13 College Care Package Item Ideas

I always have the hardest time thinking of great care package ideas for family and friends.

I’m not a gift person at all, so whenever I want to send a nice one to someone I’m always at a loss! This year, though, I decided I want to send a few to some friends that I have who go to school in different cities, so I decided to compile a list of some items that I would enjoy to receive so that I had a reference point to go back to later when I’m once again staring at a blank box trying desperately to come up with care package ideas!

Care packages are such a great way to let that person know that you’re thinking about them. Whether you’re sending it to a friend who went to a college in a different state than you did, or to your older sister who’s moved off to a big city for a new job, it’s always a wonderful way to let them know that you love them and miss them, as well as bringing a bit of happiness into their day! 

By using different combinations of the items on this list, you can make these four different care packages (and more! Be creative!)

So, without further ado, here are some things that I think are great care package ideas and are bound to put a smile on the face of whoever you send them to!

1. Gift cards to coffee shops or groceries

Whoever you’re sending this to, whether it’s your best girlfriend from high school or your cousin across the country, will need a good coffee run at some point. Why not make it on you? If you’re not there personally to take her out for coffee or to bring over much-needed chocolate, send her a gift card so she can pamper herself on you!

2. Chocolate or candy

Ok, so food is always a good way to go. Send her favourite chocolate bar, or head over to a bulk candy store and get some of their favourite kinds!

A bit of a health nut? Make some healthy trail-mix and send it to her as a healthy study snack! Get creative!

3. Physical pictures

We all have pictures on facebook, of course, but there’s something special about having printed pictures of friends and family. You can tape them on the wall, put them in a collage frame, and they’re always there. It’s so much more nostalgic than just scrolling through instagram for the 100th time that weekend.

4. Schick® Disposable Razors

Let’s be honest, as students it can be really easy to neglect taking care of ourselves. And shaving is often one of the first things to fall behind (especially come leggings season. Am I right?). That being said, having had a great shave makes you feel like you can take on the world! And a great shave starts with a great razor. Schick® Disposable Razors are a perfect gift for any college student, and it’s just that extra luxury that we just don’t usually indulge in, but love when we do!

BONUS: Schick® is hosting a competition right now called #SchickSelfieSweeps where you can win one of four prices of $10,000 that can go towards your tuition! Make sure to check it out!

These razors are easy to find, as they’re carried in walmart stores all over both the US and Canada, which is perfect for students price-wise and because of the convenience! I have found that they don’t cause razor burn, and feel very luxurious. A great shave is a great gift for your college student!

Plus, they have a little holder for the bathroom wall! Which I absolutely love.

 

5. A tea or coffee mug

Honestly, we drink so many caffeinated drinks that making them pretty can make any day 10x better. Plus, this is the gift that keeps on giving, since if you bring a reusable coffee or tea mug into most coffee shops you get a discount! There’s no way to go wrong with this one, believe me.

6. Specialty soaps

Sometimes it’s nice to just pamper yourself, and although the bathroom situation isn’t often the nicest in dorms, a specialty soap can go a long way. Find one that smells gorgeous and wrap it up with some cute twine and you’re good to go! The beginnings of a dorm room spa!

7. Body lotion

To complete your dorm-room spa kit, throw in some body lotion! Lotion is such an easy way to feel pampered, and it’s good to keep your skin moisturized anyway, so this is a win-win in my books.

Alternatively, you could also send a small hand cream she can slip in her backpack or purse!

8. A hand-written note

Of course, if you’re sending a care package, you need to write the person a letter. Hand-written letters are so special, even if it’s just on the back of a post card! Whoever you’re sending this to misses you, and I just know that a note from you would make her day! It doesn’t have to be long, but make it heart-felt!

9. Lip balm

This is such a quick and easy gift but is so appreciated! Especially if your friend or family member went to school in a colder climate. When I moved to Ottawa I started having to walk around outside quite a bit in sub-zero weather and my lips took the brunt of it. I got some lip balm for Christmas and it was one of my most used gifts that year, even though it was probably one of the cheapest ones!

Find some cute ones that smell great and put them in the package!

10. Their favourite movie

Sometimes we college students just need to veg, and what better than to our favourite movie or TV show? Find one of their classic favourites and treat them to a night of relaxation and laughter. Alternatively, try to find the cheesiest movie you can or a major guilty pleasure (A Cinderella Story, anyone?) and throw that one in!

BONUS: throw in a package of microwave popcorn for the ultimate movie experience!

11. Super cute school supplies

No matter how many she may have bought while back to school shopping, I have yet to meet any collegiate who would say no to some super cute gel pens or a beautiful notebook for class. Pick up a great pencil case or order some colourful gel pens to brighten up her day!

Related: The Freshman’s Guide to Back to School Shopping

12. Some meds for when they get sick

There’s nothing worse than being sick away from home. You can make that time a little less stressful, though, by sending some cold, flu, and pain meds ahead of time! Maybe even throw in a package or two of noodle soup! Trust me, it will be well appreciated.

13. Something you just KNOW that she’ll love!

Be creative with this one! Did she just love silly putty in grade school? Is she super high-strung and could really use a stress ball? Is there a stuffed dachshund toy that you know she’d just adore? If you see something that you know will make her smile, send it in your care package! It’ll make her day!

There are so many ways you can combine these to make the perfect care package! And, as a special gift to you, here’s a care-package infographic of all of the products I discussed here for you!

What would you add to the perfect care package? Have you received a care package before? Let me know!

Disclaimer: this is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Schick®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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