A Practical Guide to Buying Gifts for College Students

Author's Note-I apologize in advance for the size of this guide. It is quite large as I hope to make a detailed and useful list.

Time and time again I see gift buying guides for college students that are okay, but lacking in what is really necessary for a college student. Nearing my senior year at University, I have amassed a list of objects that every college student needs
A complete tool kit.

It doesn't matter if the student is male or female, they will absolutely need this. Be sure to purchase a complete tool kit. By complete, I mean it must be a full-sized, good quality tool set with a durable and compact case. The kit should include something akin to the list below:

Screw drivers
Hammer
Some screws, nails, and tacks
Small squares of varying grain sandpaper
Wrenches [crescent wrench, pipe wrench, etc.]
Pliers, both adjustable and needle nose.
Wire cutters
A small hacksaw blade and a collapsible hack saw
Small socket set
Small power screwdriver
Flashlight
Utility knife

Duct tape and Wiring tape

Duct tape really does hold the world together, and is one of the most useful things to be found in a college dorm. I've seen duct tape used for tons of things the average person would never think of. Not convinced this is necessary? Here's a list of things that duct tape has been used for:

Repair broken toilet seat
Make slippers and other apparel
Patch holes in drywall
Hold broken refrigerator door shut
Reattach loose car fender
Repair the torn bottom of blown backpacks
Repair books after they've been used as Frisbee's
Hang Christmas lights
Hold that spring down in the broken lounge couch

This is just a small list. Duct tape is necessary. Also, writing tape is just as useful. It can be removed from temporary surfaces without the same damaging effects of duct tape, and can come in many different colors.

A Quarter Peanut Machine

Yes, a quarter peanut machine. College students are poor. However, they do tend to have change. Filling a quarter gumball machine with peanuts and rolling it into the hallway at strategic times can be quite profitable.

Pre-paid Credit Cards