DS will be moving into his dorm this week. His roommate moved in a couple of weeks ago, because he is on the football team. DS messaged him to find out what time he gets up because we didn’t want to arrive and start moving in while he was sleeping. It turns out that he gets up very early and will be out of the room before we get there (football responsibilities). I don’t think that I will meet him this trip, and I was thinking of leaving a small gift on his desk. Any ideas? Normally I’d think of cookies or candy, but he may not eat those things during training. Maybe a gift card to a smoothie place? Any thoughts? Of course I won’t do this if DS objects.
I would wait. As the term goes on, maybe you can treat them both to a pizza or something.
That is really thoughtful and generous, but I agree with @thumper1 it would be best to wait a bit . You could send a care package with cookies to share before midterms or take them both out for dinner later in the term if you are within visiting distance.
Agreed…wait. see how your DS likes him. Better to take them for pizza one night.
Thanks, everyone, for the advice. As it’s unanimous, I will drop the idea!
Well…keep that treat idea in your head. When I sent packages to my kids, I always included something for the roommates too.
I agree that sending something to share is always nice. Or inviting him out to dinner or lunch if you go for a visit, your treat of course.
I think a package of home made cookies is a great idea. I don’t know any football players (except Brady!) who don’t love cookies.
Maybe a bowl of fresh fruit?
A football player who doesn’t snack? I don’t think such a creature exists.
Snack implies small and that there had been a pause in the eating rather than the continuous stream that it is. I don’t think snack is the right word for football players @twoinanddone. 
My roommate’s parents bought me earplugs, post it notes, and coffee when I moved in. They were practical, simple gifts that I extensively used throughout the year.
I bought a small gift card for my roommate to our local coffee shop intending it to be a roommate present, then discovered her birthday was the first week of the semester, so it doubled as a birthday gift! So long as the gift is small and practical, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. It just seems like a nice thought. Hope everything goes well!