1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Young Adults

Stocking Stuffers for College Kids
Whimsical and practical little gifts for Christmas stockings and care packages

By , About.com Guide

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)
Compare Prices

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)
Compare Prices

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)
Compare Prices

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)
Compare Prices

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.
Compare Prices

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.)
Compare Prices
Explore Young Adults
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Family Tech Center

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Young Adults
  4. Family Life
  5. Stocking Stuffers for College Students>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.