5 Easy Ways to Help Your Kid Discover Their New College Town

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Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned resident, your college town holds an abundance of hidden gems and student favorites waiting to be discovered. From cozy coffee shops to off-the-beaten-path boutiques, there’s no shortage of local attractions and hangouts that can enrich your college experience. This insider guide will take you on a journey through some of the best-kept secrets in town, providing you with a comprehensive list of must-visit spots. Additionally, it discusses how restaurant or entertainment gift cards can encourage exploration, making your college town adventures even more rewarding.

Unearthing Local Treasures

When it comes to exploring your college town, it’s essential to venture beyond the boundaries of the campus and uncover the hidden treasures that make the area unique. There’s a good chance that your town is brimming with quaint bookstores, charming parks, and one-of-a-kind art galleries that you have yet to explore. Take a stroll through the streets and keep an eye out for those hidden gems that often go unnoticed. You never know what delightful surprises await you in the nooks and crannies of your town. (And who knows? You might even find some great items to decorate their dorm with.)

Student Sanctuary – Favorite Hangouts

As a student, finding the perfect hangout spot can greatly contribute to your college experience. Whether you’re seeking a cozy corner for studying or a lively venue for socializing, your college town is likely to offer a medley of student-favorite hangouts. From hip cafés to trendy bars, these spots typically become fixtures in the lives of many students. Discovering these local haunts can instantly make you feel more connected to the vibrant pulse of your town.

Embracing the Restaurant Scene

Your college town is likely home to an array of eateries that cater to a diverse range of culinary preferences. While it’s easy to stick to familiar dining spots, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead you to some mouthwatering discoveries. From hidden gem diners serving up delectable comfort food to trendy new restaurants offering innovative cuisine, there’s something for every palate in your college town. (Check out this list of cities with the best culinary scenes.)

Entertainment Extravaganza

When the academic grind becomes overwhelming, having access to exciting entertainment options is essential for maintaining a healthy balance. Your college town may be hiding a treasure trove of entertainment venues, including live music bars, independent theaters, and offbeat performance spaces. Take the time to seek out these hidden gems and expand your list of go-to spots for leisure and enjoyment.

Gift Cards – Your Gateway to Exploration

As you prepare to venture into the depths of your college town, consider leveraging the power of gift cards to enhance your exploratory experiences. Online platforms make it incredibly convenient to buy gift cards that can be used at various local establishments. Whether it’s an eGift card for a popular café or a discount gift card for a unique boutique, having these electronic gift cards on hand can encourage you to visit new places and expand your horizons.

Conclusion – Unveiling the Potential

Exploring your college town is an enriching journey that can bring you closer to the heart of the community and open your eyes to the untold stories that lie within its streets. By unearthing these hidden gems and embracing student-favorite hangouts, you have the opportunity to forge a deep connection with your town and create lasting memories. As you set out on your explorations, consider activating a Visa gift card or purchasing gift cards online to unlock a world of possibilities in your college town.

With gift cards in tow, you can approach each hidden gem and student haunt with curiosity and excitement, knowing that you’re not only exploring but also engaging with your town’s vibrant offerings in a meaningful way. Let these gift cards serve as your passport to a richer, more immersive college experience, where every adventure and discovery holds the promise of delight and enrichment.

This article originally appeared on GiftCardGranny.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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31 gifts college kids actually want

31 gifts college kids actually want

When someone heads off to college, they are often setting up a whole new household. They want and need items that help them get their new lifestyle up and running. If you are buying gifts for a student, you can help them achieve that by giving them items that are convenient, practical, and a little bit fun.

That’s where this list can come in handy. It identifies some of the most useful, in-demand gifts you could give a recent high-school grad or current college student. Plus there are clever ideas that may well elicit an “I love it!” from the recipient, such as a subscription to a favorite streaming service.

Read on for smart, inspiring ideas for presents for the students in your life.

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College students need to be prepared for any situation on campus, whether that’s a winter storm, a job interview, or a trip to the school’s gym to workout. Clothing and accessories are college gifts that are likely to be appreciated. They’re practical, of course, and can help the recipient save money on clothes.

1. Backpack

A good-quality and versatile backpack is a college staple. Your college student may want a waterproof bag with plenty of compartments with room for books, a laptop, and other personal items. The backpack should also be comfortable to carry around throughout the day and durable enough to last for several semesters.

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An office-ready tote or messenger bag can be great for internships or interviews. Plus, it can be used beyond college.

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Whether they’re playing on a college team, a regular at the gym, or just like the style and comfort, activewear can be a useful gift for most college students. There are many different styles and brands at various price points.

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For college students who may use the school’s gym facilities or participate in a sport, a gym bag is essential. Make sure to get an appropriate size bag depending on how much they need to carry.

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This may not be as important if they’re attending school in a warm location, but students need warm winter clothing when they’re walking back and forth between classes. Your college student may need warm winter boots for the snow, a heavy coat, thick socks, a hat, and gloves. And those can be pricey, so they make a great gift.

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The last thing a college student wants is a wet bag while they’re carrying their textbooks and laptop. A waterproof backpack and an umbrella should help protect expensive gear and a raincoat and boots should keep your college student dry between classes.

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One popular gift for college students is a hoodie or sweatshirt with the school’s team logo. This can typically be found through the college’s website or they may sell them on campus as well.

This type of gear can be especially fun for students to wear when getting involved in on-campus activities and showing their school spirit.

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The dorm will be home for the next couple of semesters so it’s important to be comfortable. Loungewear can be found online or in stores and come in a variety of styles and prices.

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A professional outfit is a must for the college student going on interviews or for any formal gathering. If you don’t feel comfortable picking out an office-ready outfit, there are subscription services available with styles based on the information filled out by the recipient, or a gift card to a specific store may work as well.

Another great idea for a present for a college student: a gift card to a specific store.

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There are too many dorm room college essentials to list. The little things go a long way and can help make college life more comfortable and enjoyable.

10. Bedding/Blankets

Most colleges only supply a mattress, so students must bring their own sheets, blankets, and pillows. Colleges typically have dorm beds with a twin XL mattress, but it should be confirmed with the school before buying bedding. Make sure to buy an extra set of sheets so that they always have a clean set.

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Whether your college student has a dorm room kitchen or will mostly be eating in the dining hall, basic kitchenware is a necessity for a quick meal or a late-night snack. Basic kitchenware includes utensils, knives, plates and bowls, cups, and food storage containers.

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Dorms typically don’t provide a washer and dryer in the dorm room so students will need to bring their laundry to the communal laundry room.

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Getting up on time for classes can sometimes be a struggle so your college student may need a little help. A digital alarm clock should do the trick even for the heaviest of sleepers.

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Aside from the comfort and luxury that bathrobes may bring, they’re a necessity for college. A bathrobe will give a little bit of extra security when your college student goes to take a shower.

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Dorm rooms are usually small, so your student will want to maximize every inch they have. There are tons of great storage solutions from under-bed bags and bins, over-the-door storage racks, and hanging strips or hooks.

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Desk supplies are a must-have and make great gifts for college students. Consider desktop organizers, pens and pencils, a lamp, and also a comfortable desk chair.

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A lap desk can make a convenient gift for college students to make studying around campus more comfortable. They’re portable and perfect for taking notes or setting a laptop.

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It’s easy to spend a lot of money on streaming services, and college students are typically on a tight budget. Get a gift card for one or a couple of streaming services to gift your college student.

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If your student has expensive or important items, it’s important they’re kept in a safe location. A small personal safe to protect valuables can give your college student some peace of mind when living with roommates. Plus, if they work a cash job and want to save the money for tuition, they will have a safe place to stash it.

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Board games or card games are perfect for a relaxing night with roommates and friends.

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College cuisine doesn’t have to be instant ramen or dining hall meals. You might help your student get set up to cook meals for themselves, which can be a way to save.

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When picking out a tech gift, choose something that will make school life a little easier and maybe add some fun in between classes. The right gadgets will make workloads more seamless and save your student a lot of time and energy.

21. Laptop

A laptop is an essential school supply. While there’s always the library, laptops give students the freedom and flexibility to work on academic assignments anytime and anywhere. Laptop quality, functions, features, and prices vary widely, so make sure you know what your college student is looking for in a laptop.

Bonus: A laptop can be a way a student can earn money at home (or at their dorm room), whether selling things online or perhaps tele-tutoring in a subject they love.

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A portable charger ensures your college student can study, take notes, and work on assignments without worrying about their battery dying. Portable chargers come in a variety of forms with a range of features.

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Dorm rooms and other areas around campus sometimes don’t make the best environment for studying. Noise-canceling headphones give your college-bound student a distraction from the surrounding noise.

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You can never have too many power outlets. Your college student’s dorm room may not have enough outlets for their needs.

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College students may need a reliable USB flash drive to use when going to the library to work on a project, when a printer isn’t working, or when moving large files. Flash drives come in a range of storage capacities and prices.

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It may not be a must-have, but a portable bluetooth speaker is a fun gift for college students. There are even waterproof models for a little extra protection.

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Still, stumped when it comes to finding gifts for college students? Cash or gift cards go a long way and it allows your college student to purchase exactly what they want or need. A gift card can be used for their favorite restaurant or store or some cash can go towards college books, saving for college tuition, or anything else they may need.

This article originally appeared on SoFi.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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Trae Bodge

Trae Bodge is an accomplished lifestyle journalist and TV commentator who specializes in smart shopping, personal finance, parenting, and retail. Trae has been named a Top Voice in Retail by LinkedIn and a top personal finance expert by GoBankingRates and Flexjobs. She is a contributor at Millie Magazine and CNN Underscored, and her writing and expert commentary have appeared in Newsweek, Woman's Day, Forbes, USNews.com, Kiplinger, Marketwatch, MSN.com, Yahoo Finance and numerous others. She has also appeared on TV hundreds of times; including Good Morning America's GMA3: What You Need to Know, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Inside Edition, CNBC and local network affiliates nationwide.