Looking to create a thoughtful and practical gift for the young woman in your life who’s heading off to college? A well-crafted care package can go a long way in easing her transition into independent living. While pre-made packages may seem convenient, they often come with hefty price tags or generic items that might not resonate with your daughter, niece, or cousin.
Instead of relying on the usual suspects like hot cocoa mix and energy bars, why not try something more personalized and enjoyable? Here are some creative college care package ideas that girls will appreciate and cherish.
Her Favorite Hair Tie
In recent times, adding hair scrunchies to a care package has become an extremely popular trend. One of the main reasons behind this is that they are affordable and a great way to make a thoughtful gift for someone. A fun fact is that girls never tire of having new hair ties and scrunchies! For college students in particular, receiving a set of new hair ties and a cute scrunchie can be a wonderful surprise.
Both Amazon and Target offer an impressive range of adorable scrunchies that fit perfectly into this budget-friendly care package idea.
Gift Card to Her Local College Bookstore
When considering gifts for the new college student in your life, think beyond the typical pens, notebooks, and binders. Chances are, she’ll want to choose her own supplies. Instead, focus on more personal items that showcase school spirit. A hoodie or t-shirt with her college’s name or logo is a great idea, as it allows her to show off her pride. For a more practical yet thoughtful gift, consider sending her a $50 gift card to her local college bookstore.
This way, she can pick out something that truly speaks to her, whether it’s a new sweatshirt or another item that suits her unique style.
Gift Card to Starbucks
For many young women, a cup of coffee from their favorite coffee shop is the perfect way to start their day. That’s why a $25 gift card to Starbucks, added to a college care package, can be a thoughtful and appreciated gift for your daughter, niece, or best friend heading off to higher education.
A Weighted Blanket
Discover the serenity of weighted blankets for the freshmen in your life. I recently acquired one from Aldi and was pleasantly surprised by its calming effects on my mind and body. These cozy blankets are not only great stress-relievers but also provide a sense of security and comfort. While they may not fit neatly into a traditional college care package, consider gifting one to show you care.
An Essential Oil / Aromatherapy Diffuser for Stressful College Days
While many college campuses prohibit the use of candles, essential oil diffusers are often permitted, making them a thoughtful addition to a care package. Consider including a stylish aromatherapy diffuser in your gift, allowing the student to create a cozy and calming atmosphere in their dorm room.
Beauty Face Mask to Bond with New Roommates in College
When it comes to a college care package, little gestures can go a long way in fostering a sense of connection with your roommate. One such gesture is sending her a set of fun Korean face masks that can be used once and discarded. Not only will they bring some much-needed relaxation to her busy schedule, but they’ll also provide endless entertainment as she tries out different designs and shares funny selfies with you!
For under $10, you can grab a set of 12 ‘Glam Up’ or ‘Celavi’ face masks from Amazon. com – the perfect addition to any care package.
Grocery Store Gift Card to Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods
When compiling a care package for a college student, it’s often the thoughtful gestures that make the biggest impact. Consider gifting them a practical yet personalized item like a grocery store card, allowing them to treat themselves to their favorite snacks or essentials. For instance, a Whole Foods gift card on Amazon. com provides a convenient and wide-ranging shopping experience, while a Trader Joe’s gift card in stores offers a unique and specialty-focused option.
Regardless of the specific choice, the thought and effort behind it are sure to bring a smile to their face.
A New Set of PJs for Her to Wear in College Dorms
When putting together a care package for her college dorm, consider adding a set of soft PJs that cater to her style and fit. I personally love the Serendelicacy Silky Satin PJs from Amazon – they’re not only incredibly soft but also exude a touch of femininity. The best part? They’re suitable for co-ed dorms, making them a great addition to any care package. For reference, as someone who weighs 135-140 pounds, I opted for a size small and was thoroughly pleased with the fit.
Fun Nail Polish in Her College’s Colors (or Just Fun Colors!)
Looking for a unique gift idea that’s both practical and fun? Consider gifting a set of Essie nail polish in your favorite person’s school colors! You can find these vibrant hues on Amazon, offering a wide range of colors to choose from. This thoughtful present will surely bring a smile to her face.
Target Gift Card (for Any College Student!)
When it comes to college care packages, few things bring as much joy as a thoughtfully selected gift card. Specifically, a Target Gift Card is often a winner among college students – especially female students who appreciate the versatility of shopping at this popular retailer. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your package, consider including a gift card as a thoughtful addition that’s sure to put a smile on your student’s face.
Bluetooth Speaker
Bose’s compact Bluetooth speakers have garnered a reputation among college students as the epitome of portable entertainment. Their sleek designs and impressive sound quality make them an ideal companion for any dorm room or outdoor gathering, allowing users to effortlessly stream their favorite tunes.
Coffee Set
When it comes to putting together a thoughtful college care package, a few well-chosen items can make all the difference in brightening up your student’s day. One idea that’s sure to bring a smile is a cozy mug filled with their favorite hot beverage. Consider opting for a seasonal design – a spooky Halloween-themed mug or a warm and fuzzy fall-inspired mug would be perfect for the autumn semester.
And don’t worry about breaking the bank; stores like TJ Maxx and Homegoods are treasure troves of affordable, adorable mugs that can add a personal touch to your care package.
Lip Balms
When it comes to personal care, there’s nothing quite like finding a great lip balm. In my latest discovery, I stumbled upon the KOPARI lip gloss and was thoroughly impressed by its performance. The experience was so enjoyable that I couldn’t help but rave about it!
Sparkly Eyeshadow that Smells Good Too!
Adding a touch of magic to their daily routine, a delightful surprise can go a long way in uplifting a college student’s spirits. One such gem that can bring a smile is the Too Faced Eyeshadow palette, renowned for its exceptional quality and versatility. For a more in-depth look at this impressive collection, explore our comprehensive review of the Too Faced Eyeshadow here.
CVS Gift Card
When it comes to unexpected expenses or last-minute errands, a thoughtful gesture can go a long way in showing you care. In the event that your partner needs to pop by CVS for essential items like medication or personal care products, a gift card would be a practical and considerate gift. Moreover, many college campuses have a CVS location conveniently situated within walking distance, making it an accessible option when needed.
Cozy Slippers
When it comes to cozy essentials, few items evoke the same sense of comfort and relaxation as a pair of plush slippers. Just like a favorite pair of pajamas, these soft and snuggly footwear options can help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for lounging around in your dorm room. And with Amazon’s convenient delivery options, it’s easy to send a pair to your college student – whether you’re looking to treat them to a cozy surprise or simply want to upgrade their dorm decor.
A Luxury Eye Mask
For a thoughtful addition to a college care package, consider including a luxurious eye mask that offers unparalleled softness. This particular option from Amazon stands out for its silky texture and practicality – it can be easily machine washed, making it a convenient choice for students on-the-go.
Victoria’s Secret Gift Card
For many college-aged women, a Victoria’s Secret gift card is likely to elicit a enthusiastic response. Not only does it provide an opportunity for the recipient to indulge in some self-care, but it also acknowledges their individuality and personal style.
A Hand-Written Card
When showering your college student with gratitude, don’t overlook the power of a heartfelt handwritten note. Consider including a personalized card alongside their gift, filled with uplifting messages and words of appreciation. This thoughtful touch can go a long way in making them feel valued and recognized for their hard work and dedication.
A Gift-Card for a Plane Ticket
Imagine the relief and joy on a college student’s face if they received a heartfelt coupon, promising to cover their flight costs to return home. Such a thoughtful gesture would not only bring a smile but also alleviate the financial burden of traveling during breaks.
Emergen-C
To promote a healthy lifestyle among your college-going daughter, consider suggesting that she incorporates Emergen-C into her daily routine. This is especially important during the cold and flu season when germs can spread quickly through dorms and student housing. By taking proactive steps to boost her immune system, she’ll be better equipped to withstand the inevitable illnesses that come with shared living spaces.
Perfume
Consider adding a personal touch to a college care package by including a unique or favorite perfume that matches the student’s personal style. For instance, if your college student is drawn to tropical scents and island vibes, a travel set of fragrances from Tommy Bahama, such as their signature Tropical Scent Collection, could be an excellent addition to the kit.
Olaplex No. 3 Repairing Hair Treatment
To help your college student take charge of their hair health, encourage them to try a DIY hair repair routine using the popular Olaplex No. 3 deep conditioning treatment. For a more in-depth look at this product’s benefits and effectiveness, be sure to read my comprehensive review, which highlights its impressive results.
Face Mist
A great way to add some excitement to any self-care routine is by incorporating a fun facial spray or face mist. When putting together a college care package for girls, TJ Maxx often has a wide variety of options to choose from. Alternatively, the Mario Badescu Facial Spray Collection on Amazon is also a fantastic choice. And don’t forget to treat yourself, after all, it’s always okay to keep one for personal use!
Halloween Nail Stickers
As the spookiest season approaches, colleges are often abuzz with festive fervor. To cater to this enthusiasm, a Halloween-themed college care package can be a wonderful way to show you care. And why not make it even more special by incorporating some creative and affordable nail art stickers? I’ve recently discovered these fantastic options on Amazon that perfectly capture the spirit of All Hallows’ Eve.
Makeup Remover Wipes
To make the process of removing makeup at night a breeze for your college student, consider stocking up on Neutrogena makeup remover wipes available on Amazon. Alternatively, explore other beauty products that can effectively remove makeup without the need for wipes.
Audible Subscription
As the academic workload piles up, it’s not uncommon for college students to find themselves with little to no free time to indulge in leisure activities, including reading for pleasure. A thoughtful gift that can help bridge this gap is an Audible subscription, allowing them to enjoy their favorite books and stories while on-the-go.
Inexpensive College Care Package Ideas
When putting together a thoughtful yet affordable care package for your college-going loved one, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. However, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a list of creative and inexpensive ideas that won’t break the bank – all under $15.
From practical essentials to fun treats, here are some unique gifts to consider: * Soft and squishy scrunchies from Target or Amazon in a variety of colors to brighten up her dorm room * Hair ties from Goody Ouchless in neutral shades like brown, black, and white for everyday use * A set of sophisticated scrunchies perfect for summer and fall * Natural care products like Burt’s Bees Chapstick for dry lips * A $10 gift card to Starbucks or a favorite coffee shop * Cozy comforts like a cute mug, fuzzy socks, or slippers for chilly nights * Personal care treats like homemade cookies, instant coffee, or hot cocoa * Wellness essentials such as Emergen-C or Airborne vitamins * Beauty must-haves like nail polish, stickers for DIY nails, or makeup remover wipes * A gift card to the college bookstore or a favorite retailer for $15
More Gift Ideas for College Students
Looking for the perfect presents for college students? You might also be interested in exploring our curated list of thoughtful gift ideas for teenage girls. These suggestions can serve as a great starting point for your search, providing inspiration and guidance as you seek out the ideal present for the special young woman in your life.
