PARENTS' PAGES

CARE PACKAGES FROM HOME
-Brenda Davis-Smith

A package from home is a SUPER way to let your college student know that you are thinking of him or her. 

Leaving home for the first time can be very exciting, but also very intimidating.  Your student will be experiencing new friends, new surroundings, and new responsibilities as well as the culture shock of going from dependent 'child' to independent 'adult' - overwhelming to say the least!  What better way to show your support than by sending 'love-in-a-box'?  Imagine the excitement and surprise when your student returns to the dorm after a hard day of classes to find a package notification in their mailbox!  Receiving a package of goodies from home is comforting and inspiring, and lets the student know that they are still part of the family.

Care packages can contain just about anything that you know your student likes or needs, from homemade cookies and brownies to family photos, phone cards, or microwave meals.
 
Here are some suggestions for items that could be included in a great goodie box:

Edibles

• Beverages such as bagged or instant tea, instant coffee, hot cocoa (don't forget to include sweetener, creamer packets, and mini marshmallows)
• Ramen noodles
• Microwaveable meals: pasta bowls, rice bowls and soups
• Favorite snacks such as candy bars, chips, rice cakes, granola, microwave popcorn 
• Breakfast-sized cold cereals 

Fun-to-Have Items

• Playing cards and travel-sized games
• Favorite CDs/DVDs (...and don't forget to include some blank ones)
• Handwritten letters and notes from family members
• Family and pet photos/videos

School Supplies & Essentials

• Pens, pencils, highlighters, bookmarks
• Notebooks and notepads
• Zip/flash drive (for computers and laptops)
• Small calculator

Personal Care & Emergency Supplies

• Facial tissue
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Deodorant, toothbrushes & toothpaste, contact lens solution
• Band-aids, first aid kit
• Sewing kit
• Batteries, candles & matches, flashlight
• Gloves and scarves
• Socks and underwear
• Disposable plates, bowls, cups, utensils
• Eyeglass repair kit

Miscellaneous

• Subscription to a hometown newspaper
• Subscription to a favorite publication
• Gift cards to local restaurants, super markets, gas stations, and retail stores
• Inspirational books and journals
• Pre-paid cell phone and/or long distance calling card

No-Brainers

• Cash, checks and money orders!

When planning a care package, keep in mind that your student is embarking on a new lifestyle, so try to combine items that remind them of home, but affirm your respect for their newfound independence (no matter how tempting, don't send 'Boo-Boo Kitty' or 'Spider Man'!).

Now that you are armed with ideas and suggestions, you are ready to put together your first package.  You can choose the do-it-yourself method, or you can use a service such as which offers several care package options:

• 'Build You Own Care Package' for custom packages 
• 'Care Package of the Month Club'
• Holiday and specialty packages, and others. 

Specializing in care packages for students, www.From-Mom.com  is convenient and time-saving - especially for working parents.

And remember, no matter how adamantly college students may deny it, they really do want and need family support.  Sending fun and meaningful care packages not only reinforces your support, but brings with it that loving, comforting feeling of 'home'!