If you’re looking for care package ideas for your favorite college student, you’re in the right place! Care packages are a wonderful way to stay connected with your children when they go off to college.
When my son went off to college… I was nervous for sure. And now my daughter will be heading off to college too!
My biggest fear was that they would feel alone or homesick. I wanted to send a bit of home to brighten their days away.
I came up with some of my own ideas and also found LOTS of ideas from other parents. From finals survival kits to holiday decorating baskets, there are tons of awesome college care package ideas floating around the web!
So to save you hours of browsing, I collected 20 of my very favorite super simple college care package ideas right here for you to pick from!
20 Super Simple Care Package Ideas for College Students
If you’re looking for a list of ideas to include in your own custom care package, check out this list of college care package content ideas!
Hygiene Items
Looking to send your first college care package? Here’s the first one I sent my son!
The idea was to send him toiletries (razors, deodorant, shaving cream, toothbrush, toothpaste) before he ran out since he likely wouldn’t plan for that the first time living away from home.
Coffee Gift
I am in LOVE with this college care package in a mug! Just fill up a mug with instant coffee, chocolates, and other fun treats for a quick and easy gift.
Just Because
Want to send a gift that’s fun AND helpful? Check out these gifts that college students will actually use!
Include some snacks, a few comfort items, and a thoughtful gift item or two for the perfect surprise.
Finals Survival Kit
Send this awesome finals survival kit and make your college student’s week more bearable! Include healthy snacks and some school supplies like pens, pencils, highlighters, and sticky notes to keep them fueled and prepped for test-taking.
Get ready for finals with this fun college care package!
Check out this finals college care package to brighten up the end of a semester!
Holiday Themed Gifts
Because my sons went to school several states away, they didn’t come home for some of the minor holidays like Halloween and Valentine’s Day. These occasions are perfect opportunities for care packages!
For example, give your kiddo a taste of home with this super simple Easter college care package!
I just can’t get over this adorable Valentine’s day college care package!
Help your kid decorate their dorm room for Christmas with this holiday decorating package! In addition to holiday decorations, add some cookies, gift tags, and maybe some gift wrap too.
Seasonal Themed Care Packages
Some of the best college care packages are those that prepare your student for the current or upcoming season.
Your college kid will absolutely love this care package for winter cold season! Include cold medicine, tissues, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, chapstick, and vitamins. Maybe even toss in some soup!
DIY a shower pouf with this fun spring college care package! “April showers” is a fun way to incorporate some shower supplies like soap, shampoo, body wash, a loofah, and maybe even some towels.
Clean Theme
Planning a visit? Gently nudge your student to clean up before you get there with a clever play on a clean theme.
This clean-up college care package is such a fun and unique idea! Boost your student’s confidence with your faith in their ability to “wipe up with good grades” while sneaking in some cleaning supplies.
Stress Relief
One of my favorite care package ideas is this stress relief care package. It’s full of fun little pick-me-ups sure to brighten any college student’s day.
Include lavender scented items (it helps with relaxation) and maybe even a diffuser.
Color Theme
A fun way to include random items is to theme your care package around a color. Whether you choose one related to a holiday occurring during the month (e.g. orange and/or black for Halloween, red for Valentine’s Day), your student’s school colors, or just your child’s favorite color(s).
For example, check out this all-red college care package!
Gender Specific
Depending on whether you have a son or a daughter, your student might have very different needs so send a care package specific to those needs.
For example, send this super fun college care package for women to your daughter!
Other Fun Themes
How cute is this DIY graduation care package?
I absolutely love this Ghostbuster theme college care package!
Care Package Tips and Resources
Don’t forget to include a note from home. Whether it’s a greeting card or handwritten note, you student will appreciate your words of support.
You can even include several by sneaking small notes (on sticky notes or fortune cookie style) into individual items. These free printable college care package notes are so clever!
Find out how to package brownies for shipping to send in your care packages!
Aren’t those all so fun? I just love putting together a simple college care package to connect with my college kids.
It’s such a simple way to show that you care, and it always makes their day to get a special package from home!
Care Package Subscription
If you want to put your care packages on auto pilot while still providing your favorite student with college essentials, consider signing up for the College Delivery Club.
College Delivery Club
Every month from September through December and February through May, a new box will be shipped that contains an assortment of food, snacks, study supplies, laundry essentials, personal care products and something fun.
The items are chosen by students who are currently on college so the items are on target. Plus, shipping is already included in the subscription price so there are no hidden fees.
More Ideas for College Students
With three years of parenting a college student behind me, I’ve had plenty of time to research and brainstorm lots of topics related to college students. Here are some other posts you might find helpful:
I love all these themed ideas! What a fun way to meet some practical needs and brighten your child’s day! 🙂 I also think a few fun toys – say some koosh balls or frisbees or a basketball hoop for their door – will always be a hit. Moving away to college doesn’t make them any less of a kid at heart, and little toys might provide some much-needed stress relief! I wrote a few other practical ideas at https://debtakesherlifeback.com/college-care-package/