College has started again، and that means many young adults are out on their own for the first time. Family members from parents to great aunts usually start to try to think of something to send to the new students just to let them know that they are thinking of them، as well as sending something that will hopefully be useful and appreciated. Care packages are usually an ideal choice and can contain a variety of items that suit your particular needs.
Care packages are a rite of passage for just about every college student. You can tell when finals week is coming up because the college mail room is full of boxes of care packages. There is a reason they are so popular – they are an excuse to let your student know you are thinking of them while giving them something they want and need. Care packages usually contain items like food، study materials and small gifts. Food for care packages needs to be something that will ship well، so no fragile items like potato chips. Cookies are always good، especially if they are homemade. Various types of candy، cereal bars، popcorn، ramen noodles and dried fruits are especially good because they are individually packaged، will hold up during mailing، and can be made and/or eaten quickly while studying for finals or writing that term paper. Other useful items to send in a care package include tea bags and coffee so that your student can get that caffeine jolt they will need while pulling an all-nighter or trying to wake up in the morning after a long night of studying!
In addition to food، it can be a good idea to send things like notebooks، pens، sanitary products، deodorant، soap، shampoo، and even items like socks. Remember that college students do not have much money، so not having to purchase these types of items can really help with their budget for the month. Gift certificates to fast food restaurants are also a nice addition to care packages that allow the student to get away from the college cafeteria food without having to spend their own money!
If you don’t have time to make up your own care packages، companies do exist that will make and ship them for you. Check out the area around your student’s college، as there are usually more options to choose from than an area without a school. There are also several online companies that offer care packages as well. Usually you will pay a premium for this service، but it will not break the bank and is quite useful if you don’t have the time or resources to make one yourself، and your student will certainly appreciate it!
