When my daughter went to college and I was faced with an entire calendar year of holidays she’d miss out on, I knew there was only one solution: I’d have to get the holiday to her.
Sending your college kid a quick, surprise care package box with a few random snacks, or mailing an actual card at random intervals throughout the year is always appreciated (getting actual mail is ridiculously exciting for them.)
When a special occasion is in play, it’s time to step up to the big leagues. Here are ideas for a Halloween care package with both small treats and seasonally-inspired presents, too.
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Halloween college care package ideas
Although the holiday is going to look different this year, college kids love Halloween. Regardless if they are away at school or taking classes remotely at home, give them a little lift by celebrating this holiday with a festive care package.
Candy and Snacks
If you’re sending candy, make sure to buy in large quantities, like this big bag of Hershey’s chocolates so they can share with everyone around them.
If you’ve not seen the wide array of bar and snack options that KIND offers, take a look now and create a custom snack care package with our favorite brand of health bars.
You might know Cookies by Design for their cookie arrangements of large, iced sugar cookies, but did you know they also deliver red velvet, chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia nut, and oatmeal raisin plus decadent chocolate and millionaire cookies?
Decorations
A big light-up pumpkin is perfect for your kid who LOVES Halloween.
Le Creuset is a French cookware company with the most beautiful pieces to grace any kitchen. This stoneware mug can go in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer or oven.
String lights are one of the easiest types of instant decoration for a dorm or bedroom. If for the dorm, make sure they are allowed.
Lightweight décor for dorm room, like these signs
Fun signs for a dorm door.
Another instant decoration, yellow tape is a classic for Halloween decor.
These may never come down, even after Halloween is long gone.
While not exactly a pandemic puppy, this cute Chia pet will thrill the Star Wars fans.
Costumes and Halloween-ready outfits
Target has a large selection of adult asks from the elaborate to the minimalist.
We saw teens create incredible artwork during the spring and summer as they were locked down during the pandemic. This makeup set looks perfect for artistic college students who want a unique Halloween look.
These come in a dozen colors and are well-priced for Halloween.
OPI black polish is a nice touch for the holiday.
Jack’O Lantern t-shirt
Wear jeans or leggings, add this t-shirt, costume’s done. 
This adorable outfit from Athleta can be dressed up or down and adding a t-shirt and jacket will keep your daughter warm on Halloween and throughout the fall.
More gift ideas
I hope our kids never grown out of having fun with Mad Libs and this one, for Halloween, is perfect for a college care package.
Allbirds is our favorite brand of shoes and NOW, they sell running shoes for men and women. This color is called “burst” – it might just be our new favorite hue.
We are big fans of Herschel backpacks and wallets and think that this style of card case, with a mesh sleeve for an ID or transit card, is a very practical solution for students.
They can store a drivers license, debit card and ID and swipe the case for admission to their dorm without needing to pull it out of a conventional wallet or try to find it in a backpack.
Herschel also makes these fitted, adjustable masks with pockets for filters. Here are just some of the colors available.
This is our very favorite sock company for two reasons – the socks are cushioned without being too bulky and each one has a different inspirational word. “Brave” seems pretty perfect for Halloween 2020.
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