What to give a new freshman at the University of Chicago?
A great kid I know is heading to the University of Chicago in the fall. I'd like to give him a gift he can use there...perhaps food-related gift cards, maybe around $50 worth. I've never been to Chicago. Any suggestions?
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11 Comments:
Here's a listing of restaurants, etc., in the Hyde Park neighborhood:
http://chicago.metromix.com/facets/restaurants/loc.chicago_market.chicago.south.hyde_park_university_of_chicago
I've been to the Medici cafe in the U of C area, and it's pretty good. There are also a lot of pretty good restaurants owned by the Lettuce Entertain You company in Chicago, and they offer gift cards ...
Hope that helps!
gbania at 12:17PM on 06/22/09
A gift certificate to a nearby grocery store/coffee shop would be handy.
gingercookiewithlime at 1:58PM on 06/22/09
Pizza gift card: http://www.loumalnatis.com/Gift%20and%20Loyalty.aspx
pookywookyster at 2:15PM on 06/22/09
Given the rigor of the University of Chicago, $50 for delivery food since he might rarely be leaving his dorm for the next four years!
HeartofGlass at 2:32PM on 06/22/09
Beer Money?
misterhee at 4:28PM on 06/22/09
Thanks for some really good ideas, Serious Eaters! (I think I'd take a pass on the beer money, misterhee, even if the U of C were a party school.)
baboo at 5:58PM on 06/22/09
A Starbucks gift card or maybe a gift card at a clothing store.
crumbles at 7:03PM on 06/22/09
Lots of schools have debit like card programs associated with student ID's, where money can be spent almost everywhere on campus, including vending machines, snack bars, etc. As well as many local restaurants and stores accepting them as well. You might want to see if you can load a certain amount onto his.
Otherwise, some of my favorite college gifts were shower caddies full of shower supplies, laundry basket with laundry supplies and a bag of quarters. Simple stuff that even though he can buy himself is really thoughtful when someone takes the time to assemble it for you.
bobcatsteph3 at 7:08PM on 06/22/09
Rather than giving a gift card to a local restaurant or grocery store, I'd suggest giving a prepaid credit card. The fact is, lots of businesses are going out of business, and you're out-of-luck if you're holding one of their gift cards.
www.transitchicago.com takes you to the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) website. If he's going to the U of C, he'll probably take the El to Chinatown for some late-nite meals. You can buy him some prepaid transit cards to get him there and back.
Or consider giving him a gift membership to one of Chicago's great museums. Everyone needs to get away from school every once in a while and enjoy themselves. The Museum of Science & Industry is closest to the U of C.
When i was in college, I enjoyed getting care packages with food items more than anything else. His parents may leave him well-equipped, but come exam time he might appreciate some study food--baked goods, trail mix, power bars, etc.
chgoeditor at 7:47PM on 06/22/09
how about a small coffee maker(if he doesn't already have one) and a pound or two of really good locally roasted coffee? check out intelligentsia and metropolis
andshewas at 8:59PM on 06/22/09
Wow. More great ideas. chgoeditor and bobcatsteph3, thanks for reminding me what life is like for college freshmen and the importance of care packages when you're away from home for the first time. And chgoeditor, big thumbs up for the information on the CTA. You've all give me much food for thought.
baboo at 10:43PM on 06/22/09