College Drop-Off Carepackage for Mom??

[emma'smom]

Background:
One of my colleagues (who is also my friend) is taking her oldest child (daughter) to college next week at a great school about 2.5 hours away. She shared all the milestones with us during the college search process and is, ultimately, genuinely thrilled and excited for her daughter to be making this wonderful step into the next phase of her life. That said....as the weeks become days left until drop-off, there have been a few tears (among all of us) here and there and I know that "drop-off day" will be a hard one for her.

So here's my question:
I'd like to do something simple, but nice for her to find on her return to her office. Something cute and "light" to make her smile, but to also acknowledge the parental milestone (akin to that "kindergarten drop-off bag" idea that goes around that includes tissues/tea/Hershey kisses---but a college version). Does anyone have any ideas? Ultimately empathy, hugs, jokes and laughter are likely our best offerings...but still, I'd like to do something fun!!

Note--and my turn will be coming in just a few years, so perhaps I'm particularly empathetic!

 

[Southernmiss]

Background:
One of my colleagues (who is also my friend) is taking her oldest child (daughter) to college next week at a great school about 2.5 hours away. She shared all the milestones with us during the college search process and is, ultimately, genuinely thrilled and excited for her daughter to be making this wonderful step into the next phase of her life. That said....as the weeks become days left until drop-off, there have been a few tears (among all of us) here and there and I know that "drop-off day" will be a hard one for her.

So here's my question:
I'd like to do something simple, but nice for her to find on her return to her office. Something cute and "light" to make her smile, but to also acknowledge the parental milestone (akin to that "kindergarten drop-off bag" idea that goes around that includes tissues/tea/Hershey kisses---but a college version). Does anyone have any ideas? Ultimately empathy, hugs, jokes and laughter are likely our best offerings...but still, I'd like to do something fun!!

Note--and my turn will be coming in just a few years, so perhaps I'm particularly empathetic!

Sweet idea.

I've got 2 in college now and just sent #3 to school exactly a year ago today. (Older child has already graduated. )

In addition to the items in the kindergarten care package, I'd add a mug and comfy shirt of the student's college.

I know when my kids are away, I like wearing a shirt from their college as a way to feel closer to them, especially when I know they're facing a big exam or homesickness or their teams are playing. Makes me feel like I'm supporting them in my own way at home, even when I can't be there..

 

[Imzadi]

I'd add a mug and comfy shirt of the student's college.

In addition to the mug and college shirt, maybe add microwave popcorn and a $5;$10 gift card to Amazon, so she can download a couple movies or books the first few nights when she's sitting home alone, in the shirt and drinking a soothing drink, and feeling the emptiness of the house. Even people who don't have Amazon Prime can rent individual movies/TV shows without a Prime membership. Maybe include a list of feel good movies as suggestions she can watch alone or with the kids still at home, as they may be feeling the emptiness too.

 

[Southernmiss]

In addition to the mug and college shirt, maybe add microwave popcorn and a $5;$10 gift card to Amazon, so she can download a couple movies or books the first few nights when she's sitting home alone, in the shirt and drinking a soothing drink, and feeling the emptiness of the house. Even people who don't have Amazon Prime can rent individual movies/TV shows without a Prime membership. Maybe include a list of feel good movies as suggestions.

Great idea!

My 2 boys go to the college featured in the movie Blindside.

When we got home from dropping the older son there 4 years ago, I was pitiful. The school is 5 hours away.

Coincidentally, when I settled in for the night that movie was playing on tv that night. I boohooed as I watched it, but it was a big sign and comfort to me that he would be okay.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Since she is a friend as well as a work colleague, try to think of a hobby/avocation she has or wants to explore and "feed" that.

 

[Chelley00]

I had a friend print off a wine label that said "Mom's Pity Party" and put it on a bottle of wine. She does it for everyone who has a kid going to college. It's so much fun, especially when she offers to stay and help you drink it so you aren't alone She's helped me send two of my kids off.

 

[Imzadi]

Coincidentally, when I settled in for the night that movie was playing on tv that night. I boohooed as I watched it, but it was a big sign and comfort to me that he would be okay.

I was just thinking of what movies I'd put on a list. I think some school/college movies that the OP's friend can hope/wish her daughter will have, would be great. I hadn't thought of Blindside.

A few movies I thought of are:

First Daughter: Katie Holmes plays the daughter of the American president, (Michael Keaton,) who goes off to college. It's about her growing up, striking out for some independence and finding herself. It's a very sweet movie, co-written by Jerry O"Connell and directed by actor/director, Forest Whitaker.

Dead Poet's Society: with Robin Williams stretching & growing his students. It has that iconic, "Oh Captain! My Captain!" scene at the end.

Mona Lisa Smile: another teacher who really fights to grow her students. Pretty much all the female actresses who were "students" did become well established actresses. So, maybe all the learning wasn't just in the movie.

 

[kimblebee]

What a nice idea!

I will hint that someone does something like this for me when my daughter moves across the country in November.

What about a nice framed photo of the two of them?