It seems to me that boys don't really care about this stuff; but they do appreciate their moms taking care of it for them. Just don't expect too much enthusiasm from them on the subject.
I agree with whomever said that they don't want it all cutesy, matchy like girls might.
To show what a nerd I am, I still have the spreadsheet that I used for collecting and packing my sons stuff when he started as a freshman last year. He was 1000 miles away without a car, so we kind of had to get it right. In the end, he and his two roommates said they brought too much stuff....
For the big stuff, they planned ahead of time who was bringing what. DS brought the microwave, room rug, and PS2, his roommates covered the refridgerator, TV, Keurig machine, and Xbox360. Although they each had a printer, they only kept one and the other two went home.
The only thing that he added during the year was a seat cushion for his desk chair and some chain lube for his bike.
Dorm Room Supplies
XL Twin Sheets - 2
XL Twin Mattress pad
Egg crate mattress topper
Blanket
Fleece throw
Comforter
Pillows
Husband pillow - took home, he was on the top bunk and couldn't sit up
BathTowel,HandTowels,Washcloth - 2
Alarm Clock (Ipod Dock)
Radio/Stereo/Speakers (Ipod Dock)
TV Monitor
Game System, Controller, Games
Storage Bins/Milk Crate
Wall hooks/hangers
Posters/Stick-it
Refridgerator
Coffee Pot, Filters
Rug
Microwave
Plasticware/Microware
Cup/Mug/Plate
Paper Towels
Desk Lamp
Surge Protector/PowerStrip/extension cord
Flashlight & Batteries
School Supplies/Other
Backpack
Notebooks, Paper
Pens, Paper, Highlighters
Stapler, staples, tape, scissors
Laptop & Cables
Printer/Scanner/Copier
Ipod
Flash Drive(s)
External Hard Drive
CDs & DVDs
Calculator
Whiteboard/Markers
Dictionary/Thesaurus
CellPhone & Charger
Shower Caddy
Shampoo, Soap, Deo, Shaving
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Mouthwash
Tylenol, Cold meds, cough drops
Eyeglasses, Case, cleaning supplies
Laundry - Detergent, Dryer Sheets
Laundry Bag/Basket
Quarters
Credit card
Checkbook
Stamps
Bicycle & Bike Lock
Clothing
Shorts
Jeans
Dress Pants/Shirt/Tie
S/S T-shirts
L/S shirts
Pullover/sweater
Fleece
Athletic Apparel - sweats, shorts, t
Bathing Suit
Robe
Lounge Pants
Undershirts
Socks
Underwear
Slippers
Shoes or boots
Sneakers
Shower Shoes
Suitcase/Duffel
Umbrella