Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Box Up Some Love: College Care Package Ideas for Your Student



Between dealing with classes and adjusting to their newfound independence, it's easy for college students to feel homesick and overwhelmed. Receiving a care package from a parent or relative reminds the student she's still part of the family even though she's far away. Plus, it's a great distraction -- who doesn't love getting a box of goodies in the mail? With a little imagination, you can go beyond the basics and put together care packages that will make the student in your life the envy of her dorm mates. Read on for some ideas to get you started.



Stock the Pantry

Home-baked cookies are the gold standard for care packages, and varieties like chocolate chip travel well. In addition to homemade treats, think about foods that are easy to store and eat. Granola or protein bars are quick to grab and gobble on a rushed morning, while single-serve breakfast cereals are fun snacks, especially if you include a few of your student's childhood favorites. Instant soup, tea and microwave popcorn are winners as well -- if your student can't prepare them in her dorm, most campus cafeterias provide microwaves and hot water. You'll know your student's stomach is full, and she'll have treats to enjoy and share with friends.

Deliver the Drugstore

The cost of basics such as shampoo and toothpaste can shock young people who are still learning to budget. These things add up! Stock up on favorite brands when they're on sale and surprise your student with a box of basics -- toothbrushes, razors, batteries, deodorant and body wash might not make for the most exciting care package, but they'll be more than welcome when the student is running low. When winter approaches, add some cold medicine, pain relievers and a box of tissues so your student doesn't need to run to the store when the sniffles strike.

Don't Forget the Fun

A small toy or novelty like a can of Silly String reminds your student that it's still okay to be a kid sometimes. A little silliness is a perfect stress reliever, especially during midterms or final exams. You can also tailor your choice to make it more personal -- send an action figure from the student's favorite movie or find a small stuffed animal that resembles the family pet. Card games are compact for easy shipping and storage, and they give quieter students a low-pressure way to be social and get to know their dorm mates.

Give a Gift Card

Gift cards are convenient and easy to ship, and they cover needs you might not anticipate. Whether you send a grocery store card to help with food and other necessities or treat your student to a card from her favorite coffee shop, your choice will be remembered and appreciated every time she pulls out her wallet. Gas cards are another fantastic choice if your student has a car on campus -- just make sure to choose a station that's convenient for her.

Handy Electronics and Supplies

Your student may have a laptop or desktop and even a printer (usually not required like it may have been 10 years ago), but a tablet, noice cancelling headphones, a wireless mouse and a wireless keyboard may be helpful. Batteries, ink, paper and general office supplies are always nice to have and can be expensive. Something fun so that your student can easily identify their electronics are custom tablet skins or lenovo skins.

Get Personal

Gift cards and snacks are great, but for a student who is far from home, nothing beats a loving reminder of family and friends. Enclose a few snapshots from that summer road trip you still talk about, or slip in a small memento from a theme park visit or a camping trip you took together. Include a handwritten letter or card with an upbeat message to remind your student how much she's loved.

Nothing beats a thoughtful care package, so start filling that box and let your favorite college student know you're thinking of her!


Bi:

This guest post contribution is courtesy of Mighty Skins, an american owned, operated and manufactured company making skins for otterbox, game consoles, laptops, tablets, e-cigs, vapes and more.

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