Do you remember when you were in college and you wished your parents gave you more money for books, food, and what-not? Do you remember how hard it was to work part-time at the bar nearby and see your classmates enjoying the beers that you served? While such an experience has taught you to be more frugal and wise in money and in life, it’ll feel great for college students these days to have a break from financial struggles, right?
If you have a child, niece, or nephew who is celebrating his or her birthday soon, perhaps it’s time to think of a gift for them now. They’re probably oversaturated with pizza and beer, so why not give them something they can actually use this time? Here are five smart birthday gift ideas that they may like to get.
Computer
You only had typewriters for your thesis when you were in college in the 80s, but now your kids need a laptop or desktop computer for his or her homework. If you know a college student who has yet to have his or her own computer, why not give one as a birthday surprise? It’ll be a great help to their studies. It’ll allow them to do their homework at the dorm instead of at the library, where other students may be using the free computers, too.
Smartphone
The recent advances in mobile phone technology can make your ancestors jealous, and while these smartphones can be expensive to buy, giving one as a birthday gift to your college student can be a pleasant surprise. If your son or daughter is on the college dean’s list last semester, the latest smartphone can also double as a birthday gift and reward.
Books
If you’ve been to college yourself, you probably understand how expensive school books can be. During a casual conversation, ask a college student you know of the books he or she needs this semester and give one or two of those as a birthday gift. Giving them your favorite fiction novel is also a great idea. It’s like teaching them your own values, but through a paperback. They’ll appreciate this gesture especially if they love reading, too.
New Clothes
Most college students are clueless when it comes to laundry and fixing a wardrobe, so giving them new clothes for their birthday is also a good idea. Take them shopping and buy them shirts, a jacket, and even casual shoes for daily wear. If you want to give them something extra special, you can also buy them a formal dress or a suit that they can use for thesis presentation or a future job interview.
Subscription to a Magazine or Journal
While the internet answers most college students’ questions these days, it’s also an awesome idea to expose the younger generation to traditional research. You can give them a subscription to a scholastic magazine or journal as a gift. They can use these as references to their research or thesis, and it gives them an edge against their fellow students who only rely on search engines for homework.
Any college student will appreciate receiving these gifts from you.
