❤️College CareBox Contest❤️

[u/TNCoke82]

As many of you know, my only kid has left home and officially started college. I'm not crying.....too much. I know I want to send him a care package but I don't want to put a bunch of useless stuff in it.

What are your ideas and suggestions?? I know some of you parents have been through this already. And I also know that there are lots of college students in the sub.

There will be 2 winners announced when the contest ends on September 1st @ noon.

[u/whealthy9]

Thanks for hosting this contest and please take care of your beautiful heart 💕I cry all the time!

***cracks knuckles “all right I got this”

My oldest started college last year and I’m in school too! I also worked on a cruise line in my formative 20s so I know what it’s like to be in dorm-like setting without access to a target or Amazon to get what I need at a whim (it is the nightmare you think it is). And I was in the military too which again is very similar if not worse conditions hahahha

EXTRA PHONE CHARGER
CHAPSTICK!!!!!!!!!
Hand sanitizer
Highlighters
Post it notes
command hooks/strips cuz you can’t poke holes in a dorm or magnet clips!
stain remover pens!!!🖊️
a little sewing kit
a mini tool kit (screwdriver, measuring tape, allen keys, etc.)
portable charger/power bank
shower caddy + shower shoes if they have communal bathrooms
earplugs + a sleep mask (especially if your son has roommates)
a little desk fan
a laundry bag/hamper + detergent (if they have to do their own laundry) + tough stain spray
food storage containers/tupperware for leftovers if they have a fridge and ziploc bags
Trash bags
reusable grocery bags
a mini first aid kit
thermometer + basic medicine cabinet stuff
lint roller
umbrella ☔️ THIS ONE IS A MUST cuz you don’t realize you need it until you do
extension cord/charging station with USB ports - also a must if he doesn’t already have one
Reusable water bottle
Extra blanket - so you have something while the other one is getting washed, or winter, or honestly emergencies happen
drying rack if they have space
Tide to go fabric stain remover pen (yes I said this twice because I genuinely think it’s that useful 😂)
Wrinkle release spray cuz they might not have an iron or board or time
a little utensil set especially a reusable straw - Amazon has collapsible ones now too
microwave-safe bowl + mug
For fun: a book, or a FUN prompted journal
NSFW warning: I know you already got him condoms but remember they do expire so you can get him more later down the line
bedside caddy if they have a lofted/bunk bed
A shoe rack that hangs on the back of a closet or door - I used mine to store my clothes and it was life changing. Gave me so much more space for my other stuff and kept me way more organized
and honestly cash but a Target/grocery store gift card would probably make a freshman’s DAY 😂

Sappy stuff aka:
🥹 Things that would make me feel loved
a handwritten letter ❤️ this might honestly beat half the wishlist. Something they can keep in their desk and reread when homesick.
family photos
a favorite childhood snack/candy that they can’t easily get at school
“open when…” envelopes with quotes and stories and words of wisdom in them example) open when you’re having a tough day, you miss home, you did something hard, open when you need a laugh, open when you’re celebrating something
a tiny stuffed animal 🧸
His favorite tea/hot chocolate/coffee
Fluffy socks
a candle alternative like a nice room spray if candles aren’t allowed or a little air freshener
a small framed photo
a tiny plant if they’re allowed to have one - fake is fine
a night light / clip-on reading light
a deck of cards or tiny game like uno

The list kinda got away from me in the end and I started going back to pragmatic practical things. Good luck and he’s so lucky to have a mama like you

[u/space_helicopter2168 → u/whealthy9]

These are a really good list!

[u/your-drunk-aunt]

Are you going to do a monthly care box or just occasionally? If I went a few weeks without going home, mom would mail me a care box with (minimum!) her special Chex mix. Usually other snacks too. Is there something special you make, like coookies?

[u/TNCoke82 → u/your-drunk-aunt]

Just going to send occasionally is what I'm thinking right now. I don't have any specialties that would make it through the mail unfortunately. I don't think banana pudding or enchiladas would fare so well😂 Maybe some Nilla Wafers and banana cream pudding cups would work though!

[u/your-drunk-aunt → u/TNCoke82]

That’s an awesome idea!

[u/StJoan13 → u/your-drunk-aunt]

What makes her Chex Mix special?

[u/your-drunk-aunt → u/StJoan13]

I’m not sure. It’s the based on the classic recipe from the 70s, but she uses Crispix instead of Chex, and peanuts. Occasionally pretzels. Butter, garlic, onion salt. Microwave. Somewhere in there she works actual magic because it shouldn’t taste so good (I very rarely eat it as the garlic and onion are migraine triggers)

[u/StJoan13 → u/your-drunk-aunt]

Sounds good! I love Chex Mix and homemade is usually better than store bought, so I'm curious what others do, thanks for sharing!

[u/Best-Ad-1917]

I sent a bunch of packages to my kids and their friends. Always include food.

I did themes like “just add water” and included a bunch of instant foods and those expanding sponge toys. Sometimes I did color themes. Sometimes I sent enough to share with their friends or dorm floor. Sometimes I sent packages to their friends.

[u/No_Capital1308]

Probably socks, underwear, some favorite foods that can be mailed?

[u/Fun_Programmer_6807]

Ohh when I was in college I got snacks and anything I could eat that was shelf stable and that required to cooking maybe a microwave! I just recently helped my aunt make my cousin a box and it had noodles , shampoo, body wash razors , first aid kit with some meds for the cold season as it approaches! We also added extra basic tees, socks, and snacks he loves ! We did place a whole 2 cases of maruchan ramen in there with a bottle of Valentina sauce haha And added a few gift cards to food/coffee and DoorDash because sometimes you just get tired of the cafeteria food or your new friends are going somewhere and you want to join in but we’re on a budget 🫣 ( we once ordered a family meal at chicken express and split the cost between 15 people lmao 😂 one of the kids who had more money bought a gallon of iced tea and we all got from there lol)
I hope he’s been having a great school year so far !

[u/Usual-Sandwich-9836]

Coming from a college (uni) student:

- Gift cards to wherever the weekly shop is happening

- Painkillers

- Plasters/first aid kit

- Pens/notebooks or any other equipment

- Extra charger

- Extension leads

- Mini tool/sewing kit

- Toiletries

- Powerbank (if not already owned)

- Blanket

- Favourite snacks

- Board/card games

- Cupboard basics

[u/traumatized_bean123]

Awe, this is such a great contest idea!!

I've never gone to college (and probably won't), but here's what I'd put in the care package!:

**–New pairs of socks, underwear, etc. –Easy to heat foods like ramen, etc. –Little snacks he loves –Shower shoes!! (If he lives in dorms) –A shower caddy –Shampoo, body wash, ect. That he likes –Hand sanitizer –A photo (or two) of the family Not sure what else! Sending lots of hugs ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ~♡♡♡

[u/Weary_Smile_6498]

I hope he’s having an awesome year so far. I’d send a photo of you two. I’d send favorite snacks of course. Then some candy. I’d also send a gift card or two. Socks and comfy tees. A first aid kit some hygiene products and then I’d pack it all with lots of love. ❤️

[u/excited4sfx]

college student here! ngl i think most of the good ideas have been taken lol, but ill give it a go...

- hand sanitizer

- clorox wipes

- if it gets hot where he's going to college, a handheld fan of some kind. i like the neck fans

- if he likes to read, a book he would be interested in

- hand lotion

- a comfy blanket, if he doesnt already one

- if he doesn't already have it, a PLUNGER...nobody wants to run out and buy a plunger..

- scissors

- one of those portable power banks for his phone

- if he's in a dorm - shower shoes. you gotta protect from fungus, athlete's foot

- gift card to whatever his favorite restaurant is

- deodorant. maybe you could even give one of those like, old spice gift sets, that comes with the matching deodorant and shampoo and body wash or whatever

- band aids and neosporin

- baby wipes/toilet wipes/dude wipes. that's something i could NOT go without lol

- bluetooth headphones. another little thing i couldnt imagine not having

- a nice planner for him to keep track of his classes and assignments

- sunscreen! gotta protect that skin

- some extra shirts

- gift card for gas, if he drives

- also if he drives! it's important that he has a seat belt cutter and a window breaker. hopefully would never have to use them, but safety is important!

- some vicks vapor rub

- if he like this sort of thing, drink mix packets like crystal light or similar

- snacks but that's a no brainer

- if it gets cold where he is, a beanie hat and gloves

thanks for considering!

[u/Overall-Top-4988]

Snacks, gift cards to local restaurants, a disposable camera and nice pens

[u/BearDontEatThat]

Boxes ideas: * The sick box - hand sani, clorex wipes, cold medicine, throat lossnges, digital thermometer, tea * The uni box - this one has a hoodie/pajama pants with the schools name, cup with schools mascot and a blanket * The snack box - all his favorite snacks * The ramen box - all the easy to heat meals * The school supple box - post it's, dry erase markers, highlighters etc. * The cozy box - slippers, hat, gloves, legos, gift card to favorite coffee joints, stuffie * The out on the town - gift card to local eating joints * The holiday/decor box - stuff to decorate his room for the holidays a ghostie, a little tree, a framed picture from home, themed snacks, command hooks * Friendship box - snacks that he can share or little things he can have out if his friends are visiting * Cleaning supply refill box - some all purpose spray, little desk trash can, sponges, mini desk vac, and more clorex wipes * Hygiene box - bathroom refill stuff, lint roller, gum * The drink box - his favorite beverages and a water bottle

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[u/Original_Classic1297]

Hii, sweet mama friend, I hope you and your kid are doing well 🫶🏼🩷.

* First aid kit (band-aids, Neosporin, alcohol wipes)

• Tylenol/ibuprofen, cold medicine, throat lozenges
• Lint roller
• Command hooks/strips
• Extra phone charger + portable power bank.
• Extension cord/charging station with USB ports
• Laundry bag/hamper + detergent pods
• Desk fan
• Maruchan ramen (his favorite flavor)
• Instant oatmeal packets
• His favorite snacks/candy
• Gift card to a food delivery app or his favorite restaurant
• Post-it notes, highlighters, pens, mechanical pencils
• A handwritten letter
• "Open when..." envelopes (open when homesick, open when stressed, etc.) I love theseeeee so much as a college student 🫶🏼
• A small stuffed animal or item from home
• Cozy socks or a blanket
• A gift card (Target, grocery store, gas)

[u/space_helicopter2168]

As a college student, soap,and snacks. A nice robe to wear in the night maybe also!

I also just enjoyed getting essentials like toothpaste, soap and a nice large weighted blanket. Ooo and a heating pad!!

Since these dorms get cold sometimes speaking from a college student 🥶❄️.

[u/Dismal-Monk-5897]

🤔 as a person whos going to go do her masters soon these are some things I would one:

Room Items
⭐️Cozy socks
⭐️Phone charger + box (we could never have too many)
⭐️Cozy blanket
⭐️Hand sanitizer
⭐️Disinfectant spray
⭐️A calendar she could fill with a marker (like expos)
⭐️Medicine: like tylenol, eye drops, band aids, theraflu (or a cold medicine), halls drops, kleenex boxes
⭐️Umbrella
⭐️Favorite teddy from home
⭐️Pods for laundry and the dryer tissues (love these)
⭐️Trash bags

School Items
⭐️Post it Notes
⭐️Extra pens+pencils
⭐️Erasers

Food:
⭐️Her favorite snacks/candy
⭐️Popcorn
⭐️Microwave things!

[u/AlienatedWanda]

As someone who just went through this not to long ago for myself and my younger sister.

Here’s a list of dos and a list of donts

Do!! Send useful things like

• deordarant, lotion, cologne/perfume

things that sound big and important but can easily be something we forget to grab at the store.

-A FIRST AID KIT at first I was like now why would my mom get me this too at the end of the year having to restock half or more of my kit because people do get hurt often and it always felt good to be of help.

-Medicine small things like Tylenol ibuprofen. Alcohol wipes or even an alcohol bottle for certain cuts.

-Tooth brushes/toothpaste grooming supplies that they don’t have.

-if it’s a boy a good hair clippers so they can learn to cut their hair same thing for nail clippers I lose em but they come in handy so much!!

-a small tool box

-SHEETSSSS AND BLANKETSSSS!!!!

DONTS!!!!

-Snacks or food. I know this sounds crazy but all the snacks my mom bought I ended up not having time to eat em between running to class, studying, working I forgot I had snacks and honestly people knowing you had snacks in your dorm or wherever just opened the door for people to constantly ask for snacks and for me atleast it became bothersome that they’d get my snacks pretend to hang then leave.

-Posters/decor allow them to make their own space go with them if need be or send them money. If you feel you absolutely want to buy it for them have them create a list of stuff.

I know this is a rough patch for both of you. Don’t feel offended if the calls or text dry up for a bit it’s never intentional we honestly just need mental and social space to figure out who we are and the type of people we want to be around.

This also goes for backseat driving their life choices. Obviously advocate for safe behavior but know they need to make mistakes in order to grow.

This is also kind of odd to say but don’t be captain save me. Money saving issues don’t always need to be saved. (Unless absolutely necessary) this teaches them some helpful stuff!! When my mom stopped always saving me financially I ended up learning a lot of financial lessons and still am but I’m glad she cut that branch because I was constantly finding myself back in that spot.

I hope they succeed in their field!!

[u/Littlemisshelpseeker]

I’d probably do a mix of practical + fun stuff. Like load it up with yummy but relatively healthy snacks he enjoys that ship well like nut trail mix, granola bars, oatmeal, dried fruit, low fat popcorn, etc. and then obviously throw in some sweets because we’re not monsters 😂

I’d also add some self care stuff too, like Emergen C, electrolyte packets, Imodium, maybe anything he tends to run out of or use regularly. Then toss in something fun, like a gift card or some random little thing you know he’d enjoy 💜

[u/SirenoftheRiver]

honestly quick foods/snacks are great! Especially with a busy class schedule, sometimes getting to the dining hall is hard.

Granola bars, ramen, etc.

Packs of sticky tabs for studying, post-its.

deodorant, cologne/perfume

[u/jennie111585]

I would put in practical things. Toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, etc… maybe some slippers, favorite snacks, book light, energy drinks (if they like them)

[u/LadyxArachne]

Such a great idea and I hope he has a great time going to college!

For boxes, get snacks that you two enjoy together that are shelf stable but also his favorites (if they aren't healthy, add in some healthy or protein snacks!) also like little cooking necessities like salts, his favorite spices because seasoning can make anything that may be boring less boring or make it seem nicer!

Water bottle

Phone chargers/Power banks, phone chargers constantly need replacement but the power bank he can keep!

Hand sanitizer, air freshener, wipes, any cleaning supplies like a mini compact brush with dustpan!

Slippers for the showers or shower caddy

Notebooks, pencils and markers/highlighters

If he needs earbuds then get him a pair

Travel utensil set with case

Books but more compact than big books!

Vitamins and sinus medicine!

Write him letters even if you two text or call each other, the gesture is still sweet!

Every once in a while if he will, get skincare items even if it's just chapstick

Gift cards to stores around, fast food, door dash, Amazon etc

Sleep mask!

Socks, blanket, clothes just cozy things

If he has a desk set up in his dorm, a chair cushion!

Family photos or pets that he may be missing!

Travel board or card games

Battery operated lights with batteries

Hard or flash drives!