Boston is a college town, and every fall and spring we pack care packages for students in dorms near and far. A package from home can turn a long week of exams, a first homesick month or a messy move in day into something a little easier. Here is our guide to building a college care package that a student will actually use.
When to Send a College Care Package
- Move in week: practical supplies for a new room, sent so they arrive right after move in.
- The first few weeks: when homesickness tends to set in and a taste of home means the most.
- Midterms and finals: study snacks and something relaxing for late nights.
- Birthdays away from home: a surprise that tells them the family is celebrating too.
Our Favorite College Care Packages
College Dorm Room Snack Box
The College Dorm Room Snack Box is a black gift box overflowing with dorm favorites, such as mac and cheese cups, instant ramen, Rice Krispies Treats and Pringles. The front of the box can carry a school logo, so it looks made for their campus. Contents are a rotating selection based on availability.
College Survival Kit Snack Box
The College Survival Kit Snack Box is a red gable box with a carry handle, filled with study break snacks such as Goldfish, pretzels and Rice Krispies Treats. It is a cheerful pick me up during exam weeks.
College Clean-up Bucket
For move in day, the College Clean-up Bucket is a bright blue bucket of cleaning supplies, such as disinfecting wipes, glass cleaner, dish soap, rubber gloves and a scrub brush, tucked in with a few snacks. Once the supplies are put away, the bucket becomes a handy caddy.
Personalized Laundry Bag
The Personalized Laundry Bag is a roomy drawstring bag with a front pocket embroidered with a name or monogram. It is a practical gift from parents or grandparents that carries a little piece of home to the laundry room.
Stress Relief Spa Package
For exam season, the Stress Relief Spa Package pairs a personalized cosmetic bag with soothing bath and body favorites, such as body wash, lotion, a candle and a soft bath pouf. It is a reminder to take a break.
A Taste of Boston for Homesick Students
For Boston kids studying out of state, nothing beats a taste of the city. The Boston Common Gift Basket and the Beantown Bonanza Gift Basket are packed with local favorites, such as Cape Cod chips, Boston Baked Beans, Green Monster Bites and Boston Bits cookies. See all of our Boston gifts.
Tips for Shipping to Campus
- Use the full campus address: include the student's name, residence hall, room number and any mail code the school requires.
- P.O. boxes need a call: shipping to a post office box needs special handling, so if the campus uses one, call us at 617.739.0900 and we will work out the best way to ship.
- Timing: most packages ship by UPS the next business day. Embroidered and personalized items ship within 3 to 5 business days.
- Sending to several students? For five or more shipments, please call and we will take the order by phone.
- Include a note: add your message in the order message box at checkout and we will tuck it inside.
More gift ideas for students and teachers are in our Back to School Gifts and Students and Teacher Gifts collections.
Questions?
Whether it is one package for your own student or a box for every member of a team, we are happy to help. Call us at 617.739.0900, weekdays 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
