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.

 

 

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