2018 College Kids Back-to-School Gift Guide

My daughter is starting her second year at a lovely college, and we've learned quite a bit about what works for school -- and what doesn't. In fact, dorm packing checklists are just a few of the things you need to consider. Sometimes, it's just nice to get a few "extras" to warm up the dorm room or make things feel more home-like.

Here are some of our favorite items for taking to college this fall!

Avery Despicable Me School Supply Collection


Cute notebooks aren't just for little kids! Most college kids have an eye for pop culture, and Minions are still very popular with this age group. Avery's Despicable Me collection has an eye-popping assortment of folders, binders, tabs, and more to bring some color and charm to taking those physiology notes. These come in a variety of designs, including:

Two-pocket folders with 100-sheet capacity -- comes in a 6-pack set containing 2 each of three different designs and Glue Stic 6-packs




Big Tab Fashion Dividers, in a 5-tab set, available in two motifs


Durable View Fashion Binders with 1" Rings in five designs


All of these supplies are very durable and built to last two semesters at school! Get the full line from Amazon now!

Items from Jane.com


So, the great thing about Jane is that their offerings change daily. That means that things I love today, may be gone tomorrow. That said, there are a number of really cute things that kids need for their dorms that they have going on for very low prices at the moment. They include:









Since Jane's stuff changes quickly, if you see something you like -- act fast! I love their assortment, and -- if you can't find the right thing for your child's dorm -- gift cards make the perfect option, too.

Ecuadane Everywhere Blanket


When your dorm room needs warming up, there may be no more beautiful way to do it than with an Ecuadane blanket. These amazingly special items are made in a small family-owned facility in Ecuador, where the Otavaleno people have been weaving for generations.

Just look at the brilliant color and detail of these blankets...


Super soft and perfect for cuddling, but bold and design-focused enough to become the centerpiece of any dorm room, these are made from only high-recycled content material and capture the diverse beauty and tradition of an amazing culture.


These beautiful blankets are machine wash cold using Woolite only (so pack a bottle for your child -- or better yet, have them bring it home to wash.) Brushing the blanket keeps it looking vibrant and new.

$10 from the purchase of the Everywhere Blanket will be donated to Baca Ortiz Children's Hospital in Quito Ecuador for children in need.


Birchbox Subscription (3-month)


My kids love getting mail at college (who doesn't), but shipping items can be expensive. Let Birchbox handle all of the fulfillment of sending amazing bath, body, and beauty samples each month for just $10! Buying a $30 gift subscription will give you student 3 months of surprises, all customized for their beauty profile. 



I am a huge fan of Birchbox, so when my daughter asked about having her own subscription, I knew that it was a fantastically cheap and easy way to show that I cared. 

Limited Edition SoftSoap Body Wash


Forget bringing the same, old body wash to college. New opportunities deserve new showering experiences! The Softsoap line has two new amazing options for luxurious showers while at school, including the brightly-scented Coastal Sunrise (featuring Citrus Blossoms) and the refreshing Seaside Rush (which incorporates tones of Lily & Bergamot.)

These are super affordable, so pack two for your favorite college student! They are available for a limited time at Walmart. 


What fun items will you be sending your college student this fall? 

*Some samples received for review. Opinions are our own.

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