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Sunny the Sunbird shopping for a shirt

Sunny’s Top Ten Gifts for College Students

December 4, 2025

By Sunny the Sunbird

Hey Sunbirds! It’s Sunny the Sunbird, reporting live from my online perch.

I’ve been watching students hustle to classes, sip questionable amounts of coffee and carry way too many backpacks and tote bags. And since gift-giving season is upon us, I thought I’d help you out with a big, bright list of the top ten gifts every college student will love.

Because if anyone knows what students need, it’s me. I’ve got the best vantage point on campus. I see everything from the court to the quad. Ready? Let’s fly!

Top 10 Gifts for College Students

  1. A Giant, Overly Fluffy Blanket
    Perfect for staying warm during chilly morning classes or cocooning yourself during finals. Bonus points if it’s Sunny-yellow. (Not required, but it is scientifically proven to increase happiness by 84%. Probably.)
     
  2. A Durable Water Bottle
    Preferably one that can survive being dropped down the stairs at least twice a week. Hydration is key, Sunbirds—glow from the inside out!
     
  3. Noise-Canceling Headphones
    Because sometimes you need to study, and sometimes you need to pretend you’re studying while listening to your feel-good playlist. I won’t tell.
     
  4. Gift Cards to Their Favorite Local Spots
    Coffee shops, boba places and bookstores—you can’t go wrong. Nothing says “I care about you” like enabling someone’s caffeine habits.
     
  5. The Ultimate Snack Stash
    Chips, chocolate, gummies, granola bars, emergency Goldfish, Top Ramen—you name it. College students run on snacks the way I run on sunshine.
     
  6. A Cozy Hoodie
    Preferably one with “FPU” across the front so they can rep their favorite university (and their favorite mascot). Hoodies are basically the official uniform of higher education, and you can even buy them online at the FPU Bookshop and Sunbird Athletics Shop.
     
  7. A Laptop Stand or Desk Organizer
    Because a tidy workspace means a tidy mind. And a tidy mind means fewer moments of “Wait…where did I put the syllabus?”
     
  8. A Planner or Digital Calendar Subscription
    To keep track of assignments, practices, clubs, work and of course all your hangouts with me.
     
  9. A Portable Charger
    Nothing strikes fear into a student’s heart like the “1% battery” notification. A portable charger is like a tiny superhero in your backpack.
     
  10. SUNNY MERCH!
    Okay, okay… I might be a little biased. But trust me—whether it’s stickers, shirts, plushies or hats, Sunny merch brings joy, confidence and a healthy dose of campus pride. Perfect for finals week, mood-boosting or spontaneous photo ops with yours truly.

Wrap-Up Time!

There you have it—Sunny’s hand-picked, warm-and-toasty list of the top gifts for college students. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, sibling, roommate or yourself (we support self-care here), any of these choices will brighten a Sunbird’s day.

And if you happen to choose all ten… well, I won’t stop you.

Happy shopping and Merry Christmas, Sunbirds!

A photo of Sunny pointing

Sunny the Sunbird

FPU Mascot

Sunny the Sunbird has been the heart and feathers of campus spirit since the early 1980s. More than just a mascot, Sunny is a symbol of community, resilience and the soaring spirit of Fresno Pacific. Whether he's hyping up a crowd at games, posing for selfies with students or sharing his latest thoughts on Sunny’s Blog, you can always count on him to bring warmth and pride wherever he goes.

Have an idea for Sunny's Blog?

Email storyteam@fresno.edu.