How to Assemble a Care Package for Someone in School

A care package is a thoughtful gift and often constitutes a much needed ration of supplies for a struggling student. Include nutritious snacks, study aids and entertaining surprises.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gloves
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Socks
• Gloves
• Candles
• Cardboard Boxes
• Photo Albums
• Black Teas
• Chamomile Tea
• Coffees
• Dried Fruits
• High-energy Snacks
• Bubble Baths
• Lotions
• Movie Videos
• Candles
• Cardboard boxes

1. Send coffee beans, tea bags or flavored instant coffee drinks for those sleepless study nights.

2. Pack nutritious energy foods that are easily accessible for students on the go. Include sports bars, dried fruit, graham crackers, nuts, instant soups and instant hot cereals.

3. Toss in a few sweets. Chocolate and baked goods do wonders for the spirit.

4. Add an uplifting or entertaining element: a favorite CD, a small book of wisdom, a mini photo album or a movie rental certificate.

5. Include special toiletries that may be impossible to buy on a student budget. Fancy scented soaps, bubble bath, candles and scented lotions are welcome and relaxing gifts.

6. Remember obscure, but practical, little gifts that every student needs. Throw in a few pairs of good socks, a scarf to help beat the cold or a new set of gloves.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to pack items with bubble wrap or newspaper in a sturdy cardboard box.
• Label the care package as "Fragile."

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[Mulletmother]

on 1/6/2009 Unfortunately for my 1st two kids, I had to learn this the hard way. Aside from learning what products the dormitories would and wouldn't allow into the dorm rooms, I also learned that my kids weren't so thrilled with the made-at-home care packages I was sending them during their college years.

Fortunately for my 3rd & 4th, who are now in college, my friend told me about a FANTASTIC company she has been using, http://www.boxobox.com . Their product mixes are great, their boxes are entertaining, and I don't have to think twice about sending one to my kids.

on 11/22/2005 Dont forget that your child has gone off to college, and is most likely dealing with extended seperation between him/her self and you as the parent. The more contact you have with your child, the harder and harder it will become for your child to adjust to being away from home and at college. As a college freshman watching my friends go through this, I would recommend that after the first 2 weeks of college, limit the number of phone calls and emails from you to once a week. Care packages are wonderful, but even a handwritten card in the mail will make your child joyful for the day. Just not very often to help your child adjust to college life.

on 11/22/2005 When my Mom sends me packages, to make sure that it's a fun thing for me she puts all of my bills, bank statements, etc. in a manila envelope inside so I don't have to deal with my bill right away and I can just enjoy the fun stuff. :-D

on 11/22/2005 Dorms do not allow candles.

on 11/22/2005 When I mail a package I let my son decorate, color and draw on the brown paper wrapper. We then dig through old pictures, cut out the people or places, and tape them securely with clear packaging tape. It's a collage of our family life we like to share.