Care package ideas for college students

Jul 11, 2008 9:50 AM by Kori Ellis

Posted in Living / School & Education / College

Special Treats

When your child goes off to college, your responsibilities as a parent don't end there. College can be a difficult transition, even for the most mature and well adjusted 18-year-old. In addition to talking to your child regularly, sending care packages is also a must. Depending on the needs of your child, care packages can contain an array of items. A care package should show your child you care, but also contain items that they want and need. Talk to your child and get input before sending the care package.

Girls moving into college

Best foods for a college care package

The most common type of care package consists of food. While a lot of colleges offer meal tickets for cafeteria food, that's not always sufficient. Students keep odd hours and need snacks on hand at all times. Fast food, in addition to being unhealthy, can also be costly – especially for college students. That's where food related care packages come into play.

When sending food care packages, make sure that everything you send is non-perishable. Also take into account how much space your child has to store the items and whether or not your child has a stove, oven or microwave at their disposal.

Here is a list to get you started:

Beef jerky
Bottled water
Candy bars
Gum
Canned soups
Cereal and oatmeal
Granola bars
Chips

Brownie mix
Rice crispie treats
Homemade cookies
Ramen noodles
Popcorn
Pretzels or party mix
Protein bars
Tea or lemonade mix

Bonus

For an extra treat, consider gift cards to your child's favorite restaurants or fast food places!

Best health & hygeine items for a college care package

When your child is off at college, fighting off germs will remain a constant struggle. Dorms are notoriously dangerous breeding grounds for all types of nasty bacteria, molds and viruses. Keeping everything as clean and sterile as possible is the best way to avoid getting sick.

Here are some items that could be included in your care package:

Antibacterial spray
Cleaning products
Hygiene products
New bedding items
New towels and wash cloths
New undergarments
Shampoo
Colorful or whimsical loofa
Shower slippers

Soap
Deodorant
Contact solution
Fun lotions
Shower shoes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Mini first aid kit with bandages, anti-biotic ointment, etc.
Air freshener

Best school supplies for a college care package

Items that can be included in this care package include:

Pens
Pencils
Highlighters
Notebook paper
Brightly-colored folders
Organizational binders
Construction paper
Scotch tape

Printer ink and paper
Bookmarks
Computer accessories
Stamps
Envelopes
Fun-shaped paper clips
Post-its
Gift card to their campus' college supply store

Don't forget fun items such as:

music CDs
Colorful sticky labels
sketch books

video games
web cam
iTunes gift card

Other college care package ideas

A good idea is to send the care package in a plastic container. The plastic container can be re-used by your child while at college to separate clothes, school books or any other number of things. Make sure that all fragile items are packed securely and that you clearly label the container.

No matter which kind of care package you are sending, make sure to add a personal touch. Include a hand written note, pictures of the family, homemade cookies and anything else that will make your child feel loved and remain motivated to do well at college.

More information on back-to-school and going to college

How to cope when your child goes away to school
Dealing with homesickness
Shopping essentials for college students

Comments

Comments on "Care package ideas for college students"

These are all really great ideas! My youngest child just started college an I wish I had thought of some of these things on my own with my older kids. I think I'll send her first one in a cute box with a fun packaging design just to let her know how much her mama loves her.

I love getting stuff in the mail from my parents! I'm out of town for a summer internship and they sent me a birthday box with presents and cards and some things I'd forgotten at home. It was such a great surprise.

As a college student, I must speak for all of us- nothing is better than receiving that food care package from mom and dad! Especially during finals week! Not only do we appreciate it and love you that much more, but since we are the "broke college student" any free food is a gift from the gods. My personal favorites are the ones my mom would send for each holiday. When I'm stressed with school and check my mail, I'm always so caught off guard and ecstatic when I see a put together goody bag that contains some sort of make up (mini mascara/lip gloss/sample perfumes), my favorite candy and sometimes a misc gift like a DVD, bathing suit, nail polish or a fun pair of earrings I can wear out. My mom always likes to send these things for Halloween, finals week, Valentine's Day, my birthday and spring break. I know we can get caught up in our school activities when we're away, but when I see these care packages in the mail I am reminded how loving and caring my parents are especially being a few states away from them.

another good one is http://www.TheCollegeGiftBox. They are more focused on actual gift items and little college things rather then just food and candy.

Thanks for all the help. I've also tried www.fairivy, since those are especially for girls and contain items that are a lot more fun than your everyday necessities.

Sorry, that URL is: http://www.boxobox

I am a mother of 4 kids and an Aunt to 3 more, and I will say that all of them have given me rave reviews of the care packages I have sent them from Box-O-Box (http://www.boxobox). They are quite unique, and do a great job with their product mixes. I found it far easier and more cost/time effective to just order through them instead of doing it myself. Thanks!

When in a hurry, save some time by ordering a care package from Care Package Cafe. Quality care packages filled with snacks and study tools perfect for the dorm room. Packages always include a personalized greeting card and a thank you note pre-addressed to the sender. View our gifts at www.carepackagecafe