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Maybe it’s not technically the first. (That was the one you shipped 24 hours after move-in when your student texted a list of things they left at home.)
This is the box they aren’t expecting, although they’re hoping for it every time they check their still-new campus mailbox. It’s the one they’ll rush back to the residence hall to open so they can be alone with the contents (which they will then want to share immediately with their room/hallmates).
This is the box that holds so much more than stuff. Because it’s also the box that, more than any other you’ll mail during the college years (and trust us, your student will never outgrow their love of care packages), overflows with feelings — how much you love and miss them and want them to know you’ll always be there.
It's a safe bet some of your friends are missing their college kids, too. Why not invite them over and make care packages together?
It’s easy. Stock up on boxes (medium flat-rate USPS Priority Mail boxes work well) and ask everyone to bring multiples of a single small item. Double check student allergies. Everyone can sign the note that gets popped into each box. Your students will love the surprise!
Needless to say, this activity pairs well with a potluck supper or brunch, wine and cheese, afternoon tea, etc. Don’t hurry. Friendship is important.
Another great care package option is subscription to A Taste of a Home Cake Crate from Kentastic Cakes. Each month, the student receives a large slice of cake, cake pops, fresh baked cookies and a mystery item. Some boxes have an additional surprise gift. They make everything from scratch and my kid loved getting it last year at Brown University. I know right now they are running a special for their College Plan. It covers the entire year except December when kids are home for the holidays. If you order the College Plan, you get a free t-shirt and a cake crate sent to you in September or October. The website is kentasticcakes.com.