Summer is almost over. Say goodbye to the beach and hello to flannel, football, and foliage as fall comes flying in. It’s time to kick the kids off to college, but don’t send them out in the cold alone, send them with some great back to school gear. Whether they are going to class or hanging out in the dorms, we have the gear that will make that care package scream, I love you but you aren’t living with me after you graduate.
Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon’s new Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect ebook reader for any student. Loads of battery life, Audible support, and low cost mean you can take it with you wherever you go without worrying about your phone battery.
Kindles especially the Paperwhite and Oasis are excellent for reading digital textbooks and PDFs. The included search functions allow quick and easy access to information, while the notetaking support makes assignments go quickly.
Audible subscription
Audible’s massive collection of digital books help fit reading into any schedule. The ability to listen to books during a commute, while exercising, or while studying is a huge advantage for busy students. The Audible Subscription also makes any book available on Audible over $14.95 cost $14.95.
The Subscription also includes 2 Audible originals a month and a daily subscription to the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. Perfect for students that need to keep up on current events.
Alexa Show 5
Alexa is a virtual assistant that connects to most smart devices, but the Alexa Show 5 is something new and great. Roughly the size of an alarm clock, the Show 5 allows you to set reminders, make lists, call your mom, listen to music, watch Netflix, Hulu, YouTube or Amazon Prime, or just work as a fantastic alarm clock that will tell you the weather. Alexa’s also have an almost limitless number of skills available for whatever your student’s needs. If you don’t have an Alexa yet the Show is a great introduction to the world of smart devices.
Amazon Firestick
Amazon’s Firestick is a cord-cutters dream or a poor college student’s best friend connected to a TV you can get Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime. The voice controls make searching quick and easy while the 4k resolution is perfect for the latest movies or digital remasters.
Hulu TV is a great addition to the Firestick. It gives the most popular channels with DVR for the low cost of $50 a month with very limited commercials.
Jansport Backpack
Jansport has been the standard for school backpacks for decades. Sometimes its been the same bag. The iconic backpack has a suede leather bottom, a laptop sleeve for a 15in laptop, and a front pocket for organization.
Jansport is an amazing product with a wide range of colors and styles for every type of student. The lifetime warranty covers any reasonable wear and tear. The best thing about the Jansport Backpack is the durability, buy one and it will last you a lifetime, even after college, you can see several Jansport backpacks around any workplace.
Audio Technica Bluetooth Headphones
Audio Technica makes great products, the ATH M50XBT Bluetooth headphones are great for any student. Bluetooth headphones are amazing for any student looking to drown out sound and focus.
Great sound at a great price. The M50XBT has a staggering battery life, nearly 40 hours. They include a 3.5mm cord for non-Bluetooth enabled devices. Terrific noise-cancellation. Lightweight and comfortable headphones allow you to wear them for hours without fatigue like traditional earbuds. Great for noisy dorms or working in common areas.
Kleenex on the Go
Kleenex on the go facial tissues aren’t fancy, but they don’t have to be. They are a simple necessity, sometimes you just need a tissue. In a class or on campus, you don’t want to be looking for a pack of Kleenex. Grab an 8 pack for $2 from Amazon. Better yet grab a Dash Button and never be without a pack.
Lenovo’s S330 Chromebook
Chromebooks are amazing tools for school, everything you need and nothing you don’t. For laptops they are perfect for students, they have just enough power to watch Netflix, write emails or type up assignments. Finding a great Chromebook is as simple as purchasing the latest Google, Samsung, or Thinkpad.
We like Thinkpads for keyboards and long battery life. But if you want a bit more look at the older generation Thinkpad 400 Series. The mil-spec designs make them rugged adaptable laptops that are perfect for the beats they take throughout college.
Aeropress and Electric Kettle
Aeropress is a way to make great coffee fast. Add ground coffee, wait 2 mins and press.
The durable little travel coffee maker gets the most out of your beans at home or on the go. The Coffee maker is known as a quasi-espresso, french-press, or american press, that gives you complete control over your brew.
Most College Campuses have hot water dispensers for tea and instant coffee. But the Amazon Basic Kettle makes a great addition to any dorm. Besides the coffee, it also makes great ramen and soup mixes without the danger of a stove or hot plate.
Happy Mug Coffee Subscription
Coffee subscriptions are great gifts for any college student. $5 lattes drain a bank account compared to a pound of great-tasting coffee for $9 a week. Grab them a kettle and an Aeropress for under a $100 they will be happily caffeinated all semester.
Happy Mug Coffee is the standard for quality at a great low price. Good selections, for both whole bean or ground. We love the Highland Grog.
Just be careful, the Aeropress and Happy Mug can lead down a dark path with delicious coffee. Creative Writing Majors switch to Chemistry every year just for a better cup of coffee.
College is some of the best years in a person’s life, don’t let them go unprepared.