Categories: After College

Sneaky Expensive Gifts that Are PERFECT For Your B-day List

When we start living on our own in a dorm or apartment, we will realize how many essential household items we need to go buy. Turn potential expensive gifts that you’ll never use into ones that you can’t live without. Call me no fun, or old, or stingy, but the idea of having your birthday help pay for the things you NEED instead of want will help your wallet as you begin life out in the real world. Trust me, I’m a college graduate.

1. A Suitcase

Each carry-on suitcase by Away contains an ejectable battery on the outside of its shell, for easy access when you’re literally and physically dying, with three hours left in your trip home or back to campus with 6% left. Each suitcase has 11 color options, including the privilege of a 3D shaded monogram on the bag or on a bag-tag. It will be easy to convince your parents, grandparents, or cool aunt why, for only $225, they can ensure their baby (you) will have enough charge to text them back and ensure you got back safe.

Copy This Look:

2. Coffee Maker

I would recommend all college students to not only have their own coffee maker, but a Keurig at that. The two other machines that utilize K-Cups (The Bunn MyCafe MCU and the Cuisinart SS-700), are still more expensive than Keurig’s $70 option. I have used this $70 option time and time again, and it has proved uber reliable over several years. Place a Keurig on your list and be self-sufficient all throughout college. You’ll be convinced when you arrive on campus and realize how reliable your small college town’s coffee shop is (not).

Copy This Look:

3. Makeup/Mall Gift Card

I’m no expert, but I know a girl doesn’t want makeup, she needs it. If your gift givers are not in the mood to buy you a $200 suitcase, then ask for a gift card from a makeup brand that you tried once, but never touched again because it was too expensive. Alternatively, ask for a gift card to the mall near your house. This way you can use it at any one of the makeup stands.

4. Gas Gift Card

BORING. Ugh, so boring. But practical. And sensical. Avoid the $50 frustration at the pump by asking for a gift card to your local gas station.

See Also

5. Spotify Premium

Your Student Spotify subscription also comes with Hulu and Showtime streaming services. YES! If you pay your monthly fees of $0.99 for the first three months, and then the student fee of $4.99/month, you will have a free Hulu and Showtime subscriptions as long as you continue to pay your premium bill. These costs add up, so ask a family member to put their credit card number down for your account and stream music and shows.

6. A Vacuum That Works

Your vacuum helps you clean up the mess before you hold that pregame you’ve always wanted to host. Whether a hookup or your parents are coming over, you only have a little time in your day to clean the mess that is your dorm or apartment, so make it quick and do it well with these high rated and reviewed cordless and space-efficient vacuums. The Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum has a price tag $160 less than the Dyson V7 Cordless Vacuum. Each gets the job done very well, but the price difference for the Dyson means it will do everything stronger, more quiet, and longer than the Tineco vacuum. You can’t go wrong with either.

Copy This Look:

How do you feel about turning your expensive gifts into practical ones? Drop a caret (^) below if you agree with me.

Featured image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/cpIgNaazQ6w
Share
Collin Andrews

Recent Posts

The Ultimate UF Bucket List

Once you're a Gator, you're a Gator for life, and you're always proud of it. We carry our memories (or lack…

7 hours ago

20 Hilarious Things College Students Do When They’re Broke AF

As broke college students, we've come to learn how to get by using the resources we have, and implementing some tricky…

11 hours ago

10 Tips to Prepare for Freshman Year at JMU

Congratulations! You've been accepted and plan to attend JMU. However, there are still a number of things left for you to do…

14 hours ago

18 Things Not Allowed In UConn Dorms (& What To Bring Instead)

With the new school year quickly approaching, college freshman and returning students alike are packing to return to campus. This…

18 hours ago

10 Tips To Survive Your First Week Of College

Sure, starting college is exciting, but it's also scary as hell. The way you begin your semester will set the tone…

22 hours ago

10 Cute Date Ideas To Do Around UCO

Whenever I was dating in the past at UCO, I always wanted to do something besides going out to eat…

1 day ago