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As the parent of both a daughter and a son who are students, I can say without hesitation that it’s much harder to come up with college care package ideas for guys than for girls.
If you’ve struggled like me, walking past fuzzy socks, cute hair ties, and nail polish in frustration, here are some care package ideas that will make a young man smile (and hopefully call home!) with gratitude.
And, if you are looking for care package ideas for young women, here are our favorites.
College care package ideas for guys
1. Anker Phone Charger (Amazon)
Your son will never have an excuse for a dead phone battery when he has one of these compact and lightweight chargers in his backpack. With a Built-in USB-C Cable and Foldable AC Plug, this is compatible with iPhone 15 Series, Galaxy, and MacBook.
Here’s one that works with Pro Max, 14/13/12 Series, Samsung Galaxy, and more.
2. Open When Envelopes (Amazon)
Here are 16 envelopes that will give your son a little treat whenever he needs it. “Open when…there’s a big exam, you’re stressed, lonely, you’re tired of the cafeteria food, etc.” Fill each one with a gift card, a note of encouragement, photo, or cash to remind him he is loved!
3. College Gear (Fanatics)
Fanatics is the #1 site for college gear, with more than 500 schools represented. Also, if your son is a fan of any pro teams, look here first for clothes, shoes, dorm decor, and more.
4. Bedside caddy (Amazon)
Is your son still settling into dorm life? This bedside caddy that hangs on the side of the dorm bed might come in handy if he needs a place to stash his glasses, phone, a book, etc. before he goes to sleep at night.
5. Magnetic Paper Towel Holder (Amazon)
This compact paper towel holder attaches to any metallic surface, like a mini fridge, with magnets making it that much easier to have paper towels at the ready for spills…and there WILL be spills in his dorm room.
6. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (Amazon)
This wildly popular card game is fun and easy to learn. This is one of the best-sellers in the Grown and Flown community.
7. Self-adhesive key holder (Amazon)
It’s very to misplace keys or a lanyard and if he hangs this slim shelf with hooks right by his door, it might be just the thing to help him keep up with these valuables.
8. Stress balls (Amazon)
These stress balls have motivational quotes to help your son through the challenges of first semester and beyond.
9. Make Your Bed (Amazon)
This slender book of wisdom can encourage your son to take small actions that may very well transform the way he lives his life, for the good! Author Retired Admiral William McRaven wrote this New York Times #1 bestseller in 2017 and it remains one of the most popular books in our community.
10. Apple AirTag – 4 Pack (Amazon)
Your son might appreciate having a way to track his backpack, gym bag, and/or wallet with an Apple AirTag.
11. Rugged and Dapper Lip Balm (Amazon)
Rugged and Dapper lip balm has become a popular brand for Grown and Flown parents to gift to their sons. With Beeswax, Vitamin E, Sunflower, Jojoba, and Rosemary Oil, it helps soothe very chapped lips.
12. Carhartt Hat (Amazon)
Fall will bring chilly days, so why not remind him to stuff a hat like this in a coat pocket for cold morning walks across campus? This is a popular brand, and it comes in dozens of colors.
13. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (Amazon)
This international bestseller has been a wildly popular gift for parents to give their sons and daughters. British illustrator, artist, and author Charlie Mackesy, has created a book about life lessons, with discoveries about discoveries about vulnerability, kindness, hope, friendship and love.
14. Betty Crocker Mug Cakes (Amazon)
These microwavable mini mug cakes are genius — add water, stir, microwave for four minutes, and enjoy a warm snack.
15. Throw, Throw Burrito (Amazon)
Combine a card matching game, dodgeball, and toy burritos and you have this very popular game. From the makers of the equally popular Exploding Kittens game.
16. Gillette Razor Blades (Amazon)
Your son might find it shocking to learn how expensive razor blades are, especially if you’re the one who’s always made that purchase for him. This would be a very useful treat.
17. Ninja Outdoorsman Gadget Tool (Amazon)
This thin, handy tool can slide into a wallet and serves multi-purposes; it can be used as a can be used as Can Opener, Cutting Edge, Flat Screwdriver, Ruler, Bottle Opener, 4 Position Wrench, Butterfly Screw Wrench, Saw Blade, Direction Ancillary Indication (Water Compass), 2 Position Wrench, Keychain or lanyard Hole.
18. Laundry Day T-Shirt (Amazon)
There will come a day when your son will run out of clean clothes. Send him this great gag gift, and he can wear this t-shirt, giving Mom the credit she deserves.
19. FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack (Amazon)
Boys and injuries seem to go together like PB and J. Why did I not consider sending my son to college with a cold therapy pack? Wishful thinking, I suppose. This heavy-duty gel pack is sewn along the double-sealed seams to prevent leaks.
It conforms to any body part when frozen, so it is great for use on knees, ankles, wrists, and necks. Also helpful, when folded up, it’ll fit in that small freezer section of dorm-sized refrigerators.
20. Left Center Right (Amazon)
It’s a few months into school, and your son is still looking for a way to break the ice with some people in his hall. This fun and engaging game is an easy ice-breaker.
21. Nerf Football (Amazon)
Your college kid needs this football to toss around with his new pals.
22. Spike Ball (Amazon)
Wildly popular, this is a game they can play outdoors with new friends.
23. Nike Socks (Amazon)
By this semester, your son has undoubtedly lost more than a few socks. Time to send replacements. Here are NIKE Crew Socks, six pairs in three colors.
24. Microwave Pasta Pot (Uncommon Goods)
Eating in a college dining hall loses appeal a few months into the first semester. Taking a break and cooking something in their dorm room will be a gift to your students. Just add noodles and water and nuke. The flexible lid’s a filter, too, so they can drain, toss with sauce, and eat straight from the pot.
25. Small Gym Bag (Fanatics)
A small sports bag to carry gear is a great care package gift. This one has zipper compartments and backpack straps.
26. Hydro Flask Water Bottle (Amazon)
Hydro Flask is one of the most popular brands for college students, and you can choose from among many different sizes and colors.
27. Collapsible Silicone Popcorn Popper (Amazon)
Use any popcorn kernel in this silicone rubber bowl. This is a healthy snack for your perpetually hungry teen, and it folds for easy storage.
28. 100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster (Uncommon Goods)
Take a deep dive into movie magic with this poster that invites your teen to keep track of 100 iconic films. They can use a coin to scratch off each title and reveal a surprise, movie-related artwork underneath. This clever way to decorate a drab dorm wall is perfect for any movie buffs.
29. Popdarts (Amazon)
Popdarts is a fun game that your son can play with his friends. It can be played anywhere, outdoors or indoors.
30. Soundcore Anker Noise Cancelling Headphones (Amazon)
Noise-canceling headphones are a must-have in college. These ones offer 60-hour playtime and reduce ambient noises by up to 90%. Plus, the memory foam ear cups make them extra comfortable.
31. Tide To Go Stain Remover Wipes (Amazon)
These stain remover wipes are ideal for on-the-go. Your son can store them in his backpack and anytime he spills something on his clothes, he can use this to get rid of the stain.
32. Hanes Men’s EcoSmart Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie Sweatshirt (Amazon)
This jacket is made with thick, sturdy fleece for extra warmth. It is great for a casual look for college classes. Available in 15 colors. The New York Times Wirecutter mentions this as one of their most popular gifts.
No matter what you end up putting in a care package for that special teen boy in your life, he’ll love the excitement of receiving a box from you and will feel all the love.
Fingers crossed for a phone call home!
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Here’s Why You Can Trust Us
The Grown and Flown team includes three moms who have raised 8 young adults and have been working on product lists for over 12 years now, making them experts. When selecting products they survey the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of nearly 300,000 parents of teens, tweens and young adults. They do opinion polls, surveys and ask open-ended questions. They search for products that combine reasonable prices with high quality and are recommended by the large following. With recommendations from major retailers, trustworthy publications, and social media influencers, this post selected a range of products, paying close attention to reviews and price tags.
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