We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through these links. See more about our Privacy and Affiliate policies here
You’ve shopped, packed and had your tearful or not tearful goodbyes. Everyone is beginning to adjust to the new normal. And, wouldn’t now be a lovely time to send your kids a little something to remind them of home?
Nothing will make your first-year college student happier than a few wisely chosen treats to make them feel the love from home.
Inexpensive college care package ideas — our favorites
Games and toys
1. KDG Motivational Stress Balls 4-Pack
Motivational phrases on these colorful stress balls may help your teen manage the inevitable challenges they’ll find at college. At the very least they’re fun balls to bounce around the dorm room.
2. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This super-popular card game is easy to learn and can be played in 10-15 minutes. How can anyone pass up this game if only to find out how “taco, goat, cheese pizza” are related???
3. Left Center Right
A game is a stocking stuffer idea that your teen will love to open and play with throughout the holidays. Left, Center, Right is a wildly popular game appropriate for all age groups and one of our best-selling games. This is the #1 bestseller in dice games on Amazon.
4. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty
This remarkable putty in a tin is a class care package gift.
5. Koosh Minis Variety Color 3-Pack
Your teens will love to throw these around on a beautiful Fall day on campus.
Health and beauty products
6. Dove Body Scrub
Very pleasant moderate exfoliation. We love it!!! And the Brown Sugar & Coco is great also.
7. Facetory Face Masks
Daily or weekly facial care. A different sheet mask for your skincare needs from hydrating to moisturizing to rejuvenating.
8. Laneige Lip Balm
The silky balm will last her months, and it’s the perfect little luxury to gift as Laneige is a very popular cosmetic brand.
9. Make Up Eraser
Just add water to this two-sided cloth to cleanse the face and flip it over to gently exfoliate.
10. Jack Black Lip Balm
11. Essie Nail Polish
So many great colors for a little pick-me-up.
12. Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer
This is thick and soothing. I use it and love it-my favorite lip moisturizer.
13. grace & stella Under Eye Mask (24 pr)
Get rid of puffy eyes. This could be a fun treat for your daughter to share with her roommates and hall mates. This is the #1 bestseller in in Eye Wrinkle Pads & Patches on Amazon.
14. Mario Badescu Spray
15. Sol de Janeiro Hand Cream
Who doesn’t love a little hand cream, especially when it is from the super-popular brand, Sol de Janeiro.
16. Lanolips Ointment and Lip Balm
One of our favorite lip balms made with lanolin to keep dry lips moistened and to use as a healing ointment on cuticles and dry skin. Award-winning and amazing.
17. LuSeren Hair Clips – 8 pack
These extra large and strong hair clips may be just what your daughter needs to tame her hair before she runs out the door to class. Available in many trendy colors.
Clothes and shoes
18. Hanes Men’s PJ Pants
19. LINEMIN Fuzzy socks
Who wouldn’t feel the love from home in these warm, fuzzy socks???? 92% 4 or 5 stars.
Books
20. Do Your Laundry Or You’ll Die Alone
Becky Blades is the super-talented author and illustrator who wrote this gorgeous book for her two off-to-college daughters. It is pretty perfect.
21. The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College
Harlan Cohen has written the classic book for first-year college students, and this can be the go-to guide for students whenever they encounter a sticky situation.
22. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
This international bestseller with charming illustrations is a story about kindness and home – what better things to remind your student about?
23. The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them
Dr. Meg Jay explains why and how our young adults need to focus on life during the twenties.
Other Ideas
24. Squishmallows Clip-Ons 5 Pack
A little bit of whimsy to adorn a book bag or backpack.
25. Casegrace Mini Travel Jewelry Case
A safe place to store valuable jewelry in the dorm is essential, and this mini case could be placed out of sight in the back of a drawer or storage bin. Great for traveling. Available in seven pretty colors.
26. Gritin Book Light
It’s hard to share a room with someone and not keep them up at night. This rechargeable mini-light might help. This is the #1 bestseller in book lights on Amazon.
27. iBayam Journal Planner Pens Colored Pens
These super-popular pens are meant for journaling, but they can be used for anything you would need a regular pen, including note-taking, color-coding a paper calendar, or just doodling. The set includes 18 colors.
28. Salbree Microwavable Popcorn Popper
No oil needed-just kernels and a microwave. How fun!!!
29. Swiss Miss Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
There’s no one who doesn’t love a cup of coco.
More College Care Package Ideas
