25 Essential Items to Include in Your Next College Care Package
Now that your young adult is off at college, you may be looking for ways to support them from home. The traditional care package is a fun and relatively affordable way to treat your young adult to a surprise with thoughtful gifts and snacks that can serve as a pick-me-up and reminder that they’re in your thoughts.
We’ve put together a list of 25 essential items that won’t break your budget (but might even earn your college student a few new friends on their dorm floor).
Power bank:
Portable chargers add extra battery life to phones, tablets, and earphones when your student can’t sit near a plug. Many are pocket sized and they start around $10.
Nuts:
Healthy snacks are a great college care package addition. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, oh my! Providing protein, fatty acids, antioxidants, B6 and more, these ready-to-eat snacks provide portable nutrition that keep your student’s brain fueled throughout the day.
Insulated hydro flask:
Look for an insulated flask that keeps cold drinks cold but also works for coffee, tea, hot cocoa, apple cider or soup.
Hot drink mixes:
Think assorted coffees, teas, or hot cocoa and accessorize with mini marshmallows or candy cane spoons.
Framed photo:
Send a favorite family photo or one of a beloved pet in a standing frame. (Most dorms don’t allow any hangers that damage the walls, such as nails or tacks.)
Roll of quarters:
Include a $10 roll in your care package as many dorm and off-campus laundry rooms still take quarters.
Protein bars:
Whether your student woke up too late to grab a nutritious breakfast, are stuck with back-to-back classes, or just need a pick-me-up for that late-night study session, protein bars can help provide on-the-go nutrition.
Power strips:
While many dorm rooms only allow extension cords for temporary use, power strips with a surge protector can provide extra outlets in dorm rooms where they are limited.
Beef (or vegan) jerky:
The right beef jerky can provide on-the-go protein but you’ll need to determine which options are minimally processed. Look for brands that are nitrate free, low in sodium and sugar, and contain no chemicals or preservatives.
Vitamin C packs:
Drink mixes that are low in sugar and contain vitamin C can be added to water for flavor and to help boost the immune system. Stay away from flavor additives that contain food dyes, high fructose corn syrup, or aspartame.
Dried fruit:
Prunes, apricots, figs, prunes, dates, cranberries, and raisins are a good source of fiber that can be taken to class. Opt for products with no added sugar.
Microwavable foods:
It’s hard to avoid all processed foods when you live out of a dorm room but you can purchase healthier versions of shelf-stable foods like ramen, soups, packaged rice, and popcorn.
Sugarless gum:
Chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce tooth decay and prevent cavities by increasing saliva production and reducing the amount of acid on teeth.
Disinfecting wipes/hand sanitizer:
The close quarters of college dorms, not to mention classrooms, are havens for germs. Be sure to include disinfecting wipes and small bottles of hand sanitizer in a college care package to help fight the spread of illness.
Toothbrushes or water flossers:
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush quarterly, but it’s not always top of mind for busy college students. Consider sending an electric toothbrush with spare heads or a water flosser, which is especially helpful for people who aren’t good at flossing regularly.
Dry shampoo:
Dry shampoo can revive oily hair between washes for busy students who wake up late or who don’t have the time to shower after an activity before class.
First aid kit for flu season:
Every student should have a basic first aid kit, but you can supplement it by adding products that help alleviate symptoms during cold and flu season.
Sheet set:
Although not all dorm beds are extra-long, the majority are twin XL (39” x 80”) to accommodate taller students. Confirm the sizing with your student’s school before purchasing a spare set for their care package.
Dry-erase whiteboard wall sticker:
This self-adhesive, removable, residue-free contact paper turns any wall into a dry erase board without damaging the paint. Be sure to include some dry erase markers and an eraser. Available in multiple sizes.
Over-the-door basketball:
To keep your student entertained between study sessions, consider sending an over-the-door basketball, a flying disc, hacky sacks, or other outdoor toys.
Bluetooth speaker:
These small portable speakers allow your student to pair their devices (e.g., smartphone or laptop) without the need for wires.
Rolling laundry hamper:
Doing laundry in a dorm can be a hassle, especially if the machines are several floors down in the basement. Consider sending your student a rolling laundry hamper that’s specifically designed to tackle stairs. You can also throw in some eco-friendly laundry pods and dryer sheets.
Face wipes:
Micellar water face sheets are designed to clean the face without the need for rinsing. They’re great for post-workout or post-sports activities when there’s no way to wash your face before class.
Gift cards:
What college student doesn’t love receiving gift cards to the campus bookstore, nearby brick-and-mortar shops, movie theaters, or restaurants? Adding one or two to your college care package can give your student the chance to treat themselves to something special during hard parts of the semester.
Handwritten note:
Even a short update from home letting your student know that everyone misses them or that you’re thinking of them regularly can go a long way to helping your student feel loved and supported.
Got a college student that’s struggling academically? Consider personal brain training (which can be done at their nearest LearningRx brain training center or online) to build stronger learning and thinking skills.
