College Care Packages: 5 Ideas for Items to Include in Your College Students Care Package

For those parents with kids away at college, you may find yourself missing them and wanting to let them know you are thinking of them. A care package is a thoughtful gift to send to your college student. You will find 5 ideas below of items to include in your college students care package.

5 Ideas for Care-Package Items to Send to Your College Student

*Bathroom Toiletries- Your college student would appreciate getting some of the bathroom essentials in a care package. Include items such as a new toothbrush and toothpaste, razors, q-tips, mouthwash and deodorant so your college student won't need to replenish them for awhile.

*Medicine- The cold months can literally be "cold" months. Help your college student to prepare for the chance that they catch a cold or flu bug by sending them a medical care package. You can include items such as cough drops, allergy/cold medicine, hand sanitizer and Kleenex along with a digital thermometer. You may even want to send a small first aid kit so they will be able to bandage their own wounds.

*Homemade Goodies and Snacks- Nothing will bring a smile to your college student's faces like some homemade cookies or brownies. You can also include homemade trail mix and throw in some of his or her favorite snacks to the care package. Beef jerky, chips, crackers, sunflower seeds; whatever they like. Add some cocoa mix, tea and coffee to the care package so they have something to wash down the goodies.

*Current Family or Pet Picture- Your college student may not want to admit they miss you, but rest assured that they do. Why not add a recent family photo or photo of their favorite animal to the care package to bring a little bit of home back to them? It will mean more to the college student than they are ever likely to tell you.

*Fun Stuff- Your college student can't study all the time; send them some fun items in a care package to help them loosen up! Include in the college care package a nerf football, a Frisbee, a nerf basketball hoop, a stress ball, or maybe a Mani Pedi mini spa supply to enjoy. Maybe your college student would enjoy a new deck of cards or video game to use in their non-studying time!

*A Greeting Card and Gift Card- No care packages are complete without a nice greeting card letting your college student know how proud you are of them. They will appreciate the thought, especially if you include a gas gift card or a gift card to their favorite fast food place. Cash is always welcome from college students!

If you do not have time to make up a care package of your own, here are a few websites that have great pre-made care packages you can order for your college student:

Box-O-Box College Care Packages

Hip Kits Care Packages and Gifts

From Mom.Com College Care Packages and Gifts

Sources:The author spoke to college student's and parent's of college students for this article.