A friend of mine is graduating college this month and I got her a jewelry box from Things Remembered that I had engraved with a quote and the graduation date.
I'd recommend money as well but, perhaps, in addition to that you might consider something that she would need for college living. When a friend of mine graduated high school I gave her a a shower caddy and filled it with stuff that you might not think you need in a college dorm but actually do. Such as the shower caddy - a small plastic basket with a handle. Very good for toting your toiletries to and from the bathroom. If she's like most girls she has shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shave gel, and probably moisturizer. Imagine carrying all of that back and forth between the room and the shower w/o a basket. You don't need an expensive one. Mine was bought at a dollar store. When the kids are getting their stuff for dorm life school supplies and bedding are what people concentrate on and the little things are often forgotten. They get there and realize they need these things and may not be able to buy them.
Suggestions of stuff to put in the caddy:
Garbage bags - it's much easier to carry the bag to the garbage room as opposed to the whole can
Light Bulbs - most schools will handle replace lightbulbs in the lamps that already in the room. But most students bring their own desk laps. So, replacing those bulbs are the responsibility of the student.
Rolls of quarters - laundry and vending machines.
Change purse/piggy bank - this isn't necessary but when I was in college I had one container for my quarters and another for my nickels/dimes. The washers/dryers only took quarters but the other change was okay for the vending machines.
A travel mug - a lot of schools offer students cheaper rates on drinks if they had their own mug.
Downy Wrinkle Releaser - you can get a travel-sized bottle at Walmart
Laundrey Detergent Tablets - I haven't seen them in a bit but if you can find them then get them. Much easier than having a large bottle of liquid or powder detergent. Won't make a mess if knocked over.
Air fresheners - don't get an overwhelming scent that could overpower a small room or bother a roommate. Scents like powder or linen should do just fine. A dollar store freshener usually lasted a whole semester.
If anyone can think of anything to add to this list then please do.
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
Updated On: 4/29/09 at 10:57 AM