October is a great time for creating care packages for college students. By this point, students are nearing mid-terms, and many, particularly freshmen, might be feeling the pressure of trying to balance academics, independent living, and outside activities.
For a student who is away from home for the first time, that college care package also represents much more than just the “stuff” that’s inside. It’s a loving touchpoint, a reminder of home.
And while you probably communicate with them regularly, there’s something wonderful about receiving a package or card in the mail. Even as a 50+-year-old, I still love a {good} unexpected surprise, don’t you?
However, creating care packages can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve found yourself down the rabbit hole of Pinterest while searching “care packages for college students.” There’s a LOT there, and the ideas are endless. But with some help from Marian at How Clever!, we’ve come up with a simple formula for putting together a care package that your college student (or young adult “child”) surely will love.
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What do you put in a college care package?
Knowing what to put in a college care package doesn’t have to be complicated. Assuming you are making this for your child, simply start with a few of the things they love. Favorite snacks are an easy place to start, and truthfully, if you do nothing more than load up a box filled with yummies, your student will be thrilled!
I tend to overthink things like this, so don’t be like me and try to make this more difficult than it needs to be. If you do nothing more than send your college student a handwritten note and include a gift card to one of their favorite spots, you will have succeeded in brightening their day.
While you absolutely can craft to your heart’s content to create a care package with “Wow!” realize that your child most likely will care more about what’s packed inside. So whether you go simple or elaborate becomes a matter of personal preference.
Remember that freshman year can be hard for some students. It’s a big life change, and depending on the circumstances your student faces, the reality of college life might not match their expectations. So, although a care package can seem like a simple thing, I think the message it sends — You are loved! — is huge!
You Might Also Enjoy: Advice for Parents of College Students: Navigating Freshman Year
Sending care packages around the holidays makes it that much easier because seasonal flair is abundant! To kick start your creativity in building a college care package your student will love, we’ve rounded up some fabulous ideas (if we do say so ourselves?) to get you started.
College Care Package for Girls
We probably could dedicate an entire post just to care package ideas for girls because the options often seem endless. However, here are 10 ideas that are sure to please!
1. Hair Ties
Inexpensive but essential for anyone with long or long-ish hair. I love these because they come in a variety of colors: clear, black, blonde, and brunette.
2. Hair Accessories
If your daughter likes Anthropologie, a cute headband, scrunchie, or clip probably will make her day…if she’s into that.
3. Socks
I like these Standing on the Word no-show socks and have bought, and seen, them locally at several boutiques. However, you also can order them here. Bombas socks are another great option. These low-cut no-shows are the only ones I’ve found that don’t slip off my ankle. They come in a 4-pack on the Bombas site, but you might be able to find them sold separately wherever you buy Bombas locally. Or buy the 4-pack and save some of the others for a stocking stuffer!
4. Lip Gloss/Lip Balm
My daughter likes this Fresh lip balm, and I do, too. But a word of warning: it doesn’t do well in the heat. That shouldn’t be an issue for mailing in the fall, but FYI. Of course, the sky is the limit in this category, but here are a few other fan favorites: Neutrogena | Aquaphor | Fresh | Burt’s Bees | eos
5. Fun Study Supplies
Everyone approaches studying a bit differently. Whether they make notecards, go to town with a highlighter, use tape flags and sticky notes, or something else, there’s always a place for office supplies. Here are some fun ideas to boost — or perhaps encourage — their study habits: Sticky Notes | Flair Pens | Sharpies | Highlighters
6. Face Masks
Face masks, like FaceTory, are always a fun and inexpensive add-on to a care package for girls. They offer a little relaxation and rejuvenation into what’s typically a stressful season for college students. Be sure to send a few extras for her to share with her roommate(s) and/or suitemates!
7. Bath Bombs or Shower Steamers
If your college student has a private bathroom, bath bombs and shower steamers also are a welcome addition to a college care package. If season allergies or a cold have taken hold, these provide the added benefit of offering some much-needed relief.
8. Adult Coloring Book
Here is a fun coloring book she may enjoy!
9. Desktop Message Board
What a fun way to send a sweet message and add a cute touch to their dorm room with a Lighted Message Board or Cinema Lighted Message Board.
10. Diffuser with Essential Oils
Essential oil diffusers can be pricey, but this is an affordable option that Marian’s daughter (and son!) both recommended. The mini diffuser is perfectly sized for a dorm room or apartment, and this essential oils set provides an affordable start. If she decides she likes essential oils and wants to explore different options, I recommend Eden’s Garden (not sponsored, just the company I prefer for quality and affordability).
College Care Package for Guys
Creating a college care package for guys — beyond just sending food — always feels a bit more difficult. However, here’s a list of 10 ideas that come college-boy-approved!
1. Socks
Help your son elevate his sock game. Some seasonally-themed Hot Sox would be a fun addition to an October care package, but you can find novelty socks everywhere!
2. Charging Cord
There is a black hole filled with these in space; come to think of it, maybe that’s where all the missing socks are, as well!
3. Charging Block
If you send one that doesn’t look like everyone else’s, it becomes easy to identify and one they can keep in their backpack. Pick a charging block in a fun color or personalize a charger wrap (I’ve had a positive experience with this Etsy seller, and these also make great stocking stuffers and gifts for girls!).
4. Toys
Are boys ever too old for toys? The answer is no, and they make a fun add-on to your college care package. Here are a couple of ideas: Mini Nerf Guns or Mini Basketball Hoop.
5. Car Air Freshener
My son always liked the ones like these that clipped to his car vents. They add a fresh scent without being overpowering.
6. External Hard Drive
Now that everything is online, additional memory storage is a must! If he didn’t take one when he left for college, maybe now is the time to send one.
7. Multiport Adapter
With so many different devices college students now have to manage, this multiport adapter will come in handy.
8. Shaving Refill
Our boys like Harry’s, and they have an easy-to-gift combo pack that includes a razor, blades, and shave gel. Whether you include their tried and true favorite or send them something new to try, this is one less item he’ll have to purchase for himself. And if you’re hoping to discourage “No-Shave November,” maybe this will do the trick! Or perhaps it’s just wishful thinking?
9. Electric Toothbrush
While Oral-B and Sonicare pretty much dominate this space (10 Best Electric Toothbrushes), there continue to be affordable options hitting the market that even dentists now recommend. Here’s one Marian has gifted that is easy on the wallet and college student approved. However, if your son already has an electric toothbrush, including a replacement head in his college care package might be the only way to guarantee it will get changed! It’s an easy idea and promotes dental hygiene; that’s a win/win!
10. Batteries
Gaming consoles — need I say more? But seriously, batteries always are something no college student wants to buy (at least with their own money), but it’s something they will need.
More Ideas for College Care Packages
Now that’s we’ve covered college care package ideas for guys and girls, let’s look at a few generic options that your son OR daughter will enjoy. All of the ideas below make simple but welcome additions to any college care package.
1. KIND Bar
This is a healthy snack option, and something both of my kids enjoy. I recently learned that KIND has a Build Your Own subscription box option, which also could be fun.
2. Seasonal Hand Soap
For sending a seasonal care package to your college student, Bath & Body Works has a vast selection of seasonal scents, but so does Target or Walmart. Cleanliness is next to godliness, or so the saying goes; send the soap!
3. Socks
Who doesn’t love socks! Everyone needs them, and they make a perfect addition to a college care package. Bombas are my favorites, but you might have another. As Halloween decor starts hitting retailers’ shelves, you’ll also be able to find fun, thematic socks for guys and girls, which is an easy, seasonal addition.
4. Water Bottle
Water bottles have become a “thing,” so your college student might have a preferred brand. Whether they like HydroFlask, CamelBak, S’Well, or something different, be happy they want to hydrate! Or maybe it’s just a sneaky way for you to encourage them to drink their water!
5. Packaged Snacks
While sending homemade goodies can be a nice touch, prepackaged snacks will be guaranteed fresh upon delivery and have a longer shelf-life. Your student will love receiving an assortment of their favorite sweet and salty snacks, particularly if there’s a brand favorite that’s not available at the grocery store in their college town (i.e., Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter).
6. Gift Card
A gift card to his or her favorite restaurant or store always makes for happy mail!
7. Cookie Delivery
Tiff’s Treats or Insomnia Cookies are delicious! While this option may be limited based on where your student attends college, if available, either of these makes a great stand-alone option. I’ve also ordered Edible Arrangements and made it available for pickup (didn’t want fresh fruit delivered when I couldn’t ensure my daughter would be at her apartment).
8. Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate
Throw in a few packets of their favorite hot chocolate — don’t forget the marshmallows — along with a new coffee mug and maybe some graham crackers and Hershey’s chocolate bars (see the section below on shipping), and your college student will be set when temperatures start to drop. They might not be able to get to a campfire, but microwave s’mores aren’t a bad substitute! But even just a package of coffee pods or a box of tea bags will be welcome. You could create an entire care package just around coffee and tea!
9. Games
They’ll be ready for the next game night, and it’s a welcome distraction to intense, pre-final study sessions. Here are a few suggestions: Uno | Cards | Collegiate-Themed Domino Set (Rally House has a much larger selection if you can’t find what you’re looking for on Amazon) | Classic Card Games
10. Command Hooks
They will always need more! It may not be exciting, but they’ll get used.
Care Package 101: Sending and Shipping a Care Package
You’ve gathered your items; now it’s time to put it all together and prepare your care package to ship! If you’re not careful, though, this is where you’ll have major sticker shock. For that reason, Marian has put together a few tips and tricks to help you manage your costs on the front end.
Step 1: First, pick your shipping box.
This is one of the most critical steps because what size box you choose will determine two important things: 1) the number of items you will need to fill your care package and 2) the cost of shipping.
Step 2: Choose a theme.
A theme is a great starting point to limit the stress of what to put in the care package. You can go traditional, silly, or a little bit of both, but beginning with a care package theme in mind helps drive your decisions.
For example, you could create a holiday-themed box, an “Orange you glad exams are almost over?” using only orange-colored items, or an “I miss you a latte!” box with their favorite coffee items. Not only will these make your student smile, but you will, as well, by eliminating the stress of what to do!
Step 3: Purchase your items.
When shopping for goodies, remember your “what” and “where.” What do we mean by that? Well, in the Texas heat, those chocolates may not look as yummy on the receiving end, so plan accordingly and ship smart!
Step 4: Make it personal.
Add a fun, “punny” gift tag (see printable option and ideas below) or slip a sweet note inside to remind your college student you are thinking of them!
Want to see what all of that looks like in practice? Using three different-sized boxes and three different themes, Marian put together a post that shows you (with pictures) how simple it is to make cute and clever care packages!
Resources & Printables for Creating College Care Packages
Below are some additional resources for adding a few special touches to your college care packages.
College Care Package Idea Calendar
If you want to go for a monthly theme, Marian has put together a care package idea calendar to help you take the guesswork out of what to send. It covers the school year from September to May.
Fun Facts: Care Package Ideas Straight from the Source
Remember the preschool and elementary days when your child’s teacher would fill out a list of their favorites at the beginning of each school year? Well, this is kind of like that! Tastes change over time, and while your child might have liked Airheads and Sour Patch Kids when they were younger, they’re a good chance they have a few new favorites these days. So why not go straight to the source and ask your kids about a few of their favorites.
You might also like: How to Create an Amazon Wish List
Not only can you use this as a resource when you are making care packages to send to your college students but you also can share it with the grandparents to help them if they’re looking for some simple ideas.
Click to Download: College Care Package: Fun Facts for Favorites
Printable Bible Verses to Include In College Care Packages
If you’re looking to remind your student of God’s love, here’s a printable resource you might enjoy. You can print them on cardstock or even just use the verse to include in a card. However, you choose to use these biblical words of inspiration and encouragement, I know this to be true: God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).
Be sure also to read:
- Learning to Trust God with Your Adult Children
- Advice for Parents of College Students: Navigating Freshman Year
- 12 Encouraging Bible Verses for College Students
- Bible Verses to Encourage Parents
If you have a child in high school, you might also want to read these:
- Learning to Let Go: Preparing Your Teen to Launch (Great resource for parents of middle school and high school students)
- Girlfriends’ Guide to Dorm Shopping (Perfect for those who have high school seniors)
You Might Also Like:
College Care Packages for Finals
DIY Care Package: Simple Steps to Cute & Clever
Creative Ways to Give a Gift Card
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Compared to regular toothbrushes, an electric toothbrush is more expensive. If you have just bought an electric toothbrush, then you might be worried about the price of electric toothbrush charger. ..Electric Toothbrushes
Yes, they are more expensive than a regular toothbrush, but there also are several on the market now that still are pretty affordable. Just an option, though, for something to include in a college care package. Of course, you also could include a regular toothbrush in a care package, as well!