^^^^ This. Cash is the best. People might prefer ideas about “things” because what they truly can afford to give would look stingy in a check. But heck cash is cash. When the student gets to college and finds out what really is needed (textbooks?? notebooks?? paintbrushes?? theatrical makeup?? dressmaker’s shears?? lunch?? just to mention items that Happykid ended up needing) cash will make the difference.
Less is more in the dorm. One of my kids took very little and liked it that way. She had her own room in a suite and it was always neat and tidy. The other girls had mountains of stuff and it was ridiculous. Other daughter took way too many blankets and clothes. Brought them all home never to return. By her senior year, she had one duffel bag of belongings at school. She started with a fridge, Keurig (never used), alarm clock, desk lamp. All sat for a year and now I’m using them.
I think with next year being so iffy - will they have to bug out? will she have to move rooms if someone gets sick? will they be logging on to classes? - I’d try to be a minimalist. Tell relatives you just don’t know yet what she’ll need and nudge them to cash or gift cards. You might even suggest they wait until the fall to see what she needs and then send a tin of popcorn from the Popcorn Factory, or a box of snacks from Amazon.
@twoinanddone - That is an excellent reminder for those hoping to be on campus in fall. Be a minimalist with dorm stuff to maximize quick and easy dorm vacating.
Study campus map and Decide how student will get to classes. Walk? Bicycle? Campus Bus system? Car?
Then figure how how inclement weather will affect student and purchase appropriate clothing, boots, etc to equip them.
Bike locks—buy the highest quality as this is your best defense against theft. And buy a bike that is reliable but not flashy. You want thieves to ignore your older, used bike.
Bike Helmet—remember your child will most likely interact with cars as they ride to class.
Most forgotten item in this category is a waterproof cover for backpack.
My S needed to pay attention to what kind of long pants he wore when riding his bike, as the pant legs could get caught up in the chains.
Personally I think money is great…hard to suggest that though!
Some towns sell gift cards that are good at many eating places in town (I found out about this from a friend, she bought one for someone who will attend VA Tech). Another idea is to find a restaurant close to the school that is popular with the students and buy a gift card. Same friend did that for S and he loved it.
In general, I think restaurant/coffee shop gift cards are a good idea but because of the pandemic I’d be worried about places staying in business.
Gift card for the campus bookstore?
Please let gift givers know if your D plans to be more than a car ride away from college. My D wants to go out of state, so not wanting to bring a bunch of “stuff” with her since she will probably be going by plane.
If the dorm is not air-conditioned, a fan can be really valuable for the first several weeks of the fall semester.
Just got back from moving D18 out- we had a foldable cart/dolly. A lot of schools will help with big bins to move in, but offer no help to move out. Found it at Target.
I vote for cash. It can be used to buy what the student needs. Duplicates of cash will be welcome…not so much so with most other gifts. ?
Cash is king. My D19 just got a significant check from her Grandma for her 21st and was plenty happy.
I know some people think cash/check is too impersonal so as a substitute a Starbucks or Dunkin gift card works well also. A gift card to a pizza joint would be appreciated as well.
Lastly BestBuy gift cards could offset the purchase of a new laptop.