Parenting is a full time job. It is also for the lifetime of the child, if you ask me. My child just left for college last week. Mind you, he is just a little over an hour drive away, but it might as well be in China.  I’ve been researching what to send him in a care package. I found lots of wonderful ideas out there. Some of my favorites are: gift cards for places around the college, cash, “thinking of you” cards, handwritten notes, decorating the inside of the box, a toy football and of course, food. If you make cookies, place a slice of store bought bread in the bag with cookies, it will help them stay moist. Here is my list of stuff to make a nice college dorm care package:

FOOD: pretzels, granola bars, microwave popcorn, microwavable cakes like Betty Crocker’s Warm Delights, cookies-homemade or store bought, dried fruit, beef jerky, instant oatmeal, ramen, Easy Mac, Rice Krispies Treats, candy, tea, hot cocoa packages, mini marshmallows,  beverage pouches for water bottles such as Crystal Lite On the Go, cup of noodles, sunflower seeds, peanuts, gum, microwavable cup of soup, crackers, cereal cup, chips, fruit snacks, mints, apples, bananas & corn nuts.

MISCELLANEOUS: magazines, seasonal decorations, water bottle, bubbles, DVDs, CDs, stress toy, cleaning wipes, shout wipes, post-its, USB flash drive, pens, gift cards, cash, frisbee, mini-football, lip balm, hand lotion, shower gel, hand sanitizer, ear plugs, eye mask, cute bandaids, socks, shower sandals, popcorn tin with different flavors, nerf basketball hoop & ball, advil & scarf.

I’m sure your college student will love to receive any care package from you! Have fun making it and always put in extra for the roommate!