What do college students want for the holidays?
It’s the holiday season, and we at Carthage know how difficult it can be to find the perfect gift for your student, so we did all the work for you! We asked Carthage students what is at the top of their lists this year and compiled the most desired gifts to help make shopping for the holidays easier.
Comfort
Sometimes, a college student’s life can become a little hectic, so taking the time to sit back and relax is a great way for them to take care of themselves. Nothing is better than cuddling under a cozy blanket after a long day of classes. Take a look at students’ suggestions for comfort items:
- Blankets/heated blankets
- Electric hand warmers
- Socks
- Snuggie
- Books
Apparel and accessories
No matter your age, everyone always appreciates a new shirt or pair of shoes, and Carthage students are no different — whether it is Carthage merch to show off their Firebird pride, professional clothes for upcoming job interviews, or just a piece of jewelry to look stylish. Check out some examples of apparel and accessories students want as gifts:
- Carthage merch
- Professional career clothes
- Workout clothes
- Winter jackets
- Sweatshirts
- Jeans
- Shoes
- Slippers
- Purses
- Jewelry
Adulting items
We all need a little help sometimes, and the holidays are the perfect way to give your student a leg up! Many Firebirds asked for specific items to help them navigate their daily lives. Here are some ideas:
- Rubber mats for a car
- Dentalpod/waterpick flosser
- Travel packing cubes
- Coffee maker
- Air fryer
Electronics
There is always room in a college student’s life for a new electronic device. Whether it is to help them with school or to keep up with the trends, plenty of Carthage students want the latest tech this holiday season. Take a look at some items they asked for:
- Alarm clock
- iPad
- Airpods
- Smartphone
- Laptop
- Apple watch
- Speaker
- Portable charger
- Headphones
- SD card or film for a camera
Self-care items
Sometimes, college students get so wrapped up in the flow of life that it becomes easy for them to forget to take care of themselves. Our Firebird students asked for items to help them take a step back from life and allow them to focus on their well-being. Check out self-care item ideas:
- Perfume/cologne
- Lotion
- Hair accessories
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Makeup
- Face masks
- Skin-care items
Miscellaneous
Carthage students provided so many great gift ideas that didn’t fit into a specific category, but that’s okay! If you didn’t find your student a perfect gift in the lists above, take a look at this one to see if you spot something worthy:
- Water bottle/Stanley cup
- Dorm room decor
- Painting and craft supplies
- Lunch box
- Student teaching materials
- Video games
- Legos
- Squishmellows
- A pet
- An experience (concert/play/comedy show tickets)
Money
You could never go wrong with giving your student money this holiday season. Carthage students can always use quarter rolls for laundry, gift cards to local stores, or cards stashed with cash.
Family
Finally, it’s always good to remember that the holidays are less about their materialistic value and more about spending time with our loved ones. Remember to step back this winter break and spend quality time with your students. Many Carthage students are excited to return home and see their families.
“I want to be able to spend time with my family and friends, and share the holiday season with them! I cherish my family a lot, and spending time with them means the world to me!” — Kenneth Busch ’26