Are you desperate to find the perfect gift for a college student? I’ve noticed that quite a few people have made it to my blog by googling “gifts for college students”. I feel a little bad, because all they’ll find right now is my list of great gift ideas for a broke college student. While this list is fine for broke college students, it’s not very helpful for people looking to get gifts for a regular college student.

I figured that surely somebody else already compiled a great list of gift ideas for college students, but I was surprised with what I found. Portable electronics charger? CD/DVD repair kit? Uh, I’ll pass.

Since I seriously doubt college students are eager to show off their new CD/DVD repair kits to their friends, I’ve decided to create my own list of gifts for college students that they won’t be embarrassed to show their friends. Parents, if you’re reading this, please return that portable electronics charger and get your college student something below.

7. Amazon.com Gift Card

I’m not a huge fan of gift cards, but if I had to give or receive one, I’d definitely make it an Amazon.com gift card. Why? Because it’s convenient. While other gift cards lock you into items at a particular store, you have millions of items to choose from with an Amazon gift card. Another benefit is that you don’t actually have to go into a physical store, where you might be tempted with impulse buys. Also, depending on the college town, physically going to a particular store might be a hassle. With Amazon, everything is delivered right to your door.

6. Moleskine Notebooks

My sister introduced me to these notebooks a few years ago, and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. These notebooks come in a variety of sizes and make great sketch pads, journals, diaries, etc. The best part is that they look cool (something you would actually show a friend), and they’re really high quality. Unlike typical notebooks, Moleskine notebooks have really thick paper, so you don’t have to worry about ink bleeding through if you write front and back. Once you go Moleskine, you won’t go back.

5. Webcam

Is your college student homesick or in a long distance relationship? A webcam will help make the distance seem a little shorter. Video calls make talking to each other more personal, and it also allows you to actually see how the other person is doing. The best part is that they’re really cheap nowadays.

4. Homemade Food

If you want to be absolutely, positively sure that a college student is going to use your present, then give them food and add the word free before it. To make the gift more meaningful, select the food carefully. When I say “homemade food”, I’m not necessarily referring to food that you make. I’m talking about food that reminds your college student of home. Maybe they have a favorite dish, or perhaps there are certain foods they can’t get in their college town. My parents never sent me back to school without a few edible reminders of home.

3. George Foreman Grill

The Foreman Grill has become a staple of the college student’s kitchen for good reason — it’s quick and easy to use. I used my Foreman Grill on a regular basis throughout my undergraduate years. There’s no easier way to grill delicious burgers in a dorm. While I’ve moved on a better grill now, I couldn’t have imagined my undergraduate years without one.

2. Apple iPod

The iPod has become a staple of college life. You can’t walk on a college campus without seeing at least one student listening to their tunes. While there are cheaper alternatives to the iPod, I would still recommend the iPod, because it provides the best overall experience out of any portable media player. The iPod Touch has the same fun and intuitive touch interface as the iPhone, and this simply isn’t available on any other device right now.

1. Spring Break

While other college students may not be as broke as me, I have yet to meet one who would turn down extra money. I know a lot of people think giving cash is too impersonal, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Instead of giving your college student cash, you can help them cover the cost of something in the near future, like a Spring Break trip. It could be something small (covering gas money) or something huge (covering the whole trip). Either way, it’s great because you’re giving them an experience, not just pieces of paper.

Just because you’re a broke college student doesn’t mean you should be cheap. Not knowing how much to tip isn’t an excuse for not tipping at all, especially now that I’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to tip for college students.

Personal Services

• Haircut. Tip 15% of the cost of the haircut.
• Manicure. 10-15% is a nice tip.
• Tattoos/Body Piercings. 15% of the total cost. Tip extra if the tattoo artist does an extraordinary job.
• Massage Therapist. Give 10-20% of the total cost.

Dining

• Wait staff. 15 to 20% of the total bill. Tip extra for great service.
• Bartenders. 15 to 20%. Again, tip more if they do an exceptional job.
• Coffee/smoothie/ice cream shops. Most of these places have tip jars, so spare change is always appreciated. If you get exceptional service, tip a little extra.
• Pizza/Meal delivery. Tip at least $1. Give 15% for normal service. Tip more during rain, snow, or other difficult weather.

Transportation

• Taxi. 15% is standard. If they get you there faster than expected, tip extra.

Auto Services

• Car wash. For a basic car wash, $3 is good. If they take extra time in your detailing, give 10% of the cost of the wash.
• Valet parking. $2 for your car and make sure you tip the person who brings you the car, not the person who parks it.
• Tow truck. If they jump your car or change your tire, tip around $4. If they tow your car, $5 is good tip.

Traveling

• Housekeeping at the hotel. $2-5 is a good tip for housekeeping. Leave the tip in an envelope marked for housekeeping, so they know it’s for them and not just cash you accidentally left behind.

Am I missing something? Help me make this the ultimate guide by letting me know, and I’ll add it to the list.