Honestly the best thing to get is a gift to wal-mart or some other general retail store. I know it's not very exciting but I promise they will need it. No matter how prepared you think you are fo college you quickly realize you need things you never thought you would and the gift would come in handy.
One idea is to give your friend a selection of things he may need for school, such as things for his dorm room or supplies he may need for school. Another idea is to give him clothing or other miscellaneous items with the name of his school on it.
I think watch or some kind of bracelet will be a good idea for boy but it depends on your bf, he love to wear watch or a bracelet. These are the two things, which are most of the guys love to wear.