<p>My brain is on overload at the moment! I've bought some little knick nacky's to pack in my daughters things, so when she is unpacking after I leave she can find them amongst all her belongings. </p>
<p>Some of the things I have bought are "little mother/daughter sayings" sob..:(
college cookbooks, how to do laundry guides, her favorite perfume..</p>
<p>Any of you pro's out there have any original ideas that I could borrow?</p>
<p>Thanks, and again, best of luck to all of you that are trying to handle these last few hectic days at home.</p>
<p>Crissy, because the unpacking process can be so hectic, as well as spread out over time, and so many new people, events and situations will be happening for your daughter during her first few days on campus, why not hold some items back to mail to her in care packages in the first few weeks once she's settled? </p>
<p>College students LOVE to get mail from home, especially fun surprises; anything such as food items that can be shared with new friends and dormmates; things that will brighten up a dorm room but that your daughter won't be able to buy for herself; even surprises like freshly cut flowers delivered can be really nice. Goofy, fun toys work; happy, positive, supportive greeting cards are also nice, and calendars, traditional school supplies, etc. And it won't be long before you'll be able to send Halloween candy which can also be shared. </p>
<p>As far as laundry instructions, the campus laundry facilities I've seen all seem to have rather detailed instructions posted. Perfume is always terrific, and college cookbooks are an excellent idea.</p>
<p>This is just an idea that delighted my s. I secretly stashed a particular "Cutco" knife in his things. It was a rounded knife--like a spreader with a sharp blade on one side---that proved to be very useful in a dorm room. I got an immediate "thank you" call when he found it.</p>
<p>thats so sweet! I always wanted care packages from my parents but often times I was overseas or really far away. but sometimes even though i work full time (i'm only 20 though) and i live in london (my parents live in Canada) I still get care packages. Food for me was always a big thing. Fresh cut flowers being delivered is a GREAT idea and coins for laundry machines and for snacks and things are also a great idea. I'm sure your daughter will really appreciate all those things. I love getting cookies in the mail.</p>
<p>They like my banana bread, so I will send it packaged in individual slices in baggies. Throw in a couple of chocolate kisses in each bag. These are great for grabbing and nibbling on the way to class, and it stays fresher individually wrapped. </p>
<p>Send a photo of the family pet doing something cute or funny, even if you have to pose it. This always gets a call home.</p>
<p>Oh, but if you do decide to send flowers, if possible, try to learn first if any roommates are allergic - or - try to have the florist send stuff that doesn't provoke allergies. I once sent some that made a roommate sneeze. But you can also send roommates little things inside the packages - nothing big that would make anyone feel uncomfortable, just things like little packs of tissues, apples, little toys, etc. </p>
<p>Reading lamps are perfect too (the kind that clip into books or that can be used reading in bed), if you daughter doesn't already have one.</p>
<p>I packed bag of little goodies and surprises for my daughter to open only when she is lonely! She's been at school a week and only opened one thing so far. I bought a photo frame that you could record a message on and put a pic of the 2 of us in it. That was my favorite thing to include!</p>
<p>Photos. My youngest wrote a lovely sign "We love you and hope you enjoy your first semster" or something cute like that and I think he drew a picture. She kept that up on her bulletin board her first year. But it's nice to send photos of events that take place when they are not around. My daughter liked getting her favorite body cream. Also, I recorded her favorite TV show and mailed it to her because she was too busy to watch while it was on. Then if she ever had downtime she could watch ( we had a DVD burner so she could watch it in her computer).</p>
<p>A roll of quarters (for laundry)
Cough drops (you know they'll get sick)
A gift card to Starbucks, Whole Foods, etc - whatever 'luxury store' your D likes (you know they'll use it)
Photograph of her house, a childhood picture with her friends (you know they're sentimental but loath to admit it)
A small tin of favorite cookies
A calendar with pictures of home, favorite travel sites, sports, etc.
Pre-addressed, pre-stamped note cards to make writing and thank-you-notes to grandma, siblings, aunts, oh and mom - that much easier.</p>
<p>My D. loved getting mail---son was different, he didn't like even going to check mailbox.</p>
<p>I sent D. "seasonal fun socks" (St. Pats, Halloween, xmas, etc), popcorn from Popcorn factory, funny cards and postcards, flavored teas and coffees (instant), batteries, blockbuster cards and always just kept my eyes open for little fun things at the drug store or wherever to pick up and send.</p>
<p>Definately food. My Mom's chocolate chip cookies were usually gone the first day. Quarters for laundry for sure. As for a "care" package, I always appreciated toiletries (my frosh roommate was always stealing my shampoo, conditioner, soap and tampons). My D loves Starbucks--if your D does too (and there's one near her school ) a Starbucks gift card would be great!</p>
<p>Frisbee, stamps, forgotten items like flipflops/favorite blouse, packs of her favorite gum that she has to chew to think when studying, container of grandmother's homemade cookies, the BIG pack of mini-sharpies with the little clip-on rings that she couldn't find anywhere at school, a few favorite dvds from home for movie nights in the dorm.</p>
<p>I haven't sent pictures yet because she is a freshman and don't want to get the homesick blues started. But I will in the next few packages.</p>
<p>PATSMOM...thanks for those links, I just ordered one from radio shack opting for 2 day delivery...hehehe (just wanna make sure I get it in time)</p>