Holiday Survival Guide & Gift List: Top Presents and Tips for College Kids Coming Home
Holiday Break Tip: Keep an open mind and show empathy for their evolving independence.
PLUS MY FAVORITE GIFT IDEAS!
Navigating the holidays with college students home is a time for reconnection, but it also requires flexibility. College kids often see winter break as a chance to catch up on sleep and reconnect with high school friends. Keeping an open mind and showing empathy for their evolving independence can make the holidays warmer for everyone.
Tips for Navigating Holidays With College Kids
Recognize their need for downtime and sleep! College life is exhausting, and breaks are for recharging.
Be flexible about curfews and social time; they're balancing family, rest, and rekindling old friendships. Remember they are used to having to manage their own time and lack of curfew (this one was hardest for me).
Be ready to cook and shop for lots of food! They will eat and eat some more!
Remember, what feels like “checking out” could just be them recovering from finals and the semester’s social intensity.
Celebrate the new independence they’re building, but it’s not easy!
Sometimes the best laid plans don’t end up as you first visualized them so flexible thinking is key. There will be disappointments, but sometimes the best times are just sitting together in the same room and watching their excitement when their high school friends walk through the door. It will be a fast and furious few weeks so enjoy every minute!
Enjoy some of my favorite holiday gifts from over the years!
Top Holiday Gifts for College Boys
JBL Clip Portable Speaker
Gym or Travel Duffel Bag
Anker Power Bank
Socks and underwear (they have all been lost in the wash)
Spikeball or football to play in the campus green space
Ipad for class notes - all the kids use them and love the efficiency
Mini Projector to watch movies on the ceiling of the dorm
New headset or airpods for music
Gift cards for Amazon, Grubhub, local restaurants
Top Holiday Gifts for College Girls
Lululemon dual pouch wristlet
She’s Birdie Safety Alarm
Eye Masks for self care nights
Gorjana, Mejuri, ENewton, or HART jewelry - they love it all
New PJ’s or a robe from Lake or Eberjay
New Water Bottle - Owala is a brand they love
Make up and skin care from Sephora
Gift Cards from Amazon, Grubhub, local restaurants
Silk pillowcase for a cozy dorm sleep
Final Thoughts
Above all, the most meaningful gift is understanding that college students are navigating big transitions and so are you! By meeting them with patience, flexibility, and support, you can help make their return home lots of fun. I know I am excited to have my two college kids home as well as the two young adults! A house full makes my heart happy.
