Depends on budget, relationship to you, whether they're going to college (and whether they're going away or staying at home), etc. Most kids just prefer money. If they are going off to school/living in the dorm, a Target gift card is usually appreciated...that way they can buy the stuff they need and didn't get for their room. Also consider a gift card to their school bookstore if available. Collapsable laundry basket was appreciated by some of my stepkids' friends. We gave various linens to some kids....two we gave two nice down pillows each...purchased thru overstock.com at 4 for $69. So nice we turned around and ordered some for our bed. Another kid we gave a down/feather bed for dorm room twin beds.
What's out (from my thre stepk's and their friends) : pens, watches, backpacks/bookbags, pretty much anything electronic/computer related, luggage.
If you're gonna buy a cooler...many seem to like the collapsable/soft sided coolers.
But in the end they pretty much want money.
As to the kid going to Auburn...he's gonna need a truck, not a car
(Brother went to Auburn vet school)