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Heading off to college is exciting, but it can also be a little bittersweet for all involved. It’s a major life change for everyone, from students and parents to friends and family. If you’re sending someone special off to college, these going-away gifts can help ease the transition.
Some going-away gifts can be personal, like a scrapbook of memories or a good luck charm. However, these gifts are all practical and useful. Whether they’re carrying a new backpack to class or curling up in a blanket you bought them, don’t worry, they’ll still think of you.
1. Courant Catch:3 Essentials, $100
This wireless charger doubles as a catch-all for jewelry, keys and more. Place it on a nightstand or desk to charge a phone while holding all the essentials.
2. Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack, $128
Gift them a stylish backpack they can use to carry heavy textbooks, a laptop and more around campus. This one is a best-seller and constantly sells out on Calpak’s website.
3. Quay Australia Blueprint 48-Millimeter Blue Light Filtering Glasses, $55
Staring at a computer screen for too long can be strenuous on the eyes. These non-prescription glasses block out the potentially harmful blue light emitted from screens.
4. Loops Variety Loop Masks, 5-Pack, $35
Self-care is important, especially during stressful life transitions. This collection of Loops face masks can offer a moment of relaxation while boosting and improving skin.
5. Mark & Graham Commute Zipper Pouch, $47.99–$99 (Orig. $99)
Students can stash all the essentials in this pouch. It makes it especially easy to switch bags, too, whether students use a backpack one day or a tote bag the next. This pouch has pockets for a phone, debit cards, headphones and more. You can also get it monogrammed for a more personal touch.
6. WTHN Ear Seed Kit, $45
Ear seeds are part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and they’re also a form of auriculotherapy, meaning they’re based on the idea that the ear is a microsystem. The ear has dozens of acupressure points that stimulate other body parts to help with physical and mental healing. That said, ear seeds are small stickers that apply light pressure to the ear, and they can reportedly treat many conditions, including stress, anxiety, chronic pain, digestion issues, insomnia and more. Most acupuncturists can apply them, but people can also apply their own ear seeds at home with this kit.
7. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera, $79
Give them an instant camera to take pictures with friends old and new. Students can keep them in a photo album, on their dorm’s mini-fridge or share them with others.
8. Italic Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket, $135
This stylish weighted blanket can help provide some relief on stressful days. However, it’s stylish enough to leave draped over a chair or the bed.
9. ROAM The Flexi-Duffel, $295
Get them a bag they can take home for the weekend or on trips with friends and more. This roomy duffel bag converts to a backpack, so it’s especially easy to carry. It’s also totally customizable when it comes to color. ROAM allows you to choose your own color (or colors) for nearly every inch of the bag (and all its luggage).
If you liked this article, check out 15 awesome gifts on Amazon anyone would love for $50 or less.
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