<p>For my son we sent a lot of food, especially regional specialties (smoked salmon, local gourmet potato chips, some candy he liked but said he couldn’t find in the stores there), and stuff like Clif bars that I picked up when they went on sale here. He was involved with the outdoor program so I also picked up random stuff from REI when we went in (keychain carabiners, water bottles, mini headlamp/flashlight, socks, bandannas).</p>
<p>I’d say either home-made goodies or treats they can’t get at their college. My mom would always send freshly baked cookies, and no matter how bad my week was going that would always cheer me up. They’d also send me Tastykakes, a regional treat I couldn’t get at college.</p>
<p>My nickname is “Queen of the Care Package” to my kids and to their friends. (I find when assembling them, it is almost as easy to do 2 or 3, so I rotate around extras to different of their high school friends (some of whom I know don’t have family that would /can do that) and then my son joined the Army and I really ramped it up! (If needed PM me on how to get steaks to Afghanistan!)
Anyway, the above are some really great!!! suggestions! Even a few new ones for me.
I won’t repeat what has been suggested, but orienting care packages to time of the year helps. (like holidays above) Even guys like getting a string of cheap colored lights. Silly string is another favorite. Glow sticks are big (campus parties often feature a theme with glow stuff).
At exam time I send packages with vit C drops, extra erasers, mechanical pencils, small packs of tissues,hand sanitizer, tylenol, lip balm, assorted teas, cocoa (don’t forget the marshmallows) and coffees, instant microwave “meals” (EZ Mac is the favorite ), and of course cookies. (I’ve learned to be able to bake 300-400 cookies in under 2 hours) I take requests from my kid’s friends for types of cookies, (the GIs particularly miss certain kinds, and have done vegan and gluten-free ones for kids who can’t get them (one of my students friends at another school says home made cookies are his trading currency for class notes, and other study help!))
Cookie hint: find the Zip Lock bags that have a vacuum pump to use with it. The cookies will be much fresher and don’t break when vacuum sealed. For Brownies, I under cook them a bit, transfer into disposable aluminum pan (if kitchen access is available) and recommend a few minutes in the oven for “fresh baked” warm ones!</p>
<p>Find out what is and is not available to your student. My student’s school has lots of good fresh fruit, so that would be a waste. Student likes Special K protein bars, and hard to find around there. </p>
<p>For guys, besides cookies which always seem to be welcome,
extra socks,(girls like new warm fuzzy socks too), wasabi peas (if they like spicey), beef jerky, little toys (the Hex and Nano bugs were a really big hit). Recent magazine they like is appreciated. (not available around some campuses without buying it, which they’re not likely to, and reading is always a better study break in my mind than Xbox). Even though you know it probably would be useful, DO NOT send extra underwear, condoms etc, unless you know your student will know it is arriving with the box (no surprises opening in front of friends!!) </p>
<p>For relatives who aren’t into all this prep, find out if there is a Starbucks, Ben and Jerry’s etc, nearby and gift cards to something like that are always very welcome.</p>
<p>Hmmm…my son…well…after I worked very hard on Care Packages for him his freshman year (with absolutely NO appreciation for them)…I stopped. BUT we did send him cards with things like gift cards to Starbucks, the grocery store, etc. He loved those…and was very appreciative.</p>
<p>My best gift ever to him was last Christmas…I got a wallet…and then got six different gift cards and put them in the wallet (Walmart, Target, Express, Banana Republic, Home Depot, Kohls). These are all places located where he lives AND he shops at them. I also included some Kohls cash, and coupons from Express and Banana Republic.</p>
<p>Do parents really send condoms to their children in care packages? </p>
<p>For some reason, this is completely out of my comfort zone!</p>
<p>^ Since I have girls I prefer not to think about it…</p>
<p>For a guy- Angry Birds stuff animal, bouncing stress ball, Halloween mask, moisture wicking t-shirt for workout.</p>
<p>Home-made cookies and stuff.</p>
<p>A get well kit - decongestants, tissues, etc plus a stuff rhinovirus doll (the latter was a big hit) … I think I got the idea here a couple of years ago.</p>
<p>I’m currently putting together a “you can do it” kit for D3 who will be competing in a music competition this year - so far I have the makings of a motivational banner to hang in her dorm room, itunes gift card for something she can put on her ipod, a couple of musical items, and of course, chocolate for either celebrating or easing the disappointment when the results are announced.</p>
<p>A friend suggested sending 21 little bottles of alcohol for a 21st birthday, but I don’t like the message that sends. She probably would have liked to include the condoms in that one… :(</p>
<p>For the “get well” kit I like to include a new toothbrush.</p>
<p>Wow. I am a bad mom. The most I do is sign him up free samples online. When he gets a sample of something in the mail, he knows I was thinking of him. LOL</p>
<p>I like to send gift cards for area restaurants in a card for holidays. I like to send Amazon gift cards because I can do it for a future date on line with a gift message. The gift message comes to her as an e-mail on the date specified.
One of the biggest hits was from William Sonoma. It was a giant, chocolate drizzled, carmel apple rolled in nuts and beautifully packaged. I paid thirty dollars for a year of free shipping last year and it has been a bargain. My d shared the apple with her roomates. It may be a seasonal item.</p>
<p>I clip articles out of the newspaper I think she will be interested in, local news items generally, or reviews of performances.</p>
<p>I did not come up with this idea but have used it quite a bit. Join Groupon, Livingsocial, etc for your college kid’s city. I have been able to get him great deals at local restaurants and activities. Manicures, massages, etc are often really reasonable and will likely be appreciated.</p>
<p>The giant Mrs Fields cookie cake was a big hit last year also.</p>
<p>Actually RMGmom, I think the free samples is a great idea!</p>
<p>I have sent my kids Harry & David pears when there was a great sale. I also send D chocolate soy milk, coconut water, cooking mirin, sesame oil, instant miso soup, nori, energy bars, fiber bars, cookies, silly things too.
S has a car & full-time job, so don’t send him as many packages. He’s also in the process of moving so doesn’t want more STUFF to have to deal with. :)</p>
<p>Lots depends on the kids’ access to a vehicle & FOOD s/he likes. My D doesn’t have a car, so she really likes getting these food packages & I enjoy making them. She & S have not gained much weight or inches in college & I encourage them to share their care packages.</p>
<p>Food makes it into every package but I try to stick with healthier stuff; dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, fruit cups, stuff like that, as well an assortment of tea a couple of times each winter. Little HABA items are popular – lip gloss, lotion, deodorant. Silly holiday-oriented things are always good, and for some reason, fuzzy socks in some crazy color or design are a big hit. I send at least one cheap-o toy in every box; the dollar aisle is good for this and the cheesier, the better, it seems. And D has told me that quantity of items in the box is a lot more important than quality.</p>
<p>I do like thumper does, I get the box, tape up the bottom, and fill it up as I find things. When it’s full, I slap a label on and mail it. BTW, the USPS Flat Rate boxes are the best thing ever for sending care packages.</p>
<p>So far, the packages I have sent to my daughter have been essentials, stuff she didn’t take with her and we planned to ship later. I have added a few goodies for her also. I found cute magnets at Michael’s and a little desk planner that matches her room decor. I also used a coupon to order a mounted photo she took this summer in Barbados. Being from the south, I thought it might be nice to have something to remind her of the tropics on those cold New England days. I have also started a Halloween box for her. So far, I have bought a small bag of candy corn, glow in the dark Silly Putty, Silly String and some glow sticks. I will be adding to it as I find fun things.</p>
<p>My college friends used to love playing with this type of coloring book: [Amazon.com:</a> Geometrical Design Coloring Book (Colouring Books) (9780486201801): Spyros Horemis, Dover Coloring Book Editors: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Geometrical-Design-Coloring-Colouring-Books/dp/0486201805]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Geometrical-Design-Coloring-Colouring-Books/dp/0486201805) or [Welcome</a> to Dover Publications! Since 1941, we’ve offered great books at amazing prices, including over 600 titles that sell for less than $2.00! With over 9,000 value-priced titles we have books for almost every interest. Dover collections include fu](<a href="http://doverpublications.stores.yahoo.net/0486468577.html(you]Welcome">http://doverpublications.stores.yahoo.net/0486468577.html(you) need to include a big set of markers to go with it)</p>
<p>MadLibs is a possibility.</p>
<p>My kid is disappointed if he doesn’t get homemade cookies.</p>
<p>I found that cookie bars were easier to pack (and faster to make!). Son was partial to oatmeal chocolate chip.</p>
<p>I used bags of trail mix, m&m’s, Hershey kisses, etc. as packing material around stuff that I sent.</p>
<p>For son I also sent goofy things like toy soldiers with parachutes, bouncy balls, silly string, yo yo, harmonica.</p>