It’s amazing to me that the little tiny babies that I used to sit and read to are growing up so quickly. Several of them are in college and one has graduated! It can’t be that I am getting older so it must only be them, right? I am sure that I am not the only one with family heading back to school after the holidays so I thought I’d share a list of some non traditional back to college gift ideas. None of them are expensive and they offer a slightly different take on what you might give. I was sent some of the products below at no charge but that did not effect my opinions.
ALL PURCHASE LINKS ARE AFFILIATE LINKS WHICH MEANS IF YOU BUY ANYTHING THROUGH THEM I WILL RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION (AT NO EXTRA CHARGE TO YOU)
5 Non Traditional Back to College Gift Ideas
There are some gifts that always go back to school with the kids; laptops, money, snacks for the room, money – do you sense a theme here? I can remember that far back and I know how much money college kids needs. But sometimes an out of the box gift is just what someone needs even if they don’t realize it.
You might not consider toothpaste a gift but My Magic Mud toothpaste is not just any kind of tooth cleaner. I’ve been using this product for a couple of weeks now and I have to say I’m really happy with it. We were already using a natural, clay based toothpaste so trying this was not as drastic a change as it would be for someone using a commercial product.
These types of toothpastes don’t foam up like you might be used to but that doesn’t mean they aren’t doing the job. My Magic Mud is also pitch black which is a little disconcerting at first, especially when you look at yourself in the mirror while brushing. BUT, the wintergreen flavor is really awesome and my teeth are really clean. The both of us have been very pleased with this toothpaste.
Get it in Writing
I recognize that we live in an electronic world. That does not mean that the pen and paper should be totally eliminated from our lives. Everyone needs a quality pen and if you ask me there is no better way to write than with a fountain pen. It’s very smooth and doesn’t put a lot of strain on your hand. I have my gold Cross fountain pen that my father gave me when I was in high school – it still works, and I still use it.
I wrote about the beautiful daily diary from the Royal Horticultural Society earlier this year. You can look back to that post to see some of the beautiful illustrations in the book. While I recognize that almost everyone has an electronic calendar, there is something to be said for having a paper journal. Even if you don’t keep your appointments in it you can write daily observations. What a wonderful gift for your college student. Pair the pen and the book and suggest they take just five minutes a day to jot down whatever memorable happened or a thought for the day. It would be a delightful record for their year at school.
Be Contained
Is that not the happiest looking pencil box you have ever seen? It is from Zip It and I must say that since I have had it I have smiled every time I have looked at it. Do not get locked in to thinking that this HAS to hold pencils! While it most certainly can, it can also be so many other things. That is what makes it so ideal as a non traditional back to college gift idea. Your student can turn it into a mini first aid kit. Or it can hold make up, or small toiletries for a trip. I am using mine to put in the car to hold little necessities. The uses for the box are only limited by your imagination. It is available in a number of different, colorful patterns.
And Yes, Snacks
OK, I couldn’t leave a story about college without some kind of snack. This is not a typical one though – chocolate covered espresso beans. Instead of downing multiple cups of coffee while cramming for tests your student can munch on delicious, crunchy candy. The hubby is about addicted to these. He eats them if he is going to be driving long distances. With a large, 5 pound bag like this your loved one will be set for quite some time.
Back to School
It’s never easy to say goodbye to your kids as they head back to college for another semester. I hope my little list of ideas presents you with some interesting non traditional back to college gift ideas. It won’t be long before they will all be out in the world, hopefully with good jobs. Won’t that be wonderful?
