The Top Five Christmas Gifts for College Students

It is time to start thinking about what gift to give your college student for Christmas this year. Picking a Christmas gift can be challenging, as most kids really have everything they need. This is my list of the top five Christmas Holiday gift ideas for the college student. This list includes the kind of Christmas gift that the student would not get for themselves. These are gift ideas for things that they will really use, appreciate, and be glad to receive as a gift this Holiday.

Overstock.com lists nifty real Swiss Army knives that come with a built in mini light. They have three different models, ranging in price from $16.99 to $35.99, depending upon how many 'tools' come with each model. Whichever model you choose, this Holiday gift will be sure to please. Everyone eventually needs the use of a pocket knife, and the light can really come in handy in a darkened room. Hurry on this one, as these tend to sell out quickly.

Everybody likes candles, right? Well everybody except the State Fire Marshall. We all know candles are forbidden in dorms, (as they should be!) but this Christmas gift does make a perfect replacement. Called the Sun Jar, this jar is a spitting image of a traditional mason jar. However, it is in fact a solar charged LED light. Leave it on the window sill during the day, and voila! This is the closest you will come to recreating the warm glow of a candle in your student's room. Available for $45.00 at Urban Outfitters.

Self portraits and self portrait style pictures often come out, well, rather badly. It is so obvious when someone snaps an image of themselves or a couple, as you can always see the edge of the arm holding the camera at length. This gadget attaches to the camera where a tripod normally attaches. It is a wand that you hold. So taking that self portrait for Mom and Dad is easy, and looks good! Check out this creative Holiday gift for $21.95 at Gifts.com.

Your student probably has a laptop. Most college students prefer the laptop style computer: some universities require them. Have you heard your student complain about the speakers in most laptops? Problem solved with this nifty clip on speaker system. No batteries needed, as it is powered via a USB port on the laptop. It clips to the top of the screen, and will not interfere with the webcam. This idea might just be the perfect gift this Christmas. $39.95 at Brookstone.

One final idea: Socks and a Holiday gift card. This sounds simple, but for Christmas this year why don't you buy a bag of socks that your student likes to wear? Everyone needs socks! And to spice up the gift, purchase a Christmas gift card for your student as well. You can get creative and slip the card into the bag, so they will see it before they open the bag. Any card will do, just as long as the card can be redeemed at a store or restaurant that is both a favorite of your student and easily accessible by them when they are at school.

Have fun picking your college student's Christmas gift this year. Remember, find them something they would not get for themselves, but something they will enjoy and use all semester.