College Care Packages to Send Your Favorite Student in 2023

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The time has come: Your teen has left the house and is officially a college student! This is a huge transition for students and their parents. While you've surely crossed everything off the dorm room essentials list, your child will be missing the comforts of home, and they'd love to receive a college care package from you. Need some inspiration? Here's where to start.

Make a list of their favorite items, from essentials like toiletries and cleaning supplies to treats like candy, snacks, restaurant gift cards, and skin care supplies. You can keep your care package simple or really splurge: It's up to you! During colder months, think about tea and hot chocolate, gloves, and over-the-counter medicines they may need. There's no wrong time to send a care package: They'll appreciate it any time of year, but you might want to send something a few weeks after they move in or around stressful times like final exams.

You could go the store-bought route (with free shipping, it's likely the most economical option), or put together a box of your son or daughter's favorites. Just check their school's mail and package policy. Some have rules about the types of items that could be received. When shipping perishable items, it's best to pay for expedited shipping and tracking, and give your student a heads-up that it's on the way so it doesn't sit in the mail room for days.

What to Put in a College Care Package

• Homemade baked goods

• Microwave noodle cooker

• Toiletries like toothpaste, deodorant, and razors

• Laundry pods

• Starbucks gift card

• Pura fragrance diffuser

• First Aid kit

• Hydration packets

• Restaurant gift card

• Facial masks

• Favorite snacks

• Pimple patches

• Over-the-counter medications

• Disinfecting wipes

• Uber Eats or DoorDash gift card

• Socks and underwear

• K Cups

• K Cups

• Ice roller

THE SICK-KIT

You don't want to think about your college student getting sick while he's away, but it could happen. This box comes filled with over-the-counter remedies like pain relievers, bone broth, and cough drops. The company offers a larger version that has even more get-well-soon products.

Homemade Quick Bread

There's no better way to say "thinking of you" than a homemade treat like this Chocolate-Cinnamon Marble Bread. This one travels well. Be sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and then put it in a large zip-top bag. Use plenty of packing material in the box to make sure it arrives safely.

COLLEGEBOX Healthy Snack Box Variety Pack

The top request for college students: Snacks. This variety pack comes filled with 35 individually wrapped snacks, including nuts, fruit chews, granola bars, popcorn, veggie chips, and more.

Righteous Felon Beef Jerky Variety Pack

Righteous Felon takes jerky to the next level with its inventive flavors like Truffle-o Bill and Maryland Monroe. This variety pack makes a perfect snack for your college student, and you'll know that he's getting a bit of protein.

Smiley Face Care Package

This sweet care package will brighten anyone's day. It comes filled with candy, chips, a cereal bar, cookies, mug, and balloon, all in a cheery sunshine-yellow hue.

Final Exams Care Package

This succulent-themed package is ideal for the stressful week of final exams. It comes filled with comforting products like a bath bomb, scrunchie, lip balm, hot cocoa, and fuzzy socks.

Treat Box

All of their favorite treats, in one box! Their roommates will be wanting to share these snacks, from Oreos to Sour Patch Kids to Nutter Butters. Consider it fuel for late-night study sessions.

Cereal Assortment Pack

Many college students practically live on cereal. Give them the gift of many flavors with this assortment pack. The cereal comes individually packaged in cups so they don't have to worry about doing dishes.

Skin Care Gift Box

This fun gift box includes masks, cleansers, hand cream, and a headband: Everything she needs to take care of her skin. Pair it with a popular ice roller for some extra pampering.

Homemade Cookies or Bars

Your college student likely has a favorite homemade treat. Surprise him with a box of cookies or bars, like our Kitchen Sink Layer Bars, straight from your kitchen, and he'll know you're thinking of him. Keep in mind that it's best not to mail chocolate during hot weather. For another option, try Superkind Snickerdoodles.

Personalized Socks

Your college student is going to be missing his dog big time! Send him a sweet reminder that he can wear all the time.

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