm. Karen Neuburger’s chenille socks include pastels, argyles and Fair Isle patterns, as well as more manly shades. ($8.95-$15)
5. Rubber duckies & college memorabilia
UCSB
Whether it's a UCSB rubber ducky or a University of Kentucky keychain, campus bookstores boast more than a few college-themed tchotchkes. Check out the possibilities when you're on campus during family weekend or order them online.
6. iTunes gift card
iTunes
Some gift cards never get used, but an iTunes card - available in denominations from $5-$50 - will keep your teen or college student's iPod fully stocked. Of course, iPods make good gifts too...
7. Beanies & scarves
University of California
Winter's on its way. Best to keep the old (or young) bean warm with a beanie. Get a soft knitted beanie or scarf emblazoned with the school logo or college colors. ($13 and up)
8. Albert Einstein action figure
American Science & Surplus
Intellectual inspiration? Dorm decor? Or just plain silly? Whatever you want to call it, an Albert Einstein - or William Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci or Wolfgang Mozart - action figure is perfect stocking fodder. ($6 and up)
9. Dr. Freud's Therapy Ball
Office Playground
Remember those Magic 8 balls? Let Dr. Freud's therapy ball answer those stress-filled questions - "Doctor, how will I do on my midterm?" - with non-committal replies, such as "Hmmm, how does that make you feel?" Also good: a Slinky, a Koosh ball or other de-stressing desk-top toy.
10. Ninja Adhesive Bandages
Courtesy Accoutrements
It's a wild world out there. But now, when your teen gets hurt, he can fight the battle against infection and painful owies by harnessing the power of the ninja warrior. Or his bandaids, anyway. $4 and up. (Also available in Hello Kitty, cupcake, pirate and bacon strip versions.)
