7 Fresh Care Package Ideas to Send Your College Student
Beth Milchuck says she’s not a good care-package mom. “The only thing I ever send is a box of stuff he accidentally leaves at home after his brief and infrequent visits,” she says.
Whether you’re like Milchuck or not, here are 7 ideas for sending a little love to your favorite college student.
1. Food for Thought: When Faith Inman was a William Peace University student, she appreciated the gift of food. “Snacks were always helpful during those late nights in the lab or library,” says Inman. “Many times, my friends and I would get the munchies and decide to spend our gas money for a fast food run. It was nice having an extra pack of crackers, peanuts or a granola bar to help my college budget. Candy and fruit are great, too!” Diane Gibb adds a touch of home cooking to the food items she sends her daughter: “I include a pre-mixed banana chocolate chip muffin mix that I made many mornings of her childhood.”
2. The Stay Healthy Box: Something’s always going around the dorm or apartment complex, and nobody wants to head out for remedies when they’re sick. Send your student an actual “care” package stocked with hand sanitizer, tissues, cold and flu remedies, air fresheners and deodorizers and an emergency can of chicken soup all stowed in a storage bin that fits neatly under the bed or in a dresser drawer. Feel like splurging? Consider a spa-quality aromatherapy diffuser and essential oils to provide additional healing comfort.
3. A Trunkful of Tailgating Supplies: Kimberly Eastman Zirkle sends her sons fixins for game day festivities: Tablecloth, cups, plates, napkins, utensils in school colors. Oh, and a little spending money. “I’ve stuck a sticky note that says, ‘Call me to tell me you got this’ on some cash,” she says. “That way I’m guaranteed a ‘Hi, Mom!’ call.” Up your game by including a wall decal emblazoned with the school logo.
4. Replacement Parts: “College kids can never get enough accessories for their gadgets,” says Pete Anderson, father of two college-aged daughters. “While a care package isn’t the time for big-ticket items, it’s a great opportunity to spruce up the ones they have.” Anderson recommends putting any or all of the following in a messenger bag or tote: cell phone covers/cases and sports bands, earbuds or headphones in school or other favorite colors, desk stand for tablets or dash mounts for phones, and USB flash drives. Feeling generous and practical? Toss in a toner or ink cartridge. “If they have a printer, toner is a lovely thing to not have to buy yourself,” he says.
5. Social Capital Kit: Help your student meet new people and strengthen friendships. Suzanne Forman creates ice-breaker packages for her daughters. “Mini desk games, funky pens, odd candy, Play Doh — interesting things that may help strike up a conversation or help when meeting new people,” she explains. Gibb takes a similar tack: “I have also sent fun activities for them to do with friends, like a nail-painting party or cupcake-making supplies, complete with pan, colored frosting in school colors and sprinkles.”
6. Clean Machine: Between scholarly pursuits, socializing and other distractions, keeping a dorm room or apartment clean is a low priority for most college students. Don’t let a lack of cleaning supplies be an excuse. Fill a bucket or storage box full of cleaning supplies like disinfecting wipes, rubber gloves, dust cloths, surface cleansers and dish soap, and sponges. It’s not fun or glamorous, but it sends a message and ensures your kids don’t have to spend their hard-earned cash on supplies.
7. Better than Cash. Speaking of cash, don’t overlook the value of a slew of gift cards stashed in a nice envelope or festive padded mailer. “Gift cards are a college student’s ticket to getting an item they love without having to pay a dime,” says Inman. “Students can pick exactly what they want or need.” Select a couple cards that can be used on school supplies, and a few that are for things like clothes or dining out. (And if you want to forget the “package” part, a personalized eGift Card can be sent in minutes.)
Use these ideas as is or as inspiration for your own college care package.
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