Community Chat

[12andcounting]

These are really all such great ideas -- I'm so glad I posted the question here. Thanks so much!

[mousiegirl]

On 8/18/2014 Hoovermom said:

I would check the town the university is in for various florist/vendors that cater to the college town. I was able to have regular deliveries (cookies, cakes, balloons, custom orders) to my DS with these services while he was away. It saved a bundle on shipping and handling and they delivered to his dorm/apartment.

The college actually offers a care package program, but DD wants "my" food while she is away, so I passed on their program.

[focksie]

Send Tollhouse brownies instead of cookies. Yum! Less chance of them being destroyed en route. And please send some to me while you're at it!

[chrystaltree]

I do miss those days. I put cookies, brownies and mini muffins in tins and wrapped the tins in bubble wrap and boxed it and sent it. Colleges do have their own programs but kids want Mom's goodies, they want that package from home. I always included a note, some hair ornaments, funny sox, nail polish. Little "luv you" gifts.

[banjo]

My nieces also appreciated when they received a jar of peanut butter with a box of crackers.

[gidgetgh]

OP, you've had some good suggestions here for shipping.

Sending care packages to my nephews and niece in college has been among my favorite things to do.

My youngest nephew just started his freshman year today. About 10 days before he left, I asked him for a list of "stuff" he likes or things he uses- shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, snacks, etc. Then I went shopping for those things and came home and put all the things in a box in our office. Then, when it's time to send him a care package, I just pull some things out of that box.

And I always include a gift card for somewhere to eat or Target, movies, CVS, etc. I went on his colleges website and they had a list of restaurants either right on his campus or close by. That way, I knew what gift cards to get.

I love sending my care packages!

[lulu2]

On 8/18/2014 banjo said:

My nieces also appreciated when they received a jar of peanut butter with a box of crackers.

Now it would cost more to send that jar of peanut butter and box of crackers, than what you paid for the items

Over the years I've sent many care packages. Eventually it simply was not worth it. I participated in college programs that delivered goodies to the students. I also scoured the internet looking for good deals. Cheryl's cookies and brownies were always a hit. (and there were lots of coupon codes)

[Bjjo]

I send many packages to my grandchildren and always use UPS. They pack for me and I am happy.

[Qwackertoo]

With the campus "gift" package . . . I did that once while she was in the dorms the first year . . . they text the student a couple of times . . . and then they pick up at the desk at their dorm building. Not bad.

A couple of times I sent a gift . . . like to both girls, daughter and her roommate, Vera Laptop Portfolio cases for their laptops they had earned via one of the small local scholarships . . . they didn't think they'd need a case when they moved in . . .but all those nightly and late night return trips from the library . . . came in handy . . . and some pretty pencils. Free shipping is nice.

This past year . . . in apartment . . . seasonal scent & label for a couple of Yankee Candles.

But for the most part . . . I'd gather up a few things, with a little gift bag I've re-used multiple times, Toy Story (her favorite) with items she would like when she comes home for the weekend which is less often in Fall than Spring . . . so for me it is easier to time the little surprises and gifts for when she visits . . . or when we visit. I'd sometimes bake and send back items.

Like others have said . . . shipping is expensive.

Now, they usually have a full size refrigerator and microwave.

And in dorms, down the hall, a community stove/oven . . . multiple per dorm building.

And most have cars and visit the grocery store and local restaurants frequently.

And they have in our case, 1K on dining card if you live on campus and 300.00 even required IF you don't . . . so plenty of opportunity of campus eateries.

But don't let that stop the Mom's, Grandma's and Aunt's from sending care packages.

[funinthesun]

"Now it would cost more to send that jar of peanut butter and box of crackers, than what you paid for the items

Over the years I've sent many care packages. Eventually it simply was not worth it. I participated in college programs that delivered goodies to the students. I also scoured the internet looking for good deals. Cheryl's cookies and brownies were always a hit. (and there were lots of coupon codes)"

I think it's worth it to the recipient. College students love getting packages from home. Even if some things get crumbly, they love it! Use lots of packaging tape. Bottom, top, sides. I work for the post office and it's sad to see people ship things and not package properly. Boxes will get dropped and other boxes will land on them no matter which service you use. So like other posters said, bubble wrap, containers, air pillows.