Surprise Your First-Year College Student By Sending a Care Package Straight to Their Dorm
If your college freshman just left for their first year of school, you might be wondering what the best way is to show them that you’re cheering them on all the way from home. Care packages make great gifts for college students, whether you’re sending one for their birthday, a holiday, finals week, or just because.
Wondering what to put in your college care package? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for our top picks on what to give your college student this semester.
College Care Package Ideas For Your Favorite Freshman
The trick to the perfect care package is filling it with items that your college student will actually use. But there’s more to it than just packing a box with extra socks and underwear—you want to make sure that these are items that your student will also be excited about. Here are some products that have some practical use but are fun at the same time.
A BackUp Backpack
What is one thing college students use everyday? A quality sustainable backpack to lug their books, computer, and other supplies across campus from class to class. Some backpacks get worn out before winter break even begins and it is always a good idea to have a backup bag on hand.
You will want to make sure you get a backpack that has enough space for books, a laptop, water bottle, and more.
A Good Water Bottle
Hydrating On-the-Go Is a College Necessity
Being stuck on campus all day without a water bottle is the worst! Keep your freshman from getting dehydrated by sending them a high-quality water bottle that’s designed to be carried. The ideal water bottles for college students are ones that come with a carrying clip and are spill-proof.
Most college campuses have water fountains placed throughout, but the most convenient way to stay hydrated is to have a reusable water bottle that your college student can carry around all day and refill when needed. Check out these top-rated water bottle brands that your college student will love!
A Microwaveable Mug
You’d Be Surprised How Many Things Your Student Is Cooking in the Microwave
A person can never have too many mugs—especially if that person is a college student!
From cakes and muffins to oatmeal and omelets, there’s almost nothing your freshman college student won’t try to cook in the microwave. And with so many microwave-only recipes online, why shouldn’t they? After all, they’re going to get tired of the dining hall at some point.
This is why microwaveable mugs make for great care package items! Bonus points if you send a mug that comes with a lid. Treat your college student to (microwave) culinary delights when you include a microwaveable mug in your next care package.
Charging Cable Protectors
Save Their Charging Cords From Getting Frayed and Unuseable
These charging cable protectors aren’t just useful—they’re also adorable! Hungry Animals Cord Protectors are one of the many options out there for a fun but useful care package item.
Technology without working charging cables is a ticking timebomb. No matter how careful you are with your cords, they still end up getting frayed and eventually stop working. Prevent your freshman from having to go out and buy another charging cable by sending them a cable protector.
Such a small gift might not seem like much, but it will definitely come in handy! And with so many creative choices to choose from, this practical product might just end up being the most entertaining part of your college care package.
A Comfy Bathrobe
Bring Luxury to Their Freshman Dorm
Whether you go with the classic terrycloth, a lightweight knit, or plush cotton, your college student will thank you for sending them a bathrobe to match their shower shoes.
College dorms can be drafty! Keep your freshman nice and cozy on the walk back from the shower with a super soft bathrobe. A communal bathroom doesn’t exactly evoke the same relaxing feeling as a hotel spa, but at least you can make getting to and from the shower is as comfortable as possible with a warm bathrobe.
This care package gift is perfect for the fall and winter when the dorm starts to get a little chilly. And with so many styles and designs to choose from, you’re sure to find a bathrobe that your college student will love.
A Book of College Advice
Add One More Book to Their Reading List
The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College by Harlan Cohen is just one of the many funny yet informative books about college that are out there.
College is an experience unlike any other that your child has had so far. Send them a college-related advice book for some guidance on everything from roommates to drinking. The best thing about these kinds of books is that they’re entertaining to read (not to mention relatable) but also have a lot of useful information that your freshman might not get otherwise.
With so many new things and so many changes, your brand new college student might be feeling a little lost or overwhelmed. They might be excited but also scared and not know how to bring it up to you. Sending a book like this doesn’t only give your kid written advice, but it also opens the door for some meaningful conversation between the two of you.
Remind Your College Student How Much You Care
When it comes to sending a care package, the thought definitely counts, but you also want to give your college student items that have a purpose. No matter what the occasion is, your student will love opening a box of thoughtful gifts (like the ones in this article) that they can put to good use right away.
Show your college student that even though they’ve left home, you’ll never stop thinking about them. Sending a college care package isn’t just a fun surprise for your freshman to receive in the mail—it’s also a reminder that you’re missing them as much as they’re missing you.