At this time last year, my daughter was riding high. She had just a couple of months left in her senior year of high school, and having a clear vision of her post-graduation future made it feel like we were finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel. However, fast forward to the present, and although she has found the perfect school for her, it’s quite a distance away, and the stress is starting to weigh on her. Since it’s not easy for her to come home, the next best thing is to send some love in the form of a college care package.
During my own college years, my mother used to put together carefully selected boxes filled with my favorite things and send them to me periodically throughout the year. Opening her packages was always a delightful experience because they were filled not only with goodies for me but also treats to share with my friends. Nowadays, this kind of parenting might seem like the next level, especially with more convenient ways to send a college care package!
Here are 11 convenient college care package ideas that can be sent individually or combined to create a thoughtful collection. Regardless of what you choose to send, receiving a package in the mailroom sends the message that you’re thinking of your college student and offering your support from afar.
1. Send a Hug: BoxFull of College Hugs (Starting at $44.95)
When you can’t be there in person, you can send love and comfort with a BoxFull of College Hugs! BoxFull’s Original Bear Hug in a Box is an excellent college care package idea because it’s a way to ensure your student feels your love and warmth, no matter where they are. Upon opening the box, your college student will be greeted by a new cuddly friend (you get to choose the type of animal) with outstretched arms, ready to give them a hug. Inside, they’ll also discover a special poem and a heartfelt message where you can write a note of support and encouragement. You can even create your custom Boxfull by selecting treats you know your student will love. This versatile and thoughtful gift is perfect for a stressed college student far from home, as it’s guaranteed to brighten their day.
2. Give the Gift of Stress Relief: Morphée Zen ($79.99)
In an era of relaxation apps, there’s still value in unplugging and enjoying some screen-free zen. Resembling a soothing hot stone, the Morphée Zen provides access to over 72 expert-approved audio sessions that combine the best meditation and sophrology relaxation techniques to help your college student relax and re-center at any time during the day. This discreet, pocket-sized device ensures they have an instant moment of calmness wherever they need it, whether it’s between classes, during a study break, or first thing in the morning. The rechargeable battery offers approximately one week’s worth of daily listening to sessions, which can be enjoyed through personal wired headphones or plugged-in speakers. The original Morphée ($99.99) is also worth considering for its cool design and desk presence.
3. TheraICE Hot & Cold Therapy Head Cap ($34.95)
Stress-induced tension headaches are no joke, and TheraICE’s Ice Cap provides hot or cold relief to alleviate stress. TheraICE’s patented design is geared towards soothing and relaxing through 360-degree cold and heat coverage (no inserts or Velcro required!), light-blocking material, and expert-grade gel for cooling or warming. This cap is comfortable, stretchable, and form-fitting, making it a one-size-fits-all solution.
4. Today Is The Day Gift Set ($54) from Beloved Bath
Remember those “Calgon! Take me away!” commercials from our childhood? You can give your college student the gift of relaxation and self-care with Beloved Bath’s Today Is The Day Gift Set. This set includes soap, body butter, a candle, and bath tea in scents reminiscent of fresh cotton laundry blowing in the wind near a magical wildflower field. The products come beautifully packaged and promote self-care, positivity, mental health, and overall wellness.
By purchasing products from Beloved Bath, you’re not only treating your college student but also supporting meaningful employment for people with autism. Beloved Bath was founded by two mothers with autistic sons to demonstrate that individuals with autism can be productive members of society. Today, Beloved Bath is a company centered around empowerment, where the work is meaningful, enjoyable, and adds value to the lives of their employees and the community. All products are cruelty-free and phthalate-free, using oils that are plant-based and sourced from sustainable growers.
5. Keep Them Organized: No Waste Notebooks ($5.75 Each) from Wisdom Supply Co
Given the choice, your college student might not prioritize spending money on organizational supplies over other things. However, you can encourage them to stay organized with sustainably designed, zero-waste notebooks from Wisdom Supply Co. These notebooks are 100% free of plastic, vinyl, and spirals, aiming to reduce waste associated with school supplies. They’re slim but offer plenty of pages for note-taking throughout the semester or getting organized for finals. Options include College Ruled (blue), Bullet Journal (red), Sketch (green), and Storybook (yellow).
6. Send Sweet Treats and Healthy Options for Late-Night Study Breaks
- True Primal ($51.99 for an 8 Pack on Amazon): Many students tend to neglect their own nutrition during late-night study sessions. Help them make better nutritional choices with True Primal soups, ensuring your college student has a convenient, quick, easy, and nutritious meal when they need it. These gluten-free, paleo-friendly soups are an excellent alternative to traditional canned soups. Varieties like Tuscan-Style Chicken and Roasted Chicken Soups offer hearty and delicious options for busy weeknight dinners.
- Baked by Melissa Cupcakes (Starting at $37 for 25): These bite-sized cupcakes are always a favorite! You can order a box with custom flavors or try a curated assortment like the Latest & Greatest. Cupcakes come in gluten-free, vegan, and no-nut varieties as well.
- Chomps Snack Sticks: For fans of savory snacks, protein-rich Chomps Snack Sticks are a great choice. Made from the best real ingredients, such as 100% grass-fed & finished beef and venison, these snacks are paleo and Whole30 approved, as well as certified gluten-free. These tasty, on-the-go snack sticks are perfect for any time of day. Consider getting your college student a Chomplings Variety Pack (18 sticks for $24) with flavors like Original beef, Italian Style Beef, and Turkey. They’ll appreciate having these in their bag for a quick energy boost wherever they’re studying.
- CandyCan Gummy Bears ($27.99 for a Case of 6 Packs): CandyCan’s gummy bears aren’t just a sweet treat; they’re a lower sugar and lower calorie version packed with natural ingredients to help your student stay healthy, get the sleep they need, and stay focused, especially during finals week. Designed to be enjoyed by the bag, CandyCan gummy bears come in a 6 pack with 2 Focus, 2 Sleep, and 2 Immunity packs. This thoughtful gift provides extra health benefits when they’re needed most.
- **Bell’s Cookie Co (Box of 8 Cookies $28; One Dozen Cookies $36):** Freshly baked cookies are sure to bring a smile to their face when they arrive in the mailroom. These cookies are perfect study treats! Bell’s Cookie Co. offers nationwide delivery, with cookies individually wrapped to maintain freshness. With 12 traditional and unique flavors, your student is in for a real treat! When you shop from Bell’s, you’re supporting a family-owned business that is the pride of Washington state. It was recently voted the best in the state, and thankfully, you don’t have to live there to enjoy these delightful cookies.
7. GrubHub Gift Card: Late nights of studying often call for late-night comfort food. A GrubHub gift card that allows your college student to order food from their favorite local restaurants is always a welcome treat, whether it’s for finals or any time during the school year.
