Add Spice to the Dull Dorm Room- Image courtesy of bonimo

Going off to college is an adventure of many different kinds: socially, academically, and aesthetically. Dorm rooms can be just about the ugliest, most sterile places on the planet– excluding of course solitary confinement at the state penitentiary. Make sure the college freshman in your life doesn’t have to experience that kind of torture. Send them off to school with some great gifts that will spice up any dorm room.

Wall Decals

Help them add some sophistication to their dorm room with a Blik wall decal. Even if they don’t have room for a headboard, chandelier or floor lamp, they can have one that adds color and art to the room. The wall decals go on easily and come off easily, too.

Chalk Board

It may seem a little elementary for a college dorm room, but it’s way cuter than a white board. Pick up one of these chalkboard writing slates so they can leave their roommate notes or jot down homework reminders. Make sure you include some chalk.

Battery Operated Candle

Chances are open flames aren’t allowed in that dorm room. But that doesn’t mean candles are completely banned. Pick up a battery operated scented candle from BatteryOperatedCandles.net. They glow just like a candle and smell just like a candle without the risk of fire.

Throw Pillows

Cute pillows can make a room feel much more homey. This night owl throw pillow available on Etsy pays homage to the wise old owl since after all, your college student is there to learn. These fuzzy fur pillows from JC Penney will give them something to cuddle when they’re feeling homesick.

Curtains

Add curtains to a dorm room and the prison cell suddenly turns into a bed and breakfast. It’s amazing what a little fabric can do! These tuxedo ruffle curtains from Urban Outfitters will add a splash of color and femininity since gray cement block walls give off quite the opposite feeling.

Framed Photos

Nothing adds to a space like photos of your family and friends. Pick out a cute frame or two and some of your favorite photos featuring the newly enrolled college kid. They’ll appreciate the ever-present reminder of the family and friends that are just a phone call away.

PepertualKid.Com offers a great collection of items for people who have a great sense of humor or for the person who has everything.

One of the site’s most popular items is “The Ex Vodoo Knife Set.” It’s billed as a “cathartic knife holder” that come with 5 stainless steel knives. Art and functionality combine with this holder as it uses magnetic sleeves to keep the 8-inch chef, bread, carver knives, 5-inch utility knife and 3.5-inch paring knife in place.

Available in several colors including red, black, chrome and pink, this holder is a great gift for a friend going through relationship drama or for a daughter going away to college or getting her first apartment – which makes me think Dads are going to be lined up for this one! This fun gift has been featured in Time Magazine and USA Today.

photo credit: www.perpetualkid.com