You’ve pushed your little college hatchling out of the nest, and you’re ready to watch them spread their wings. But, hey, life outside of the comfort of your protective nook may take some adjusting to. After a few weeks have passed, your freshman might need a little boost — and you’re probably more than ready to send them a reminder that you’re never that far away. Enter the college care package.
Not sure what to put into that big box (aside from love, obvs)? Don’t worry, Mama; we’ve got your back. Add any of the following items to your new college student’s next mail from home, and you might just end up being the most popular parent on your kid’s hall. From necessities like single-serving foods to little luxuries like a portable Bluetooth speaker, this list touches on your freshman’s wants and needs.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to toss something into the care package your kid can’t order online or find in a store anywhere — something that reminds them of home. So, fill your cart with these items, but make sure you leave room for a personal touch, too.
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Echo Dot
Hey, maybe your new college student really will use this smart speaker with Alexa to stream “study music” in the background. They can also use it to ask Alexa questions when a particular subject stumps them. The Echo Dot is good for tons of stuff, including setting timers, making lists and adding items to calendars (i.e. “Call Mom!”).
Echo Dot 3rd generation, $29.99 at Amazon
Cozy slippers
There’s nothing worse than waking up and planting your feet on those freezing cold dorm room floors. A pair of comfy slippers will give your stressed out new freshman a warm and cozy way to start every morning.
Luxe slippers, $65 at Staheekum
Amazon Gift Card
Let’s be real — it’ll be a matter of weeks after you drop your freshman off at college before they burn through that extra spending cash you gave them. So, when you put together their first care package, drop in a gift card (or two). Amazon’s are ideal since college students can order pretty much anything they need through Prime.
Amazon.com gift card in mini envelope, $10 – $2,000 at Amazon
Snack Box
All that studying is sure to work up some serious hunger so give them a massive box of every snack they could ever want.
Snack box, $24.95 at Amazon
A Portable Phone Charger
Keep them charged all day so they have no excues for not calling home.
Portable phone charger, $29.99 at Amazon
‘Call Mom’ Pillowcase
You may not hear from your freshman as much after those first few weeks when they hit their stride. They’re sure to get a kick out of their care package if they open it up and find this reminder in the form of a pillowcase.
Oh, Susannah “call mom” pillowcase in blue, $17.94 at Amazon
Face Masks
Late nights, away-from-home anxiety, the newfound freedom to eat junk food whenever you want — the first semester of college can be a recipe for skin flare-ups. If your freshman hasn’t already send out the S.O.S. for skincare help, make a preemptive move and send them a trio of face masks perfect for detoxing and soothing stressed-out skin.
Pure Body Naturals face mask trio, $24.99 at Amazon
Essential Oil Diffuser
Like it or not, college dorms can have a certain eau de… funk. And since many universities don’t allow candles (or, understandably, open flames of any kind), your freshman may feel relegated to blowing through Febreeze on the regular. Fortunately, you can send your student — who is undoubtedly used to the sweet smell of home — an essential oil diffuser. If they already have the diffuser, send more oils!
Serene House “Ranger” essential oil diffuser, $25 at Urban Outfitters
Game Day Shirt
Whether your kid loves sports or just loves any chance to socialize, they’re sure to find the humor in this game day t-shirt. And since football season is kind of a big deal in the collegiate world, they’ll have plenty of excuses to wear it.
“If we lose I was never here” t-shirt, $26 at PinkLilyMonograms/Etsy
Gum
How about some Ice Breakers to break the ice? It’s, like, a law of the universe that the kid who offers gum to their classmates will be well-liked. And having minty fresh breath doesn’t hurt, either.
Ice Breakers sugar-free ice cube gum, $11.49/4-pack at Boxed
Spiral Hair Ties
If your freshman has long hair, odds are good they’ve already misplaced all of their hairbands in the weeks since you dropped them off. Toss a pack of these painless spiral coil hair bands in their care package, because it’s the little things, you know?
Patented OOO hair ties, $9.99 at Amazon
10017-B19-35340
There’s a reason S’well water bottles have a cult following. In fact, there are many. In addition to the wide variety of fun prints and patterns (something for everyone!), these bottles feature triple-walled, vacuum-insulated construction — meaning your freshman’s favorite beverage will stay cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12. Bonus? It’s BPA-free.
S’well water bottle, $35 at S’well
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
This portable Bluetooth speaker is small enough for your freshman to take with them anywhere, and even has a built-in carabiner hook perfect for attaching it to a backpack. With a 10-hour battery life, it’ll see your student through everything from mellow study sessions to a day at the beach.
JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth speaker, $59.95 at JBL
‘You’re My Lobster’ Bracelet
A little something to remind your daughter that no matter who she meets in college, mom will always be numbeer one.
Friends lobster bracelet, $43 at Alex and Ani
Manta Sleep Mask
It might take a minute or two for your freshman to get accustomed to the chaos that is a college dorm. Still, they need their sleep, which is where this Manta sleep mask comes in. Made with soft, breathable materials, it’s easy on the eyelids and lashes — and boasts 100 percent blackout for deeper sleep. Bonus? It’ll come in handy on plane rides “home.”
Manta sleep mask, $29.99 at Manta Sleep
PJs
Something cute and coordinated to wear at night — and, real talk, probably to class sometimes too — will probably make your freshman feel like they’re winning at this whole adulting thing. This set features sueded jersey with a relaxed fit in a popular tie-dye print.
Pink collection PJ top and sleep short, $26.95/each at Victoria’s Secret
Lip Balm
There’s just something about the air in dorms and lecture halls that seems to dry lips out in a flash. Your on-a-budget (read: broke) college student isn’t likely to splurge on the good stuff, so do it for them — this ultra-hydrating lip balm is enriched with shea butter and avocado oil to condition lips, grapefruit and ginger to soothe, and antioxidants to protect lips from free radicals. Oh, and it also boasts SPF 25!
Jack Black intense therapy lip balm, $8 at Sephora
Ramen Noodle Soup
A college kid can never go wrong with Ramen noodle soup, amirite? Toss in a six-pack to get them through days when their budget is a bit too tight for eating out or they just don’t want to leave the comfort of their dorm room.
Ramen noodle soup 6-pack in chicken flavor, $1.39 at Target
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