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It’s no secret that college life can be stressful! Between classes, work, extracurriculars, and having a social life, there’s a lot to balance.

And during midterms and final exams? All of that just gets even harder to manage, especially if a student’s missing home.

Whether they’re feeling homesick, stressed, overwhelmed, or all three, sending a care package is a fantastic way to brighten the day of any college student.

It’s a sweet little reminder that they are cared for, and a great way to send them some practical (or fun) items to help them manage their stress.

In this post, I’m sharing 12 different ideas for things you can include in your college care package.

These ideas will range from self care items, de-stressing tools, snacks, and some other fun stuff!

College Care Packages

#1: Throw Blanket

You can never go wrong with gifting a cozy blanket to a college student!

Even if they already have one, an extra one for winter or to use at their desk will surely come in handy.

#2: Fuzzy Socks

To go along with the blanket, you can also include some fuzzy socks!

They pair perfectly with the blanket and let’s be honest, who doesn’t like comfy socks? Perfect for fall and winter!

#3: Their Favorite Snack!

Comfort food is a staple of college care packages for a reason!

Whether it’s candy, chips, cookies, or something else entirely, opening up a gift box to find your absolute favorite treat inside is the best feeling.

Those snacks will be perfect for getting through long study sessions or for a chill movie night in.

#4: Essential Oils

Is your giftee feeling stressed out? Try gifting them a set of essential oils and a diffuser if they don’t already have one!

Essential oils are a great alternative to candles, which usually aren’t allowed in on-campus housing.

They can help to create a relaxing atmosphere and reduce stress by breathing in therapeutic smells like lavender and citrus.

I use mine all the time and they definitely help me feel calm!

#5: Hygiene Essentials

Sometimes the best way to calm down and de-stress is to take care of yourself.

Gift a college student the gift of self care by including hygiene and self pampering items in their care package.

You can include fun items like facial masks and lotion or more practical items they may be running out of like toothpaste and razors.

Either way, getting items like these are a huge help to students and will be greatly appreciated!

#6: Towels/Washcloths

On a similar note, hand towels, body towels, and wash cloths also make great additions to college care packages - especially for the student that has roommates or shares a bathroom!

#7: Mug & Tea Bags

Tea is one of the most relaxing beverages out there, so why not include a fun little mug and tea set in your care package?

Choose a mug or tumbler that’ll make them smile or one with a really pretty design you know they’ll love.

If they don’t like tea, send another cozy drink like hot cocoa, coffee, or even hot apple cider!

#8: Stress Toy

Stress toys are so much fun and can also help relieve anxiety, especially during final exams.

Just having something in my hand to fidget around with can calm me down and help me focus better.

There are soft and squishy stress toys, ones that you can pop, ones that are like little puzzles, ones you can fidget with, and more.

There are so many options to choose from so choose what you think your giftee will like the most!

#9: Shower Steamers

Next is a personal favorite of mine. If you’re unfamiliar with shower steamers, they’re these little things that emit relaxing scents when you put them under a hot shower!

There’s nothing more relaxing than a hot shower, especially one that smells like lavender or another luxurious scent.

Shower steamers are the perfect way to de-stress and turn any shower into a spa like experience!

#10: Adult Coloring Book & Colored Pencils

Coloring can be extremely relaxing and therapeutic. It’s a mindless activity that’s also very satisfying when you finish coloring a pretty image!

Gifting an adult coloring book and a pack of colored pencils is a fantastic way for college students to take a breather from schoolwork while flexing those creative muscles.

#11: House Slippers or Shower Slippers

Slippers are another care package classic! Not only will they be comfy on your giftee’s feet but they’re great to wear indoors for sanitary reasons, especially if they live in a dorm.

Another type of slippers to include, and one that every students needs, is shower slippers. A must have for anyone living in a dorm or shared apartment!

#12: A Note!

Don’t forget to write a note to include with your care package.

Anything with a cute little message or encouraging quote is perfect to write down and will be so much fun for your giftee to open and read.

#13: Mental Health Affirmation Cards

These mental health affirmation cards are a thoughtful gift to include in your care package that come with some very important reminders.

College students don’t always have the time or recourses to prioritize their mental health, but these will give them some tips and inspiration to do so.

#14: Cozy Bathrobe

Showering in college isn’t exactly a luxurious experience, but that doesn’t mean a cozy bathrobe can’t help elevate it.

This one comes with a hood to help them stay warm and convenient pockets for carrying essentials back to their dorm.

#15: Weighted Blanket

Help them sleep anxiety-free with a weighted blanket. I especially like this one because it’s lightweight and perfect for those just getting used to weighted blankets or wanting to stay cool in bed!

#16: Massage Cube

This little cube comes in handy for a spontaneous at-home massage, plus it’s small and easy to store - perfect for college living. It also smells amazing, with ingredients like aloe vera and cocoa butter.

#17: Heated Cushion

Give the gift of warmth on demand with this heated cushion! Small and easily portable, this makes a comforting addition to those long, tiring final exam study sessions.

#18: Mug Warmer

Speaking of long study sessions, a warm beverage is a must-have for getting through them. A mug warmer will conveniently keep their drink warm without having to constantly reheat it in the microwave!

#19: Neck Pillow

For student with a sore neck or neck pain, a neck pillow is a helpful addition to their life that they can use in a wide variety of situations like lounging or traveling.

#20: Heated Stuffed Animal

Continuing on with our theme of warmth and comfort, these heatable stuffed animals act as a loving companion to long study sessions! Plus, they’ll look adorable sitting on their bed or desk chair.

#21: Silk Pillowcase

Give the gift of cool and comfortable sleep with a silk pillowcase! Besides keeping them cool during the night, silk pillowcases have other benefits like reducing hair breakage and acne-causing bacteria from transferring onto skin.

Outro & Closing Thoughts

Putting together college care packages is super fun, but if you want to save some time, you can also purchase pre-made gift boxes from Etsy to send directly to your student.

These always come with some super cute packaged gifts that’s sure to add some cheer to their day!

Thanks for reading my post “What To Include In A College Care Package (21 Things Students LOVE To Get).”

I hope you got the perfect inspiration for putting together your college care package today!

For handmade digital art prints, icon packs, wallpapers, & more designed by me, be sure to stop by my digital boutique: Designed By Nikki Lo.

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21 Items For College Care Packages (That Students Will LOVE!)