So do you need them?

Coloring is therapeutic to people and maybe he wanted to help you out.

honestly, as a recent graduate — you might just need them. for stress.

I'm going to assume he was kidding.

You do, and tell him not to fuck around. You need the box of 64 with the built-in sharpener -- college is big-time stuff!

I used crayons, colored pencils, and markers quite a bit in college. Granted it was for stress-relief coloring and not actual class... Maybe he’s just tying to help you keep from getting too stressed? Or maybe he’s making a statement about your degree. Do you happen to be majoring in education or art?

he should let you buy it yourself and let you be independent, i get how that's upsetting

Yes. Yes you do.

You'll need to eat something while you're a piss-poor student.

Won't your dad still need them if he's in the US Marine Corps???