HELP... gift for college freshman..

my cousin is going to college next year. we are very close and he's like a little brother to us. so my parents, brother, and i want to give him something value about $1k. originally we were going to get him a laptop but his parents got that for him already. college for me was almost 10 years ago so i don't really remember what else beside that and maybe a gift card. but i think we want to get him 1 big item.

any ideas?

Re: HELP... gift for college freshman..

What about stuff for his dorm room (mini fridge, microwave, furniture, or a GC for bed bath & beyond or something),
Ipod,
$$ would probably be helpful
or you can make a basket with various items (laundry detergent, sheets, flash drive...necessities...and Include a GC w/ that)