Homemade College Care Package Ideas

There’s a lot of things I love about my job (like food!), but one thing I truly love doing is reading your comments, sharing your posts, and answering all of your questions. That’s why, when I received this comment on Facebook earlier this week, I was excited to be able to help:

As soon as I saw Kaye’s question, my heart went out to her. After all, it reminded me of my own grandma and everything she did to make me feel happy and loved. If I’ve learned anything at all, it’s that food can make you feel things. And I’m sure her grandson, who is hundreds of miles away from his family, would appreciate receiving grandma’s packages full of love and all-things-delicious. 

Sure, there are several companies who offer pre-made care packages, but these can be expensive and impersonal, which is why I’m sharing some easy homemade college care package ideas that you can put together and ship on your own.

1. The Sweet Tooth

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a homemade sweet treat to someone who probably eats from the vending machine all too often. Candy, cookies, and even some pastries are good options, since they can easily be shipped without falling apart in transit. (Be sure to check out our tips on how to mail and store cookies!)

Clockwise from top left: Almond Bear Claws | Famous Hotel Chocolate Chip Cookies | Tutti Fruity Crispy Candy | Cowboy Bark | Chocolate Sandwich Cookie Truffles

2. The Snacker

If your college student is always looking for something to snack on at home, then you can bet they’re doing it at school too. Granola bars, trail mix, and popcorn mixes are all good care package ideas!

 Clockwise from top left: Healthy Snack Bars | 3 2 1 Power Bars | Pop Graham Munchies | Awesome Munchies | Hodgepodge Snack

3. The Dorm Room Cook

Cooking in a dorm room can be very limited, but many colleges allow students to keep a microwave or toaster oven. Pack a box with a mug (or bowl) you know they’ll love, some of the non-perishable ingredients they’ll need, and a print-out of the recipe. (If you want, you can send them a little cash to get the remaining ingredients you weren’t able to ship.)

Clockwise from top left: Peanut Butter Mug Cake | Breakfast in a Mug | Ramen Taco Bowls | Easy English Muffin | Monkey Mug Cake

 4. The “Get Well Soon” Package

It’s tough to be away from the ones we love, especially when we know they aren’t feeling well. A care package that includes some of the essentials can really help your college student feel better quick. Shipping homemade soup can be difficult and expensive, so it’s best to send their favorite canned soup instead. You can even include some spices and herbs for them to toss in, to make it taste extra-special. A “Get Well Soon” care package can also include cough drops, a box of tissues, a warm robe and slippers, and the ingredients to make a soothing cup of tea (don’t forget the honey and lemon!)

I love this idea from The Suburban Mom, and she includes a free printable tag too!

Of course these are just some ideas to get you started. You can always combine a little bit of all of these ideas to make the ultimate care package. And, you can never go wrong with adding a few essentials (like toiletries, school supplies, new socks, and a little cash) in there too! Just don’t forget the most important part – a personalized note reminding them how much they’re missed and wishing them the best of luck!

P.S. The USPS has some great free shipping supplies, including boxes that are the perfect fit for your care package. Check them out here!

Do you have any other care package ideas to share?