<p>Gift certificates for local haircut place.</p>
<p>I second the Company Store–good quality materials and workmanship and holds up well. Bought all of my D’s bedding on sale. (Sale on mattress pads going on now.) They have a good variety of weights and warmth levels for comforters-down and down alternative. I bought a lightweight comforter and a cotton blanket (as D is usually hot) and can therefore choose her comfort level according to season. I think it’s good to have an extra blanket or throw on hand in case of illness too-or maybe they just can’t get to do the laundry right away. Also, dorm mattresses are pretty thin–egg crate or memory foam topper or featherbed are a good idea–maybe even more than one depending on sensitivity. I got 2 mattress pads, 2" memory foam topper and down alternative featherbed for my D.</p>
<p>The one item I made my daughter take that she found really useful is a flashlight - I got her one of the smaller maglites.</p>
<p>If nobody else gives your S or D a pocket-size multi-tool (which is always among my favorite graduation gifts to give, and it’s honestly well received), I’d include one of those. They are amazingly useful.</p>
<p>^^^good one! I also wanted to put in a plug for [Sierra</a> Trading Post - Save 35-70% on Famous Name Brands](<a href=“http://www.sierratradingpost.com%5DSierra”>http://www.sierratradingpost.com) for excellent buys on winter needs for expatme. They have clothing and bedding, excellent deals and fabulous shipping. Make sure you get your boy a duvet. That white down coforter will get pretty dingey w/o a cover. They have the tools Harriet describes on sierra trading post too.</p>
<p>Oh - historymom’s wise suggestions reminded me of another favorite: a washable fleece blanket/throw. Makes an extra layer for the bed, if the room is chilly at night (some are, some aren’t). But the situation in which it really gets used is studying (or maybe “studying” expresses it better) outside. </p>
<p>This is another one I’ve given as a gift, and we’ve had great luck with the LLBean ones - they can be monogrammed, and they’re very durable, even after numerous trips through school washers/dryers.</p>