Forget Grad Parties—Your College Student Should Have a Trunk Party Before They Move Away

What if I told you that there was a phrase for getting free stuff for college? Well, there is, and it's called a trunk party. It's a time when family and friends come together to celebrate the college-bound student by showering them with gifts—typically whatever you'll need to live on your own, like comforters, mini fridges, storage bins, and things like that.

Trunk parties are extremely popular in African-American communities (I know I had one—and I'm so happy I did). But honestly, who doesn't love an excuse to get free stuff? It's like having two birthday parties in one year. At a trunk party, no gift is too small—people give shower shoes, foam mattress covers—anything that makes dorm life a little bit easier. But if it's been a while since you've been in college—or you just aren't sure what to buy—here are some foolproof ideas.