How-To for Parents: Send Your College Student a Care Package
By leigh
updated 4 days ago
At the behest of my family, I've compiled a basic guide to sending a distant college student treats that they'll appreciate. Really, anything that reminded me of home when I was in school was very welcome. Items didn't have to be expensive or even that cool, it was just nice to feel remembered.
Always send food. Not necessarily something expensive, and definitely not something that spoils, but something for a student to snack on. Treats like candy are great because now she can indulge in a treat from the family, instead of feeling guilty over buying that candy bar herself.
Rule #2
Pick one thing to be consistent about. My parents, for example, sent me a different pair of strange socks with every care package. I didn’t even wear socks that often (I was in a flip-flop phase), but it always made me smile. My roomate always got a box of Ferrero Rocher, her favorite sweet.
Treats for a Rainy Day
It’s late winter and the weather is crappy. Send your student a package to lighten the mood.
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate or tea – something warm and tasty
Other
Book or DVD – not Tolstoy, something to relax with and enjoy.
Game – something like a deck of cards or a cribbage board.
Cold weather clothes – a scarf or a pair of gloves to keep the cold at bay.
Finals Week Surprise
Every student at the school is stressed, tense and snappy. Probably she’s too busy to get out and have a lot of fun, so instead send her some small comforts for while she works.
Food & Drink
Sweets or salty foods – with all the stress it’s really nice to have something to nibble on. The gym will still be around next week…
Other
I always got fidgety when finals were looming. Try sending a small toy, such as a stress ball.
Having a Bad Day Box
Maybe she’s going through a breakup, or she’s really stressed about an upcoming paper. Send her a bad day box, it’s guaranteed to bring a smile.
Food & Drink
Cookies – whether they’re home made or from the store, a box of cookies is always a special surprise. Note: if making cookies, pick something that doesn’t crumble much as the postal service is not terribly gentle.
Other
A funny surprise. Here are a few suggestions:
Book: The Ig Nobel Prizes. A collection of some of the weirdest, or least helpful, scientific discoveries made.
DVD: Idiocracy. A jump into the future and straight down the intellectual sewer.
Small Holidays
Valentine’s, Easter, St. Patty’s Day – usually she was home for these little holidays, now she’s not. Send her something small to let them know she’s on your mind.
Food & Drink
Holiday beverage – e.g. mint hot chocolate for St. Patrick’s day
Holiday-centric candy – Cadbury Creme Eggs for Easter, heart-shaped box of chocolate for Valentine’s, etc.
.jpg)
.jpg "Pitzer College is AWESOME!")
.jpg "Buying Books for Elementary School-Aged Children")
.jpg "Explore an Ex-Coal Mining Town: Lafayette, CO")
.jpg "Unusual Festivals of the Landlocked States: Summer Edition")
.jpg "Rock Springs - Local’s Guide to Surviving Hell")
.jpg "Nothing's Quite Like Harvey Mudd")
.jpg "leigh")
.jpg)
Comments
Add a Comment
CancelYou must be logged in.
Click here to log in.