- TIPS & IDEAS -
66 College Care Package Ideas
If you have a family member, friend or partner in college, do you miss them? They probably miss you. One way to improve their semester is to send them a college care package.
We made it easy to put real care into your college student’s care package. Below are 66 creative college care package ideas to show your student you’re thinking about them from afar. Or, if you know what you’re looking for, jump-to that specific section below:
10. For Organizers and Planners
11. Creative Ideas to Decorate Your College Care Package
For the Homesick
Finding a way to cheer up a college student from afar can be difficult. Give them a reminder of their favorite places from home.
1. State Flag: A great college icebreaker is to show off your state pride. State flags can be easily hung on dorm walls, doors or windows.
2. State Corkboard: Who doesn’t like dual-purpose items? A state corkboard allows students to keep their state near and pin pictures of family and hometown friends.
3. Stickers From Hometown Businesses: Can’t bring a business from home to someone? Give them a sticker from their favorite coffee spot or restaurant. They can place it on items they often use such as a water bottle or luggage.
4. Favorite Childhood Candy: Collegians are becoming young adults, but don’t let them grow up too fast. Remind them it’s okay to be a kid again with their favorite candy.
5. State and National Park Poster: Retro national and state park posters are in style. Help a nostalgic remember their favorite family trip.
6. Hometown Pennant: Get them a pennant from their hometown sports team to show their spirit.
For the Fashionista
For the student needing to prepare for interviews, dates and social gatherings, make their life easier by encouraging them to stay organized.
7. Beauty Mirror: A beauty mirror is key for your college student to look their best.
8. Makeup Remover and Wipes: After a late-night study session or preparing for an exam, nothing feels better than removing makeup with a quick and easy wipe.
9. Makeup: Makeup and skincare products in their college care basket is never a bad decision.
10. Beauty and Jewelry Organizers: No one likes a messy desk or cluttered countertops.
11. Clothing Steamer: Can’t fit a full-size ironing board in that 300 sq. ft. dorm? Get a compact clothing steamer instead.
For the Practical
You can never go wrong with practical products like toiletries. They’ll thank you later when they realize they’ve run out of toothpaste and have another tube from mom and dad.
12. Shaving Kit: They need to look dapper for career fairs and social events. A clean-shaven face does just that.
13. Favorite Hair Gel: Don’t know their favorite hair gel? They probably left one in their childhood bathroom drawer. Check there for a quick reminder of their favorite products.
14. Deodorant: They aren’t going through puberty anymore, but they still need their daily deodorant.
15. Lip Balm: If they’re moving to a place with a different climate than what they’re used to, lip balm is a must.
For the Decorator
Dorm rooms are where college students gather together, sleep and study. It is a home away from home. So, help those living in a dorm or apartment style it to match their personality.
16. Pillow Covers: Decorative pillows add personality to a generic dorm room.
17. Monogram Lettering: Help your collegian decorate his or her room and show off their initials.
18. Acrylic Name Decor: A great way to brighten and personalize a room.
19. Fraternity or Sorority Flag: Wait until the new Greek member is initiated, but once they are, they will appreciate nothing more than showing off their letters.
20. Decorating Cables and Wire: A fantastic way for college students to hang pictures of college friends, hometown buddies, family members and pets.
21. Wall Tapestry: An easy way to stylize a room’s appearance is to hang a tapestry. A floral print or city landscape can quickly add visual interest.
22. Small Tool Set: Part of renting a space is fixing things. Make it easier on them by gifting them a tool kit to help them fix small repairs.
23. Coasters: Keep the coffee table safe with decorative coasters.
24. Wall and String Lights: A brighter room can make a space look bigger. Try waterfall lights, like this colorful garland.
25. Faux Plant and Planters: Don’t trust the college renter you know to keep their plants alive? Get them a faux plant to add some green to their living space.
26. Pottery Barn Gift Card: This is perfect for the renter who is meticulous and knows what he or she wants. Empower them to choose with a Pottery Barn gift card.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
College can be demanding. Students can de-stress by spending a weekend or semester-break away. Get them the necessary gear to opt outside and rejuvenate.
27. Frisbee or Football: Frisbees and footballs are great to toss around during tailgates or on a trip with friends and roommates.
28. Bug Spray and a Citronella Candle: Is your collegian always exploring the outdoors? Citronella candles and bug spray are an effortless fix.
29. State or National Park Guide Book: Assist your traveler in locating the best trails and secret gems of different parks around them.
30. Sleeping Pad: They can’t study the next week without a good night’s rest. Sleeping pads can make all the difference.
31. Sleeping Bag or Hammock: Ever wanted to be in a cozy cocoon? Wrap yourself up in a hammock or sleeping bag and you’ll be in one. Both will make your camper snug at night.
32. Portable Camp Stove: Get your college outdoor enthusiast a portable camp stove to set up at their camping spot. They will be delighted to make warm food after a long day's hike.
33. Dried Food Packages: These can be found at your local outdoor store. They are great for a quick and filling meal once your college camping pal is settled into his or her site.
34. Hiking or Camping Backpack: For those looking to get out into nature, a small day backpack or a heavy-duty overnight backpack is essential.
35. Pocket Knife: No senior wilderness-explorer enters the wild without a handy pocket knife on him or her.
36. Tent: Keep those mosquitoes and other bugs away from your college camper. And keep them dry during any unexpected rain or morning dew.
37. Pair of Hiking Pants: It’s great to be able to hike in pants when the weather is cooler, but also protects against various plants and wildlife.
For Finals and Midterms
University life is stressful, especially during midterms and finals. Students are so close to their next break! Support them to the finish line with a thoughtful letter and snacks.
38. Hand-Written Inspiring Note or Letter: Send your young adult a handwritten note that tells them how proud you are.
39. Coffee Shop Gift Card: Grabbing a caffeinated drink with a study buddy or will keep your college student going.
40. Calming Teas: Keeping calm is half the battle for those taking midterms and finals. Help them remain calm and get enough sleep with calming teas.
41. Essential Oil Diffuser: Breathe in. Breathe out. Essential oil diffusers can freshen up stuffy rooms and benefit those who are stressed.
42. Power Snacks: Healthy food for your brain goes a long way. Here are some care package food ideas for exams: almonds, cashews, jerky, dried fruit, trail mix and energy bars.
For the Foodie
Food isn’t an official love language, but might as well be. And honestly, who doesn’t like a treat?
43. Childhood Snacks: A good way to bring back nostalgic joy is to send someone their favorite childhood snacks.
44. Cookies: Send either your famous home-baked cookies or some store-bought ones. Whichever cookies you send, others will be knocking on this collegian's door. Make sure they keep those delightful treats well hidden.
45. Snack containers: Your student is always on the go, so make sure they have a reusable container to stash all their snacks.
46. Hot Chocolate Mix: Whatever floats your collegian’s boat, marshmallows, sprinkles of peppermint bark or cinnamon, they’ll be happy to have their hot chocolate mix on a brisk day.
47. Freeze-Dried Food: If your college student is pulling an all-nighter or wants to have a potluck party, sending frozen food with dried ice is well worth it.
For When the Weather Cools
Snuggling up in warm clothing while studying or hanging outside with friends, your collegiate will want to be comfortable.
48. Sweaters and Scarves: Who doesn’t love a good sweater? Knitted, V-neck, cardigan — you name it, they’ll love it.
49. Rain and Snow Boots: There is nothing worse than walking across campus on a rainy day without water-resistant shoes. Surprise your college student with a pair of boots that keep their feet warm.
50. Shoe Cleaner Kit: Once the weather drops, your college student is walking in mud or snow. Help keep those shoes looking clean and presentable.
51. Odor Eliminator: Shoes get smelly and they can perforate throughout the closet or room. Keep your collegian’s dorm or bedroom smelling fresh.
52. Cozy Throws: There’s nothing more comforting than being wrapped up in a warm, cozy blanket.
53. Mothballs: Don’t let all these nice clothes be ruined. Throw some mothballs to protect your collegian’s clothes.
54. University and College Team Clothing: This item goes without saying, but it’s always nice to help someone represent their college colors.
For the Tech Whiz
Majoring in computer science or not, your university student is already fully immersed in the digital world. These technology items are convenient for anyone enrolled in higher education.
55. Laptop Cover: A hard case laptop cover is very protective. Soft case ones are portable and handy.
56. External Mouse and Keyboard: If your college student likes to play PC games or study in one place, an external mouse and keyboard will be valuable.
57. USB-C and Micro USB cords: Can you ever have too many chargers? Probably not, and even the most prepared students misplace, lose or break them.
58. Noise Cancelling Headphones or Earbuds: Studying is hard. It is even harder when you’re a student with loud roommates or library neighbors. Give them some peace of mind so they can focus and make those stellar grades.
For Organizers and Planners
These items are for the college student who is both practical, prepared and organized.
59. Dry Erase Calendar or Pinboard: Organization is one key for success. Have it all in one place for the old-school practitioner who loves pen, paper and dry erasers.
60. Lap Desks: Sometimes it feels great to work or study while being cozy. A lap desk will help the practitioner study in comfort.
61. Cold and Flu Package: You can’t take care of business unless you take care of yourself first. Put “care” into their care package by placing some preventative medicine in it.
62. Bamboo Jersey Waterproof Mattress Protector: Keep their mattress protected from any spills.
For Adding Some Flair to the Care Package
There are lots of fun and unique ways to decorate your care package for your special someone in college. You have already carefully selected the items for their box. The decoration is just the extra cherry on top to show how much you care!
63. Holiday or Event Themed: Any holiday is a good time to send a holiday-themed box. What is even better is sending a decorated box full of holiday accessories!
64. Greek Themed: Did your collegian go Greek? If so, send them a Greek-themed care package illustrated with their letters and colors.
65. Food-Themed: Send them all the snacks. Make sure not to include anything that will melt or spoil. Decorate the outside with puns or cute food pictures.
66. Sports Team Themed: If you’re already getting him or her a sports-themed care package, what’s stopping you from decorating the outside with team logos and sayings.
Sending a college student a care package should be fun. The collegian receiving the package will appreciate you thinking about them, and it should brighten their semester. For more tips check out Pottery Barn Teen Dorm.