Young Adults The Best Ready-Made Care Packages for College Kids From dinner, home decor, and more, these sites do the package work for you By Sharon Greenthal Sharon Greenthal LinkedIn Sharon Greenthal is a writer and editor who specializes in parenting, midlife, empty nesting, and marriage. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 13, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Shereen Lehman, MS Fact checked by Shereen Lehman, MS Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig). Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The transition from high school to college is a difficult, yet exciting time for young adults (and their parents). One way to support your college student is to stay connected without being overbearing. Most college kids enjoy hearing from family and friends back home, and they're often short on cash and a little bit hungry. That makes care packages a great way to say, "We're thinking about you." Reviewed & Approved Smiles From Home sends large care packages or sweet and simple smiley face mugs with a few special treats for a fun pick-me-up. For care packages they can share with friends, we suggest Tastefully Simple. Brighten your college student's day (and take time off your hands) by sending a ready-made care package that can be ordered online. Care packages should be convenient for you and fun (or delicious!) for your studious college kid. We carefully considered convenience, taste, value, and design when reviewing products. Here are the best sites that make sending a care package to your college student easier. Our Top Picks Smiles From Home at Smilesfromhome.com Jump to Review Man Crates at Mancrates.com Jump to Review Tastefully Simple at Tastefullysimple.com Jump to Review Gourmet Gift Baskets at Gourmet Gift Baskets Jump to Review Our Campus Market at Ocm.com Jump to Review TetherBox at Mysubscriptionaddiction.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Smiles From Home Courtesy of Smiles From Home View On Smilesfromhome.com Smiles From Home ranks high on our list because this site sends large care packages or sweet and simple smiley face mugs with a few special treats to your college student for a fun pick-me-up. With a variety of gift cards, snacks, and other items, their packages will brighten any day. Man Crates Courtesy of Man Crates View On Mancrates.com A huge variety of gifts for the young man at college is available at Man Crates. The website has several categories of gift packages, each with distinct packaging. The wooden crate comes with a mini crowbar for (not so) easy opening, which only adds to the fun. Available gifts include the bacon crate, the "cowpocalypse" crate, and many more. While some are suitable only for ages 21 and older, there are lots to choose from for younger guys, too. Tastefully Simple Courtesy of Tastefully Simple View On Tastefullysimple.com Many dorm rooms and apartments have microwaves, and Tastefully Simple has the perfect surprise for your favorite student with a sweet tooth. The Churro Mini Donut Mix makes cinnamon-flavored treats in minutes using the included donut pan. Your child can also bake the mix in a mug to create a microwavable cake. Send a few extra to share with roommates, dormmates, and friends. Gourmet Gift Baskets Courtesy of Gourmet Gift Baskets View On Gourmet Gift Baskets Do you need a gift sent right away? Maybe your young adult is under the weather, has a rough weekend of studying ahead, or just broke up with their significant other. Gourmet Gift Baskets can help with same-day delivery of abundant and delicious gift packages that will cheer anyone up. While these are on the more expensive side, the quick response and delivery time can be worth it. Our Campus Market Courtesy of Our Campus Market View On Ocm.com For all things collegiate, head to Our Campus Market. Send your student a package that's already curated or make your own custom care package. TetherBox Courtesy of TetherBox View On Mysubscriptionaddiction.com TetherBox goes straight to the source when it comes to picking out care packages for college students; they tap other college students. You decide whether to do a monthly, once-a-semester, or annual plan and on your schedule, a package handpicked by your college student's peers is shipped out. No more worrying about ordering something special for a regular bit of love. TetherBox does it for you. When sending a package filled with things the student can eat, use, and enjoy immediately, also include gift cards so your student can stock up on needed items and small luxuries. Most students appreciate cards for: Target, Walmart, or AmazonCosmetics or spaRestaurants or fast foodMovie theatersStarbucks or other coffee shops Home decor or home improvement storesBed and bath stores Finals week needs a different approach. Instead of sending cookies, which send blood sugar skyward, then crashing to earth, send a healthful assortment of snacks and other care items, such as: Beef jerky or hard salamiCalming herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, or honey gingerDried fruits and nutsInstant soups and oatmealWhole-grain crackers and nut butterLavender-scented lotion or pillow for stress relief What to Look for in Ready-Made Care Packages for College Kids Convenience A key factor in a ready-made care package for college students is convenience. Choose a product that saves you time and energy—and that will delight your college student. If it's easy, you've got a winner. Taste It's no secret that college students tend to be hungry. Plus, even the best cafeteria food gets tiresome, So, college students are going to be thrilled with any care package filled with tasty foods they love. Fun A care package filled with a variety of cool foods, products, and other items will make any college student happy. Pick items that align with their interests for added fun. You can include items they need or simply want. Regardless, they will likely be thrilled have some new stuff that reminds them they are loved. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of care packages? Care packages remind college students that their loved ones are thinking of them. It is an act of service and love to send a care package. It is also simply fun and motivating for college students (or anyone) to get a fun package of gifts in the mail. What item should every care package include? You can include any items you want in a care package. You know your college student best, so aim to include whatever items you think they will enjoy most. For many college students, key products will be treat or food-related, but some students may prefer clothing, bath products, gift cards, or other items. How often should I send a care package to college students? How often you send care packages is completely up to you. However, they will surely be appreciated whenever you send them. Once a quarter is a good rule. They are especially nice for kids to receive around finals or any time they might be feeling lonely or overwhelmed. By Sharon Greenthal Sharon Greenthal is a writer and editor who specializes in parenting, midlife, empty nesting, and marriage. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit