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This post is all about college care packages.
One of my best memories of college is when I would receive an email saying I had a package waiting for me in the mailroom.
My mom has always sent amazing college care packages and I always tell her how receiving those packages can brighten my whole week. She loads them up with things that I wouldn't usually buy for myself but really want and it truly is the best.
Whether your a parent, aunt, grandparent, friend, boyfriend, or whatever relation you are to the college student, they will be so grateful for a little package in the mail!
This post shows you 68 college care packages ideas that any college student would love.
College Care Packages Ideas
For the Homesick
These candles by the brand Homesick are all the rage and offer the known "smell" from all 50 states. You can find your state here.
Of course, candles aren't allowed in dorms so make sure to also get a candle warmer if you decide to get this college care package idea.
2. Treats from home
There is nothing better than receiving some of your favorite treats from home as a college student.
Whether the college student is thousands of miles away from home or only an hour, treats from your home or hometown can make that homesickness a little better.
State posters have become very popular and are an easy way to add a little decor into a dorm room.
4. Gift Card to Amazon
Gift cards have always been and will always be the most wanted gift from a college student.
With the amount of products Amazon offers, it is the perfect gift card for a college student. They can get everything from game day apparel to food (and everything in between).
You simply cannot go wrong with an Amazon gift card.
This mug can be customized to have the state where the college student is from connected to the state where the student is in school.
Coffee/tea is a big thing with college students and this mug is a sweet reminder every morning that someone from home loves them.
It also can be customized on the back with some nice words or quote.
{RELATED POST: The College Dorm Tour Every Freshman Should See}
For the Health Obsessed
S'Well water bottles are the "it" thing right now because they are cute but also keep water cold for days (not an exaggeration-- I have one and love it).
The most popular colors currently for college students are matte black, gold, black crocodile, and marble.
Can you ever have enough headphones? For the college student, the answer is no.
Headphones always go missing and having a backup pair is never a bad idea. Bluetooth headphones are a game changer (especially if you workout a lot) and a decent pair can be found on Amazon for less than $20.
8. Workout Gear
There's nothing quite as motivational about getting new workout clothes to wear to the gym.
Let's be real though, workout clothes are a staple in college no matter if you're going to the gym or not. A new workout top or leggings is guaunteed to be a hit with college students.
If it's in your budget, Lululemon is by far the most popular workout brand for college students. If you are looking for something cheaper, check out these super cute workout clothes.
9. Massage Giftcard
Help release some stress and give the college student a gift card to get a massage. This gift is guaranteed to be highly appreciated and will be talked about for the whole year.
10. Gym Bag
Lugging your gym clothes across campus can be a pain but a cute gym bag will make that much easier.
This cute waterproof backpack is perfect for storing all your gym supplies and sweaty clothes after the gym. It's also less than $25.00.
{RELATED POST: 11 Items Every College Student Should Buy}
For the Fashionista
These necklaces are extremely popular on college campuses. It comes in many different colors and is the perfect gift for any stylish girl.
This necklace will become the students daily choice.
12. Phone Case
Everyone needs a phone case and it is a cute way to update your daily life. Students are loving these cases and these marble cases.
13. Hair Ties
These are the BEST hair ties in the world and leave no kinks in your hair.
Pony tails always go missing and this is something perfect to put in a college care package. (you can never have too many, right?)
14. Rings
Picture from Astley Clark.
It is extremely popular to wear rings and this ring is a must for anyone that loves a little bling.
My sister and I both purchased this ring and wear it daily.
Amazon also offers a variety of ring sets that are very inexpensive.
15. Ball Cap
Covering up undone/greasy hair is a must for college students which makes hats very popular.
These hats are made with your hometown airport code and will be a go-to for years. They also offer hats that can be customized with your area code.
{RELATED POST: 5 Dorm Organizing Secrets Every College Student Should Know}
For the Sports Fan
These are all the rage for game days and make the cutest outfit. These cheerleader skirts can be found in all colors and are available on Amazon.
(the picture above is actually my sister! These skirts really are SO popular)
16. Game day Shirt
Etsy has the cutest game day shirts that are perfect for college students.
17. Knee High Socks
These socks are another popular game day go-to to wear with skirts.
These socks are very inexpensive and will be worn over and over again.
Winter quickly arrives and before we know it, it's time for a winter hat.
From walking to classes to tailgating, a hat will be put to use.
19. School Sticker
It is so fun decorating your laptop with different stickers and receiving a sticker with your college logo would be a great gift.
RedBubble is a website that offers inexpensive stickers and you can search and find almost any college.
{RELATED POST: 8 Genius Ways To Organize Your Dorm That Will Change Your Life}
For the Home Decor Obsessed
20. Twinkle Lights
Twinkle lights are the perfect little decor piece to add into a box because they are not too expensive and can easily be taped on a wall.
21. Quote Art
This Etsy store has the cutest quotes that can be printed out and put in a frame.
These frames are very motivational which is perfect to be placed in a college dorm or apartment.
22. Light Board
Light boards are very popular and so fun because you are able to change the words put on the board from season to season or how you are feeling.
23. Scent Diffuser
Dorm rooms can smell really bad and it's hard to get the smell out since you are not allowed to have candles.
These scent diffusers are allowed to be in dorms and will make the dorm room smell fresh.
For the Technology Lover
24. Computer Case
A college laptop goes through a lot and it's not uncommon for them to accidentally get dropped (been there, done that :/).
If the student you're considering sending a college care package too doesn't have a laptop case, than this a must.
I talked about this above also because it is such a good gift for college students!
Here's what I said above:
"Can you ever have enough headphones? For the college student, the answer is no.
Headphones always go missing and having a backup pair is never a bad idea. Bluetooth headphones are a game changer (especially if you workout a lot) and a decent pair can be found on Amazon for less than $20."
26. Chargers
Coming from a college student-- you can NEVER have enough chargers!!
I ask for these 10ft chargers for every holiday. They are truly the best and I would be so excited to receive these!
27. Alarm Clock
This is such a cool clock and would be a fun little dorm decor.
The clock flips the time by itself and is so different than a regular alarm clock.
{RELATED POST: 6 Genius Side Jobs All College Students Can Do From Their Dorm}
For the Party Girl
Can a college student be too prepared for alcohol? I think the answer to that is no.
This the perfect gift for the party girl. What college student doesn't want a keychain that can open beer or a wine bottle?
29. Small Purse for Parties
You never know what will get on your clothes at a party so having a designated "party purse" is a must!
The college student your sending a care package too will love this.
30. Pedialyte
This is the latest go to hangover cure and any college student would be grateful to receive this.
These iPhone cases are the best because it eliminates you having to take another purse or wallet with you.
These cases allow you to put your debit card, ID, and a little cash so it's the perfect thing for the night out.
(if you have never had a case like this, you also need this!!)
32. Fun Banner
Banners are a very popular wall decor for college students because they're cheap and funny.
There are a ton of different sayings you can find and they are all so cute!
For the Stressor
33. Face Mask
Face masks are the closest thing college students will get to a spa. Believe me, this will be one of the best items to include in college care packages.
This gold face mask is the ultimate luxury face mask (not at a luxury price).
34. Sound Machine
If the college student you are getting a college care package for has an issue studying or sleeping with surrounding noise this is a MUST!
Seriously, this is one of the top things I recommend to college students. It cancels out all noises around you so you can study and sleep in peace.
Essential oil diffusers are a great way to make a space feel more relaxed and bring in some good energy.
You can get specific oils that will help with stress relief, sleeping, and many others.
These are also great for sicknesses in a dorm.
Doesn't this look amazing?!
These foot massager/warmer is the perfect treat while watching TV or writing a paper.
Best part is that this little baby is less than $40.
37. Hot Water Heater
I am the biggest tea fan and when I'm stressed, I always go make myself some tea.
When I went to college, I didn't have a way to make tea. My mom sent me this electric hot water heater my freshman year and to this day, I use it almost daily.
It keeps my tea hotter a million times longer than the terrible microwave dorms have and is one of my favorite items.
38. Pajamas
The go-to college pajamas is a large old t-shirt and a raggedy pair of shorts.
BUT, having a nice set of satin pajamas makes you feel much more puttogether and the perfect way to feel a little more like, "I've got my shi* together and I will ace this test tomorow".
{RELATED POST: Dorm Room Essentials for 2018}
For the Trendy Girl
39. Big Earrings
Statement earrings are all the rage and the perfect way to step up an outfit on a night out.
Any trendy girl loves statement earrings.
40. Dainty Necklace
Dainty necklaces are a cute everyday necklace that college students can wear. This style is very popular among students and is the perfect little accessory.
41. Tory Burch Flip Flops
These flip flops are the BEST!
I wear these almost daily and they have held up amazingly for flip flops.
These are so easy to slip on and wear around the dorm or anywhere during the summer.
I wore these year round because they are so easy to throw on.
42. S'Well Water Bottle
I added these above for fitness lovers but these really are so popular.
Your trendy girl will love a S'Well water bottle.
43. Large Shirt
Oversized shirts to wear with leggings or shorts are extremely popular among college students. Well they may not be the cutest thing in the world, it is definitely trendy.
My favorite place to find oversized shirts is Nordstrom Rack. They have a ton of vneck options with super comfortable fabric for around $16 dollars.
I am usually a size small and I go all the way to large or extra large to really get that oversized feeling.
44. Scrunchies
Scrunchies are SO popular and the perfect way to snazz up a normal pony tail.
This 5-pack from Urban Outfitters is the most popular scrunchies pack.
For the Beauty Queen
45. Face Mask
Repeat from above because face masks are just such a good addition to college care packages!
46. Eyeshadow Pallette
Isn't this palette so beautiful?
Any beauty lover would love this palette. (also, if you can statch it up--get it! It's sold out so many places!)
47. Dry Shampoo
Okay, this dry shampoo has saved me in college!!
It is truly the best dry shampoo out there (and I've tried a lot!). This seems gross but I can go workout and then spray some of this and I look totally normal for class.
You can find this at Sephora or buy it online here.
48. Ipsy Subscription
The gift that keeps giving!
Ipsy bags are the best and something I look forward to every month.
It is a little expensive at $120 for the year, but then every single month you get to try popular beauty products.
49. Silk Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases are suppose to be amazing for your hair and skin.
For the Friend
50. Frame
How cute is this?!
The perfect gift for friends that are far away from each other.
51. Mug
Love this saying.
Perfect drink cup to remind your best friend that you are always together by heart!
52. Best Friend Necklace
This cute little necklace is something you and your best friend can wear together even when your miles apart.
I really like how it doesn't look like tacky like most best friend necklaces.
For the Boyfriend
53. Couple Bracelett
These bracelets are boyish enough that there's a high chance you can get your boyfriend to wear it.
This set comes with both of these bracelets for only $7.99. I've seen them in person and they look just as good!
54. Key Chain
How cute of an addition would this be to your/your boyfriends keychain?!
It's the simple reminder that everything you are doing is worth it.
55. Picture Frame
This frame with a picture of you two would be such a cute addition to a college dorm or apartment.
56. Inappropriate Card
Got to keep your relationship spicy somehow, right? 😉
57. Chocolate
Who doesn't want chocolate?
You can get A LOT of different sayings with this chocolate (hint hint...it gets WAY more inappropriate). It's an unexpected gift that anyone would love.
For the Coffee/Tea Lover
58. Hot Water Heater
If you are a tea lover, this is a must in college.
59. Cute Mug
Who doesn't want a cute mug?!
There are really inexpensive mugs with all different sayings from Amazon which you can find here.
60. Travel Mug
Along with a normal mug, a travel mug is always so nice for all the on the go work college students do.
Isn't this one so cute? You can find it here.
61. Tea/Coffee
It's always nice to stock the college student up with some new coffee or tea. If they have a Keurig, k-cups are always appreciated.
Other College Care Packages Ideas
I wanted a section of really great college care packages ideas that didn't fit in a category. All of these are such fun things to include in a care package!
62. Gold Tile
These Tiles are the best thing ever!!
You attatch them to your keys and hook it up to an app on your phone. The app will tell you exactly where your keys are so you never misplace them.
AND they are less than $20! I always assumed they were much more than that.
63. Towel Wrap
I've said it before and I'll say it again, towel wraps are a MUST in college!
I used mine everyday and still use it every single time I shower.
64. Perfume
What college girl doesn't want some perfume? This is a perfect addition to college care packages.
65. Steamer
Clothes in college get extremely wrinkled and it makes it hard to wear.
Having a small and easy to use steamer makes it easy to get those wrinkles out.
66. Balloons
Large lettered balloons are all the rage right now and there are so many cute sayings you can get.
67. "You Are A Badass" Book
Every college students questions what they are really going to do with their life at least once a week (kidding-- buttt at the same time not really ;).
This book is a great motivational book for anyone doubting how great of a person they are and how successful they will be.
68. Games
Cards Against Humanity is the ultimate college game and can be SO much fun.
This is my friends and my go-to game and we always have a great time.
Aren't these all such great college care packages ideas?!
These are all products that the college student your thinking about gifting would love and appreciate.
What was/is your favorite thing you would receive in your college care packages?
A lot of great ideas on this list! The I Miss Your Face chocolates are especially cute.
Thanks Charlie!! I agree, the chocolates are so cute!