Here's a fun activity to do if you have younger kids in the home and you'd like to make a gift together for your college kid. Using printer paper, scissors and glue - decorate regular old pencils by wrapping them.
10 pencils generally cost about $1. If you have a printer at home and internet access just search a color scheme on google (we searched "yellow patterns") and print out different designs. Cut strips of the paper the length of your pencils and about 1.5 inches wide. Then, using a craft glue, coat the side without the pattern and roll the pencil tightly. Let it dry completely before sharpening like you would a regular pencil!
I like to use an X-acto knife to sharpen my pencils because
a. I don't have a sharpener
and b. I like how it looks better.
But if you have a younger child helping out, it's probably best to use a regular pencil sharpener.
This is our Blue Canton Cigarette Cup (without a lid) (HC133) *DISCONTINUED*
BUT! We have this round one in the same design:
Blue Canton Pencil Cup (HC193) - $40
I think it makes a pretty nice pencil/pen holder. It's classy! And made hip when you have your own personalized patterned pencils in it.