Boston is a college town, and right about now it's chock full of stressed-out students who've just finished finals and are looking forward to a few weeks of rejuvenation at home--whether home's here or somewhere less disgustingly cold. Since student types--or at least those of us not able to borrow Daddy's black AmEx on a whim--tend to be dirt poor, they're relatively easy to please. Still, there's always that relative who gives out homemade doilies for Christmas, or who can't seem to remember that you're now in college as opposed to preschool ("Uh, thanks for the Curious George book, Aunt Janine... I guess I'll have fun reading it to little cousin Jimmy!"). If you're stumped about what to give a student on your list, look no further than these great gift ideas for students!

1. Money

Make it rain this Christmas--with dollar bills, in envelopes, sent to students. Actually, forget dollar bills--make 'em at least fives or tens (twenties if you're really sweet). Things are pricey these days, you know--especially in Boston. But in all honesty, cash is the ultimate holiday gift for almost anyone, especially underage kids who need to hand it over to upperclassmen during beer runs, or use it for more illicit purposes. No college-age (or grad school-age) individual you know will turn his or her nose up at cold hard cash--and if any students do, you can certainly send the funds on to Bostonist.

2. Sweet Spa Action

Perhaps better suited for the ladies than the gentlemen (but totally wonderful for any guy who's man enough to accept it), a day at the spa is a relaxing luxury that pretty much no student can afford (unless Daddy or Mommy hands out the credit card with wild abandon). And remember, spa action doesn't have to mean facials and mud wraps--a good old-fashioned massage will do wonders to squeeze out all the stress that students have accumulated over the semester. Try Boston Massage, Boston Bodyworker, Elizabeth Grady, or the Cortiva Institute (with student rates!) for massages, or get fancy at Bella Sante Spa, G20, Maksou, Grettacole, and more. Most spas offer gift certificates, which any student will love. Superfine bath products like Lush's relaxing The Art of Bathing set or revved-up Overhaul kit for boys.

3. Liquor Gas Pump

At first, we asked, "Why?" Then, we asked, "Why not?" This liquor gas pump can easily be filled with your college student's favorite fuel--whether that be vodka, whiskey, rum, scotch, or--most likely--Red Bull. The concept of ingesting gasoline is a little disturbing, but we find ourselves better able to overlook the oddness if we think of the pump as a tribute of sorts to the Zoolander gas station fight. A couple of pumps from this dispenser and you'll have a whole new take on Blue Steel.

4. Bookstore Gift Cards

Whether your selected student is a voracious reader or not, chances are they've got a boatload of textbooks to buy for next semester. And since Barnes and Noble is gobbling up the college textbook market, a B&N Gift Card can make it easier--and cheaper--for students to get their much-needed (and godawful expensive) textbooks. Going through Amazon is a good way to get texts for less, though it can also make it more difficult to find the required edition. Either way, a contribution toward the textbook fund will be greatly appreciated by any student.

5. Finger Food

We can't resist these adorable takeout food cartons that come complete with chopstick-like knitting needles, yarn, and all the instructions you need to make some warm mittens. You can never be too bundled up in Boston, and learning to knit is a great winter break project for any student--guy or girl. Buy Finger Food for anyone who needs to keep busy--and warm--this holiday season.

6. Herb-growin' Pots

These Herb Growing Tater Pots from Fred Flare are almost unbearably cute. Not only do they look kind of like little Mr. Potato Heads (without the removable parts, unfortunately), they're also called "Tater Pots," which reminds us of our favorite elementary school side dish. On top of all that, you can grow herbs in them! The kit includes soil and seeds to grow basil, oregano, and mint, but we're sure entrepreneuring college kids can come up with a few other herbs they'd like to grow. FF also has a super Yes No Maybe Ring that can help out indecisive college kids at crucial moments (though maybe you'd rather encourage the youth of America to, y'know, think things through instead of spinning a ring).

7. Smencils

Remember Mr. Sketch? Totally the most yummy smelling markers ever, right? Well, now you can enjoy your sketch experience all over again, but in a more refined, adult way--with Smencils! Yep, they're just what you think--pencils that smell (good). Order a box for yourself and one for the coolest person on your gift list.

8. Totes 'n Trays

Yeah, sounds like a weird idea, but sometimes trays (like these cute Angela Adams Trays) are the best way to manage tons of stuff in a small space. (Angela also offers cute but stylish holiday stockings--the kind for the mantle, not your legs--if you want to double up on a purchase from her.) Keep study materials stacked on one tray and use another for eating your dinners in front of the TV (face it, where else do college kids eat?). Totes are great for lugging your stuff to class or bringing along the goods to a party or picnic. There's never a bad time for better organization! And no worries, boys--bags like these from Skullcat Designs are the furthest thing from man-purses. Or, for the hippie types, get recycled messenger bags handcrafted in Cambodia from old feed bags. Rice never seemed so... lugagge-related. And this multi-layered bento box is the perfect way for students to save money by toting lunch around with them. For the more beauty-oriented, it can even turn into a fun jewelry and makeup box. The possibilities are endless!

9. Johnny Cupcakes Shirts

A cupcake snowman? Too cute. And sledding on a cupcake is something we kinda wish we could do, although falling off the sled into the snow might get a little sticky. While, sadly, not edible, these Johnny Cupcakes shirts do a great job of having some fun with Boston's snowy winter. And Johnny Cupcakes is a local company, so you can support your community while buying gifts!

10. Pool Ball Bottle Stoppers

These bottle stoppers are a cute and classy way to keep your wine contained--not that college students usually have much wine leftover. For those students who can show some restraint, however, this gift is both fun and functional.

Other ideas:

Kindle: Bostonist is intrigued by but skeptical about this wireless e-reader from Amazon. If it takes off, you'll be a hero for getting your student in on the ground level with this new style of reading. If it bombs, you'll have lost a bunch o' bucks, not to mention status in your student's eyes. Along with the Kindle, there are iPods, Wiis, PSPs, and more electronic gadgets than you can shake a stick (like a real stick, made of wood, that came from a tree; not some plastic Wii-like wand) at. And when all else fails: include a gift receipt. That way everyone wins: you give something you think is great; your recipient can replace it with something s/he thinks is great.

Money image from flickr user jenn_jenn