10 Gift Ideas From College Students to Parents

Students, even if you're short on money, here are some gifts your parents will enjoy.

December 9, 2011 RSS Feed Print

Whether it's for the winter holidays or for a birthday, buying a thoughtful gift for your parents always seems to present a challenge. College students are often short on time and money—two of the very things often needed if you're going to find a great gift for your mom or dad this year.

Fortunately, some of the best gifts college students can give their parents don't require a ton of money or time. They do, however, require some forethought. A small, personalized gift can be much more meaningful than something larger but generic. Instead of thinking big when it comes to parental gifts, think individual. What do your parents love most? What are the little things in life that make them happy? And how can you incorporate those things into a gift they'll cherish?

[See photos of 10 gifts that are perfect for parents.]

Take a moment to think, too, about what resources you have at your disposal. True, your bank account might be limited, but you likely have at least a little time to dedicate to making a unique gift this year. You also have access to resources on your campus that can help you find a perfect gift: a great bookstore, for example, and beautiful natural resources that can be used for things such as photography or scrapbooking.

Additionally, you may have learned new skills while away at school—like cooking with your sorority sisters—that you can transform into a great gift once you're back home. With a little creativity and planning, you can come up with some great gift ideas your parents will love (without blowing your budget!).

[Read about big and small ways to save money on college.]

From creative ways to save money when taking your parents out to handmade gifts that your parents can proudly display at home, here are 10 gift ideas from college students to their parents:

1. Passage-of-time picture: Take and frame a picture of yourself as a college student alongside your baby picture. Also include a personal note of thanks.

2. Day off from cooking dinner: Treat your parents to a night where you do the cooking and cleaning up. (Remember: if you can read, you can cook!)

3. Dinner gift certificate: Know your parents' favorite restaurant? Give them a gift certificate so they can spend a romantic night out together.

4. Personalized volunteering: Donate your time—perhaps even with your folks!—at their favorite community organization. If you're short on time, consider making a donation instead.

5. Sibling family portrait: Head to a local department store or photographer's studio for a portrait of just you and your siblings.

6. Weekend of free babysitting: Offer to take care of your younger sibling(s) over the weekend so your parents can go on a romantic getaway.

7. Campus author book: Find a book in your campus bookstore written by a professor on an issue your parents (or you) care strongly about.

8. Personal scrapbook: Put together a collection of essays or creative works that you made in college and are particularly proud of, such as paintings, poetry, music, or photographs.

9. Breakfast out: Treating your parents to breakfast out can be a fun way to spend a morning—and easier on your budget than going out to dinner.

10. Movie night in a box: Grab some packages of microwave popcorn, licorice, and a copy of your parents' favorite movies on DVD. Extra tip: present everything in an empty movie popcorn bucket.

[Parents, get gift ideas for your college students.]

Tags:: students,; holidays,; shopping

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I thought these were good ideas. Thank you.

Delilah of MI 11:40PM February 15, 2013

No offense but these are pretty corny for a college student. Would be cute if you were a kid, but adults should be doing some of this already without thinking its a gift. I help cook and clean all the time, why should college students rely on the parents? The passage of time picture seems kind of self absorbed as well, gives the impression you think the whole world revolves around you.

islanderwake of WA 11:23AM December 22, 2012

Brittany,
What is your point in leaving such a rude comment? If your going to lecture people about their parenting and having their kids live at home then maybe someone should remind you of the simple lesson "If you cant say anything nice, don't say it at all".
And the article is for college students. Where do you expect them to be over summer, christmas break, etc. living in an apartment for a weeks to 3 month? No! You go home for break! And for those young adults that are living with their parents, take a look at the economy sweetheart. Who can afford their own place on a starting salary!? These young adults are trying to get started and if that means spending a year or two at home to save money, I'd say they are looking ahead and making a smart decision. You think they really want to move back in with their parents after having all that freedom away at school?
And my mom loves to cook and bake! She makes dinner for my dad every night, so when I come home from college on a break, yes she cooks dinner for all of us. Its not a hardship? And if your parents raise you right, you get up and help by setting the table, washing your plate after dinner, and picking up. When I'm home I help my mom in the kitchen a lot.
These are some really sweet ideas that a college student can do for their parents! My sister and I are actually using one of them. We are buying a nice bottle of wine and getting a giftcard to one of their favorite restaurants so they can have a date night. I didn't do anything like this at age 8. Thanks for taking the time to post some of your ideas Kelci!

Christi of OH 12:25PM December 18, 2012