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http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101041004-702113-1,00.html

"The National Retail Federation, a trade group, says back to college — distinct from K12-oriented back to school — is the second biggest shopping season, behind the Christmas-Hanukkah-Kwanzaa holiday triple play."

Missing from the online version are the photos of the tackiness that 3 grand bought. But then that girl didn't go to Princeton, where I am sure they do things more tastefully:

"For well-heeled parents, it's easy to justify the indulgence. Sheila Allen was worried that her daughter Rebecca would face too much stress at Princeton University, where the 18year-old will be balancing academics with a spot on the ice-hockey team. So Sheila pushed for a new Pier 1 sofa and prodded her daughter into other purchases ranging from a flat-screen TV to a mini-fridge-freezer to a papasan chair. "She needs to be able to relax," says Sheila. To that end, Rebecca will also have new video-game accessories plus her roommate's karaoke machine. In fact, Rebecca had so many things to lug to college that her family shuttled its massive van from Ohio to Princeton twice. "

If it didn't fit in the Mazda, leaving a sight line over the top for the rear view mirror, it wasn't going to college with my daughter. Two trips! Why didn't I think of that. It's only 1800 miles each way.

By Rhonda63 (Rhonda63) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 09:37 am: Edit

Great article -- hilarious and disturbing at the same time!

When I think about it, other than a fridge and a microwave, I don't think my D took anything more than what I took when I went to college (if you substitute "computer" for "typewriter"). I suppose it helped that she couldn't care less about whether her sheets match her pillowcases, etc...

By Achat (Achat) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 09:47 am: Edit

My son took more than I did in terms of the laptop and the mini-fridge. But probably less clothes than I did!

It is disturbing. I did notice big displays at JC Penney and other places when I was shopping too.

By Cangel (Cangel) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 09:47 am: Edit

Lord help us!

By Pattykk (Pattykk) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 09:50 am: Edit

Excellent article--well researched and a good analysis of the marketing. I have to admit I identify with that concept of shopping as answer to anxiety. I would love to be able to outfit a dream room, but finances won't permit that, and my daughter likes the thrift shops. I agree that the makeover shows and marketing have driven this trend. I wish we had had some of the nifty organizers, hampers, etc. back in my day. They do make sense in microscopic rooms. The pink room sounds awful, brrr.

By Marite (Marite) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 09:57 am: Edit

My visited a dorm room at Yale that was the size of a walk-in closet. My older S had a room in his LAC where, when he stood up from his desk, the chair banged against his bed. A sofa, a mini fridge-freezer, a papapan chair and a TV? Not even one of these items would have fit into either of these rooms.

With parents like that, colleges need to build de luxe hotel suities, not dorms. And then, we'll all complain about skyrocketing college costs.

By Robyrm (Robyrm) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 09:58 am: Edit

I fervently hope this article is not in the International version of Time magazine. America at it's worst.

Does a kid really need all that junk?

Have any of you seen the book "Material World"- families from all over the world posed with all their worldly goods in front of their living space?

Rebecca and all the other girls in the article (only girls?) can be in the version "Material Girl World."

By Achat (Achat) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:03 am: Edit

The colleges are building beautiful dorm rooms to attract students, that is trend. I just saw an article the other day, maybe I can locate it.

By Rhonda63 (Rhonda63) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:20 am: Edit

Achat -- I think you're right about colleges trying to attract students through beautiful, well-appointed dorms. My guess is that the top schools may be a bit behind in this trend, since kids will be willing to attend in spite of less luxurious dorms.

I also think part of what is fueling this is the general trend of spending a lot of $$ decorating kids' rooms. Witness Pottery Barn Teen, etc. That stuff is pretty expensive, imo!!

By Robyrm (Robyrm) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:31 am: Edit

Apologies to all offended by my scrooge-like comment. I see this could potentially be another excellent and fun linen thread and I hate to undermine it..

I just can't get over thinking about what that girl's room might look like. Where does she put her desk...of course, under the flat screen TV..

Did your child truly factor the luxury quotient of the dorms into their decision making? We, sons and I, basically could have cared less on tours- and we only took notice when the dorms had bad smells, etc...Is it a girl thing? I don't know...

By Alongfortheride (Alongfortheride) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:34 am: Edit

So much for the poor starving college student character building experience.

By Searchingavalon (Searchingavalon) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:37 am: Edit

No, I have a girl and she doesn't seem to have cared much about what the dorms looked like or how big they were, with the major exception being the excitement over the Scottish castle dorm at Brandeis.

By Marite (Marite) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:37 am: Edit

Roby:

My S's decorative statements consist of clothes strewn all over the floor and books that have migrated from the shelves to the floor. I was the one that suggested my S might want to replace the dinosaur poster (on the wall since he was 3) with something else (which turned out to be anime posters).

You will note that the article did not mention bed sheets. This is where we can discuss the merits of Frette vs. Pratesi in XL twin.

By Rhonda63 (Rhonda63) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:37 am: Edit

My child (a girl) didn't really factor the dorms into her decision making. She spent several weeks at a summer program during HS at a college where I thought the dorm room was pretty awful, and when I said something after the program was over, she said she thought it was fine! (it was a VERY small room for two people, and I thought the whole dorm had a funny smell...)

The only dorms I saw that I thought were really horrible were Amherst's freshman dorms, which were about to be renovated (this was spring of 2002). Bryn Mawr's were GORGEOUS. But D did not seem to have particularly high standards, so the dorm room was not a factor for her at all. (she disliked Amherst for other reasons)

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:38 am: Edit

"The National Retail Federation, a trade group, says back to college — distinct from K12-oriented back to school — is the second biggest shopping season, behind the Christmas-Hanukkah-Kwanzaa holiday triple play."

They wish.
We bought two down throws from Costco
extralong 240thread sheets ( BB&B)
pillow
throw rug
some tableware
a "hot" pot
mesh laundry basket
an ethernet cord to replace the one left at home
desk lamp
fan ( most important item)
hangers ( plastic from bookstore)
sticky gummy stuff to hang posters
A filtered water container
Her room was bigger than her room at home, but really where would you put so much stuff?

By Weenie (Weenie) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:38 am: Edit

And to think I took the Greyhound bus with 2 suitcases to college!

By Pattykk (Pattykk) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:44 am: Edit

Marite: Your daughter went to the same decorating school my daughter attended! I close the door and sigh. I really wonder what I did wrong. I keep telling her that she would feel better if she kept things in order; she claims she can't find anything if she cleans the room. About twice a year I get overwhelmed and dig through things to really clean; the room is back to normal in a week and I kick myself again. I hope she will be like my friend's daughter, who became a neatnik when she moved to her own apartment.

By Demingy (Demingy) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 10:45 am: Edit

That article just made me laugh (maybe not in a good way?). The girl that spent $3,000 on her dorm room.... A couple of years ago I had to get everything to set up my own apartment and I spent less than twice that (and I have a HUGE apartment)---and this is including stuff for the kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom, study area (between the living room and dining room) and even my new computer. Of course my stuff isn't all pink.

By Aparent4 (Aparent4) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 11:04 am: Edit

The Princeton girl with the sofa and TV undoubtedly has both a room and a common room, so she would have space for all this stuff. My d spent a summer at a school whose common rooms were furnished. Not so at Princeton, where they are utterly empty when students arrive. Consequently, the students do buy sofas and TVs and whatnot. However, the purchases are usually divided among 4 or more suitemates. And they are usually not so fancy! The kids love to shop at the local Salvation Army and Home Depot.

I am thinking that the Allen family, like the family of the young man with the exotic pants on the other thread, must know somebody at Time magazine.

By Robyrm (Robyrm) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 11:04 am: Edit

My husband's frat room had in fact been a closet, no windows etc. He had a lofted bed and a desk underneath. I don't recall if there was a dresser- I think he just piled his "clothes" at the end of the bed. All that is long gone, but- and this is true, we still have and use the pillowcases he used on his bed that had come from his mom's linen closet (30+ years ago). They are about 10 count now, but have tons of sentimental value!


Son has a poster of John Belushi from Animal House on the wall, and a collage of photos from home which I made for him. He reluctantly agreed to a 3 drawer plastic unit to use as a bedside table, and a small floor rug. But then, he has a very rich internal life....

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 11:17 am: Edit

"But then, he has a very rich internal life...."

And that is priceless!

By Achat (Achat) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 11:18 am: Edit

Mini can also get started on building a 'Fred and Parchesi Entitlement Index' from here.

By Achat (Achat) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 11:37 am: Edit

I know I've been taking digs at Mini, but I think he writes very well and is hilarious (not attacking him as discussed in the other thread). And this one was his own idea and also would be a good gauge of quality of life at a college.

By 2dsdad (2dsdad) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 12:58 pm: Edit

"I have to admit I identify with that concept of shopping as answer to anxiety. I would love to be able to outfit a dream room, but finances won't permit that, and my daughter likes the thrift shops."

It is exactly because of the lack of finances that shopping is never an answer to anxiety for me.(g) My kids know about not only Goodwill but also local institutions like My Sister's Closet and The Buffalo Exchange.

"I see this could potentially be another excellent and fun linen thread and I hate to undermine it.. "

Yes, let's get started on where to buy XL sheets. And just how long is XL, anyway? (Please, I am being facetious).

By Nel (Nel) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 08:41 pm: Edit

Post has been edited to remove personal details about individuals who were identifiable.

Moderator DoveofPeace

I certainly do not think this spending is typical of middle-class parents & regular teens. Sure you have some kids at the High End of the spectrum (ie: thousands of dollars), but then there are kids who just have the bare minimums. You see it in High School too; some kids driving BMWs and Volvos, while other kids drive Yugos & old Novas or whatever. You see it in Preschool when some parents send their kids with coordinating backpack, boots, coats, hats & underwear, & other kids have a hand-me-down pack & last years coat & just a normal hat/scarf.
Unfortunately, magazine articles hightlight usually the "high" end of the spectrum & folks that do things just "regular" feel all out of joint. }

By Techiedork (Techiedork) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 09:31 pm: Edit

Achat - it was in the college issue of either USNews or Newsweek magazine.

By Binx (Binx) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 07:08 am: Edit

My S flew to school with 2 suitcases, and with his laptop and instrument as carry-ons. One suitcase had clothes, the other, music. Bought pillow, blanket, sheets and towels when he got there. I asked him about buying more, and he said he had no room for anything else. I haven't seen his room, but it sounds like he and his roommate can't be in it at the same time if either wants to inhale. (Air, people! Air!) Since he wants to be a musician, I hope this "less is more" attitude lasts. May be all he can afford for awhile.

By Simba (Simba) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 01:54 pm: Edit

There was a thread called, where do you shop for college". One kid wrote - Walmart. If Walmart doesn't have it, then (perhaps) I don't need it.

By Valpal (Valpal) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 05:05 am: Edit

Should I feel guilty that an amount frighteningly close to $3000 has already gone into the shopping for D's college needs? The Laptop alone (and believe me, we swallowed plenty hard before slapping down that credit card!) was $1200. But she started out with almost none of what she would need. Her bed at home is full size, and she needed X-long twin bedding for college, which included sheets, mattress pad, pillows (the ones at home were---well, embarrasingly old and flat. No wonder dust mites were a problem---LOL!), twin sized blanket and quilt, mattress topper, and later, allergy encasement to ward off hives attacks. Then there was the need for towels and wash cloths, shower shoes and caddy, message board and desk lamp, waste basket and surge protector (got to protect that $1200 computer investment, don't you know), alarm clock that actually works (old one was a six year old travel alarm from Big Lots that didn't work half the time), drying rack, mesh laundry hamper and detergent/fabric softener, iron, extension cord, flashlight, stapler, pens and mechanical pencils, scissors, tape, paper, file box, first aid kit, basic medicine chest items, such as, cold meds, allergy meds, bandaids and antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, tylenol, shampoo and conditioner, bodywash, toothpaste and other such items.

We bought her next to no new clothing items---ran out of funds. My Mom and Dad, bless their hearts, bought quite a number of the above items, including, for some reason, a complete flatwear service for four and several dishwear items. And my sister and her husband bought my D a 4.4 cubic ft mini fridge (which she certainly would not have gotten if we'd had to buy it).

D is home for fall break now, and we have had to go shopping for winter clothing. My mom and dad bought her a down coat from the L.L. Bean outlet, But we have yet to find waterproof hikers (at a reasonable price). She still needs long johns, and a rain poncho, too.

The costs can add up fast, and I wouldn't call any of the purchases made so far, inordinately luxurious! Certainly these kinds of expenditures for college aren't rare. In fact, I think $3000 might be low-balling it!

By Simba (Simba) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 09:40 am: Edit

Valpal: How is D doing?..I am personally interested because we will face a similar situation next year with S.

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 09:54 am: Edit

FYI
www.rei.com is having a salenow
I didn't buy much yesterday but some chemical hand and footwarmers for snowboarding, and some doggie stuff, but you should check it out, good deals on longunderwear

By Momsdream (Momsdream) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 09:55 am: Edit

Val-

In my opinion, I see nothing wrong with spending money to get kids geared up for going away from home for the first time. I don't see what all the fuss was about with the article. There was a big emphasis placed on the room of the student who was color coordinating everything in pink. So what? So she had a pink computer cover....it probably cost little more than the clear one....And the "Hello Kitty" gear....? What's the big deal? Not everyone has to/wants to live with old bedding. Who gets to decide that one way is better than another?

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 10:11 am: Edit

well we obviously bought all new bedding cause she didn't have an extra long futon at home. That didn't really cost very much, jewel tones not pink. She didn't need a computer cover cause she has a laptop like virtually all the students seem to end up with.
Since people with the taste of a 7 year old often change it before they are 20, I would be hesitant to dump that much money on something that would be embarrasing by spring semester.
The furniture in her dorm room was actually pretty nice, and she personalized it by bringing stuff she already had.
Also, my daughter had spent a great deal of time away from home already, she had, had a job as riding support staff at a residential camp on a nearby island since she was about 15 and had been sharing a much smaller room than her dorm room every summer.
College is just like camp, but with more freedom.( and without so many little kids!)
I would also be concerned about needing to spend so much on electronics and appliances. The students need to get out and socialize not hide out in their rooms.
At Reed students don't have tvs at all, although Ra's sometimes bring one to have in the common room. The common room also has a full kitchen for students use, while my daughter has a hotpot for soup and tea, it is much less hassle to walk 3 steps to the kitchen and put a kettle on.
I think buying a lot of things to make somebody feel better, sets you up ( or continues) for a life expecting buying things to feel good. Marginally better than eating food as a reward, but not much

By 2dsdad (2dsdad) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 10:45 am: Edit

"What's the big deal?"

It's no big deal. If parents want to blow three grand or more on a couple of van loads of goods for their kid's crib at college, it's their money and they can spend it as they wish. As the article states at the beginning, half of what the pink girl spent was money she herself earned and last I checked we are still allowed to spend our money as we wish.

But it is difficult for many families who are struggling to afford college to fathom the differences in attitude and financial position of others who are also sending kids off to college and the article rubs those differences in their face by making it sound like this amount of spending is the norm. I would hope that parents who spend like the ones mentioned in the article aren't also complaining about the high cost of college and the lack of financial aid from colleges and the government for higher education. That would be truly aggravating.

By Momsdream (Momsdream) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 11:14 am: Edit

I don't think that having a (as the kids say) "tight" room will make them hide in it. As usual, it's individual to each student. But, if they have nice rooms at home and also enjoy a very active social and recreational life, I doubt that such a student would become reclusive just because they have a nice dorm room. On the issue of leaving home, I'm sure most of the kids on this board have previously left home with the intention to soon return....mine included. But, I guess I just don't equate that with the college sendoff....and the fanfare that goes with it, regardless of how expensive (or not) a family decides to make it. Opions seem to vary on this topic...which is good.

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 11:19 am: Edit

Valpal, I think what your daughter took to school and needed to be bought is rather typical and is not that different than my own daughter and yes, it is an expensive proposition to get them set up the first year and it is kind of like a one time expense (well for the time being....or as I told my daughter when getting bedding/linens, enjoy it because it will be the last time until your wedding that you get this kind of thing!).

I realize that my child was fortunate in that some of these big items were gifts from grandparents. Her grad gift from one set was the laptop and printer and surely that costs a lot. She got money from another. Her birthday also landed on the week she was going to college and she got all the linens she needed from us. She got a fridge and microwave for her birthday from her grandmother. She had gift money plus earnings from her job to buy other needed things to set up a room (these are not frivolous things...stuff like storage under the bed and lamp, etc). Her graduation gift from us was an I Pod and speakers for the room. I guess that is not a necessity in life but her graduation gift was not about what she needed as much. She has no stereo and so this is what she got. As far as clothing, we still pay for our kids' clothes and will through college. By the same token, my daughter has earned a fine sum of money through work to pay for extra things as they arise and she is an excellent saver. We did what was within our means but did not think things like bedding or laptop were frivolous stuff.

I think that article got into all that pink stuff, and so forth and that was that one girl but overall, I don't think she was so unusual in getting certain things that most kids need for their rooms. As we unpacked our child at college, it appeared that everyone was unloading the very same items (and the shopping bags all had the same names....i.e,. Bed Bath and Beyond)....we saw the linens, storage chests, computers, lamps, and what not. Yes, it is expensive to set someone up to live away from home but I don't think it is that unusual to do. There is a spending continuim and likely some can and will spend less than others but there are basic things that all kids will need in college. I suppose if you have some adequate linens at home to send that fit an Xtra long bed, you may not need new ones. We did not really have that here and have used ratty old stuff for camp but felt she is now going full time for four years and what we get now will have to go with her not just for four years but in the years following that. It is just a lot at once. But graduation and birthdays are times we do buy stuff for our kids so we plugged these necessities that cost alot into those gift times, rather than get still other "things". And with very giving grandparents, it has helped a great deal and I realize not all kids have that. In any case, Valpal, your situation mirrors ours. And no, my daughter is not into pink or Hello Kitty by a long shot. What she got was not the latest craze but will last her for many years. A lot of it was a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of tuition, room and board.

Susan

By Momsdream (Momsdream) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 11:21 am: Edit

I see your point, 2ds.

I visited the Penn bookstore yesterday and noticed a huge section dedicated to decorating the dorm room.....there was more pink fluffy stuff than I had ever seen in one place....If you haven't visited the Penn bookstore, it's huge...yet very well laid out and appointed (including the requisite cafes). I thought of this thread when I saw the huge home decorating layout.

By Patient (Patient) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 11:40 am: Edit

Penn sounds like my kind of shopping heaven.. I also heard there is an Urban Outfitters on campus...very cool.

By Soozievt (Soozievt) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 11:51 am: Edit

There is an Urban Outfitters on the edge of Yale's campus, Harvard's campus, UMich's campus and Brown's too, from my observations. Oh, and UVM's too.

Susan

By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 03:27 pm: Edit

I know we spent quite a bit on each kid's room that freshaman year. With my nephew, he did not go away until he was 20 years old, and though we were ever so broke, we still spent a fortune--this was 8 years ago. At our house we never bought linens new---everything was either given to us or bought at yard sales or in "box" sales at auctions at $1 a box. So you can imagine the threadbare, unmatched stuff we had. So each kid got matching linens, and each kid got a computer which right there comes to quite a bit. And then new clothes, new supplies...I think we probably spent $3000 before we were done if I tallied it all up. And we did not go designer lines nor were we into decor. None of the kids had their own stuff that was in decent enough shape that we felt like sending them on this new venture with such raggedy items.

Now that we can afford more, we still are not intending to expand our list. I don't think we'll be spending much more for my son who is scheduled to go to college next year than we did for my nephew nearly 10 years ago. Computers are cheaper these days, and this kid has a good stash of clothes and other stuff, so we just might end up paying less. I do know that we did not go on shopping sprees after the first year--the stuff lasted through the 4 years. But the basic list can easily exceed $3000 with the computer, supplies, linens, cell phone, toiletries, etc. S1 has allergy issues so I was permitted to purchase an air conditioner for his window and he also got a microwave his first year--whereas his roomate brought the frig. His computer did not last all 4 years but he bought himself a desktop his last year, and had his laptop refurbished but is basically used as a big palm pilot now. None of ours needed furniture but I have seen many parents go out and buy an easy chair, sofa or nice rug to dress up the room, and I just might have done the same had the opportunity arose. Yeah, they could maybe pick up some used discards as the year progresses, but for some reason, for that first year, I would be tempted to go new with everything.

I tell people that the first year at the top priced private school can easily cost $50K and more, and they think I'm nuts, but I am considered frugal, yet I did visit them, take them out to eat, stay at a hotel, buy some souvenier hoodies, slip them a few bucks and, yep, we splurged on that moving in spending spree.

By Thumper1 (Thumper1) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 03:55 pm: Edit

I've wanted to read this thread for a while...no school today....so I finally had time. When DS went off to college last year, our first "shopping trip" was through OUR linen closets and closets. He had been to summer programs on college campuses, so he already had the bed linens. We seem to have a surplus of towels here...he chose what he wanted to take. He wasn't happy, but we had a perfectly good used computer here that fulfilled his needs just fine (in fact, he has the same computer this year). Our first concession and purchase was a flat screen monitor...owing to the very SMALL size of the desks. He had clothes, alarm clock, shower shoes, etc. We splurged, and bought two of those under bed storage boxes with wheels and hinged lids. We also bought two surge protectors with extra long cords...a VERY worthwhile purchase (you never know where the outlets will be). He took clothes from his drawers and closet, and the stereo from his bedroom. He receive a fridge from as a door prize, and a set of those plastic drawers as a gift. I will say that this year, his second, he took 1/2 of what he took his freshman year. The rooms just aren't very big. Perhaps it is a "guy thing", but he is perfectly happy with what he has...and to be honest, we didn't spend too much to get him there. I insisted on an area rug (the carpet is pathetic) but that was a Big Lots deal. Now...DD...I suspect she will be another matter. She is already looking at papasan chairs and asking if she can get one for college. I hope her room ends up being bigger than her brother's or the chair will have to go on her bed!

By Cangel (Cangel) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 04:02 pm: Edit

I think what popped my eyes out about the article was $3000 on "decorator" stuff, I didn't read it to include the computer. I think I bought a bedspread, sheets, and a shower caddy 25 years ago, things have changed.

By 1moremom (1moremom) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 04:19 pm: Edit

My son is a senior. Can anyone suggest dorm room "extras" that might qualify as Xmas gifts this year? Aunts & uncles, etc. are always asking for gift ideas; he is tough to shop for.

By Thumper1 (Thumper1) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 04:54 pm: Edit

My son really likes gift cards as gifts. I know that doesn't seem very personal, but he USES those. His college bookstore is a Barnes and Noble and gift cards to that are VERY appreciated. He also appreciates prepaid gasoline cards, prepaid phone cards, and gift cards to the grocery store (at the corner by his dorm). Starbucks also has gift cards. One gift he really liked was a pass for the public transportation system ($150...that really saved him some money!!). Will your son know where he is attending college next year by December. If not, these gift suggestions might be better saved for graduation.

By Sybbie719 (Sybbie719) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 05:03 pm: Edit

If your son is not looking to go to Grad school, maybe he would like some stuff to help him transition from student to the world of work. If this is the case, then I ould suggest AMEX or Visa gift cards, so that he would be able to get what he needs for potential interviews or in the event he wants to have that last great spring fling.

By 1moremom (1moremom) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 05:11 pm: Edit

I hadn't thought of that. If he gets into his EA choice, it will open up all sorts of possibilities. (Though we'd have to shop fast!) Thanks, Thumper. Any other suggestions? A laptop backpack? At his summer program he usually used the school's computers and left his laptop in his room.

By 1moremom (1moremom) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 05:14 pm: Edit

He's a HS senior, Sybbie. Sorry for not being clear.

By Fendergirl (Fendergirl) on Monday, October 11, 2004 - 07:38 pm: Edit

wait wait, you guys bought your kids stuff when they went away to college? i paid for everything myself! no fair