(The following is not a paid promotion. It’s researched by women for women and their ultra discriminating college bound teens.)
It’s still early summer, but for those of you wanting to get your BIG kiddos a leg up on packing for college, North Metro Woman has come up with a list of must have essentials to properly equip your teen for dorm life in the fall.
Sheet Sets -For that teen that still lives in their favorite t-shirts, The Company Store offers their Jersey knit sheet sets in every color you can imagine! You may not be there to make sure they study, but at least you know they are getting a comfy nights rest in these cozy bad boys!
Pottery Barn Teen also carries the “Favorite Tee” sets in all of the neutral tones including adorable pin stripes. They can be ordered at Pottery Barn (Flatirons Mall, Broomfield) Both are approx. $79-89 for twins.
Shower Caddy – Whatever the accommodations may be, your teen will need one of these bathroom essentials to keep clean and organized.
The Container Store (at Flatirons mall in Broomfield) offers the waterproof Six Pocket Mesh Shower Caddy, which has plenty of room for a towel, for $12.99. Amazon also offers the extra roomy 8 pocket Eudele mesh shower caddy in black and two pretty shades of blue for only $9.49.
Bathrobe – Bathrobes are an essential cover-up that come in many different fabrics and styles. Macy’s (in Orchard Town Center,Westminster) carry everything from the more affordable and lighter weight Greenwich Woven and Soho Modern by Ralph Lauren to the ultra luxury Hotel Collection depending on your budget and teen’s taste in attire. All can be found or ordered on-line for $79-$200
Shower Shoes – Shared bathrooms are definitely not one of the most exciting aspects of college life, but there’s no reason your teen can’t look cool while doing it. Havaianas (also found at DSW at City Center Marketplace in Westminster) has a vast array of waterproof slides and flipflops in every design imaginable.
Laundry Basket – For a basket that fashionably doubles as a hamper, we like the Container Store’s (Flatirons Mall, Broomfield) Like it Round eco plastic laundry basket for $27.99.
This item is essential for keeping their clothes organized whether they are taking their laundry to another floor, the laundromat, or heaven forbid, back home to mom on the weekend. For a higher end basket with wheels, for those long distance laundry mats, we also like the Steele Canvas black and gray sorting hamper for $139. Also at the Container Store.
Phone Charger -There are a ton of wireless phone chargers on the market today, but the Courant Mag 2 wireless charger simultaneously charges a phone and a set of ear pods while keeping the phone upright, or horizontal, for those face time calls back home to mom and dad.
The Mag 2 also looks pretty cool with its modern sleek design. It’s currently on sale at Best Buy (in Westminster or Broomfield) for $99.
Small Bedside Rug – It doesn’t seem essential, but a little pop of cozy color can brighten up a basic dorm room like nothing else. World Market (on 120th in Thornton) carries a wide variety of pastel, bold, modern and fun Bohemian prints.
They also carry a plethora of other decor items like affordable art work or faux plants in adorable little pots. Prices vary.
Small Reading Lamp – Target (on Reed St, Westminster) has always been a shopping staple for miscellaneous household essentials at an affordable price point. They currently carry the ivation motion sensing small table lamp for $24.99 .
But if you are shopping on-line, Ikea also ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to affordable and fashionable essentials. We also recommend them for the cute options in lighting. We love the whimsical Tokabo in an adorable mushroom shape at $11.99
Portable Clothes Steamer – The Conair Turbo Extreme Steam (found at Kohls on 120th in Westminster) is portable, easy to use, AND way better to have on hand than wrinkled clothing. We all know that if our kiddos did not iron at home, they certainly aren’t going to do it at school, so help ’em out with this easy little gadget to keep them looking great! $84.99
Noise Canceling Headphones – Finding a quiet place to study can be a challenge at school, but with noise cancelling headphones your teen can tune into their favorite jam or just shut out their roommates for some much needed quiet time. Depending on the brand, this can be a very special gift.
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 Wireless go for about $349 at Best Buy (at 9369 Sheridan Blvd. in Westminster). Another amazing , but luxury, choice is the Apple Max in a variety very cool sparkly shades. They can be found at the Apple Store (Flatirons Mall in Broomfield). Approx. $549.
Electric Tea Kettle – If your teen is anything like our teens, you know they’re going to need their caffeine when they get to school! We love the Bodum Goose Neck electric tea kettle. It heats quickly and safely and is perfect for that late night cup of tea, a pour over coffee, or that quick cup of ramen you just know they’ll be eating instead of a healthy lunch. But hey, it’s kind of a rite of passage, moms! You can find the Bodum at Target (in Westminster, Broomfield or Boulder). $35.49
First Aid Kit -Chances are if your kiddo is living in a dorm, there will be an RA (resident advisor) or campus health clinic to help them with anything seriously concerning their health, but for all other minor ailments, like that 7am stayed-up-too-late-and-don’t-want-to-go-to-class headache, your teen should have a box of essential fixer-uppers. We recommend the cute Welly expandable first aid kit. It has everything you need, it’s inexpensive, and comes in a great little stackable tin. It can be found at Target or Walmart Supercenter in Broomfield for $25.
If you have more tips for sending off your college bound teen with all the right essentials, we would love to hear from you! Please send us your tips at editor@northmetrowoman.com. Good job, mamas! The most important thing you’ve given them is wings.
