Your baby-adult is off to college, but you can still be a rock star parent from afar by sending a care package. Unlike showing up unexpectedly for the weekend, a surprise care package will make you popular with your child — and their friends. Skim our genius list of ideas below for inspiration year-round.
Make-it-Easy Packing Tips
- Stockpile boxes to reuse (shoeboxes, online retail boxes).
- Securely tape a piece of paper on top of the old address if you're re-using a box, and write the new address on the paper.
- Crumple up paper or junk mail to use as stuffing in the box.
- Keep padded envelopes on hand for small packages.
- Hate standing in post office lines? In most regions you can ship boxes under a certain weight right from your home. Go online to the USPS website to verify that you can schedule a package pickup. For this, you will also need a small digital postal scale.
- Cover the box in wrapping paper during a birthday month.
- Consider an express shipping method if you're shipping homemade treats.
- No time? Research online websites and have someone else do it for you.
- Ask a grandparent or a special aunt, uncle or godparent to send a care package. Genius!
Ideas for Every Season
August: Back-to-school basics (and beyond)
It's back-to-school time, and whether you have a freshman or senior, a little love from home always helps. Since the first week or two means a little extra goof-off time (no major assignments yet), back-to-school goodies and warmer weather essentials are perfect.
- Summer clearance sales! Send your child a new pair of flip-flops or sandals
- Pedicure gift card
- Mace or safety whistle
- Gasoline gift card
- Restaurant or movie gift card for date night
- Mints and gum
- Whiteboard with clip-on dry erase marker for room door
- Ship large items that were missing on move-in day (bean bag, lap desk)
September: Homesick for summertimeThe semester is ramping up, and stress levels are increasing. Home and summer days are way behind college students now. It's time for a little memento or some shopping therapy.
