10 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for College Students in 2024

Finding the perfect gift for a college student can be tricky. They're in a phase of life where both personal and academic life are equally important, and juggling both can be challenging. 

Whether they’re moving into a dorm, managing their workload, or just trying to survive on ramen noodles, the right gift can make their lives a whole lot easier—or simply bring a smile to their faces. 

So, in this blog, we will be sharing top 10 thoughtful gift ideas for college students in 2024 that balance functionality, entertainment, and a touch of creativity. Keep on reading.

Ways Broke College Students Can Travel

Studying at a college is a very special period of life. It’s about living away from home, making new friends, fulfilling learning tasks different from those at high school, and of course, doing a part-time job.  And though so many young people are eager to see more of their country and the world, few of them can afford to travel. Really, where can you get money for traveling from, if you study due to the student loan and support yourself doing a part-time job? But blogger John Brix from cheap article writing service claims that some possibilities for traveling having little money do exist.

Online Classes: Are they right for you?

Whether you're about to graduate and are thinking about further education for the first time, or have been in a career for some time now and would still like to further your education there is more than one option. Some may choose to follow the path of college courses at a traditional college campus while others will choose to further their education online. You may feel overwhelmed by the different options, but if you take a little time and think about these few aspects it might be an easier choice than you think.

It's time to start Back to School Shopping!

For us back to school is under a month away and that means we are in full back to school shopping mode. My daughter already has her backpack and a few basic essentials already packed inside. And as of this morning she's been officially registered for the eighth grade! Talk about a nervous mamma heading into my daughter's last year of middle school. For those of you out there that have some back to school (from grade school to college) shopping to do here are some great products I've found that are sure to be a hit.

Game Day ready with The Northwest

With my New England Patriots plush blanket and backpack in hand from The Northwest I'm ready for the fall weather and for those outside games. One thing about back to school that always comes to mind once September hits is that the temperatures are going to start dropping and those once pleasant outdoor games are going to start getting chilly. With several kids in our family playing various sports this year I know my new Patriots blanket and backpack will be getting lots of use. The backpack has lots of pockets both inside and out so there's plenty of places to tuck snacks and anything else we might want to take along with us, beside the blanket of course. And with it's generous size I can even use it during off season for outings to the park. This set is perfect for elementary through high school games. However, if you're heading to a college game you might want to consider one of their "Clear Zone" Stadium Friendly Totes instead to help move through security faster.

New England Patriots NFL "Jersey" Raschel Throw
The Officially licensed NFL “Jersey” Raschel Throw by The Northwest Company is the perfect accessory for any fan to show off who they’re rooting for! Add a pop to any room with this jersey-style throw that looks just like your favorite football teams on-field jerseys! This 50”x 60” NFL jersey inspired throw is extremely warm and very comfortable. These throws are known for their bright and bold colors that won’t fade after multiple machine washes. Stay true to your NFL pride with this 100% Polyester throw.

New England Patriots NFL "Alliance" Backpack

For easy storage and classic style, grab this Officially Licensed NFL "Alliance" Backpack by The Northwest Company. Dominate the day and stay on track with this backpack. The Alliance features sleek and classic style, with an added water resistant bonus. This bag is versatile enough to transition through middle and high school. 

Features:

• Screen Printed NFL team logo on Reverse PVC.

• Interior padded laptop compartment; 

• Organizational pockets

• Air-mesh padding

• Measures 19"H x 7"D x 12"W

• Made of Reversed Polyester Construction. Spot clean only.

In case your wondering the backpack photo actually shows how it would look with the plush blanket inside. It fits perfectly, with extra room to spare!

This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received product to share my honest and unbiased thoughts. However, all thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brand.

SentrySafe Digital Security Safe

The SentrySafe Digital Security Safe is the ideal first safe for a college dorm room or apartment. With back to school in full swing this is the perfect gift for any first time (or returning) college student. It's the perfect place for those valuables that students just aren't ready to leave laying around roommates yet. Or for any of us that don't want to leave out at home when we are away. I know we like to keep things locked up when we are away on vacation just to be safe. You never know who is watching your house to see when you're gone for extended periods of time, and it doesn't hurt to play it safe these days. And with the SentrySafe Digital Security Safe you can do just that.

SentrySafe Digital Security Safe comes complete with carpeted floor and an optional use bolt down kit. You can set your own combination with the digital lock and the override keys included ensure you will always have access to valuables. The electronic safe has two live-locking bolts, steel construction, pry-resistant door, and bolt down hardware to help prevent unauthorized entry or removal of your personal safe. It's California DOJ certified for handgun storage.

Dimensions: Exterior: 7.1" H x 16.9" W x 14.6" D; Interior: 6.9" H x 16.8" W x 11.6" D

Buy it: You can purchase the SentrySafe Digital Security Safe on Amazon.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I may have received monetary compensation and/or product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. However, all thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Post-College Survival Kit from GourmetGiftBaskets.com

Looking for a fun gift for someone graduating from college this year? Or from high school for that matter heading off to college even. This Post-College Survival Kit from GourmetGiftBaskets.com is a great choice. It's filled with lots of things any student, or post-student would love. My son is graduating from high school later this month and I know he was really excited when he saw the goodies inside the box. He told me I could send him a box like this anytime. GourmetGiftBaskets.com has a wide selection of graduation gift baskets in all price ranges so there's something for every budget. They even have healthy fruit baskets if sweets and treats aren't your thing.

Contents:
Peanut M&Ms by Mars - 1.69 oz.
Cheez-Its by Sunshine - 3 oz.
Easy Mac and Cheese Dinner by Kraft - 2.05 oz.
Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies by Nabisco - 1.4 oz.
Light Butter Microwave Popcorn by Act II - single bag
Cup of Noodles by Nissan - 2.25 oz.
Pepperoni Pizza Combos by Mars - 1.80 oz.
Mike and Ike Original Fruits by Just Born - 5 oz.
Sweet Onion Kettlecorn by KingOfPOP.com - 1.8 oz.
Strawberry Nutrigrain Bar by Kellogg's - 1.3 oz.
Skittles by Wrigley - 2.17 oz.
Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzel Pieces by Harvey's Pretzels - 4 oz.
Chichester Snack Mix by Merrimack Valley Snack Company - 2 oz.
Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Kettlecorn - 4 oz.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I may have received monetary compensation and/or product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. However, all thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

The Northwest Company for Dads & Grads

Whether you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift or are already starting to think about sending one of your kiddos off to college The Northwest Company has a great selection to choose from for any sports fan. My husband and son are both big time Patriots fans so they will both be excited about receiving their surprises.

For Father’s Day my hubby will be getting this super soft fleece throw. It’s 50″ x 60″ so it’s plenty big enough for him to use while watching the game this fall. It’s 100% polyester so it’s nice and soft, and it’s machine washable so no worries if it gets food splatters on it. I really like that it’s a lightweight fleece vs. the thick plush fleece because it can be used pretty much year round.

For my son that’s graduating from school here in a few weeks I received this awesome bath towel and foam bath mat. They will be the perfect addition to his bathroom and both sport his favorite team so he will love them. The bath towel is 25”x 50” and features an applique of the Patriot’s logo. I like that the applique isn’t super big so it won’t be scratchy when he’s toweling off. The bath mat has a “worn out” look to it which is fitting for a teenagers bathroom if you ask me. It’s 100% polyester and is filled with foam so it’s super soft when you step on it. Let me tell you it was really tempting to keep it for myself it felt so soft and smooth.

About The Northwest Company:
The Northwest Company is the leader in Branded Home Textiles. As the number one throw manufacturer in the United States, Northwest continuously produces New, Innovative and Exciting products for the majority of the worlds’ most recognized and loved Brands in Sports, Entertainment and Lifestyle. In addition, we carry a full line of Northwest Original designs. The Northwest Company operates as an Environmentally friendly and Socially conscious company. We utilize solar and water based energy sources, and along with other measures, we have banned the use of plastics in food service in our facilities. “Northwest Cares” We take tremendous pride in that we donate 10% or more of our profit every year to over 150 recognized charitable organizations. Northwest also donates over 100,000 blankets per year.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I may have received monetary compensation and/or product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. However, all thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Time to plan with the Kaplan Test Prep #JourneytoCollege Program @SheSpeaksUp

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Kaplan Test Prep. I received compensation to write this post, and any opinions expressed are my own, and reflect my actual experience.

My son just started his freshman year of high school and my head is already spinning trying to figure out what the next step is on his journey to college. I know they talk to the kids at school, but that information doesn't always make it home to mom and dad. And well, I'm sure if you're a parent you know if it does make it home it might not be all of the information in it's original form. So as you can imagine when I heard about the Kaplan Test Prep Program and that it had a simple month-to-month KapMap to follow I was pretty excited. It gives you a break down for each month of all of their high school years. Now this is perfect for me. I like to take things slow, but don't want to get off track when things happen too slowly.

It breaks it down like this:

• When to apply
• Why test prep matters
• How to apply for financial aid
• What to consider when choosing a college

Things have changed a lot since I was in college and it all can be just a little be overwhelming.But thanks to Kaplan and their KapMap I feel like I have a better grip on my son's college planning.

If you have a child entering high school this year, or even next year and are prepping for college I highly suggest sitting down and discussing their future plans with them. Then take a few minutes to download your own KapMap and starting making their college plan now.

Try it for yourself!
Right now through August 28th, you can save $100 when you enroll in a Kaplan SAT and ACT course using code: SHESPEAKS100

You can connect with Kaplan on Facebook and Twitter.

Concerned Parenting: Online Classes for College Credit-Yay or Nay?

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova from Pexels

High school students who are about to graduate and enter into college have a lot on their plates. Many of their friends might be moving away to different states for school, and your children are likely overwhelmed by all of the different options. One of the paths on which they may choose to travel is that of an online course. What are some of the benefits, disadvantages and considerations to keep in mind?

Wanna Go Back to School? How to Balance Work and Education As a Parent

Photo by Julia M Cameron from Pexels

Lately, many people are finding their employment prospects are dim. Fortunately, the unemployed still have a few paths to follow to improve their marketability. One path that many unemployed people choose is going back to school. Unfortunately, this prospect is difficult for a lot of people. Going back to school is especially hardest on working parents. Luckily, options exist for anyone who wants to go back to school. A working parent must be smart with their time, but it can be done. If you've found yourself wondering if you should take the plunge, then are five tips to balance your work and school schedule.

Sneaky Ways to Encourage Reluctant Kids to Go to College

While some parents are fine if their children decide to pursue a vocational career, others really want their youngsters to head to college after four years of high school. Essentially, no one can really be forced into attending college. But still, many ways exist for sneakily encouraging your teenagers to attend college. If you feel out of options, it'd be best to read on!