Styled & Organized Tips for Sending a College Care Package
You moved your child into her new college digs, gave her a big hug and experienced a roller coaster of emotions as you turned to head home. Sending a child off to college can be a huge adjustment for the entire family…even the family pets! Instead of letting all the emotions and worry drag you down, use your nervous energy to do something to show you care. Send her a college care package that she won’t forget. Who wouldn’t love getting a package full of wonderful things to show her she’s not forgotten!
If you want to send a care package in a free box, you can visit your local post office and pick up a priority mail flat rate box. Or you can pack your own box and ship it according to its weight and zip code. Here is a link to a handy USPS pricing chart summarizing delivery costs for various package sizes.
With either the flat rate box or one of your choosing, use your size limitations to guide you while gathering items that are sure to brighten your child’s day. There are so many options when it comes to filling a college care package, it’s easy to go a little overboard! You know your child better than anyone…so just send things that speak to her personality, or her particular current needs.
To help in the process, we have some suggestions in each gift category:
School Supplies:
- Extra flash drive for all of those school projects.
- Colorful pens or pencils.
- New backpack .
Food:
- Gift card(s) to a favorite restaurant, grocery store, or coffee bar/shop.
- Ziplock bag full of favorite homemade cookies (packaged in a sturdy box to ensure they don’t get crushed!)
- Candy – of course!
- Microwaveable cake mixes to be cooked in the packaging (Like Go! Cake available on amazon.com.)
Personal:
- Beauty / body care products.
- Novelty socks.
- Eye shades (in case roommate keeps lights on all night).
Maybe you don’t have the time or energy to send a package yourself. There are many online services available now that would be happy to put together a “thinking of you” care package.
Here are a couple of our favorites:
- Tiff’s Treats for cookie delivery – many locations in Texas, and a few now in Georgia.
- HipKits.com for curated student care packages at any price point and for any occasion.
Don’t forget the power of an encouraging card or personal note, especially during those first weeks when a little homesickness might set in (on both sides).
Posted August 24, 2017. Written by Leticia Pfeiffer. Edited by .
