College Care Package Ideas
With college just starting for many, loved ones are looking for ideas of what their students may need. College care packages are a tradition for friends, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and of course parents to send to their new college students. We’ve gathered some ideas for unique and classic college care package ideas. We’ve included fun and useful ideas to put in a college care mailer. Most of the items shared are small and ship easily. College students are typically very happy to know you were thinking of them. It doesn’t matter as much what you send as much as it does that they know you were thinking of them.
What should you put in a college care package?
We like to include a box that is personalized when we send to our friends and family. A mix of useful and fun items is always best. While many items can be shipped directly to your college student, you may want to collect items and arrange in a box together. I feel like putting a box together adds that personal touch that college students may benefit from if they are feeling homesick. Below is a list complied of classic care package ideas as well as some things that you may have never thought of!
When should you send a college care package?
There is no wrong time to send a special gift to a college student. You can send a unique gift package to your favorite student at any time during the school year. The most popular times to send care packages are at the beginning of the year and during the holidays.
Fun themes for College Care Packages
Back to school is probably the most popular time to send a care package. You can also make a college ‘boo basket’ filled with candy, a Thanksgiving care package for kids that cannot fly home during the holidays, a winter holiday care package, birthday, or a ‘get well soon’ care package if your student is under the weather. There are so many themes based on holidays or time of year. Your college student will love that you themed out their package!
Find Money to send to College Students
If you want to send a few dollars in your College Student’s care package, here are a few ways to save money doing what you do anyway! The following referral links will provide our college kids with a few extra dollars at no cost to you!
Ibotta
Ibotta is an app on your phone that gives you cash when you shop just about anywhere! Sign up by clicking the blue link above and get $5 just for signing up after you use it for the first time! I scan my receipt after a Target / Walmart / CVS trip and I get cash money back almost every time!
Rakuten
Rakuten is my favorite online shopping saving tool. If you sign up for Rakuten and use it to shop, you will get a $40 sign up bonus plus up to 15% back on your first purchase!
SoFi Checking and Savings accounts
Sign up using the clickable link above and you will get a $25 referral link bonus for signing up! We signed up our college kids for SoFi bank accounts. There are no fees, and they even earn .5% back on their checking! As parents who make a little bit more, we actually earn 3.8% back in our savings account too! We roll that money into their college savings accounts.
Ideas for College Care Packages
Start with one big treat! We think snacks or a water bottle with vitamins is a great option. We’ve shared some of our favorites below! This list of College Care package ideas will continue to grow as we find new and unique items to share! We know our college students personally love food items. We have some basic items and some fun things you may have never seen before. A care package helps your college student feel loved and cared for during this next stage of their journey growing up! I hope they enjoy a few of these ideas!
MIDI Bites: A Better-for-You Snack for College Students
Looking for something different from the usual candy and chips? MIDI Bites are plant-based, certified gluten-free snack bites made with ingredients including oats, dates, and nut or seed butters. They come in Almond, Chocolate, Peanut, and Salted Cashew Crunch flavors. Each resealable pouch contains five bites; Target lists individual pouches at $4.99, although prices and availability may vary.
Important for care packages: MIDI Bites need refrigeration. They are a good choice for a student who has a dorm refrigerator, but should not be packed in an ordinary unrefrigerated care-package box. Consider ordering directly from the manufacturer or arranging Target pickup or local delivery for your student instead.
The CrapKeeper
When kids leave for college they tend to have, well, a lot of crap they need to organize! The CrapKeeper is an excellent way to consolidate the things you need in your dorm room. This is a perfect gift for about $40!
- Industrial-strength Velcro straps lock on tight – like carrying a side table with you
- Versatility that travels: clips onto chairs, fences, strollers exercise equipment and more
- 8 neoprene sleeves & perfectly-sized pockets for phones, shades, snacks, and more
- Two adjustable drink holders fit XL tumblers, water bottles or slim cans
- Comfort built-in with adjustable shoulder strap for hands-free carry
- Quality hardware and premium materials
- 5 color choices to match every vibe
- Family-owned business
Snacks to put in a College Care Package
Drinks to Put in a College Care Package
More Snacks to send to your college student!
Snacks! Your college student needs snacks.
Your College student needs cleaning supplies!
College students typically have a limited budget. Many times college students do not have transportation at college and driving to the store is a pain. Sending items to keep their dorm room clean and tidy will be helpful. Make sure to tuck in a couple cleaning items along with the fun and food you may have shared also.
Your College Student Needs to take Care of themselves!
While kids can just grab a band aid or cough drop out of their family’s cupboard, most don’t have this stocked at school. Send them a few self care items in their care package also!
This list will continue to grow and will have specific products holiday celebrations. Share your favorite college care package idea in the comments!
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