Stocking presents for new boarder

[Waffleswithcheese]

Very random question! DS will start full boarding next year for sixth form. First time as a boarder, and the rest of the family will be staying overseas. Thinking ahead for Christmas stocking or other presents - are there any useful or fun things that your children liked having as boarders? DS is 15, so a tough age for present buying, and I thought it was at least worth thinking ahead about some practical things he might use, rather than general tat 😁

My 16 year old boarders suggested a Power bank, @Waffleswithcheese
Practical stuff like slides, toiletries and a mug. If he doesn't already wear TomsTrunks he'll want to within half a term so you could get him ahead of the pack...

Not so much a recommendation as a tip, but make sure you check his school's policy for tech before buying stuff. Probably not an issue for sixth formers but increasingly senior schools are placing restrictions on devices and other tech that boarders can keep in school.

Thanks @PemberleynotWemberley - those are great suggestions. I've never heard of TomsTrunks, so off to google!

@tachetastic - thanks for the heads-up. Will definitely check that.

Men’s fragrances at boarding are a thing - Jo Malone, Maison Margiela, Tom Ford, Gucci etc. This caught me by surprise … a pleasant surprise.
My 2DS spending a long time at John Lewis fragrances was a shock. Explaining which boy had which scent … etc

That brings back memories (6th form boarder here). Some of my male mates in physics A-level used to walk up behind me, hands over eyes, ‘guess who?’ And it was how they smelt (in a good way) not their voices that gave it away!

@Bucketsof wow - that's a step up from the Lynx I remember from my schooldays 😁

apple air tags to track down his stuff over the entire 170 acre school- this has been the singularly most useful tip- DS constantly slinging his sports bag down somewhere and then forgetting where. Has them for school bag, sports bag, cricket bag and guitar.

other than that -

mattress topper
easily identifiable towels
more socks than you could ever imagine one person needing
small lockable box for valuables

Also one of those instant shoe shine things

An electric shaver?

I had girl boarders so far more into room decor but perhaps something like this that he can peg photos of family/pets etc onto? https://www.dunelm.com/product/photo-peg-16-copper-string-lights-1000149156?defaultSkuId=30647265&branchCode=0335&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Lighting_Lighting-Other-PMax_%5BGOO-LIA-LIGHTING-LIGHTING%5D&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwyfe4BhAWEiwAkIL8sI947Sr_HvGV8_BM4nA3gX4UjNvJ9jOHydPVf7Pr6Wi3YrDKchUphxoCX3gQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Some clear name labels with a range of different coloured lettering for sticking on personal items in his dorm https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/882757424/custom-text-name-lip-gloss-balm-small?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=clear+name+labels&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&pro=1&content_source=c2a054d44e29cf40d94ab19f1dde97362f76c896%253A882757424&organic_search_click=1

@CurlewKate thanks - that's definitely on the list.

@Londonmummy66 - great idea on something to display photos. Will definitely look at that (and then actually print some photos - currently all on my phone!).

@LaPalmaLlama thanks - those are all really good ideas. Socks certainly an obligatory Christmas present! And thanks for the suggestion of air tags. My DS is hopeless when it comes to losing things, so those would be v useful.

Also the portable Bluetooth speaker …

Ikea Vappeby portable waterproof speaker £10
very very long battery life
Gave these last year, not a posh brand but kids all like because small, good sound, long battery & can use in shower, outside, on desk …

www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/vappeby-portable-bluetooth-speaker-waterproof-black-40522583/