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 it is 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 girls, here are our favorites.
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College care package ideas for guys
A way to shut out a noisy roommate or loud hallmates is necessary, and these EarFun earbuds are highly recommended as among the best in their price point.
2. Anker headphones
These wireless, over-the-ear headphones by Anker get great reviews and are very well priced.
3. College gear
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. YETI mug
YETIs have cult-like popularity, and a personalized mug with your son’s initials and/or college logo would be amazing.
5. CampusCube — G&F Care Package
G&F and CampusCube teamed up to create a care package for your student with a note of encouragement. This variety pack of snacks has enough for him to share with new friends in the dorm.
NOW! Save $5 on any single care package order — Discount code: GF5
Save 10% on any order of 3 or more care packages — Discount code: GF10
6. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
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. College-branded shoes
While on the Fanatics page, look at the NCAA-branded shoes for many colleges. If your son is a student — or merely a big fan — you will want to check these shoes out as a special college care package gift.
8. Stress balls
Send your son these three stress balls in three different levels of resistance.
9. The Oodie
Meet Oodie (pronounced “hoodie” without the “h”); the wearable, washable, huggable, affordable, and ADORABLE blanket. Every day is a G’Day, thanks to this Australian brand. They offer free shipping (from their US warehouse) on orders over $50, and they now have a massive Black Friday sale (up to $40 off!) that runs through 11/28. #whatareyouwaitingfor
10. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty
If you’ve picked this magical stuff up, you know how fun and therapeutic it is. Great for fidgeting while studying or just contemplating life. It comes in all kinds of cool colors and in regular and mini-sized tins. This is one of the most often-recommended items for college care package ideas for guys.
11. Lip balm
Jack Black is our favorite brand for lip balm (we like it for ourselves), and the entire product line has great skincare products, too. Very popular for guys.
12. Carhartt hat
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. Telestrations: 8 Player board game
This is one of our favorite games to play with our teens and one they can play with new friends at school.
14. Duncan Hines mug cakes
These microwavable mug cakes from Duncan Hines are genius — just add water, stir, microwave for four minutes, and enjoy a warm snack. Each box has four pouches which make them perfect for sharing.
15. Daelmans Original Stroopwafel with Caramel
I know it’s a mouthful to say, but please trust me that your son needs these in his life. Yes, they’re going to cost a bit more than a bag of Chips Ahoy cookies, as they should. Thank goodness for the Dutch bakers who came up with this magical little sandwich of waffled wafers with a buttery caramel center.
The best way to eat one is to place it on top of a cup of hot coffee — or herbal tea — for about 90-seconds until it gets warm and melty. Unreal.
16. Herschel duffels, toiletries bag, laptop sleeve, and more
We are big fans of Herschel backpacks and wallets, and now, put together your own Herschel gift box with three different wonderful things and save 25%. This one, with a duffel, toiletries bag, and laptop sleeve, would be something your son might love to receive, especially if he plans a weekend trip home for fall break.
17. Harry’s Shave Kit
One unexpected expense for guys is buying razor blades, as you may have been the one keeping their shaving supplies fully stocked. Harry’s solves the problem by sending them a razor, shave gel, and replacement blades at a frequency that matches how often your son shaves. Harry’s now has face wash, body wash, lotion, and some cute accessories.
18. Laundry Day t-shirt
There will come a day when your son will run out of all his 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
Boys and injuries just seem to go together like PB and J. Why did I not think to send my son off to college with a cold therapy pack? Wishful thinking, I suppose. This gel pack is heavy-duty and sewn along the double-sealed seams to prevent leaks.
It conforms to any body part when frozen, so 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
It’s a few months into school now, 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
Your college kid needs this football to toss around with his new pals.
22. Spike Ball
Wildly popular, this is a game they can play outdoors with new friends.
23. Nike socks
By this semester, your son has undoubtedly lost more than a few socks. Time to send replacements. Here are NIKE Crew Socks, a set of six pairs that comes in three colors.
24.Microwave pasta pot
Eating in a college dining hall begins to lose its appeal a few months into the first semester. Being able to take a break and cook something in their own dorm room will be a gift to your student. Just add noodles and water and nuke. The flexible lid’s a strainer, too, so they can drain, toss with sauce, and eat straight from the pot.
25. Small sports bag
If there is a sport that your teen can do safely now or in the future, a small sports bag to carry gear in is a great care package gift.
26. Hydro Flask water bottle
Hydro Flask is one of the most popular brands for college kids and you can pick from many different sizes and colors.
27. Collapsible popcorn popper
Use any kind of popcorn kernel in this silicone rubber bowl. This is a great, healthy snack for your perpetually hungry teen, and it folds for easy storage.
28. 100 Movies Scratch-off poster
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 surprise, movie-related artwork underneath. This is a clever way to decorate a drab dorm wall, perfect for any movie buffs.
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!
You Might Also Want to Read:
College Care Packages from Home: 50 Great Ideas
Best Places to Order a College Care Package
