The Definitive Guide to Black Friday College Shopping Trends

SAN FRANCISCO - Nov. 24, 2015 - PRLog -- College kids know what’s hot. So we asked them what is on their shopping list this holiday season. From what students want to what they’re spending, here’s our definitive guide to Black Friday college shopping trends.

College Shopping: By the Numbers

College students spend over $400 billion (http://www.nationwide.com/college-student-spending-habits-infographic.jsp) each year. And, 40% of that cash going to entertainment, technology, clothes, cosmetics, and other discretionary purchases. What's more shocking than their annual spending? How little they care about holiday shopping.

Despite the huge sums undergrads spend, don’t expect them to be shopping this week. We surveyed a over 1000 college students and just 26% say they plan to shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. The other 74% range from indifferent-to-anti shopping season.

Of those who will be shopping, over 50% of respondents said they have budgeted just $50-150 dollars for holiday gifts this year. Maybe they’d be spending more if they had more? The number one item students told us they want for Christmas is money.

Not sure what to get your fickle college student when he or she comes home to visit this year? Don’t guess, we already asked.

Here’s the top 10 coolest big-ticket gifts for college student’s you’ll want to buy with a Black Friday deal:

1) Hoverboards Will Win The Holiday

• Prediction: Hoverboards for the win
• Cost: $400+

In case this is the first time you’ve been online this year, hoverboards are exploding right now and they are THE must-have this holiday season.

Take it easy McFly – we’re not talking about THAT hoverboard.

We’re talking about the two-wheeled hoverboards you’ve seen everyone from John Legend to Justin Bieber posting pictures of themselves riding on Instagram.

2) Tickets Make The World Come True

Everyone thinks college student just want to latest, greatest Kickstarter gadgets. Well, you know what they want even more? Experiences. We’re talking concert tickets, a flight to another country for NYE, scuba diving lessons, skydiving…This generation dreams big!

Keep an eye on Travelzoo (http://www.travelzoo.com/) and last-minute deals on the booking sites.


3) iPhone 6 in Demand

• Prediction: Students want an iPhone more than any other smart-phone or Apple device.
• Cost: $299+

People will line-up in the freezing cold, ready to rush in a store the moment it’s doors crack open, to snatch up the latest Apple release any time of year. Black Friday rush? Apple fans are ready.

So which one do students want? Our research says student want an iPhone the most.

Bonus tip: Apple tends to be more of a “here’s a bonus” than a “here’s a discount” kind of company. You can always check with MacMall (http://www.macmall.com/) or a third party for a Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal.

4) College Kids Make Comfy, Casual Clothes The Norm

Clothes came in second as the most common answer when students told us what they want.

If you don’t know about Chubbies (http://chubbies.com/), they’re basically THE SHORT for college dudes. Bright, colorful, fun, and hiking up to right around mid-thigh. Guaranteed to bring some smiles.

Sign ‘em up for a subscription to MeUndies (https://www.meundies.com/) while you’re at it. Doing laundry is hard and this guarantees the fellas will start each month with at least one new, clean, designer pair.

Yoga pants have been established as an indispensable part of women’s wardrobes. You’ll never go wrong with some Lululemon (http://www.lululemon.com/), but if you’re looking for something with more pizazz try Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/market/funky_yoga_pants) for an endless array of patterns.

5) Toiletries. Who Knew?

Hygiene is important. Don’t get stuck picking between buying a Chipotle burrito or new shampoo. Sure, you can shower at the gym, but do you really want to?

The wish list includes:

• Sonicare toothbrush (game changer), $39
• Biotherm Face Wash, $29
• Clarisonic Mia 2, $149

6) Boosted Board Takes Crown as Most Coveted

• Prediction: This is the only thing that will make your friend who got a hoverboard jealous.
• Cost: $999+

If you’ve spent any time in San Francisco, New York, or other major cities – you’ve probably seen someone riding a skateboard incomprehensibly quickly, up a hill, with no effort, and totally stable. More than likely, that rider was cruising on a boosted board.

7) DJI Phantom 3 Sales Soar

• Prediction: This is the last year to get one of these bad-boys and put it in the air with no frills attached.
• Cost: $599
• Saving: $200 Off at Best Buy

Get ‘em while you can! The FAA plans to rewrite the rules on drone regulation, so you’ll want to get your hands on one while you still can. The DJI Phantom 3 is the most trusted name on the market. Seriously, nearly every awesome drone video you’ve seen since 2013 has been shot on a Phantom. And, you should be able to snag a great deal on one the Black Friday.

8) Video Games Basically Mean Christmas

• Prediction: Video game systems are a hit
• Cost: $199 – $349
• Saving: $25 – 50

Video games have been a top seller every year since the 1980s and 2015 won’t be any different. Expect to find great deals on the Wii U, Xbox One, and PS4. You’ll find low prices on systems, bundles with the hottest games, and low-prices on the newest titles.

9) Kitchen Appliances Provide a Major Upgrade

Here’s a list of appliances that will transform your student’s life:

• A Keurig (http://www.keurig.com/) coffee maker to power those all-nighters, $79+
• A Nutribullet (https://www.nutribullet.com/) to blend up smoothies, salad dressings, hummus, and mixed drinks, $79
• Sodastream (https://www.sodastreamusa.com/) for fancy bubbly drinks, $99
• Tupperware makes cold pizza last so much longer than the counter…$19+

They are for sale EVERYWHERE. Shop around and find the best deal.

10) Money. Just Show Me The Money
Seriously, keep it simple.

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