by Briana Murphy

Created on: December 10, 2007

The only thing college dorm rooms have in common is this one fact: they are dorm rooms. This often means a roommate and cramped quarters, and always requires much creativity in storage and upkeep. Speaking personally, my dorm room is a 10 x 15 shoe box that should not be the living quarters for young women; but alas, it is. And my roommate and I have found ways to make this work better than it probably should.

Generally speaking, females take up more space than males. Organization of all their "stuff": makeup, hair products, curling irons, lotions, perfumes, etc. is essential. Giving organizational boxes and trays to help this cause would be much appreciated. If they don't have one yet, a shower tote is a must. Totes and boxes can also be used to store food, as well as small items such as rubber bands and twist-ties. Other practical gifts to consider are hand-held vacuums and disinfectant spray; or how about a hand sanitizer dispenser? Every college student could do without the seasonal cold or two.

If you're looking for a purely aesthetic, non-practical gift, these are, of course, appreciated. Posters of favorite movies, bands, or pieces of artwork are a big hit. Why not get a poster printed from one of their own photographs? Calendars are also great, with a practical side-benefit. To add a personal touch, make a collage of favorite pictures and laminate it so it can easily be hung on the wall. For the music-lover, why not treat them to nice speakers for their computer or laptop? For the exercise buff, why not give them a yoga mat? For the nature-lover, consider giving them a plant-in-a-box that includes everything they need to add some greenery to their windowsill. For the future gourmet chef, think about buying some recipe books and/or cooking utensils. For bookworms, buying a subscription to a magazine they love is a wonderful idea.

Another gift idea to consider is the alternative gift. Through organizations like Oxfam America (oxfamamericaunwrapped.com) and American Forests (americanforests.org) you can plant trees or donate money to needy families across the globe in your recipient's name. Usually a card or certificate is sent to the recipient, telling them you have planted 100 trees or bought a sheep in their name.

When it comes down to it, there is something for every female college student on your Christmas shopping list. The only restrictions are your imagination!

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