18 Useful Things I Sent To My Kid In College

A college student’s life is hectic. They constantly juggle classes, homework, a social life, and maybe even a job; these activities can keep your kid from properly taking care of themselves. Care packages are the perfect way to show your college student how much you care. A care package can include anything from their favorite snack to a gift card, school supplies, and personal items. College students often appreciate receiving care packages from their family and friends.

 Here is a list of the items I have personally sent to my kid. The items are very practical and personal. Each item on my list addressed a concern I had with my kid in school.   

Some of the items can be pricey, but the investment provided me a peace of mind each day. 

What Do College Students Like To Get In The Mail?

Cookies

Cookies are always a welcome treat, especially during finals week when students are studying around the clock. If you’re sending cookies, make sure to include some of their favorites. Also try to incude some extra cookies for roommates. Home-made cookies or purchase from their favorite cookie bakery will be a hit everytime.

Handwritten Note

A handwritten note is always appreciated. A few words of encouragement can go a long way when someone is feeling stressed out.

Mobile Phone Charger

Portable Phone Charger you never know when your kid’s phone will die. As parents, we know kids ignore their phone battery levels until it is too late, especially when you are trying to contact them. A portable charger is a lifesaver when your kid is in a bind and needs to make a call or send an urgent text.

Mobile Phone Charging Cables

Mobile Phone Charging Cables With all the texting, snap chatting, and Instagramming college students do these days, their phones are constantly running out of juice. A couple of extra charging cables will come in handy when their roommates are hogging all the outlets.

New tooth Brush & cover

These items are essential to keep your kids’ teeth clean and healthy, even when they are busy. A new toothbrush will help your student stay refreshed and focused. Dentists recommend that toothbrushes be replaced every 3 to 4 months. We know they never changed them at home, so this is a way we can make sure their oral health stays good.

Clorox Wipes

Clorox wipes are great for cleaning surfaces that are full of germs and viruses. By wiping down your dorm room with Clorox wipes, you can help prevent yourself from getting sick.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

College campuses can be a noisy places, especially in the dorms. Help your student focus on studying by sending noise-canceling headphones. If your kid learns better in silence, this gives them the peace they need to concentrate while being in a noisy environment.

Reusable shopping bags

Reusable bags are great for carrying groceries, laundry or library books. They can also be used as makeshift backpacks or overnight bags. Reusable bags are durable and can withstand a lot of abuse, but more importantly, they do not take up a lot of storage space. If you know your kid has a long walk to get their groceries, you can send them a cold and hot reusable bag or insulated bag. These bags will help the cold foods to stay cold and the hot foods to stay hot.

Air purifier

Invest in an air purifier. Air purifiers help to eliminate odors, mold, mildew, and viruses from the air, making it easier for students to breathe easily and stay healthy. Air purifiers improve the quality of the air students breathe, and they can also help reduce stress levels and promote better sleep. In other words, they’re a must-have for any college student looking to create a healthy living environment. Consider many of the colleges with an old dorm and hidden mold we may not see. I made sure to get one for my kid, and she loves it.

Jerky

Jerky is a great option for a care package because it is high in protein and low in fat. Plus, there are so many different flavors and types of jerky available that your college student will surely find one they love. Jerky also has a long shelf life, so it’s perfect for students trying to save money by eating in their dorm rooms or apartment.

Stress ball

Stress ball helps relieve tension and anxiety in additon to help improve your focus and concentration. If your kid is feeling stressed, simply squeeze the ball and hold for a few seconds. Repeat as needed throughout the day. Stress balls come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Find a fun one to send. Including a stress ball in your college care package will show your loved ones that you are thinking of them and that you care about their wellbeing. It is sure to put a smile on their face during times of stress.

Prepaid cards

This will come in handy for any unexpected expenses they may have while away at school. This provided freedom but on a fixed budget. 

Food Cards

Prepaid Food delivery cards Make sure your college student is well-fed by including gift cards to their favorite restaurants or food delivery services. Campus food can get boring eating the same thing day after day. As a special treat, let your splurge on some food that reminds them of being home.

Storage Containers

Food Storage Containers Microwaveable food and food storage containers are the best tools for making healthy and delicious meals in your dorm room. You can cook anything from simple pasta dishes to hearty soups with these items.

Good Snacks

Snacks Ramen noodles and cereal get old pretty quickly. Send your student some of their favorite snacks to help them make it through long nights studying (or watching Netflix)

Spices, Seasonings

This is a must! Want the dorm to feel like home send your kid favorite seasoning and spices. Like: Natures seasoning and hot sauce

Air Fresheners

Air Fresheners such as Glade, scented beads, essential oil spray or a diffuser. Most dorms don’t allow candles. Air fresheners are always appreciated. No one wants to live in a smelly dorm room air fresheners can really help freshen things up.

Skincare Products

Certain skincare items may not be sold in their area depending on where your kid goes to school. So making sure they are stocked with their skincare products makes them look good and provides confidence.  

What Should You Not Put In A Care Package?

There are a few things to avoid sending in any college care package when it comes to college dorms. Take note there are a couple of products I would not recommend sending.

1. Microwavable popcorn

This is one item that should be left out of those care packages is microwaveable popcorn. This is because microwaveable popcorn can easily set off a dorm room’s smoke alarm. And when that happens, it’s not just the student who gets in trouble – the whole floor can be evacuated.

2. Candles

Candles may seem like a crazy addition to your dorm room, but they can actually be quite dangerous. If left unattended, candles can quickly start a fire. Even if you’re careful, a gust of wind from opening your door can knock over a candle and start a blaze. If you want to enjoy the scent of candles in your dorm, there are some safer alternatives. A diffuser is a great way to enjoy your favorite essential oils without fire risk. 

3. Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter is a care package favorite, but it’s not good in dorms because of the small space and the potential for roommate allergies. Many people have peanut allergies, and even if your kid doesn’t have one, their roommate might. It’s best to be cautious and send something that everyone can enjoy.

We suggest you reference your kids school or universities’ regulations concerning items allowed on campuses and in dormitories and ensure they abide by their policies and not risk having your kid removed from school. 

In conclusion, care packages are the perfect way to show your college student how much you care. They are a great way to show your support and let the student know you are thinking of them.