College/ University care packages

[craftygirl04]

Hey there,
Somewhere there is a thread about what to send with your ds or dd when they go off to college/university. Does anyone know where to find it? I have tried...to no avail.
Thanks,
Connie

[ctab]

I don't know the thread, but I know what I loved to get. Little snack for my dorm room, quarters for the wash machine, funny little goofy things (think targets dollar spot), and most of all homemade goodies.

[craftygirl04]

Thanks ctab...I'm trying to come up with some good ideas for my dd. Any other ideas?

[lynnewithane]

Are you talking about what to buy before they go off to college, or what to send in care packages? My daughter just finished her first year in a dorm, so I can share if I know what you are looking for.

[GinaLin]

We have a friend that we send care packages to and we always include quarters! The little round tubes that M&M minis come in hold quarters perfectly. We also try to include a couple of gift cards for restaurants. If we have any pictures of events from when she was home we will send a couple of those in each box. Have fun!

[DELSE]

Both of my daughters loved to get mail of any kind. But they did love the care packages with homemade cookies or brownies (make them in the small muffin tins for brownie bites), microwave popcorn, quarters (as has been mentioned before), pictures of family & friends, hot chocolate or tea packets, and anything snacky. In between the care packages, I'd send funny cards for quick hellos.

Deb

[lynnewithane]

I agree with anything snacky. I buy the large pakages at Sam's Club so that she can share with all of her friends. You periodically need things like shampoo, body wash, kleenex, cold medicine, etc.

Also, I tunes gift cards are great for any college student. Also, the little packs of crystal light that you can put in a water bottle are always good.

[craftygirl04]

Originally Posted by lynnewithane

Are you talking about what to buy before they go off to college, or what to send in care packages? My daughter just finished her first year in a dorm, so I can share if I know what you are looking for.

I guess I am talking about what to send with dd to university.

[lynnewithane]

Things to buy, and send off with them:
tension curtain rods (see if you can get the measurements)
curtains
bed in a bag set
pillows
rug
wastebasket
carryall to take to the bathroom with all the toiletries
towels, etc.
white erase board
tv
mini frig
tower fan
extension cords, power strips
computer, printer
paper, ink
cleaning supplies if they have to clean their own bathroom
swiffer
clorox wipes
plastic hangers
plastic bins
tape, scissors, 3M things to hang posters


That's all I can think of right now.

[lindylou1220]

Risers for bed. There's never enough storage.

[austamper]

Mom sent us all kinds of stuff! Snacks, fun office supplies, usually tucked in a $20 in there somewhere too. I always loved getting boxes from home! And she always sent me a care package at exam time with 'brain food' .

[KathiR]

Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Target, Pottery Barn teens etc, will have lists and specials available for soon so you know what to get for your freshman. The college will also likely send a list and you will get info from some of the places that sell packages of xl twin sheets, comforters, etc. etc. I got one of those packages and wish I hadn't. The thread count on the sheets was really low and the towels were not good quality. I washed the mattress pad, dried it on low, and the freakin' thing MELTED!

You're better off going to B,B, & B with a coupon and/or going to Target.

Packages through the year:
• Halloween: Favorite candy, cheap toys (wind-up toys), cheap costume stuff

• Finals: Energy tea (to go into water), tea bags (energy and soothing), coffee, flavored coffee drinks (International coffee), cocoa, 5-hour energy drinks, microwave popcorn.

• Valentine's Day: Little heart shaped box containing various candy and other goodies

• Throughout the year (when the spirit moves you): cards to cheer him/her up and root her on with enclosed gift cards. Gift cards for itunes, local restaurants, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, local movie theater, Target, Walmart, or $.

Remember that chocolate/some other candy will melt in the mail at certain times of the year.

[craftygirl04]

Great ideas! Keep 'em coming.

[isewquilts2]

Hmmm....sent 2 DS's to college a few years ago....I think the university sent a list of things to bring/not bring...small appliances (mini fridge, microwaves, etc) sometimes are not allowed in dorm rooms.
THink basic toiletries that you use every day (toothpaste, soap, and a pail to carry them in), towels, bedding, school supplies, good portable lighting for their desk, rug (tile floors get COLD), OTC meds like aspirin, cold meds, etc., laundry supplies/coins, gift cards for campus-area stores, if they have a car get a prepaid gas card, etc. You can drop quite a bundle of $$$, so decide on a budget before you shop and take your dd with you so she can have input into colors and see how much this is costing!
During the school year, they'll be happy with anything you send...getting a care package is always an event! I remember my mom calling a bakery near campus before my birthday and having a cake delivered--big enough for the whole floor of kids!

[lnl96]

A mesh drawstring laundry bag is good, and some sort of receptacle for dirty clothes. A thermos cup for hot/cold drinks; ceramic mug; some plastic utensils and maybe some paper plates. Paper towels. A microwaveable dish for heating up ramen noodles or cold pizza. A small set of tupperware (for that stash of cereal, crackers, cookies, etc.). Ziploc bags. A floor lamp (NOT halogen!) - the flourescent lighting in most dorms can be utterly depressing, and some natural, yellowish light can really make a room feel livable. Clothes hangers. Heating pad. Slippers/shower shoes. Magazine files. Umbrella.

And another good thing to do is to set aside a little money for those extra things she'll discover she wants after she sees the room and moves her stuff in - something always pops up. Hope this helps!

[YouInkIt]

When I was in college, I loved Walmart giftcards because our Walmart sold food as well as all the other stuff. It was perfect for times when money was tight. Gas giftcards were great too. Movie theatre, movie rental, fast food or restaurant giftcards ... giftcards ... and more giftcards ... LOL! College is a poor time!

Command strips - these things hold a TON of weight yet peel off the wall with no problems (as long as you follow the instructions). They're made by 3M, I think? I find them in the hardware section of the store or w/ the scotch tape.

Refillable water bottles - so I could fill on the way to class and even refill while I was out and about

iPod - this was great for listening to while walking to/from class.

Laundry detergent in tablet form - so I could just grab a few tablets down to the laundry room, not have to lug the whole big jug or box. I think they were Tide?

Downy softener ball - so I didn't have to rush down to the washer to put in softener

Makeup - new nail polish or eyeshadow or something like that, just fun to wear out!

Hair accessories - new scrunchies or clips or whatever.

Shower gels or lotions or perfumes

New pics of family or a nicely written card.

[whoistracy]

RAMEN!! LOL That's all I ate in college. And mac 'n cheese.

I loved getting cookies, a sweet card, maybe a photo or two (that was before digital), a book. Definitely money for laundry!

[DLS881]

I sent my son care packages until his senior year. Then it just got easier to send $$$ and let him do his own shopping. He worked in a food store anyway..

[stamper1996]

Dish soap
A few dishes (Tupperware or plastic is good, or check yard sales for used)
A small tub to wash dishes in
Dish rags and kitchen towels

If he/she is using a common bathroom, a set of flip flops and a carry-all basket to hold essentials is a must!

See if he/she can talk to his/her roommate(s) ahead of time to confirm who is bringing what. It's really helpful to avoid duplication, as space is at a premium.

[stampencamper]

when my son was in college; I also sent off rebates, and used his address to
let him recieve the rebate checks. I don't do it anymore, so not sure if their are many rebates on groceries to send off anymore

[Scamper64]

It's been a very long time since I went to college but I do work at a university and I can tell you that students are SO thrilled to get packages from home--boys and girls alike. They often are giddy and share what was sent with everyone. It's fun--and makes them know that the people at home haven't forgotten about them.

[margotgn]

Care packages--seasonal treats (I sent Halloween and Valentine for my daughter to hand out to her floormates); because she was trying to watch her weight I sent travel size shower gels, body lotions, sleep socks, hair stuff, card games, Sudoku, . . .; granola bars, coffee gift cards. For her early spring birthday I sent decorated bottles of soap bubbles (something we had done while she was in grade school) so she and her friends could indulge their "inner child(ren)" and a fruit bouquet (instead of candy or a cake).

[lynnewithane]

Things to think about for that first trip to the dorm:
Some, but not all dorm rooms have the xl twin beds. Find out, them buy them at Bed Bath and Beyond, along with the bed in a bag. Buy an extra set of sheets, pillows, and blanket for friends to sleep over. My daughter had a friend from high school who commuted to the same college, so we got things for her to sleep over if she wanted. Other friends came to visit for the weekend, so this was a good investment!

Also, find out if the matress is encased in crinkly plastic. If so, go to BB&B or Wal Mart and buy one of those egg crate things. They are not expensive, and my daughter couldn't believe how much more comfortable it made her bed!

[luvpaisley]

Sounds like you got some good ideas so far...From experience I will add:

Some kind of screw driver/small tool set - there's always things to put together/take apart/move around

Stamps - if they are going to need to mail their own bills/cards/etc.

Double stick gook - the kind that does not remove paint or damage anything, for hanging posters and stuff

Cookie jar - I had one in my room and family always sent me some homemade baked goods to keep it filled..it was a nice homey element, and helped make new friends too!

Bathroom caddy - a little basket with a handle to keep shampoo,soap, etc. for carrying to and from room to bathroom

drying rack - for clothes that can't go in dryer

egg crate foam - those things that go on the bed under the mattress pad

febreez - lots of good smelling sprays for the room, the laundry, etc. everything, dorms tend to get stinky

medicines - as far as tylenol, cold medicine, cough drops, cold sore creams, itching creams....its better to just have it all so you don't have to go searching for it

umbrella - this also helps make new friends

journal/diary - or date book/ calendars

laundry basket - i used the basket as the hamper and then to carry the clothes, which was easier for me then a bag..i kept it shoved under my desk area, so it was also a foot stool while i was working...

Organizational items - like under-bed bags, crates, drawer dividers

draw liners - make it pretty & smell nice

highlighters - need lots of those

recreational stuff - like magazines, books, dvds, cds, games- everyone needs a break at some point... Oh and Jenga is a good dorm game...and a deck of cards.


That's all i can remember for now!

[stamper1996]

Originally Posted by luvpaisley

recreational stuff - like magazines, books, dvds, cds, games- everyone needs a break at some point... Oh and Jenga is a good dorm game...and a deck of cards.

Oh my gosh! I'd forgotten how often I used to play cards in college! Yahtzee and Pass the Pigs (a dice game that uses pig figures instead of dice) were very popular and nice for group play.

[**Carol**]

FYI, Nowadays, most dorm laundry machines take cards, not quarters, at least for our college kids. Daughter says, Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!

Pax et bonum,

Carol

Originally Posted by DELSE

Both of my daughters loved to get mail of any kind. But they did love the care packages with homemade cookies or brownies (make them in the small muffin tins for brownie bites), microwave popcorn, quarters (as has been mentioned before), pictures of family & friends, hot chocolate or tea packets, and anything snacky. In between the care packages, I'd send funny cards for quick hellos.

Deb

[natlhol]

My first child is going to college this fall. At the top of the list is a FIRST AID KIT! There is a nice set for just under 10 bucks at WalMart or Target. I was also planning on putting together a small sewing kit for him.

I remember that my sister sent me the coolest thing when I was a freshmen: A birthday in a box. She sent party hats, balloons, nuts and candy, streamers, and a box of cupcakes. She also sent candles. I loved it. (I also loved the post about ordering a birthday cake. My son's birthday falls over winter break, though, so I'll have to do that for another occasion.)

He also knows I'm going to send him a very small Christmas tree in early December. Another one of my sisters did this for me, and I was really grateful. She also sent a few small ornaments.

I got him a tall gumball machine at a garage sale. I figure that he can get his quarters for vending machines, etc., from the kids on the floor who come to his room to buy gumballs (or skittles, etc.) Knowing my son, though, he'll probably keep a little bowl with quarters for anyone to use.

I was an RA, so I went through lots of construction paper and tape to make signs. I put them on the students' doors for birthdays, encouragement, etc. I had a box with markers, glue, etc, too for this reason.

I'm loving this thread. Keep the ideas coming!

Helen

[craftygirl04]

You gals are awesome!!! Thanks for all the ideas and keep 'em coming.

[KathiR]

Caveat on the room freshener thing:
My daughter is very allergic to all sorts of scents. She starts wheezing, breaks out, and lands in the hospital. Her roommate started spraying some really heavy duty room fresheners that set off my daughter's allergies. After repeatedly being asked not to do so, she kept spraying them when my daughter was asleep or out of the room. Passive agressive bs at its finest.

Febreze is usually fine. Unlit candles can be fine. Oust is great. Just check with the roommate before using anything.

****
Instead of drawer liners, we got a BIG box of Snuggle sheets. She used them for her laundry AND she used them in each drawer.

****
Add these to your lists of what to send:
• Copies of prescriptions for glasses
• Your pharmacy will likely give you a three month supply of prescription meds that are taken regularly (allergy stuff, etc.)
• Surge protectors
• Extension cords
• Batteries (for alarm clocks)
• Flashlight for walking at night
• Wellies or rubber shoe boots
• Purell & Clorox wipes (for the germaphobes)

[Betty]

First of all check with the university. Some have special size beds, don't allow microwaves and other things. Most will have a list. Then check with the roommate, they might have some things and ideas. DD's dorm had garbage cans
What I can remember that my DD took that was welcome that hasn't been mentioned:
TV & DVD player
Office desk chair
Futon (they bunked their beds, found it at garage sale)
quick easy food to cook in a microwave (most have a microwave on each floor if they don't allow them) EZ Mac, cup of soup, crackers, etc.
paper plates & cups,plastic utensils food storage (throw away- like margarine containers is best since they don't have washing facilities handy)
Cards to give friends for BD's, etc.
Marker board (DD used a Magna doodle)
You might try the new laundry stuff that is soap and softener in one sheet to save room
Throw blanket
slippers/robes
NO CANDLES, most don't allow them
Downy wrinkle release
Laptop Computer/printer, paper and INK
DD used a wireless router so she didn't have to plug in, she password protected it.
Some places have phone hookups even though most kids have cell phones, it is still good to have a phone to plug in in case they need a 911 call or the battery is dead or can't find the phone!

Camera is important too!

Best thing for move in day....a cart to haul boxes and such on, it saves a lot of trips!

Then make sure you have plenty of cards made up to send them. They love fun mail and I throw money in often. When my son graduated he brought home a HUGE box full of the cards I'd made, he saved them all!

[natlhol]

Originally Posted by Betty

Then make sure you have plenty of cards made up to send them. They love fun mail and I throw money in often. When my son graduated he brought home a HUGE box full of the cards I'd made, he saved them all!

OK, this made me think: Anyone have any links to good teen cards? Especially for the guys?

TIA, Helen

[Betty]

As far as cards to send your college kids: Go by what they like. DS likes Asian things so that's easy. DD loves horses and such. African animals is good. I did some bookmark cards for DD and her roommate. Fantasy/faeries was good for both. I even had some artful nudes that went to my son! LOL Cars, motorcycles, if the gals dance that's easy. You must have something that they like in the stamp stash! Hanna Stamps Riley moose is good for them. Anything funny to cheer them up. Trust me, you'll end up 'collecting' stamps of things your kids like when they move out!

As far as unlit candles that someone mentioned, DD's university nixed anything that could be lite. Any candles in the room would be confiscated and the owner fined and written up. NOT GOOD. They should send out some sort of list of needs and can't bring things.

[jhartel]

Originally Posted by ctab

I don't know the thread, but I know what I loved to get. Little snack for my dorm room, quarters for the wash machine, funny little goofy things (think targets dollar spot), and most of all homemade goodies.

As freshmen in college last year, my daughter and her roomie loved the handmade cards I would send. Some of the "silly" items I sent that they loved were; bubbles, dollar store kaliedoscopes, silly putty, small rubber bouncy balls (they loved to bounce these down 4 flights of stairs), chewing gum, small unmbrellas, goofy sox and scarves and homemade cookies. I had a blast coming up with new ideas every few weeks. I can't wait for them to go back to school so I can start up again.

[jhartel]

Originally Posted by Betty

As far as unlit candles that someone mentioned, DD's university nixed anything that could be lite. Any candles in the room would be confiscated and the owner fined and written up. NOT GOOD. They should send out some sort of list of needs and can't bring things.

Some stores sell a battery run pillar "candle". Some of the more expensive ones even have a "smell" to them. They look real but they are not made of wax and there is NO open flame. Very nice for ambiance and relaxation.

[jhartel]

Betty had a FABULOUS list of things for the dorm.
Here are a few others:
Stain remover for clothes.
Over the counter meds; band-aids, pain-reliever, pms-meds for daughters, allergy meds, anti-diarhea, you get the picture.
$50.00 VISA gift card for emergencies.

Something else I sent with my daughter was a book of stamps and a packet of homemade thank you cards. It always made the grandparents and aunts/uncles smile to receive a thank you from a "busy" colleg kid.

I also had a bag of chocolates I put on her roomie's bed the day we moved dd into her room. It was a fun icebreaker for all of us. LOTS of smiles on that one.

[HolleyTX]

Don't know if I saw this on the list, but another good one is stationary and/or blank cards and POSTAGE; A calendar with special dates (like family bdays....) already marked on it.

I was a EE major and worked a job in college so TV was pretty much out of picture. I did appreciate the stereo though.

Another good things--PHOTOS!! It's always nice to see pics of the family and friends.

And of course, a nice letter just letting them know you are thinking of them. It's nice to be independant at that age, but also nice to know that you are being missed by your family. No one wants to leave to find out they repainted your room and cleaned the house of all your mementos the day you left.

[a1r601]

Originally Posted by whoistracy

RAMEN!! LOL That's all I ate in college. And mac 'n cheese.

I loved getting cookies, a sweet card, maybe a photo or two (that was before digital), a book. Definitely money for laundry!

Looks like you've got lots of great ideas already!

I've got to agree with Tracy! LOL...I remember eating lots of Ramen Noodles, Mac n' Cheese (microwable) and constantly needing lots of quarters for laundry. Anything that is really easy to store and won't spoil (cookies, gift cards to any nearby store/grocery store to the university, popcorn, toiletries, kool-aid packs, canned goods, aspirin, sewing kit, cleaning supplies, eating utensils, instant hot chocolate, mug, pencils, pens, highlighters, a dayplanner, a phone card, notecards, a book of stamps, a good book etc). My husband is a teacher and we were invited to over 10 graduations this year so we gave each student a book called "The Alchemist."

Like someone already mentioned, most dorms will have a general lounge area that will have a microwave and cooking area. My last 2 years of college, they finally added a nice microwave/fridge combo for each of the dorm rooms. Before that I had to bring my own small fridge and just used the microwave in the lounge area. But if your dd or ds is living in a dorm, you will be paying for a meal plan so she/he shoul be well fed during mealtime. But nice to have some things on hand in case she misses a meal or for a late night snack to keep herself/himself awake while studying.

Here are some links in the SCS gallery I found to some samples for college survival kits: College Survival Kit and another one here

Here is another link I found online for ideas: How to Make a College Survival Kit

Good Luck!!!

[Sambini]

My friend's daughter really liked have two laundry products that were new to me. The first was a box of detergent/softener sheets that were good to have if she ran out of regular detergent. You toss it in the washer and then the dryer. The other was "Color Catchers" by Shout. This is used for washing new clothes that might make your whole load turn the same color! She also said it was great to use to mix dark and light color clothing. They both sound interesting and quite useful.

[bfiddy]

I agree with all that has been posted so far. However, I was recently cleaning out my garage, and I found a big box of cards my mother sent me when I was away at college (14 years ago). I took the time to read through them all and I laughed and cried, and it was really great. I put them in a better container than a cardboard box, and now I have a wonderful keepsake.

So, to make a long story short, in addition to all the goodies, handwritten notes are so special, and in times of email and electronic messaging, so rare, but they will get your dd through a tough time if she gets homesick. Just my two cents!

[sandi1152]

Depending on the college your young adult is attending the rules can be different. My daughter's college does not allow candles, heating devices of any kind (can use hair dryer, curling irons), egg crates for the beds (BIG NO NO), and no pets except for fish (10 gallon limit). Their rooms are inspected with no advanced notice. When I say egg crates are not allowed, I mean not even in the room off the bed. Infractions are dealt with removal from the dorms permanently or possibly removed from the school.

Microwaves are provided in the lounges. A big plus for my daughter's school is that there are no charges for the washers and dryers.