Well, of course, your college kid wants the latest iPhone, plasma screen and Prius. But here's a round-up of great gifts for the holidays, birthdays or any other occasion - guaranteed to please the college crowd, without breaking the bank, and newly updated for 2009. Give them singly, or pair them up for added oomph. And yes, of course we included accessories for the Apple toys they already have... Ho ho ho!
1. iTunes Cards for iPhone Apps
iTunes gift cards are a guaranteed teen pleaser, but if your teen is toting an iPhone, these gift cards can be used to buy applications for that too - games, crossword puzzles and all sorts of educational apps. Got a musician? There's a tuner application so his A resounds at a perfect 440, an app to coach him through musical scales and a virtual guitar that lets him practice his fretwork anywhere, anytime. Pack the gift card in a CD jewel case with a note suggesting ways to spend the loot. (iTunes gift cards $15 and up; Apple apps less than a buck.)
2. Harry Potter, Wizard Wrock & More
Got a "Harry Potter" fan? Most older teens and college kids grew up on J.K. Rowling's famous series. They've read the books and seen the movies. But there's more fun to be had, from audio books for that big road trip to wizard wrock, museum tickets and Hogwarts-related books. Here's a complete guide to gift giving for that Harry Potter fan.
3. College Beanies & Scarves
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 your child's high school or college logo or college colors. ($13 and up)
4. Quelf & Other Board Games
Parcheesi may have entertained our grandparents, but board games are enjoying an enormous resurgence, thanks to games such as Apples to Apples, Tiki Topple and the very random, very hilarious Quelf. Players quickly find themselves dodging fictitious bees, rapping about tomato soup and doing other funny tasks. Easy to learn and quick to draw a crowd, Quelf is a guaranteed dorm pleaser, but it's not the only one. For more ideas, check out this "Great Dorm Board Games" list too.
5. "New Moon" & "Twilight" Books, CDs & More
Whether they're Edward fans or members of Team Jacob, most female teens and 20somethings have read - nay, devoured - Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series. They've scrutinized every paparazzi-fueled Twilight-tidbit, and seen the first movie several times. So here's a complete guide to other gift ideas for the Twilight fan, from soundtracks to movie tickets and companion books.
6. "Star Trek" & Other DVDs
The USS Enterprise, a curmudgeonly widower and his balloon-fueled adventures, dysfunctional South Philly bar owners who get into unbelievably cringe-worthy trouble - there's a DVD tale out there for everyone. Among the possibilities in our DVD Gift Guide for Teens & 20Somethings: "Star Trek," "Up," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and more.
8. Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee Maker
This little 3-cup French press coffee maker is the lowest tech thing imaginable. Pour in the coarse ground coffee beans, add hot water and let steep 4 minutes. Push down the plunger and pour. No plug, no electricity. It's the perfect thing for caffeinating your favorite college student, especially if small appliances like electric coffeemakers are on the dorm taboo list. ($20 and up)
9. Fleece Blanket with University Logo
Pick up a cozy fleece blanket with the university logo at the campus bookstore (or order it online) to keep your college student warm and comfy through the chilly winter months. ($24 and up)
10. Looking for more ideas?
Check out 89 more holiday gift ideas for college kids and 20somethings too.












