College Student Gift Baskets??

[Pam]

My DD is heading off for her freshman year of college next week.

I received a brochure in the mail from the housing association (or some such place) about buying welcome gift baskets for the students. To be honest, they didn't appear to be that great - and they were pretty pricey.

I stuck the brochure up and forgot about it, and of course missed the deadline to order one. Now I have decided that I would like to have something delivered to her dorm room after we leave. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I did a search on google and found a really nice Burt's Bees gift basket for $29.50. She loves these products. I thought it might be nicer than one stuffed with snacks. What do you think?

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I like making my own gift baskets for various things.

But if you are choosing between snacks and a basket with products she likes and can use, I'd say go with the Burts Bees.

 

[GoofItUp]

I think the Burt's Bees basket sounds really neat. We use to get boxes from the ladies class at church when I was in college. Those were packed with snacks and really good, too. Whatever is in the basket is not as important as the good feeling that somebody is thinking about you!

 

[CEDmom]

I think making one of your own would be a good idea. You could put some of her favorite bath and beauty products in there, maybe a pre-paid phone card, a gift card to a store near school, some of her favorite snacks, cool pens, post-its etc. You'd more than likely get more bang for your buck doing on your own and it would be much more personal.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by CEDmom
I think making one of your own would be a good idea. You could put some of her favorite bath and beauty products in there, maybe a pre-paid phone card, a gift card to a store near school, some of her favorite snacks, cool pens, post-its etc. You'd more than likely get more bang for your buck doing on your own and it would be much more personal.

This is so true.

Here is a picture of the gift basket I made for my friend to welcome her new pet kitten :

I put this together for around $26 (including the basket, ribbon and shredded paper at the bottom of the basket). I saw baskets online that had WAY less stuff that were selling for $70.

 

[hercamore]

iI have a DD in college (3rd year) and DS is starting grad school next week.

So, I am familiar iwth all the college junk mailings sent out. Those baskets are not all that great and way too expensive for what you receive.

The Burt Bees basket sounds great or make your own as suggested.

However, I found that my kids like receiving weekly mail from home better than a one time basket. I would put gift certifs from diff fast food places, fancy penn/pencils, lip chap, stickers, movie tickets, fancy post its Starbucks stores are really popular on most campuses. You can order those gift cards online and have them sent directly to student.

herc.

 

[amid chaos]

Don't forget to throw in a roll of quarters for laundry. I sent Norah a box every week during her first semester..I had a ball. Sometimes it was snacks and around halloween she got decorations and candy. I also found a local store that has little painted wooden blocks with local businesses. She got a new one every few weeks and has quite a collection to make her think of home.

 

[brerrabbit]

The mailers you get seem a little expensive. We got them last year when our son was a Freshman and are getting a lot again this year. My DW is a member of The Aggie Moms Club. Each semester before finals at their monthly meeting each member buys a snack or drinks, or something else the students could use. They buy enough for every one in the groups kids and then go around the room and drop one of each item into bags they have decorated for their own student. When they leave the meeting they have a goodie bag to send the student for finals. It's a pretty neat package for the students to receive going into finals. ( And yes my son goes to Texas A&M and is an AGGIE)

 

[Kallison]

I vote for chocolate and caffeine!!

 

[Jockaroo]

I remember living in the dorms--years ago! I love the idea of doing a smaller box each month. It can get lonely, especially the first semester. My mom sent cards and small items all the time. I'd even get cards for Ground Hog Day. Regular contact from home is so important. I love your Burt's Bees basket idea. Do you know what the room mate situation is? If a gift basket with really nice stuff comes all at once, it is possible the room mate will guilt your daughter into "sharing". I few nice Burts Bees items slipped into the smaller boxes throughout the semester would be nice too.

One college student item that is often overlooked--a good flashlight! These are always welcomed. Also, umbrellas. These things walked off in my dorms like you wouldn't believe! Avoid solid navy, black, etc. Get something crazy and funky--it is easier to track down! Hope she has a great year!

 

[Pam]

Wow - great input! Thanks, guys!!

However, I found that my kids like receiving weekly mail from home better than a one time basket. I would put gift certifs from diff fast food places, fancy penn/pencils, lip chap, stickers, movie tickets, fancy post its Starbucks stores are really popular on most campuses. You can order those gift cards online and have them sent directly to student.

I already have the closet full of stuff to do this!
I bought what amid chaos mentioned - Halloween items for her to decorate with and everything!

I wanted a nice little Welcome Basket that will be delivered to her when she's probably feeling a wee bit scared and alone. I think I will go for the Burt's Bee one - there was quite a lot of nice stuff in it!

Esmeralda - that's a great looking basket you made!

Can you believe that she lucked out as a freshman and got her own room? At first she was upset - but now she's pretty happy!

Jockaroo - we have the nice flashlight - never thought about the umbrella! We're so used to her having everything in her car - but she's leaving that at home.