The hard part is behind you now. Move-in day is an exhausting and emotional time for all involved, but a wonderful milestone in our lives that we’ll always remember. Now that you’ve tackled that big day, you may be thinking about sending them a little “I’m thinking of you” gift or even a care package with a few items inside.

This article is full of care package ideas that are $10 or under, as of the time of publication. These ideas are sorted by category below to help if you’d like to create a ‘themed’ care package.

A Little Help To Meet New People

• 3 Pack Door Stoppers – Didn’t know to bring these move-in day? It isn’t too late to prop that door open to invite new neighbors to stop in and say hello.
• UNO Emoji Version
• Yahtzee!
• Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Game
• Playing Cards + Poker Chips
• Taylor Swift Mad Libs!
• Ping Pong Balls – When there is a ping-pong table in your dorm or nearby but never any uncrushed ping-pong balls!
• Microwave Popcorn – Host a movie night, or bring a few bags to a movie or show watching event in your dorm or nearby.

Little Helpers – Common Dorm Solutions After Move-In

• Mesh Laundry Bags – Commercial laundry machines too rough or losing your favorite or delicate items? Pop them in a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the machine.
• Boot Tray – May be a little large for a care package, but a great solution when you need a place to put wet shower caddies, shower shoes and umbrellas.
• To-Do List Notepad – Prefer to keep track of it all with pen and paper but not a whole planner solution?
• Cord Management Clips– Under $10 with current 40% off coupon. Or if cords need corralling up to lofted beds or around the desk or nighstand, velcro ties are another option.
• Extra Phone Charging Cords – Because there are never enough, and one has probably already gone missing!
• LED Strip Lights – Overhead light too harsh? Add a little fun ambient light behind the TV or anywhere in the room. Be sure these are allowed in their dorm.
• Poo-Pourri
• Legging Hangers
• Collapsible Over Door Clothes Hanger– A place to hang dry delicate clothes or bathrobes, or use to plan what to pack for a trip or layout your outfit for tomorrow.
• Complete Sewing Kit – Need an emergency repair to your favorite outfit?

Care Package Items To Help Relax

• Zen Coloring Book
• Self-sharpening Colored Pencils
• Pair of Silk Eye Masks – Take a nap during the day or get to sleep when your roommate is up late studying.
• Calming Essential Oil Roll-On Balm – – Additional essences available for other purposes (sleep, allergies, etc).
• Simple Smiley Face Banner – Add a little happy to the room.

Self-Care Package Ideas

• Manicure/Clipper Set – One of those things that might have been overlooked when packing for college.
• Dove Men’s Care Ultra Hydra Cream – Because guys get dry hands and itchy skin too. 6 of these small containers to pop into the backpack, shower caddy and even his car.
• Spa Headband & Wristbands – A friend gave me wristbands like this, and they are a GAME CHANGER when washing your face and wearing long sleeves!
• Fuzzy Slippers – Waterproof sole, good for community baths.
• Vitamin C Shea Sugar Scrub
• Burt’s Bees Face Masks
• Relax & Unwind Face Mask Set
• Birthday Cake eos Lip Balm (other flavors available)
• Pair of Satin Pillowcases – Good for skin and hair.
• Mighty Patch (for blemishes)
• Mix:Bar Hair & Body Mist – Great smelling and trending with college students!
• Gummy Multi-Vitamin – Not getting enough fruit and veggies at the dining hall?
• Set of 5 Makeup Brushes With Tray
• Mindfulness For Teens In 10 Minutes A Day (book)

Food & Beverage Care Package Ideas

• Microwave Pasta/Ramen Cooker – A favorite 100% virgin Phthalate and BPA free plastic. The handle protects you from hot surfaces & the steam vent keeps things clean. Large 31oz size.
• 5-Pack Beef Jerky – Not getting enough protein?
• Pepperidge Farm Cookie Collection – Old favorites all in one box.
• Girl Scouts Thin Mints Waffle Cone Snacks – A classic taste from childhood.
• Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Squares – Easy to share and everyone loves them!
• Magnetic Dry Erase Board – Keep track of grocery lists with roommates.
• Microwave splatter cover – Microwave already getting messy? It is much easier to clean this than the whole inside of the microwave!
• Water Bottle Brush – It can be hard to clean water bottles if your only sink is in the bathroom. Make it easier with a bottle brush.
• Milk Frother – Take their coffee game up a notch with a fun milk frother.

Getting Ready For Football Season

• Clear Stadium Bag – Is a school color one of the available colors?
• College Logo Stickers – Add to your clear bag, your water bottle, your laptop.
• SunBum Lip Balm – So important for sunny days!
• Purse-Sized Sunscreen – Put on sunscreen back at the dorm from a full-size bottle but use this to reapply once you’ve left the dorm.
• Liquid IV Drink Mix – Before a day outside in the sun, be sure to hydrate! You may need this the next day too. 🙂
• Clear Rain Poncho – On those days you don’t need as much sunscreen…

Car Gifts

• Scented diffusers
• Windshield Sun Shade
• Yankee Candle Scented Car Hangers
• Drive Safe & Don’t Do Stupid Sh!t

Care Package Ideas From Siblings & Pets

• Sweet ‘Love You Sis’ Bag
• Sweet Brother Keychain
• Girl Who Loves Dogs Bag
• 5×7 Picture Frame – Fill with a picture of the sibling or the pet(s)

Premium Retailer Memberships

Want a ‘free’, quick and easy gift with no shipping and packing? Send your student the gift of an Amazon Prime Young Adult membership! The first 6-months are free and then $7.49/month. Verify with proof of age or college enrollment.

You could also consider Target Circle 360 which is Target’s premium membership for shipping as well as same-day deliveries from the store. If you are already college student verified in order to receive the 20% off student coupon, you can automatically subscribe to Target Circle 360 at the student rate of $4.99/month. This includes all Shipt marketplace retailers including Costco and Publix!

Walmart’s Walmart+ Student is similar to Target Circle 360 and is currently offering 50% off their annual membership to college students. You’d need to go through the verification process first which looks like the same 3rd party process as Target’s. Like Target, this includes premium shipping plus same-day delivery from the store. While this only includes Walmart, there are additional benefits such as 25% off Burger King everyday, saving 10 cents per gallon at Exxon, Mobile and Walmart gas stations, and a free Paramount+ streaming membership.

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