Back to School Gifts

As the last days of summer slowly come to an end, people everywhere are gearing up for the fall semester of school. Whether you’re enrolled in classes online, moving into a new apartment, or settling in at an on-campus college, check out these unique back-to-school gifts that will surely help anyone feel more at home.

1. Twirl & Scoop, Unite!

It’s no secret that many college-aged students opt for quick, delicious meals like Ramen’s Cup-o-Noodles. However, this delicious, almost-instant meal can be tricky to enjoy: do you twirl with a fork or do you scoop with a spoon? Why not both? Try eating this slimy yet satisfying meal easily with a stainless-steel spork. The spoon-like scoop plus tines of the fork make twirling and sipping this delicious snack even easier!

2. Maximum Chill, Miniature Size

If you’re prone to all-nighters full of endless energy drinks, can’t open your eyes without a Starbucks double shot, or find yourself having frequent must-have-Ben-and-Jerry’s cravings, you’re the perfect recipient of a mini fridge/freezer. These compact units are ideal for any room and can be easily stored under lofted beds or discretely underneath desks. Also, you can control the settings to either keep leftover pizza warm, or chill ‘soda’ and other beverages.


3. Shoot ‘em Up: Toy Marshmallow Shooter 

You’re never too old for toys. In fact, what’s better than a toy and a snack at the same time? This fantastic toy Marshmallow Shooter combines play time and snack time with its rapid-fire marshmallow shooting capabilities. The Shooter can easily fit up to 25 mini-marshmallows, or 20 foam cubes. Whether you’d like to give unsuspecting friends a treat or hone your aiming skills, the Marshmallow Shooter is the perfect, tasty gift!

4. A Foreman for Everyone

If your student is like most college-aged kids, their diet most likely consists of soda, late night take-out and other unhealthy, yet quick options. Give the gift of a lean, mean, grilling machine like this George Forman Grill. The Forman line of portable grills is guaranteed to reduce the fat on most products, and offers the added convenience of non-stick cooking. It’s small, portable and so easy to use; it’s perfect for anyone, and cooks just about anything from sandwiches to veggies.

 

5.      It’s Electric!

A cell phone charger, computer power cord, iHome and desk fan are just some of the appliances the average student has plugged in at any one time. In order to avoid shorting out appliances and potentially losing the unsaved draft of those last minute ten-page papers, invest in this expandable power strip.  The strip, which provides 6 sockets, can expand and contract, and has the ability to fit those annoying three-pronged plugs.

6.      Building Blocks

If your one of the millions of people with an iPod, you’ve probably purchased a white speaker system with changeable faceplates. Want something different? Even if you aren’t a Lego or Linking Logs devotee, these retro iPod block speakers are compact, sturdy and colorful. With these speakers, you’ll no longer worry about mixing up whose speakers are whose.  


7.      Conformity is the Spice of Life

When your mother told you being different was good, she lied. Well, no, she didn’t. Being different is great, especially when it comes to decorating your room. Motivational posters are ubiquitous and a thing of the past. Purchase an atypical poster like Conformity to decorate your walls; it’s a guaranteed conversation piece and potential hide-the-hole-in-the-wall cover.

 


8.      Say ‘So Long’ to the Sniff Test

We’ve all been there, done that: it’s early morning, your laundry is in heaps, and you can’t distinguish between your clean and dirty piles, so you sniff your clothes to determine its wear-ability. With these "Wash" and "Wear" laundry bags, you’ll not only stay organized, but also, no longer have to suffer through Psych 101 wearing last Saturday night’s shirt (again) by accident.

 

9. Delivery, Please

Does this mantra sound familiar: “If it’s not delivery, it’s not for me”? Then check out this handy take-out menu organizer. With enough space for 60 delivery menus, plus tabs for quick searches, this binder is ideal for the stay-at-home diner. This organizer also comes with a tip sheet, so you’ll never over or under-tip again.

 


10. Dolla, Dolla Bill, Ya'll

This gift hardly needs explaining: students, parents, kids…everyone loves, wants and needs money. But when students are focusing on their schoolwork and rarely have time for a part-time or weekend job, their spending is limited. So, when in doubt, offer to donate some dough on behalf of their studious cause. If you’re concerned about where cash will go, give gift cards to local pizzerias, the school bookstore, or a favorite clothing shop.

 
 
Are there more gifts you’d like to see on this list? Add a comment and let us know what you think!  

September 11, 2008 02:32 | E-mail | Comments (1) | Comment RSSRSS comment feed
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An Inconvenient Truth: Gore Calls for Complete Renewable Energy by 2018

Former Vice President Al Gore is urging Americans to abandon the use of electricity generated by fossil fuels within the next decade and rely solely upon "environmentally friendly sources of power, or risk losing their national security as well as their creature comforts." Gore recently gave a speech at an energy conference that reiterated the issues of Global Warming and Greenhouse emissions he made in his Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth as well as the potential risks national security faces should we continue using electricity as opposed to natural energy sources. His work to stop Global Warming, the former VP has also won a Nobel Prize.
July 17, 2008 08:50 | E-mail | Comments (0) | Comment RSSRSS comment feed
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Go Green - Gradually

As gasoline prices inch closer and closer to five dollars per gallon, you don’t need a degree in economics to see that the problem of Global Warming is on the forefront of everything these days: the current presidential campaigns, film and television, and most importantly, our minds. Though many are urging us to make the switch to hybrid cars and other energy-saving solutions, they can be costly and time consuming. StopGlobalWarming.org offers a list of energy-saving tips that are inexpensive and easy to adjust to. So, if you’re not quite ready to convert your car to run on surplus wine like Prince Charles, follow some of the tips listed below and do your part to help end Global Warming.

1. Unplug un-used electronics. Even when your stereo system is turned off, it still uses energy. By unplugging electronics, you can save over 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide and over $250 per year!

2. Plant a tree. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, making the air safe for us to breathe. Planting a tree can save up to 2,000 pounds of C02 each year.

3. Stop using plastic. According to StopGlobalWarming.org, approximately 2.5 million individual plastic bottles are thrown out every hour. Switching to reusable drinking containers is much more economical.

4. Let the breeze dry your clothes. Air drying your clothing during warm seasons can save you $75 dollars each year as well as saving the earth 700 lbs of C02.

5. Cut back on meat. The average American’s meat-loving diet adds close to 1.5 tons of greenhouse gases per year to the atmosphere, a lot more than the average vegetarian’s meat-free diet. Eliminate meat and dairy products from your personal nutritional regime at least one day a week and reduce the amount of gasses ruining the atmosphere.


July 14, 2008 02:27 | E-mail | Comments (0) | Comment RSSRSS comment feed
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Gas Prices Fueling Online Programs

It's no surprise that Americans all over the national are feeling the effects of prices at the pump. What many didn't expect was the sudden increase in enrollment in online programs. A recent study shows that more and more college students who live off-campus and commute are moving toward distance learning in order to save money. For some schools, student enrollment has increased by 50% or 100% compared to even just last year.
July 11, 2008 09:59 | E-mail | Comments (0) | Comment RSSRSS comment feed
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Beat the Heat: Keep it Cool Summer

Summer heat can be hard to handle, especially with energy bills rising and skyrocketing prices of gas and groceries. There’s no need to worry about blasting the air conditioning this summer with these simple solutions to surviving the sweltering temperatures.

1. Do it the old fashioned way. Your grandparents survived their younger years without air conditioning, so can you! Take a note out of their books and open the windows. Fresh air will circulate through the rooms of your home, bringing in the breezes.

2. Have a cold one: Make a picnic of chilled foods and sit in the shade to enjoy. Line the bottom of a cooler with ice packs and fill the remaining space with sorbet, fruit salad, and cold drinks.

3. No goggles required. Too busy for the beach or pool? Take a cool shower or bath after work – it’s relaxing, saves on hot water and beats having to drive to the ocean or community pool for a dip.

4. Pass the popcorn, please! Go to the movies! With all of the summer movies coming out this month, why not sneak off to a darkened movie theater for a few hours. Grab your MilkDuds and popcorn and kick back in a chilly theater and watch this season’s coolest super heroes tear up the big screen.


July 10, 2008 03:07 | E-mail | Comments (0) | Comment RSSRSS comment feed
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Cow Methane: Then a SNL Skit, Now a Reality

We've all seen the Saturday Night Live skit regarding Bessie the Cow and methane. Researchers from Buenos Aires are conducting a similar study involving the amount of methane released from cow burps and their effect on the environment. Of the 10 cows studied, researchers found that an average cow weighing 1,210 lb could produce 800 to 1,000 liters (28 to 35 cubic feet) of emissions each day!
July 9, 2008 07:32 | E-mail | Comments (0) | Comment RSSRSS comment feed
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Reasons to Be Happy about Higher Gas Prices

Is it possible to find reason to be happy gas prices are rising? One reporter thinks so. Amanda Ripley for Time Magazine has given readers a list of 10 reasons to appreciate higher gas prices. Most of them actually make sense. Take a look and tell us what you think.
July 3, 2008 03:26 | E-mail | Comments (0) | Comment RSSRSS comment feed
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Phones Powered by....Feet?

These unique phone call stations are powered by renewable energy created by constant pedaling. It's environment-friendly and healthy!
July 2, 2008 10:53 | E-mail | Comments (0) | Comment RSSRSS comment feed
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Royal Household Goes Green

The 2008 Annual Review of Prince Charles's household reveals that he has reduced his carbon footprint by an astonishing 18% over the last year! The review, which documents his income and activities over the year, has noted that Charles has had all of his cars converted to run on biofuels, namely surplus wine! This is just one of the many ways the famous prince is trying to do his part in he face of the increasing global environmental issues. Find out what you can do to help stop Global Warming.
July 1, 2008 07:48 | E-mail | Comments (0) | Comment RSSRSS comment feed
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