College Care Packages~ UPDATE

[Chicklogic]

Thanks for the heads up on Tripper's. I'll check it out and add it to my growing...thanks to you guys .......list for the coming year

He does have a car off campus - is Tripper's on restaurants.com do you know?

Answered my own question - it IS on restaurant.com......probably why you mentioned it


I'll have to watch for a sale!

 

[Chicklogic]

Sorry to be the spoiled sport about the air horn. Too many people have such different hours in a dorm. Many are working jobs, doing homework at all hours of the day, and slleping all different types of hours. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THIS. Even if he blows this off outside, it is still bound to disturb someone.

The airhorn is for the football games. He said he is allowed to have them there

 

[Chicklogic]

Completely changing the subject, socks and underwear couldn't hurt -- no one ever has quite enough, do they? And you can't go wrong with snacks.

DS told me the other day he was down to his University of Michigan boxers (he's at Michigan State ) He just might be in danger of getting beat up over his underwear!

 

[flakypuff]

I would include some lysol wipes or individual hand wipes. Boys are gross

too bad you couldn't send him a sled or something like that in the upcoming months when winter really hits up there. Maybe order him one

If he does have a great sense of humor, I'd send a silly hat and gloves when it gets colder.

I would send several of the small portable memory sticks. I usually stock up after Thanksgiving. My niece keeps one for each class. She has them color coded but that might be a bit much

What about some coffee mugs/travel mugs and packets of hot chocolate or instant coffee and other portable breakfast goodies for when it starts getting too cold to trek across campus to eat?

A sled sounds like fun! How about one of those blow up ones...

we just sent our oldest to DC. a few weeks ago. I have already sent her a couple of packages she says she loves getting the mail!! I Have a package going ot this week and so far in is
a couple of magazines
100 cal chocolate covered pretzels
razors
reeses cups
makeup removal wipes
gum
mints
nail polish
propel drink mix
next month a group of 10 of us is getting together all have kids in college we all bring 10 of one thing then we are making up packages for each kid I have already stocked up on the bags of lifesavers that were on sale at cvs a couple weeks ago.
I will keep a close eye on this thread, as I am always looking for different thing to include I plan on trying to send her out a least a couple packages a month as I said she loves the mail.
o yea the gift card to starbucks went over very well!!

This is a great idea. I have several friends with kids off this year. That sounds like fun.

My Mom used to send us "party packages" every few weeks. She would pick a theme (luau, halloween, any holiday coming up!) and would fill a box with decorations, part favor type things etc. Our large quad was always known as party central, and those small little things really brightened our day!

Everyone loves a Mom that sends anything at all though!!!

This is great! I am going to do this!!!!!Thanks

Some things I have done
Stick to your Studies - anything sticky - post it notes, suckers on a stick, pixie stix, tape, silly putty
Keep It Clean - all sorts of cleaning supplies (mine has an apartment), or shower supplies (shampoo, razors, soap, etc.)
Dirty Laundry - detergent, dryer sheets, roll of quarters, stain stick, sew kit, woolite
Exam Cram - coffee, energy drink, stress relief ball, inspirational quotes, granola bars, popcorn, pencils, highlighters, post it note flags
Sealed With A Kiss - chocolate kisses (lots of varieties) lip print kleenex, fireballs
We love you from Head to Toe - A two parter - box 1 with things for their head (shampoo, comb, toothpaste, tylenol, etc.) Box 2 with things for their feet (foot spray, socks, shoe laces, candy gummy feet, etc.)
I am currently putting together her Halloween one - candy, glow stix, eyeball gum, holiday pen, glow in the dark stuff, a toy skeleton
I just did a Goodluck at Your First Friday Night Solo Game (She is an athletic trainer in grad school, working at a high school)
Gobstoppers - to stop all the blood
Band Aids - for all those little owies
Some tape - to stick them back together
Post It notes - to post all the injuries when you get back to your office)


I also saw some dessert kits that you make in the microwave. The pan and all is included. There was Reese bars, Almond Joy bars, etc. Anything they can make in the microwave usually works.

I usually include any newspaper clippings about her high school classmates (weddings, engagements, babies, etc.) Her brothers burn her Cd's and we send pictures of things the family is doing and our pets.

It is pretty easy to come up with things our daughter likes and then make it all fit some crazy theme. She gets a kick out of our crazy ones and the silly ways we try to let her know we are thinking of her. Anything is better than nothing. I also send her tons of freebies from the freebie board. I spell her name wrong so that she knows each time something comes we are thinking of her. The crazier the freebie, the more she laughs.

Goodluck, these years will go quickly.

OMG you should write a book. I even printed out your ideas to take to the store....this is great

Sorry to be the spoiled sport about the air horn. Too many people have such different hours in a dorm. Many are working jobs, doing homework at all hours of the day, and slleping all different types of hours. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THIS. Even if he blows this off outside, it is still bound to disturb someone.

Now...cookies on the other hand - we send some to our nieces in college just about every year. A big batch of cookies will be a great ice breaker for anybody in close proximity of the dorm room! And...the worst that will happen is you get cookie crumbs, although our always arrive intact. We take two or three, and wrap them together in wax paper, and then pack a bunch of the mini-packs in a ziploc container with a lid. If it is perishable, we alsways send priority. Never had a problem with cookies. Brownies also travel well!

I wanted to send out cookies but thought they might end up crumbs....so I pack a few togeher and then put in a container...kind of tight?

My DD is off as a Freshman at Salem State... I miss her so much. I love this thread. I have gotten so many great ideas. I know she loves to get mail.
This is some of the stuff I sent.
A big box full of balls (the water balls that are foam) I got them for 90% off at cvs clearance with all the pool stuff. The box had about 30 balls in it with all colored tissue paper...it only cost 2.00 for about 8 bags I think...she was laughing so hard when she called me. She said everyone was throwing them in the hallways having so much fun.
I also got this stuffed dog thing at Walgreens clerance...it was 2.30 and you push the paw and it plays "Who let the dogs out?" she said they leave it in front of someones door, turn it on and run...its keeps getting passed around.
Fun Funky socks..and dorm,flannel pants. She said everyone wheres them all the time.I also sent one of those blankets..I cant remember the name... I got it at cvs..it is really a blanket but you can sit on it...its called..some kind of sheet thing. Anyway. She said they love to sit outside after dinner and sit on the lawn but end up with wet pants and she didnt want to sit on her bed blankets..she said everyone tries to get on it...its so funny Thats what I want to hear...laughing

 

[Golightly01]

How about movie passes to one of the theater chains in his area?

Or even a monthly subscription to Netflix? He can keep order the movies online, have them delivered to him and keep them as long as he wants with no late fees...

 

[smidgen21]

the closest mall to MSU

http://www.meridianmall.com/shop/meridian.nsf/index

The movie theater in the mall AMC

http://www.fandango.com/TheaterPage.aspx?location=48864&tid=AACZG

The closest big chain grocery store Meijer

http://www.meijer.com/home.jsp

Meijer has groceries plus everything else (it's like Super Walmart...only they've been around for about 50 years I think). The company was started right here in Michigan.

 

[clh2]

I wanted to send out cookies but thought they might end up crumbs....so I pack a few togeher and then put in a container...kind of tight?

:

Yes - definitely pack enough in the container so they can't move around!

I love the ideas of the things you sent your daughter! Of course...this is coming from someone who gave their niece a Brio Train Starter Set for a high school graduation present! Obviously...we knew she would love it...there is a background story to this selection...but it was perfect for her!

 

[Chicklogic]

the closest mall to MSU

http://www.meridianmall.com/shop/meridian.nsf/index

The movie theater in the mall AMC

http://www.fandango.com/TheaterPage.aspx?location=48864&tid=AACZG

The closest big chain grocery store Meijer

http://www.meijer.com/home.jsp

Meijer has groceries plus everything else (it's like Super Walmart...only they've been around for about 50 years I think). The company was started right here in Michigan.

Thanks

knew about Meijer because I grew up in Grand Rapids - they are the ORGINAL Walmart

But the mall and movie theater and local restaurant info is REALLY appreciated

I know next to nothing about Lansing as a whole and not really even in relation to MSU area ~ so

 

[flakypuff]

Yes - definitely pack enough in the container so they can't move around!

I love the ideas of the things you sent your daughter! Of course...this is coming from someone who gave their niece a Brio Train Starter Set for a high school graduation present! Obviously...we knew she would love it...there is a background story to this selection...but it was perfect for her!

I had the hardest time packing away my sons Brio Train Set....I loved to play with it so much.
That is one of those things...you Knew she would love it..and I bet she will never forget you gave it to her lots of memories being made...

 

[Fire14]

DS told me the other day he was down to his University of Michigan boxers (he's at Michigan State ) He just might be in danger of getting beat up over his underwear!

I could send osu ones in exchange for msu

 

[Chicklogic]

I could send osu ones in exchange for msu

Might just get him a less severe beating

OSU is at least further away than U of M But I guess at 6'6 they would have to climb on a chair to damage hs pretty face

 

[dakcp2001]

To the OP- from what I remember it doesnt matter what you put in there, he will LOVE IT! I used to just love getting the mail! And my mom used to put in special little notes/toys/snacks for my roomates and next door neighbors etc so when I would open it, a crowd would gather. Just make sure you put enough candy or cookies to share! My mom used to include pics of my pets. The paper plates& plastic silverware are huge!

Disnee mommee- I LOVE your ideas! Your kids must be the most popular on the floor. lol.


I especially remember loving getting soup, hot chocolate, mini marshmallows etc & cold medicines because I always seemed to get sick around finals and mid terms and it was nice to have all I needed to stay in & try to get better. Plus cold medicines were so expensive!


PS he wont need a sled, we just used cafeteria trays for sledding.

 

[aprilvaca04]

we just sent our oldest to DC. a few weeks ago. I have already sent her a couple of packages she says she loves getting the mail!! I Have a package going ot this week and so far in is
a couple of magazines
100 cal chocolate covered pretzels
razors
reeses cups
makeup removal wipes
gum
mints
nail polish
propel drink mix
next month a group of 10 of us is getting together all have kids in college we all bring 10 of one thing then we are making up packages for each kid I have already stocked up on the bags of lifesavers that were on sale at cvs a couple weeks ago.
I will keep a close eye on this thread, as I am always looking for different thing to include I plan on trying to send her out a least a couple packages a month as I said she loves the mail.
o yea the gift card to starbucks went over very well!!

My Mom used to send us "party packages" every few weeks. She would pick a theme (luau, halloween, any holiday coming up!) and would fill a box with decorations, part favor type things etc. Our large quad was always known as party central, and those small little things really brightened our day!

Everyone loves a Mom that sends anything at all though!!!

Great ideas...I will be borrowing some!!! Thanks

 

[NaplesRI]

How about adding in some highlighters in different colors? Bookmarks, or those little sticky things to mark pages?

Scissors if he doesn't already have some- they are handy for so many things.

Vicks- for that cold he will get. An ice pack for any injuries?

It is fun reading all the ideas on here!

 

[5 Disney Fans]

One of the favorite things I received was a bag of Blow Pops

An idea for your son: ITunes Gift Card (assuming he has an IPOD)

 

[Chicklogic]

PS he wont need a sled, we just used cafeteria trays for sledding.

I just spit my wine all over my computer screen

 

[Chicklogic]

How about adding in some highlighters in different colors? Bookmarks, or those little sticky things to mark pages?

Scissors if he doesn't already have some- they are handy for so many things.

Vicks- for that cold he will get. An ice pack for any injuries?

It is fun reading all the ideas on here!

GREAT Ideas Naples! I especially like the scissors idea!!

 

[Chicklogic]

I read somewhere that those little army parachute men were a huge hit......anyone see them anywhere recently???

 

[Chicklogic]

the closest mall to MSU

http://www.meridianmall.com/shop/meridian.nsf/index

The movie theater in the mall AMC

http://www.fandango.com/TheaterPage.aspx?location=48864&tid=AACZG

The closest big chain grocery store Meijer

http://www.meijer.com/home.jsp

Meijer has groceries plus everything else (it's like Super Walmart...only they've been around for about 50 years I think). The company was started right here in Michigan.

Hey Smidgen.....would you happen to know how far DS would have to carry/transport a pkg. to his dorm?? He is in D216 Emmons if that helps

Makes a difference if I send a 25lb pkg or 2 12 pounders!

 

[smidgen21]

I lived in Shaw but our mail came right to the front desk of our dorm. Every dorm I was ever in had a front desk in the lobby. I can't recall being in Emmons specifically...but assuming it's just like all the others he should only have to carry it upstairs to his room. If it's that big they do have cargo elevators

after looking at a campus map, he lives in Brody Complex. I was never in those dorms. They share a cafeteria, so I am not sure if they share a front desk. http://maps.msu.edu/interactive/

Also, he lives about 1.5 blocks from one of my favorite off campus restaurants...Harrison Roadhouse. It is great for before/after football games etc. http://www.harrisonroadhouse.com/

BTW I thought of something else today. My DH played HS sports and continues to follow the his HS team. His mom would save and send the papers with local HS sports reports in them (ie Saturday's paper had all the Friday night football scores etc).

Hey Smidgen.....would you happen to know how far DS would have to carry/transport a pkg. to his dorm?? He is in D216 Emmons if that helps

Makes a difference if I send a 25lb pkg or 2 12 pounders!