Care Packages for College Students and Loved Ones

OK – I’ll admit that I previously did not understand the whole care package thing for college students. I’m the mom of three sons whose ages span 8 years apart. When Parker, my oldest son, went off to college, I had never even heard of care packages. When my middle son, Colton, started school 3 years later, I still hadn’t heard of care packages for college students. That is, until Colton mentioned that his friends were receiving care packages from their moms.

I asked “Well, what’s in the care package?” Colton says, “snacks, toiletries, stuff like that.” Colton was attending college in Oklahoma and I still resided in Texas. So, most of Colton’s friends’ families were residents of Oklahoma. I said, “Well, it makes sense that the Oklahoma moms can drop off care packages to their sons and daughters. They live in close proximity to the university.” I distinctly remember telling Colton “Why would I pay postage to send you items in a box that you can go pick up yourself at Wal-Mart?” My logical CPA self thought that it made no financial sense at all. (Well, technically it doesn’t make any financial sense.)

So, that was my take on care packages. I was working full-time and busy as ever and was sending him a weekly allowance to cover his expenses. Why couldn’t he just go pick the items up himself? I mean, I was already paying for it, right? So, I seriously never gave care packages another thought for the remainder of his undergraduate college years.

The Importance of Care Packages for College Students

I know, I know – some of you moms out there are cringing at how I summarily dismissed the care package idea.  So, fast forward a couple years later.  Colton got accepted into dental school and went off to Louisville, KY.  That is a long, long way away from Texas – a 12 to 13 hour drive. 

But his acceptance into dental school was not typical.  A large majority of students apply multiple times before they get in.  It was Colton’s first try at applying to various schools and it was August and the dental schools were getting ready to start for the new school year.

I know that you’re probably thinking “What kind of tangent is she going on?  What in the heck does this story have to do with care packages?”  Just stay with me.  I promise it will all make sense in a minute.

In fact, Colton had already started applying to dental schools again, hoping to get an acceptance for the following August school year start.  We had all thought that he would be at home with us for another year. 

Then, Colton got a surprise call from the University of Louisville dental school.  One of the accepted students had dropped out and Colton was next on the list.  Did he want the spot?  If he didn’t take it, the school would move to the next candidate on the list.

So, within a matter of 24 hours, Colton was on his way to Louisville, KY.  He had no place to live. He didn’t know anyone in Louisville. And, he certainly didn’t have anything packed to move 13 hours away.

Then, I did what all good supportive moms would do.  Offered him a lot of encouraging words.  Told him we would figure it all out.  Found an extended stay hotel near they school where he could live short-term.  Packed his car with as much stuff as we could gather in 24 hours.  Then, off he went!!!

He did end up figuring everything out but his start in Louisville, KY was definitely not a typical one.  I didn’t even get an opportunity to prepare my mom self for his departure.

It was such a rough start for him since school had been already been in session for a week. He was starting behind and had the added stress of finding a place to live, getting to know the campus, and meeting all new classmates. He was a bit overwhelmed, so I started thinking about how I could lift his spirits.  That’s when I pulled far back into my memory bank. What about a care package?  In typical fashion, I started researching all about care packages.

Oh my word!!! Are you kidding me?  This was truly a BIG thing.  I don’t know when care packages became a thing, but I had been left off of the memo. (LOL!) I had no idea that I was in the dark.  Some moms were even sending care packages to their college students EVERY week! (EVERY week – really?) Well, I knew that I definitely didn’t have the time to send a weekly care package, but maybe I could send one.

Items in Care Packages for College Students

I decided to fill it with some of Colton’s favorites.  You know, his favorite candy, cookies, crackers etc…  I also found an athletic workout t-shirt that I thought he would enjoy.  Since every kid always seems to run low on socks and underwear, I included some of those. 

Then, I included some toiletry items like lip balm, deodorant, and hand soap.  I found a cute little doll called a “dammit doll” that is a stress reliever that I included. (Well, this was my first care package, so I was flying blind.)  I made some cake balls that I stuck in there for a “homemade” element.  I’m pretty sure I also included a candle.  (Really? For a guy? Like he was really going to use that.)

Decorating Care Packages for College Students

Once I had all the items purchased , it was time to work on the packaging.  Apparently, people spend hours decorating these things.  I found a box from a shipment I had received.  (Yep, just a normal cardboard Amazon delivery box.)

I had also a received a Cricut for my birthday. Guess who was in the dark once again?  I had only recently heard of these things. (Where have I been?)

When I heard about the Cricut machine, I knew I wanted one but didn’t know exactly what I was going to use it for. Honestly, the thing kind of intimidated me but I was dying to get it out. (I know, can you believe that?  I was actually intimidated by something.)

So, this was my opportunity.  Time to open up the Cricut and learn how to use it.  I am not about to explain how to use the Cricut machine.  Let’s just say I have spent many hours since then learning to use it.  I mostly just watch YouTube videos to learn the different features.  Sometimes I watch the same video over and over again until it finally clicks!

I decided to make my color scheme green and yellow for my first college care package.  I measured the flaps on the box lids and cut vinyl the appropriate size.  Next, I removed the backing from the vinyl and placed it on the box flaps.  Last, I cut out vinyl letters on my Cricut machine and attached them.  Here’s my very first care package.

Not much variety on my letters – I used all the same font and all the same size. But, hey I was just lucky to get this done. I was actually wondering if I was going to complete it before he graduated from dental school. Ha! Ha! (I had a HUGE learning curve with my Cricut machine.) Since Colton was the last one to join his dental school class of 122 students, we have since come to affectionately refer to him as #122 – LOL!

Well, the care package was a great hit and he LOVED it! So, I FINALLY got it. It wasn’t about the items that were in the package. It was more about the recipient receiving something from home and the surprise of opening it up to see what’s inside. And, it was about the fact that “mom” thought about him and cared enough to pack up a box of his favorites and send it to him. After seeing the joy it brought to him, I was hooked on care packages.

The Second Care Package to my College Student

My care packages take me awhile to get everything together. So, I send about 2 a semester. Throughout the semester, I’m always looking for unique care package items. I purchase them over a period of time so it’s not a stressful situation when I want to send one.

I’ve also learned a few things since my first attempt at a care package. Instead of using Cricut vinyl for the lid flaps, I usually go to the dollar store and purchase shelf paper liner. You have to purchase the shelf paper with the sticky back. I also look for stickers at the dollar store or other discount store. It’s a cute way to add a little something extra with no effort and little cost.

I now use a variety of fonts and font sizes on the verbiage of the packages. I also sometimes cut out my own shapes (like hearts etc…) with my cricut and add those.

On my second care package to Colton, I decided to do an entire “basketball” theme. So, I purchased an over the door mounted basketball goal as a fun item. I also purchased a basketball pump and shelf paper that looked like wood (resembling a basketball floor). I used orange vinyl for the letters which was the color of a basketball. Although it was cute, I quickly abandoned the idea of trying to do an entire theme for future packages. Trust me, it was way too exhausting.

Other Fun Care Packages for College Students

So, you’ve probably guessed what happened when the youngest brother went to college. Yep, Mason (boy #3) has received care packages from day one. So, both Colton and Mason are still receiving care packages periodically. I try to think of new and fun things to send each time. But, two items that are ALWAYS in their care packages are socks and underwear. LOL! And, every time they both say “I really needed socks and underwear.”

And remember that candle that I thought was useless? Oddly enough, they both like the candles. Who would have guessed?

Here’s a look at some of the past care packages that I’ve created.

It was October when I sent this one. Also, now I use colored tissue paper as a filler since the Easter grasses come in limited colors and are difficult to find when it’s not Easter time.

This one was also sent in October which happened to be Homecoming for my son’s university. Oklahoma State University was playing Baylor so there is a reference to the big football game. And, as a bonus, Oklahoma State’s colors are black and orange!

I sent this one to my nephew who is an Accounting major. I used some acronyms that are Accounting related which he thought was funny. Oh, and I included socks and underwear which was his favorite thing – LOL!

My crazy youngest decided it would be a good idea to get 2 baby ducks when he started his 2nd year of college. So, this is a “duck inspired” care package. Oh, don’t worry – the ducks were relocated to a farm outside of town when they got bigger.

Friend Care Packages

My care packages are received with such enthusiasm that I started expanding their reach. Now I’m sending them when I have a family member or friend suffering a loss or a significant illness. Of course, I put different items in these. If the individual has been ill, I’ll often put a comfy robe or cuddle socks. Books, puzzles, candles, dry shampoo, and lotions are popular items for this type of friend care package. Oh, and there’s always chocolate. Well, because everything’s better with chocolate!

I’ve also been doing these cute water bottles or stainless steel cups and personalizing with the recipient’s name. Now that I’m MUCH better with my Cricut, it only takes a few minutes to cut out a name on a piece of vinyl.

I actually have a lot of fun creating these care packages. I hope that I’ve inspired you to create some care packages for your college students as well as friend and family care packages for your loved ones!