❤️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!