Sometimes, coming up with just the right holiday gift for you college student may be difficult.  You haven’t seen her in a while and you may not be as sure what she needs.  Of course, you can almost never go wrong with a gift card, but if you’re looking for something a little more specific, we have a few suggestions.  Use these ideas to get your own creativity started.

Flannel Sheets (for colder climates) — You may have purchased new sheets for your student when she left for college, but why not give her another set, especially for winter.  She may enjoy having something new and fun for her dorm room.

Sheet Set – If your student isn’t at school where the weather gets cold, he may not need flannel sheets.  But why not find something fun anyway.  Don’t forget to check for extra-long sheets for dorm beds.

Gift card to local restaurant or specialty store — This may take a little investigation, but find a local restaurant (or two) close to the college and get a gift card.  Your student will enjoy the adventure of a night out without worrying about the bill.

Air miles– Is there somewhere that your student has wanted to visit?  Do you have extra air miles?  Donate them and let your student fly off.

Fitness band (Garmin Vivofit) — Whether or not your student makes a New Year’s resolution to get fit, she may have fun with a fitness band.  She can wear it and count her steps and calories.  It will even remind her to get moving and step up the plan each day.

Wristband USB Memory Drive – Downloading computer files or pictures to a USB memory drive is a great way to transport them — as long as you don’t misplace the drive.  This memory drive is wearable as a wristband.  It’s a great way to carry that file or PowerPoint presentation to class and not worry about losing it.

Canvas Dorm Shower Caddy – It’s always nice to have a new way to carry all of your supplies to the shower.  Even if your student bought something to begin the year, a new one might be welcome now.

Bedside caddy for laptop, phone, etc. – Students often use their laptop or phone in bed.  But then what to do with it when it’s time to sleep?  This caddy attaches to the side of the bed and is the perfect place to stow electronics.

Amazon Gift Card – Just about anything is available on Amazon.  If you’re really not sure what your student would like, consider an Amazon gift card.  Perfect for anything.

White noise machine – Residence halls are wonderful, social places — and that sometimes means they can be noisy as well.  A little white noise may be just the thing for shutting out the chatter in the hallway when it’s time to sleep or study.

Digital piggy bank – For many college students, every penny counts.  This little piggy is a fun way to keep track of that loose change.  Even college students might enjoy a new piggy bank.

Laptop lock – It’s a good idea to keep a laptop locked in the dorm.  Why not give your student a little extra security with this handy lock designed just for this purpose.

Mini crockpot – Your student may have a meal plan, but that doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t like a bit of home cooked food occasionally.  This small crockpot is just the size for some chili or soup for one or two people.

Fruit infuser water bottle – Flavored water tastes even better than plain.  Your student will have fun inventing interesting fruit combinations.

App Controlled Robotic Ball – This is just plain fun.

20Q Artificial Intelligence Game – This one’s been around for a while and it’s still amazing.  If your student had one when she was younger, she’ll have fun rediscovering what it can do.  If she never had one, it’s time.

3 Doodler 3-D Printing Pen – Draw 3-D objects in the air quickly and easily. Whether freestyle 3D sketching, or tracing shapes from templates to make larger architectural structures, anything is possible.

Tetris lamp – Based on the familiar computer game, this lamp will be a fun addition to any dorm room.

First Aid Kit – You never know when your student might have a small emergency.  Make sure that she is prepared with her own first aid kit.

If there aren’t enough suggestions here for you — or you still haven’t found just the right gift, be sure to check out our earlier gift suggestions.  They never go out of style.

Gift Books for College Students

Holiday Gifts for College Students – 2010

Holiday Gifts and Stocking Stuffers for Your College Student – 2011

Holiday Gift Ideas for College Students – 2012