It seems like they were just starting kindergarten yesterday and in the blink of an eye, they're already off to their first year on campus.
The transition from high school to college isn't always easy, especially for those who chose to go to a university further away from home. Let them know you're thinking of them during this new life chapter with a college care package that's sure to put on a smile on their face upon arrival. They're perfect to send as a start-of-semester boost, a pick-me-up during final exams or just a sweet surprise in between busier stretches.
Shop TODAY found a few ready-to-send care package options that can be shipped right to their door — er, university mail room. Or, if you want to take a more personalized approach and create a college care package from scratch, we listed a few essential items you won't want to forget.
To keep track of new schedules$undefined$20.00
Fuel for all-nighters$undefined$39.99
College care packages to shop
They'll appreciate a little pick-me-up during tougher stretches and this care package with inspirational quotes is sure to put a smile on their face. Each box comes with six to eight trinkets and the box itself can be used as storage once emptied. You can choose from 10 different designs.
Every college student will agree: there's no such thing as too many snacks. Keep their collection stocked with the yummiest goodies from this ready-to-send package of snacks from Gourmet Gift Baskets. It has something for every craving, from savory pepperoni pizza pretzels to Haribo gummies that'll satisfy their sweet tooth.
This box comes packed with more than just sweet treats (though there's plenty of those in there, too). It has everything they need for a little sugar fix in between classes.
They’ll be spending a lot of time at their desk burning the midnight oil on their studies. This box will help them curate an aesthetically-pleasing desk setup that has everything they need from tech wipes to a notepad where they can keep track of big deadlines or leave reminders for themselves.
There's always some sort of cold going around the first few weeks living on campus. Send them this package that has all of the essentials they need to get them through it. It includes six (what the brand calls) make-everything-feel-better cookies — choose from chocolate chip, triple chocolate chunk, snickerdoodle, oatmeal raisin, lemon, confetti or vegan, gluten-free chocolate chip — along with a trio of teas, raw honey, fuzzy socks, cough drops, tissues and a personal note from you. It'll help them get back to full health in no time.
If they're not feeling physically sick but are a little homesick, this care package of comforting soups and cookies will make the transition easier. The package comes with 64 ounces (about 4-6 servings) of your soup of choice — chicken and wild rice, garden vegetable, tomato basil or vegetable and chicken and wild rice combo — alongside six rolls, six chocolate chip cookies, a serving ladle and a personal note from you to make them smile. If gluten isn't a concern, you can opt for the gluten-filled version.
Help them decompress with this care package that has everything they need to create the most calming night in. They can snuggle up in their fuzzy socks and blanket while filling in their new coloring book and sipping one of three "soothing" teas.
What to put in a care package for college students
There's nothing like a good ol' peanut butter and jelly. Bobo's puts their own spin on the timeless classic by using strawberry filling instead of the traditional grape and swapping bread for a oat-based shell. I was immediately converted into a fan after one bite and your college student will be, too!
They might not have room in their dorm for a full coffee bar setup but that doesn’t mean they need to settle for a sub-par brew. These newly debuted instant coffee sachets feature Blue Bottle’s specialty coffee and chicory blend (that is this writer’s favorite to get from the cafe, so I’ll be stocking up myself). All they have to do is add water, ice and your preferred milk and it’ll be ready to enjoy.
This starter kit from Billie comes with a razor handle, two blades and a magnetic holder so it can have its own safe (and clean) space in their shower.
For the prescription or blue light-blocking glasses wearer, lens wipes are a staple to keep at their desk. Each box comes with 210 individually-packaged wipes so they can slip a few in their book bag or glasses case to make sure they have crystal-clear quality every time.
Their first time away from home is also probably their first time navigating laundry on their own. These laundry sheets will make the process easier by eliminating any confusion that may come with measuring out traditional liquid detergent.
The brand recently sent me these to try and I was impressed with how good they were! I'm typically not a fan of canned coffee — canned lattes, in particular — because I feel like they tend to have an artificial taste to them I just can't shake. But these exceeded my expectations and they'll do the same for your college student; especially when they need something quick as they're running out the door!
Speaking of laundry, there's bound to be a few mishaps, whether that's things coming out pink or the dryer mysteriously eating socks. In any case, send them some fresh pairs before any trouble actually occurs.
Between kitchen mishaps and general clumsiness, everyone should have a comprehensive first aid kit on hand. This one has everything from the standard bandages, gauze and wipes to Tylenol and Neosporin.
While they’re probably used to hygiene essentials being magically replenished at home, there’s a high chance they’ll forget about having to do it themselves when they’re on their own. A three-pack of toothpaste will keep them well-stocked for the entire year so they don’t ever have to worry about making an emergency run to the store with a serious case of morning breath.
Since this calendar isn't dated, they don't have to worry about wasting pages if they forget about it one week or whenever they're on break. It also comes with a fun set of stickers they can use to give it a personal touch.
Premium groceries are a luxury in college so they’ll appreciate this assortment of oat milks from Willa’s. The set comes with three flavors — original, barista and dark chocolate — that are perfect for everything from cereal to making lattes. Paired with the instant coffee above, they can make café-quality coffee in minutes!
Support their current or budding caffeine habits with a Starbucks gift card. They'll definitely put it to good use during all-nighters around final exam time (if they don't already use it by then).
Body wash is another thing they can never have too much of. Buying individual bottles whenever they run out can be pricey, so this Dove four-pack that rings in at just $16 is a win for both you and them.
If a desk planner isn’t their jam and they prefer to something more portable, this option from Inside Then Out covers all the bases. It has pages for goal setting, monthly planning, weekly planning, weekly reviews, daily planning and blank pages for notes.
Whether they don't know how to cook or just don't have time to make traditional stove-top meals, this microwave pasta pot can easily become their go-to product. Just add their favorite pasta and water, pop in the microwave, strain via the lid, add their favorite sauce and voila! A quick, easy and cheap meal in minutes.
This accessory has two pouches that fit their ID, cards, cash and even mini perfumes and lotions (spoken from personal experience). I’ve also taken to hooking my keys onto them so everything is in one place and it makes it easy to just grab and go.
Don’t underestimate the power of a good gift card! They’re likely to appreciate this more than anything else. An Amazon gift card gives them the ability to order any decor or other essentials they may have forgotten in the packing process.
Many colleges and universities have a book store on campus that’s partnered with Barnes & Noble. They can use this gift card to cover a portion of their textbook costs or start stocking up on school merch.
Instead of constantly having to buy more and more disposable storage bags, make life a little easier for them by sending these one-and-done Stasher bags. They're reusable silicone storage bags that they can wash and use over and over again. They're also perfect for packing lunch on busier days or keeping a snack on hand for long lectures.
They're going to spend hours looking at screens so help them protect their eyes with a pair of stylish-yet-functional blue light glasses. This is my personal favorite pair that I've used for the past several years and continue to get compliments on. If they wear regular glasses, the brand also offers prescription frames that blue light-blocking technology can be added onto.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team works hard to find the best products and coolest gifts out there. We use our own personal experiences with brands and shopping to find the most unique gifts on the market that are sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for everyone on your list including college graduates, high school graduates, Gen Z-ers and more.
