Spoonful of Comfort

10 Thoughtful College Care Package Ideas

College Care Package Ideas

Your child left for college, and it’s a big deal for both of you! While you’re trying to get used to their absence, they’re adjusting to a new community and lifestyle. They want to be independent, but they miss family and friends. Show you’re still there for them while giving them space to grow. These ten college care package ideas can help you express your love and support in unique and meaningful ways. 

1. Comfort Care 

Your child may be living away from you for the first time, so help them feel your love even if you're not present. Think about what you can send that provides them comfort at home. Some items to consider for a homesick college student care package include: 

  • Personalized messages of support from your child’s friends and loved ones
  • Laminated pictures or a small scrapbook with pictures 
  • Books with inspirational quotes
  • Stationery with stamped envelopes or postcards
  • A favorite throw pillow or blanket

2. Feels Like Home 

Wondering what to send in a college student care package to make a dorm room feel more like home? Any items you always have at home in the pantry, a favorite scented candle, or even some soaps and lotions are a great start. Spoonful of Comfort also has care packages for college students ready for you to send that include: 

  • Containers of ready-to-eat soup
  • Rolls or bread bowls
  • Delicious cookies 
  • A soup ladle to dish up the just-like-home goodness
  • Personalized card

3. Self-Care 

Remind your college student that during this huge life change, they need to continue to set aside time for themselves. This care package can include:

  • A white-noise machine to encourage sleep despite noisy dorms
  • Eye masks
  • Gift certificates to nearby yoga studios or meditation centers
  • Yoga mat
  • Meditation pillow
  • Diffusers and essential oils to fill their dorm with soothing smells

4. Stay Fit and Healthy

Is your child focused on staying fit and healthy while away at college? There are so many fun things you can put in a “healthy” care package that will make them feel a little closer to home. Try including some of these items to help them continue good habits: 

  • Gift certificates for local, healthy restaurants, smoothie bars, or grocery stores
  • Healthy recipe books
  • Gym memberships
  • Water bottles to stay hydrated
  • Nutritious snacks
  • Workout clothes for all kinds of weather
  • Sports bags
  • Small weights or other dorm gear that makes staying fit just a little easier
  • Wireless earbuds to enjoy music or podcasts while exercising

5. First Winter Away

When the days get shorter, and the weather gets chilly, seasonal blues might hang heavy over your child. This is especially true when they feel a cold or flu coming on. Supply them with a college student get well care package that includes: 

  • Vitamins
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tissues
  • Over-the-counter pain medication
  • Topical ointments made with soothing ingredients like eucalyptus oil and menthol
  • Humidifier
  • Cold medicine for days and nights
  • Herbal tea
  • Holistic supplements to prevent colds
  • Lip ointments to prevent chapped lips
  • Comfy socks, mittens, and scarves
  • We’ve got a range of packages, from Mini Sick Day to Total TLC care

Total TLC Package

6. Just Because 

Do you need a reason to show your kid you’re thinking of them? Of course not! Send them Spoonful of Comfort’s Just Because Gift Basket and have it delivered right to their door. Who doesn’t want soup and rolls and cookies? These items will help them know they’re loved and missed all year long:

7. Book Lovers 

No one is ever bored or lonely with a good book! If your college student enjoys reading, consider putting these in a loving care package they’re sure to appreciate: 

  • Books from home they can rediscover
  • Classic novels they’ve never gotten around to reading
  • Self-help books about being away from home for the first time
  • Journals and fun bookmarks
  • Gift certificates for local bookstores with possible book club meetings to find like-minded friends

8. Holiday-Themed 

Almost every month during the school year brings a holiday and theme for a fun care package. Some easy ideas for holiday care packages include: 

  • Autumn, winter, and spring decorations for their dorm
  • Halloween candy
  • Pumpkin-scented candles
  • A Chanukah menorah
  • A wreath for their door
  • Valentine’s Day chocolates
  • Matzo ball soup for Passover
  • Easter eggs and jellybeans

9. De-Stress

College brings a fair amount of stress into a student’s life. They’re studying for finals and writing papers while balancing a social life, internships, and missing the comforts of home. A care package for stressed college students can include: 

  • Squeezable stress balls
  • Journals and funky pens
  • Playing cards like Uno, Phase 10, etc.
  • Board games
  • Silly Putty or Play-Dough
  • Meditation guides and pillows
  • Chia pet or bonsai tree kits

10. Studious and Serious

Does your child enjoy staying organized and working hard at school? Send some extras they might not be able to afford on a student budget. Things like:

  • Bookmarks
  • Post-Its
  • Highlighters
  • Staplers
  • Extra pens and pencils
  • Handheld pencil sharpener
  • USB drives
  • Homemade playlists with classical or study-friendly songs
  • Paper clips
  • Organizing or educational apps

Any Care Package Will Do!

These college care package ideas will help your child feel the love they can depend on, no matter how far away they are—and that’s the most important thing! Let Spoonful of Comfort help and shop our care packages today!