Consumer Reports recently posted a list of things that you should  be buying for your college kid's dorm room. They also provided a list of things that should NOT be on the list. Let's take a look and see if you've been preparing yourself for your child's college life.

DO'S

  • Cheap Towels - If they share a floor bathroom, eventually these towels may end up as someone elses property, so don't spend too much on expensive towels.
  • Cheap sheets
  • Microwave
  • Coffee Maker- If they have the opportunity to go to a coffee shop they will, but once they realize they're broke, they may start brewing their own.

THE DON'T LIST

  • Don't buy an iron. They'll never, ever use it. If they happen to be the only kid whose going to iron something, they can borrow from someone else...like their floor RA.
  • Expensive bedding. They'll end up ruining it by the end of the year, so go cheapo. If you're thinking decorative pillows, all that sounds great until you realize, they have no space for anything extra in that little room.
  • An alarm clock. It sounds essential, but they'll use their phone anyway.
  • A mini-fridge. What?! I really think this should be on the DO list, however, experts say it takes up a lot of space, and if they are eating on campus, there's really not a reason to have to have it unless you know they'll use it. Don't burn the $100.
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KELLY'S DO LIST

  • Get your college student soft, comfortable blankets that can just be used as a bedspread, wrap, and blanket.
  • Popcorn. If you're getting them the microwave, popcorn is great.
  • Don't forget to send care packages at various times of the year, with lots of little things. Healthy bars, Chocolate bars, Kleenex, ibuprofen. I should be telling you to fill this with healthy apples and bananas, but it needs to be things that will last them. Pens, Pencils.
  • Gift cards for restaurants on campus for special treats.
  • Laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
  • A bathrobe
  • flip flops for the shower.
  • Bathroom necessities.
  • Laundry basket.
  • Comfortable pillows.

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