Broke student, big 2nd Amendment energy. From $6.99 thermal layers to a $229.97 “guitar” that secretly hauls your AR, this wish list nails real campus life and real carry needs.
Start Here: Budget Range Gear That Always Fits
Start with the essentials: eye and ear pro that always lives in the range bag. The Browning Range Kit or the Range Kit II For Her are a great place to start if you don’t know what your college kid needs. The kits come with earplugs, safety glasses tinted with polycarbonate lenses, and adjustable earmuffs with a noise reduction rating of 27db, all for $44.99.
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Concealed Carry Shorts That Keep Style And Safety
As a female college student, I think it is smart to conceal carry. I want to ensure my own safety at all times. Most concealed carry holsters are designed for men’s fashion, not taking into account that girls’ clothing makes holsters pretty obvious. If I go on a date or to a party with friends, I want to feel safe, comfortable, and happy with how I look.
The Kidney-Carry Concealment Shorts from Gun Goddess are exactly the type of concealment I am looking for. At $59, these shorts cost about the same as any other high-end pair of shorts or athletic wear. They come in 3 colors, offer 2 inseam lengths, and are perfect for when I am going out.
Stealth Wins: Diversion Bags That Look Like Instruments
It is important to me that I defend myself, but my roommates do not always agree with me on this. I also get saddled sometimes with less-than-smart roommates who I truthfully would not trust within spitting distance of my AR or my pistol. I do not want them to know where I keep my firearms, or sometimes even that I have them. Because of this, even discreet gun bags can sometimes be too conspicuous, which is why diversion cases are one of my favorite things ever.
The Savior Equipment Ultimate Guitar Case is my favorite way to disguise my AR-15 when I am moving it around. The 45-inch hard case looks to outsiders like a guitar, but the inside is padded and prepped for a rifle. If this is bigger than your college kid needs, then their 30-inch Fiddle Master might be a better choice. The guitar case is $229.97, and the fiddle case is $159.97.
Emergency Prep That Calms Parents And Students
It can be stressful knowing that your college kid is fending for themselves in a place where you are not there looking out for them. It is just as stressful being that college kid trying to take care of yourself. My dad and I have an emergency plan so that we both know what to do if a major problem ever finds us. I totally recommend putting some sort of plan like this in place for your own mental peace. But sometimes smaller emergencies arise, and it never hurts to prepare.
First Aid Kit
First of all, everyone needs a good first aid kit. You can get a decent one for $9.50 from Amazon with all the necessary basics. It might even be worth getting two, so that your college kid can stash one in their room and one in the car.
Headlamps
Another great way to prepare for any situation is with flashlights. I love a good headlamp with a red light, and I still use the one my dad put in my stocking years ago. Based on my research, Black Diamond headlamps are among the best, and the Storm 450 seems to be one of the best bangs for your buck. Right now, its $48.71, and the option to use rechargeable batteries means your college kid won’t have to buy more batteries to keep it working.
Pocketknife
I also totally recommend having a good pocketknife. Campuses have different rules for blade lengths, so you might need to do your own research, but something from Benchmade or Leatherman will be high quality, and you can trust it to do what it needs to. Prices range from $30 to $300.
Don’t Forget The Pistol Cleaning Kit
Sometimes the best gift is time, and I know if my mom or dad gifted me this Pistol Cleaning Kit from KelTec and then sat me down and did it with me, it would make my Christmas, as well as set me up for future success. The universal kit has everything you need to clean every part of a handgun, and the $49.95 kit comes in a tidy little case.
Stocking Stuffers That Punch Above Their Size
It never hurts to carry pepper spray. Throughout my whole college experience, I have tried to avoid going anywhere not armed with at least pepper spray. The peace of mind is totally worth the extra ounces of weight I carry around. Pepper spray is especially helpful in places where a concealed firearm or a knife is not allowed. This 3-in-1 flip-top pocket spray from Mace is totally worth the $8.99 it costs.
This rechargeable keychain flashlight from Langdon Tactical is perfect for a pinch. The Streamlight Micro-USB Pocket Light runs for 1.5 hours on high before you need to plug it in and has 250 lumens. MSRP $35.99.
Thermal Layers That Make 8 A.M. Bearable
I go to college in a cold town, and when I get up to walk to class, and it’s snowing, the first thing I do is put on thermal clothes. My favorites are the Lightweight Baselayer tops from 32 Degrees. These fitted undershirts are really discreet and keep me warm no matter where I’m going. Right now they’re $6.99 a piece, so I plan to ask for one for when I go to the range, another for hiking and caving with my friends, and a third for class.
If All Else Fails: Ammo And Batteries Win
The two things we can literally never get enough of are ammo and batteries. If none of the ideas on my college kid’s Christmas wish list seem to work, then find out what kind of gun your college kid has (or is asking for) and get a box of ammunition for them. Or get them a case of different batteries so that they can always have the right kind. This evergreen gift is hard to have too much of.
Quick Picks And Prices
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Browning Range Kit | $44.99 | 27db NRR, glasses, plugs, muffs |
| Gun Goddess Kidney-Carry Shorts | $59 | 3 colors, 2 inseam lengths |
| Savior Ultimate Guitar Case | $229.97 | 45 inch hard case for AR-15 |
| Savior Fiddle Master | $159.97 | 30 inch diversion case |
| First Aid Kit | $9.50 | Dorm and car ready |
| Black Diamond Storm 450 | $48.71 | Rechargeable option |
| Benchmade or Leatherman | $30 to $300 | Campus rules vary |
| KelTec Pistol Cleaning Kit | $49.95 | Universal handgun kit |
| Mace 3 in 1 Pepper Spray | $8.99 | Flip top pocket spray |
| Streamlight Micro USB Pocket Light | $35.99 | 250 lumens, 1.5 hour high |
| 32 Degrees Lightweight Baselayer | $6.99 | Warm, discreet, multiple colors |
Pros And Cons For Givers And Students
- Pros: Real campus use, prices from $6.99 to $229.97, easy to wrap, mixes safety with style, options for non-gun campuses like pepper spray and lights.
- Cons: Campus blade rules vary, some roommates will not love guns, diversion cases add bulk, sizes and inseams need a correct fit.
Wrap It Up With A Bow
Long story short, it doesn’t take much to keep us happy, but hopefully, these ideas equip you for a successful holiday season.
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