<p>I do think most boys like the food…there just not so good about saying anything. It would be fun to send stickers and fuzzy cute things but they’re a no go for sure.
I have to say that my s is getting better…he usually says thank you in a quick email or text. He wants more cookies but I’m not a big cookie baker…too fattening. Anyway, he DID tell me that he sent a handwritten thank you note to his gf’s parents for their care package. Way to go!</p>
<p>First year I sent my D a care package or small letter/envelope almost every other week - she said she loved getting things from home. Much of what has already been written— healthy and junk foods, warm socks…what she really likes are printed photos laminated and stuck to nice matte board to hang on her all and also loved a set of fridge magnets that have been in our home for years.</p>
<p>Second semester she had not eaten most of the food and asked us to send less-- it was piling up (when we came back in May-- we discovered jars and cans and boxes never opened).</p>
<p>This year - strict instructions-- NO MORE FOOD! She likes body lotions, nice soaps, pretty socks.</p>
<p>I did however literally mail out a final exam care package yesterday-- healthy staples Luna power bars, tuna fish/mayo, olives…along with junky cookies, hot cocoa mix and packaged oatmeal, etc…lots of boxes she can bring to late night group study sessions-- was very appreciated the last two final exam periods.</p>
<p>My son went to a summer college program past summer as a high schooler-- he just liked getting junk food – much less sentimental.</p>
<p>“Can anyone tell me how those reed diffusers work? I imagine they are a disaster if they get knocked over accidently? I was wondering if I should that new Febreeze thing with the battery operated ‘candle’ and the scented shades. Those tiny double rooms with 2 guys needs something for the air!”</p>
<p>I don’t know about reed diffusers, but I really like the things you are describing, as well as that thing (I think it’s glade?) that releases fragrance every so often however you set it. For the latter item, I really recommend the apple cinnamon fragrance. We loved it.</p>
<p>I have ordered from the Popcorn Factory quite a bit, but now, like others have mentioned, my D is more interested in healthier foods (seems to usually give away most of her Popcorn Factory treats to dorm mates). Just sent fruit from Cushman’s (some items are free shipping). Starbucks gift cards are VERY well received. I love the idea of the seasonal decorating items, accessories, etc. I am inspired to get another care package out to her now for finals!</p>
<p>I used to send occasional care packages to my S, but for the last two years, I have used an online grocery that delivers to the college (NYC). I send him fruit, nuts, sometimes a loaf of bread, cereal, now canned soups. I can specify what day and time of day to deliver and give him a warning. I will often throw in something he won’t expect (big container of raisins this week). I know he eats it all. But I do send him homemade cookies for his birthday (snickerdoodles a family tradition) and pressed cookies for Christmas, the ones in various shapes with sprinkles. I found a rectangular tupperware box fits perfectly into a USPS priority mail box.</p>
<p>My daughter changed schools after her first year of high school and I really missed some of the moms, so to get reacquainted (sp?) I invited them over for a care package exchange. Everyone brought eight items and we bagged them and sent them off to our college freshmen on our own. One mom used to be a dental hygenist, so she brought toothbrushes! Another made cards to include and we had gum, popcorn balls, and some goofy Halloween items. It was great fun.</p>
<p>My D decided to stay at school (U of Miami) for Thanksgiving break, as she had too much work to do and finals are almost here. </p>
<p>I mailed her a complete, home-made Thanksgiving dinner!! Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, and of course pumpkin pie!!! Hubby thought I was nuts and could not believe I spent $60.00 bucks to overnight it to her!</p>
<p>She LOVED it!!! That was all that mattered.</p>
<p>^^That S must stand for SUPER in your name!</p>
<p>I’m in a College Care Package group of 10 moms, all with kids who are sophomores in college this year. We started meeting monthly their freshman year – each of us would bring 10 of the same items for that month’s theme (Halloween, Fall, Finals, Winter, etc…), and one would go in each kid’s care package. </p>
<p>We have some wine and dinner at the host mom’s house, and tell stories about our kid’s experiences in school (and our experiences), laugh a lot, and almost as an afterthought at the end, we put together our kids’ care packages. Usually there ends up being a lot of candy, baked goods, and other food (particularly for the Halloween and Christmas themes), but also some fun things, like holiday decorations or little toys that can be stress relievers. My son’s favorite care package item last year was a little Slinky. The kids also liked bubbles and little squirt guns. </p>
<p>All but 2 of the kids in our group are boys, and from what I hear, they (and their roommates!) all look forward to the packages every month.</p>
<p>I love the Care Package Mom Groups!!!</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the great ideas. I sent my daughter a string of orange “Christmas tree” lights for Halloween and a string of the clear ones for the holidays just a few weeks ago. She said they really cheer up her room. I also sent a book I finished and knew she’d love for her to read on her long flight home for winter break.</p>
<p>“I mailed her a complete, home-made Thanksgiving dinner!! Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, and of course pumpkin pie!!! Hubby thought I was nuts and could not believe I spent $60.00 bucks to overnight it to her!”
SVMMom, my H and I were talking about sending our college kid home-made food overnight but we put off the idea bacuase it sounds impossible. Would u mind sharing your experiences on how to do it? Thanks.</p>
<p>SVMMom, I stand in awe.</p>
<p>Just went to Target and picked up a 2-pack of fuzzy Christmas socks, and a 6-pack of those little applesauce cups, D has always loved those. Thanks for all the inspiration!</p>
<p>A couple of other things in D’s latest package:</p>
<p>This. She texted me back with a photo of herself wearing it. She likes this kind of stuff. [The</a> Costumer: Candy Cane Headband](<a href=“http://www.thecostumer.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=4232]The”>http://www.thecostumer.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=4232)</p>
<p>And a box of individual-serving oatmeal. This was timed exactly right, as the temperatures in Indiana this week have been in the mid-teens with a wind-chill factor around 0. :eek:</p>
<p>My mom, 92 yo and lives with me now, tells me that she used to get a whole chicken roast dinner sent to her at college every week. It was sent with freeze dried ice.</p>
<p>My son is lucky if I send him trail mix.</p>
<p>I just gave D her first care package yesterday. (Her school is only 30 minutes or so from home.) I wanted to mail it because mail is fun, but I couldn’t get to the post office this week. I also needed to drop off a suitcase to her. I included lots of individual sized goodies I picked up, a bag of Starbucks coffee, a bag of her favorite crackers, some nuts, a pair of silly Christmas socks, nicely scented hand sanitizer, some dark chocolates, holiday peeps, and some candy canes to share. I wanted her dad and brother to write a nice note wishing her luck on finals, but as DS put it, “I don’t need to write some illegible note. I’ll just facebook her.” She’s been home a couple of times, and I sent her back with boxes of cereal and instant oatmeal, fresh fruit, and other food/drink items. She also took back some leftovers one time.</p>
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<p>Somehow I missed this thread on its first pass, but caught it today. This quote from limabeans totally cracked me up. There is a “When do they grow up?” thread over in the Parents Cafe and I think, after reading about limabeans son’s love of boxes, we can safely say, “Never.”</p>
<p>I have sent a total of three packages to DS during this, his first, semester of college. He also got a note near the beginning of the semester with some money in it from me. He was really glad to get that! The last package I sent was his “First College Finals Survival Package” which he got two days ago. I included a big bag of pistachios, Fig Newtons (he loves them), bottled water, razors, gold fish crackers, and a few other goodies for his enjoyment. He loved getting it. </p>
<p>I call him the day I mail the packages so he can enjoy the anticipation of getting something in the mail. I probably won’t send as many packages next semester, but think I’ll keep the tradition of the homemade “Finals Survival Package” for a few years. He really loved getting it.</p>
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<p>This just goes to show how individual our kids are. My D told me emphatically that she doesn’t want to know; she likes the surprise of finding the notice in her mailbox.</p>
<p>Ordered my son a box of pears from Harry and David in very early December…thinking it would be nice to have them while studying for finals. They were running a free standard shipping promo. Well…the free standard shipping DEFAULTS to christmas delivery. So the darn box isn’t supposed to get there until next week! (just found out since I hear nothing about it from son).
Talked to mgr and they refunded the box, and are getting another one out to him next Tuesday…only two days before he’s done (they made me pay for the new box and half the express shipping). The original order will more than likely arrive to an empty house. Beware if you order from them!</p>
<p>Our older daughter, now in grad school with an apartment of her own, still likes getting care package from home. I send fresh fruit, dried fruit, baking mixes – things I know she’ll like or that may sometimes be a stretch on her budget.</p>