The Best Care Package Ideas For College Students, Young Adults and Teens

Inside: Themed care package ideas for your college kid or your young adult who has moved out on their own.

When kids go to college or move out of their childhood homes to live independently, it comes with so many mixed emotions for parents. You are beyond proud of all they have achieved to get to this point and happy to see them launch into the world so they can pursue their dreams. You know that this is an exciting time for them and you wouldn’t want it any other way.

But you miss them. And you worry about them. And there are times you just want to be able to give them a big hug. It’s hard not to be right there for them if they get sick or as they go through all of life’s ups and downs. While they probably won’t appreciate you showing up at their dorm or apartment unannounced for a visit “just because” and for parents with kids far away this is generally not even option. There are still ways for you to connect with them and show that you care.

A college care package or care package for your young adult can be a great way to deliver a little bit of home to them when you can’t be there. Whether they have come down with a cold of flu, are feeling homesick or sometimes just for fun, a themed care package can be a great way to send them a little reminder of how much you love and miss them.

Here are some ideas for care packages with printable notes to tuck in with them as well as ideas for all the goodies you can include. Feel free to use the ideas provided or do a little hunting on your own to find just the right items for your kids, because you know them best!

The Best Easy Care Package Ideas

Under The Weather Care Package

This care package is just what the doctor ordered for when your big kid is feeling sick. It has a personal tea kettle that is perfect for boiling water in a dorm room where microwaves are not allowed. They can quickly make some hot soup or a cup of tea to help them feel better ASAP. Other ideas for items to include: throat lozenges, cold & flu medicine, a diffuser and essential oil, fuzzy socks

Click here for free printable – Under The Weather Care Package Printable

Exam Week Care Package

Exams can be a stressful time for your college kid, so help them feel prepared and ready to do their best with this exam week care package. All the study essentials they might need are here along with a few treats and some extra caffeine to fuel their academic aspirations.

Click here for free printable: Exam Week Care Package Printable

Halloween Care Package

Send them a few tricks and a whole bunch of treats so they can still celebrate the holiday away from home with this Halloween themed care package.

Click here for free printable: Halloween Care Package Printable

Coffee Addict Care Package

Young adult life is usually filled with late nights and on the go days with classes or jobs or both. Caffeine is often a necessity to help them keep up with their packed schedules with coffee as the drink of choice. So, if you’ve got a coffee lover, this Coffee Addict care package is for them.

Click here for free printable: Coffee Addict Care Package

Homesick Care Package

It isn’t unusual for most college kids and young adults to feel homesick in those first few months away. Although, homesickness can strike at anytime. This homesick care package can help them feel like they’ve got a few of the comforts of home even when they’re not at home.

Picture Frames
Fuzzy Blanket
Cookies
There’s No Place Like Home Mug
Succulents to Make You Smile
Homesick Candles (have scents for every state)
“Pet” Pillow – turns a picture of your pet into a pillow
Hugs in a Jar
Family Decorative Quote Sign

Dorm Night Care Package (Movie or Board Games)

Here’s a great way to encourage your college kid to make friends in their dorm or to bring dorm buddies together for a fun break from studying. It can be a game night with treats or a movie night with popcorn. Anyone and everyone is invited for a dorm hang-out night.

Click here for free printable: Dorm Night Care Package

“Keep It Clean” Care Package

Alright so let’s be real. Personal hygiene can still be an issue for these young adults in our lives and when you’re living with other people, it just isn’t something that should be compromised. Send along a little refresh package to help restock their essentials during the year. It’s such a “mom” thing to do, but they’ll be glad you did.

Click here for free printable: Keepin’ It Clean Care Package Printable

Self Care Care Package

College life and adulting can be stressful. And we all know that college kids and young adults are not so great at making sure they eat right, get the sleep they need and just chill-out sometimes. Send them a loving reminder to take a deep breath and encourage them to indulge in a little bit of self-care so they don’t get too burnt out.

Click here for free printable: Self Care Care Package Printable

Winter Survival Kit Care Package

Baby it’s cold outside! When the weather turns nasty and the gray skies never seem to go away, send your kiddo this Winter Survival Kit Care Package to bring a little sunshine to their day.

Click here for free printable: Winter Survival Kit Care Package

College Care Packages don’t just have to be for college kids. Many of these themed care package ideas work well for teens or young adults just starting out on their own. Everyone appreciates knowing someone is thinking about them and cares enough to send a little love and encouragement their way. Use the ideas provided or simply use them as inspiration to come up with a unique care package all of your own design.

Parenting Tweens, Teens and Young Adults can be challenging, but these popular posts other parents found helpful might just make it a little easier.

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The Best Care Package Ideas For College Students, Young Adults and Teens