6 Things to Put in a Care Package for Your College Student

Disclosure; The following items were provided to me at a discount, or for no charge. All opinions stated, however, are genuine and my own.

Okay, school has pretty much officially started back up for everyone now, including the kiddos who have made their way to college. Getting them packed up and ready to go is a big deal, but now that they're settled, wouldn't it be nice to send over a little care package? From serious, to useful, to fun, these are all things your college student might enjoy receiving for a surprise 'thinking of you' delivery.

1). Tee Turtle makes a reversible stuffie line that is just too cute. I have the traditional octopus on my desk at school and the students just love it. I saw this one though and thought it would be perfect to send in a care package to a college student. There's something about these that is just irresistible. My blue octopus has a happy face on one side, and a frown on the other. This pumpkin version has a menacing face on one side, and a sweet one on the other. It is an axolotl, which is something I have never heard of in my life until now. Look it up; if it's new to you, maybe you'll be amazed too.

 

Here is the one I have on my desk. He's become the student mascot of sorts.

2). A CMY Cube is the second item on my suggestion list. These are perfect just to have close by when you need a little pick-me-up. they are designed to be a unique sensory toy, but for me, it's just nice to have one sitting close by to look at while I'm doing work on my laptop. The picture does not do it justice. When the light shines through these cubes, it is startlingly pretty. They come in different shapes and sizes. This would be a great holiday gift idea too, to tuck into a Christmas stocking.

3). When it comes to a useful item that is also luxurious, I cannot recommend the Luxury Bamboo towel line from Cosy House Collection enough! Yes, this is a useful item, but it's also the softest, most amazing feeling towel you are going to come across and I can't think of a better item to send to a student is living on or off campus while they are attending college.

These towels, washcloths, etc., remind you that life is about more than just work or school (though those things are important). When you use them, you feel like you are stepping out of the work grind for a moment and indulging in the highest form of self-care. I'm not even kidding. Luxurious is absolutely the word that comes to mind when using items from this line. If your grown child is feeling a bit homesick, or you just want to remind them of how special they are, send them these towels. They are certain to brighten their day when they use them because they are NOT your ordinary selections. If you've used Bamboo before, you know what I'm talking about, and Cosy House makes the silkiest, softest best of the best. 

4). Speaking of useful, the Worx 20V Portable Inflator is so necessary to have when you are in college. The last thing you want is for your child to be out and about driving and discover they have low air in their tire. You probably know, like I do, from experiencing it yourself, that the only time you can find an air pump that works at a gas station, is when you don't need one. As soon as the low air light comes on in the car, air pumps all around town seem to be mysteriously broken in one way or another (the credit card won't swipe, air won't pump, or an 'out of order' sign is taped on the front. With the portable inflator in the car (it has a rechargeable battery) you won't have to worry about such mishaps and neither will they. 

It takes up next to no room, it's very compact, and it is wonderful for giving you peace of mind. It also has a couple of adapters on it, so you can use it for things like basketballs, air mattresses, etc.

• Digital LED Gauge displays accurate tire pressure with the ability to preset desired PSI.
• Powerful LED Light illuminates work areas and includes a red and yellow emergency light.
• Automatically shuts off when set pressure is reached to avoid over-inflating.
• 3-ft. high-pressure hose provides extended reach—3 adaptors store onboard for tires, sports equipment and air mattresses.
• Compact design makes it portable and easy to transport and store      

You can purchase it with or without the rechargeable battery pack, but for a college student, I would recommend the former. Every little thing helps when you're first starting out on your own. In any case, Worx makes a high quality product, and this mini air compressor, with its multi-functioning capabilities, is one worth owning.

5). Speaking of practical, this cell phone seat is a great way to keep your phone where you can see it (convenient if you are using your phone for GPS or to make blue tooth calls without connecting to the car's system). The round bottom is adjustable so it fits snugly in your cup holder, and then the stem goes up higher, and has a base where you can securely seat your phone.

This is the kind of item you don't even know you need until you have it. It's super useful, and even more so if there's no real place for your college kiddo to put their phone. I know we have multiple places in our car where we can put a cell phone, but none are super convenient. I'm not sure what the car manufacturer (whom I otherwise love) was thinking because most everyone has a phone. That should be a first and foremost interior design consideration, but even in the newer cars, that isn't always the case. This cell phone seat is a handy little gadget. In addition to that, because the seat for your phone is so high, it still allows you to have that space for your beverage. I love this little accessory!

6). Something whimsical to have in the dorm room is a stunt and trick gumball machine maker. What a cute idea for 'kids' (even those who are in college). This one comes from Thames & Kosmos. I have purchased from them before and been very happy with their products. This gumball machine is a fun idea for someone off in college. It's a great conversation starter to have in the dorm room too.

Super sweet stunts! Build your own gumball machines and learn physics lessons in the process. A turn of a handle dispenses one gumball at a time out of the clear storage globe and down the track. The gumballs land in a collection cup and can easily and sanitarily be returned to the globe for another run. The track segments can be moved around on the base to create an almost limitless number of different gumball machines.

BONUS

Send cash. 😇

College kids are always happy to receive a little surprise spending money.

Are any of these items necessary? Nope, but that's the fun part of putting together a care package. You can choose anything you want that you know will make your college student happy. Click the links under the photos (not affiliate links) to learn more and to purchase these items for the college students in your life too. 

Here's to a year of great studies. Good luck to all of those who are off and away at college.