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As I’m sure everyone knows, making holiday wishlists is much harder in college than any other time. It’s that awkward age where your parents don’t know what to get you, and you don’t know what you’re allowed to ask for. However, I hope this comprehensive list tailored to college students can get your gears turning for this year’s holiday season.
- Coffee Maker
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Living in a dorm, a coffee maker can make or break your experience. Being able to wake up and have coffee in your own dorm, without having to go to Frank or Coop (or the Women’s Studies Center), can lift you out of your morning blues. Additionally, although a pricey investment, coffee makers come in a large variety of sizes and prices so you can find one that fits your budget or spacing issues. This one from Keurig is my pick!
- Kindle
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Owning a kindle is one of the best investments I’ve made. Not only does it streamline your reading experience, it is light and easy to carry with you. It’s perfect for college, and even nonreaders appreciate it for being able to download class textbooks. It’s a great practical gift to take with you back to college.
- Travel Watercolor Painting Kit
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If you’re looking for a natural, or more crafty gift, a watercolor kit is an amazing stocking stuffer or small gift. They come with a variety of sizes and utilities, but it’s a great artsy gift if you have time to kill on winter break. It’s an easy, small-scale gift that can be found in most stores and is perfect for a last minute gift request.
- Skin care
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Skin care is another versatile gift that comes in a variety of prices and sizes. Even simple eyemasks make great stocking stuffers, or you could get more advanced and ask for moisturizers, cleansers, toners, or sunscreen. Either way, there’s something for everyone in skincare and it’s a very easy gift to procure.
- Speakers
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Not bringing a speaker was probably the worst decision I made in college. Speakers are so useful, even if you’re just playing music while you work or get ready in the morning. Someone’s speaker is always dead at the pre-game, so being the person prepared with a speaker could save lives. Additionally, I would recommend a waterproof speaker if you like to listen to music while you shower. This one is a staple I use all the time.
- Jewelry Organizer
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This one is great for anyone looking to save space on their dresser or desk. Even if you leave it at home, having a jewelry organizer is a great decoration for your room. But, if you take it to college, it can elevate your dorm experience and make your space more organized.
- Sweatshirts
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Upstate New York weather is not for the faint of heart. There are never too many sweatshirts in Hamilton. This is also a convenient and sustainable option because you will probably use the sweatshirts frequently as basics. I wear this sweatshirt all the time.
- Lego Flowers
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This is also another great gift that doubles as decoration. Not only is it fun to build the flowers, afterwards you put them on your nightstand or desk. Lego flower sets come in a variety of sizes and prices and it’s a fun activity to do over the holidays.
- Waterbottles
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“I have too many water bottles, I need to get rid of them,” said no one ever. Whether it’s Owalas, Stanleys, or Hydroflasks, water bottles are an amazing holiday present. They’re found everywhere (Target, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, etc.) and are useful to have in everyday life. Especially in college, where two water bottles vanish mysteriously every weekend, it never hurts to be prepared. I like this one the best!
- Sunset Lamp
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Sunset lamps are an amazing investment for college dorms. They improve the lighting so much, and there are some under fifteen dollars. A sunset lamp is a great resource to have if you want different lighting at nighttime or if you’re having friends over. They are cheap, portable, and easy for whoever is buying you gifts to find online. I highly recommend having at least one for every college dorm.