For the exam-taker

For college and graduate students everywhere, the start of the Christmas season is a double-edged sword. It's almost Christmas break and you get a whole month off. But that month off comes at a price - exams. Weeks of studying, stressing, and drinking so much coffee that your local barista starts your order as you walk in the door. Cramming more knowledge in your brain than you knew was possible, praying that your professor has mercy and asks the one question you actually know the answer to, and trying not to break down every time your parents tell you how their Christmas decorating is progressing. It seems like exams will never end - and then you get a care package. Suddenly, things are a little better. You remember that there is life outside of exams, that the stress won't last forever, and that someone is thinking about you.

This year, take a moment to be that someone for your favorite college or graduate student. Here are some ideas to brighten his day and take her stress level down a few notches.

• Coffee or a coffee gift card. My favorite coffee spots are Starbucks and Panera Bread - they have lots of locations and offer food and coffee. If your exam-taker prefers tea, you may want to choose a caffeinated version.
• Clif Bars. These pack a serious protein punch and are very tasty!
• Popcorn. A great study snack that's quick to make. My favorite is the movie theater butter version!
• Candy bars. Who doesn't love to indulge in their favorite guilty pleasure when they're stressed?!?
• Christmas candy. Preferably something with peppermint and/or chocolate.
• Chewing gum. Because sometimes you just need to chew on something while you're studying. Gummi bears also fulfill this desire and are more fun!
• Energy drinks. Love 'em or hate 'em, they work. Red Bulls seem to be the most popular, but there are some higher-octane choices too, such as Monster and 5-Hour Energy.
• Quick-fix meals. Studying requires sustenance, and time constraints require that it be quick. Some of my favorites are easy mac, frozen pizzas, and single serving soups.
• Highlighters, pencils, and pens. You can't ever have too many of these, especially during exams. Plus, if your recipient is anything like me, she hates switching colors midway through a book or document, so a stash of yellow highlighters is essential. I prefer the Sharpie Accents.
• Bluebooks and liquid paper (or some form of correction fluid). These things are easy to forget about until you are sitting in the exam room, and your exam-taker will thank you for remembering on his behalf.
• Earplugs. Silence is golden and very hard to find. Let your recipient create her own and maximize her study time. The foam ones, like Hearos, work best.
• Pain killers. Because exams = headaches, period.
• Post-it notes and flags. The more colorful, the better!
• A coloring book and crayons. Sometimes exams make you want to revert to childhood - and this will allow your exam-taker to do just that.
• A Slinky or some other frivolous toy. Just make sure it will provide a fun (but brief) distraction.
• iTunes gift card or a CD. Some people prefer to study with sound, some like complete silence, but everyone loves music at some point during their day.
• Something to look forward to post-exams. From a movie gift card to a massage voucher, anything that provides something fun or relaxing to look forward to will be a big hit.
• A note or card. You can't have too much encouragement or humor during exams, and your exam-taker will appreciate a reminder that you care about him.

There are several sites offering pre-packaged exam care packages (as well as packages for other occasions). Some of my favorites are Hip Kits, Care Packages, and Gift Baskets. What were/are some of your favorite exam treats?

Good luck to everyone taking exams!