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Open when letters, also known as open when cards or open when labels, have become incredibly popular for parents to leave with their new college students on dorm move-in day. Filled with sweet sentiments and small gifts, open when cards are such a perfect way to be there for them just when they need you.
In our Dorm Shopping Recommendations Facebook group, we get hundreds of questions every summer with group members looking for open when letter ideas and suggestions for what to put inside.
At long last, we’ve collected so many of the great ideas, added some of our own and have come up with 54 Open When occasions and so many gift filler ideas to go with each one.
PLEASE NOTE: You don’t need to create 54 Open When envelopes or gifts! We tried to be comprehensive and include just about any occasion or situation your student may encounter, but please pick and choose the ones that will fit your student best.
The 54 Open When occasions are in the table below, each with corresponding ideas for what to send with each occasion (fillers).
You can handwrite and design your envelopes or labels for each of the Open When cards and gifts.
Or you can choose one of our designs to print at home – our sets of 54 labels correspond exactly to the list of filler ideas below. We prefer not to pre-print envelopes because many of these filler ideas will be better off in a box or a gift bag, so having the labels instead of envelopes gives you more flexibility.
Get 20% off Open When Labels August 16th and 17th with code MOVE!
Our Open When occasion labels are sized to print on 8.5″x11″ paper – there are 9 pages with 6 labels each. You can cut them and affix to 4″x6″ or 5″x7″ envelopes or gifts.
Or, to make life easier, our Open When labels are also designed to print on Avery 58164 shipping labels. Just print directly on the label sheets in your home printer, then peel off and stick to your envelope, box, wrapped gift or gift bag. You can buy these specific Avery labels at any office supply store or online at Amazon or Walmart.
As mentioned above, no pressure to use all 54! We’ve tried to cover all of the bases, but just use the labels that are most relevant to your student.
If you’re also looking for more significant gifts for move-in day, please see Sentimental Gift Ideas Perfect For College Move-In Day.
These instructions are specifically for those who purchased a 54 Open When Label Set from The Dorm Guide shop.
After placing your order, you will receive an email with a link to download your high-resolution PDF with the 54 printable labels (9 pages of 6).
To print at home:
Once the labels have printed, give them a few minutes to dry.
Suggestions for the appropriate-sized envelopes in many colors + gift bags and larger envelopes too.
If you need envelopes for your open when letters, cards, gifts, options from craft paper to colored envelopes are below. The labels are 3″x4″, so you’ll want envelopes at least 4″x6″.
Use gift bags for slightly larger items – staple or tape the top closed to keep your student in suspense!
When you have all of your packages assembled, take them to college in a box or bin with lid. Try to keep this out of sight from your student until you arrive in the dorm. Have the OPEN NOW gift out and ready to go when you’re about to leave.
This is always the big question. “I have the Open When labels, now what do I put inside each of the Open When cards or gifts?!”
We have ideas below for all 54 of the occasion labels that we’ve designed.
Please Note: Unless you know the roommates/suitemates are ok with scented items, do not include any scented items. The same goes for items with nuts. Too many people have migraine-inducing scent sensitivity or nut allergies that could be severe or anaphylactic.
As many of these are small and grocery type items, we’ve provided several options at Walmart. Just do one delivery order, and you’ll be all set for most of the occasions. Suggestions for non-grocery items are a mix of Amazon, Target and Walmart depending on who had the best selection and the best price at the time.
* Include a note explaining Open When letters and gifts, and a reminder for no peeking!
* A thoughtful sign, inspirational keychain, an everyday necklace.
* This book?
* For a more significant move-in gift, please see Sentimental Gift Ideas Perfect For College Move-In Day.
* Notes from family members.
* Family photo magnet for the fridge.
* Uno is a great way to meet people – everyone already knows how to play!
* A QR code that links to family picture album – maybe family members can hold We Miss You or You’ve Got This signs.
* Note with “1st day of school” sign so they can send you a picture! Some schools have backdrops out for this or there are templates on Canva to make your own.
* Creative ways to continue first day of school traditions. Gift card for donuts or schedule a Facetime over breakfast.
* Give them a little pep talk about checking email more than daily, getting to know their professors, and the importance of showing up!
* A few notes from family, friends and even pets – include pictures or turn the pictures into memes.
* A sweet reminder of something from home like favorite non-perishable snack (maybe one not allowed at home) or extra phone charging cables if those were always hard to come by at home.
* Ask them to text you with a code word (VISIT) to schedule their next visit home or your visit to school.
* Uber gift card.
* Night Cap drink cover scrunchie.
* Hydration packets, Ibuprofen, condoms?
* A pep-talk note and a reminder to put phone in Do Not Disturb mode while studying.
* Smarties candies (and some to share with classmates) or bags of SmartFood popcorn.
* Colorful index cards, a set of Post-It note pads and flags.
* Portable charger.
* Starbucks gift card.
* Energy drink packets.
* Energy bars.
* Meal-like snacks (Mac & Cheese Cups, Chicken Noodle Soup Cups, Hormel Compleats).
* Energy drink packets.
* Mini bags of microwave popcorn.
* Simple budget planner with expense tracker. Good life skill!
* $100,000 bar.
* Of course, some cash!
* A sweet note with a feel better soon message and some reminders from home/childhood when you don’t feel well.
* Permission to Instacart any OTC meds they may need.
* Tissues, cough drops, Vicks VapoRub, thermometer, fluffy socks, a soft blanket, hydration packets, hot/cold packs, chicken noodle soup packets, tea bags.
* Smiley stress balls – enough to share with friends.
* Calming essential oil roll on for wrist application.
* Native body wash to help make the next shower feel a bit like a spa experience.
* Stress relief tea.
* Mindfulness book with stress-reducing exercises.
* A funny card sure to bring a smile.
* Suggested list of family/friends who would love to hear from you.
* A Jellycat stuffed puppy or other animal
* And try to open a package of any of these and not smile!
– Haribou gummy bears
– Funfetti Chex Mix
– Baby Shark Fruit Snacks
* Write down a couple favorite or inside jokes on a note.
* Print a couple of funny memes about college.
* Recount a favorite embarrassing story about yourself or their sibling or pets.
* These stretchy smiley face bracelets.
* A note letting them know you believe in them and they can do it!
* This little “I’ve Got This” notepad.
* A gift card for a little sweet treat or caffeinated beverage.
* A suggested playlist with motivating songs. Put it together ahead of time and ask them to text you for a Spotify link.
* A little ‘You Rock’ note with a suggestion to do what they’re good at (go exercise, go shopping, put on fave outfit).
* Suggest some short-term easier to achieve goal setting.
* A gift card to a local nail salon or hair salon.
* Send a goal setting journal to help track accomplishments.
* A note suggesting they write down what’s making them happy to refer to on a tough day.
* A gift card for a treat for you & a friend – be thankful for your happiness and treat a friend that may be struggling.
* Take a few minutes to document gratitude in a Gratitude Journal.
* A request to Facetime mom or dad and let them know!
* A note with this quote “Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” – Erma Bombeck. You can find memes online you can print or just write it yourself.
* A reminder that rather than worry, do something productive such as go for a walk, meditate or ask a friend to join you for a coffee.
* Take a few minutes for mindfulness in your Five Minute Journal.
* If academics are a concern, suggest they make an appointment with the professor or a teaching assistant for the class, or setup a study group session.
* An encouraging note with a reminder that honesty is always the best policy and that taking accountability/apologizing is always the best first step. Include a reminder to forgive yourself and move on.
* The game of Sorry! This one is in a 10″ square box.
* A blank “I’m Sorry” card to send to the person who may need to hear an apology.
* Write out a new joke in a card and also include “Text JOKE to Mom (or Dad)” for more. Be ready with a few silly jokes or links to comedian shorts or written jokes. Here’s a collection of jokes related to college.
* How about a book of jokes that are also life lessons?
* A little orange gift bag with black tissue paper with their favorite Halloween candy, pics of them over the years in Halloween costumes, plastic spiders, orange and black crepe paper, and some other inexpensive decor for their dorm room.
* A Crumbl or Insomnia Cookie gift card (see what is near their campus).
* A Starbucks or coffee gift card.
* A protein packed brownie in a cup!
* A note with encouragement and a reminder to put phone in Do Not Disturb mode while studying. 🙂
* Smarties candies (and some to share with classmates) or bags of SmartFood popcorn.
* Colorful index cards, a set of Post-It note pads and flags.
* An eye mask to help take a good daytime nap if they were up late studying.
* Alani energy drink packets.
* A note that tells them to send you a text asking for a Virtual Hug.
* Have a cute animated graphic or virtual hug video ready to send back when you receive it!
* Include a few kisses (Hershey) and hugs (gummy bear hugs) with a warming neck wrap or other comfort item.
* A sweet note or poem to let them know they will never be alone.
* A list of family/family friends to text or call along with suggested topics (text Uncle Bob @ math or cousin Sue @ college football).
* Cash or gift card to invite a friend to dinner.
* A reminder that life will bring anger and frustration at times but to use those times as moments to learn and grow.
* Include these perfect for college stress balls.
* For a less physical (than stress balls) release, include a simple journal to give them a place to get the frustration off their chest.
* “Cup of Calm” tea bags.
* Send them a link to watch The Hangover movie on their streaming service.
* Include a small box with Liquid IV or Gatorade packets, Tums, ibuprofen, cooling eye mask.
* Consider a gift card for a greasy meal at locations such as Waffle House or McDonalds.
* This 6-pack of Starbucks double hot chocolate packets. Enough to share!
* This 3-pack of hand warmers.
* Fleece-lined headbands.
* Fuzzy socks.
* A movie-night out: include gift cards for a local theater with enough for popcorn & a drink.
* Or a movie-night in with microwave popcorn, movie theater candy,
* If you want to really big, send one of these portable projectors to take to the lounge in the dorm or show on their dorm room ceiling! It looks big but is only 8″x6″x3″.
* It is probably a good idea to skip the confetti, but metallic balloons are a good idea. Let the students blow them up.
* Write out Congratulations! on this letter board (it includes emojis as well) and send the rest of the letters along for the roommates to use for future messages and events.
* A small coffee shop gift card to go out for a treat.
* A ‘you’ll get through this note’ with encouragement and reminders of making through previous tough times.
* Send a little something that holds things together – some drawer organizers, thin wallet, cute wristlet.
* This cute desk organizer set with all the things to keep things together.
* Write a note on bright paper or a bright index card (I use these at home all the time).
* Include some bright items like neon sticky notes, colorful goldfish crackers, colored pens.
* If allowed, consider colorful LED fairy lights or LED strip lights (can go behind the TV, monitor or along the side of the bed).
* A note or card with encouraging phrases about never giving up such as “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt.
* An encouraging item for their room like this jewelry dish or this motivational Morse Code bracelet (good for guys).
* An encouraging message on a keychain.
* A reminder that crying is a good way of releasing stress and emotion!
* A pocket-sized Kleenex package.
* Under-eye patches or depuffer stick.
* Some of their favorite candy or snacks.
* If you can dream it, draw it! Blank sketch pad.
* When ideas pop in your head, write them down! Brilliant Ideas Launch Pad Journal.
* Need a few supplies to bring your creativity to life? Michaels or Hobby Lobby gift card.
* Bored? Great, that means you have transitioned to college life and academic demands successfully! Here are some things to keep you busy when you do have time on your hands.
* A Brain Health Puzzle Book.
* Create a list of scavenger hunt items for them to go find around campus and take a picture. For each one, Venmo them $1 or $5 or vary it based on difficulty.
* A Turkish towel/blanket to go sit outside and do some campus people watching.
* A note reminding them about how little space there is in the dorm and to donate or recycle something to make room.
* Cash or a gift card to their favorite local store.
* A note reminding them hard work can overcome tough luck.
* Small Lucky Horseshoe necklace.
* A small box of Lucky Charms cereal.
* A reminder that a good night’s sleep will help with memory recollection possibly even more than another hour of memorizing!
* Pair of silk eye masks.
* Relaxing roll-on essential oil.
* A bright yellow rise and shine note!
* Include gift card for favorite local coffee place or favorite Keurig pods.
* Caffeine/energy packets to mix with water.
* Not a coffee drinker? Send tea bags or dark chocolate covered coffee or espresso beans.
* A reminder to ask friends to contribute if you’re one of the few with a car.
* Include a print out of this gas meme.
* Include cash or a gas station gift card.
* A note reminding them that this happens to everyone and that failure is how we learn!
* Include hot chocolate bombs, bath bombs or coffee bombs.
* A box of Airheads candy (if they can handle the joke!).
* A note reminding them that a good walk and fresh air can fix most anything.
* Create a motivating Spotify playlist for them & share with a QR code.
* Create a list of safe nearby parks or open spaces.
* A list of new places to visit near the school and suggestions for how to get there.
* An Uber gift card to take you and a friend somewhere new to explore.
* Cash or Visa gift card to use for entry fees or supplies.
* A custom pet pillow. Visit the Dorm Shopping Group discounts post for the current 25% off code at All About Vibe – the absolute best manufacturer of custom pet pillows.
* A note from their pets at home with printed pictures.
* Have them text you “PETS” and have a video response ready with a cute video compilation of the pets. If you want to get creative, look at ways to add voice overs to the video in the voice of your pet.
* Have each sibling write a special note to the new college student and include a few favorite pictures.
* Have each sibling also pick out a special treat to include and write their own note with the reason they selected it.
* A sweet note along with a framed family picture for their desk or nightstand.
* Include an IOU for a special outing you have planned for their next visit home (eg: trip to ice cream shop, family game night, etc).
* A simple green t-shirt to wear so they don’t get pinched! This is a mix of men’s & women’s with print, characters and solids.
* Include a few limericks. Here some college-related limericks, high-brow academic limericks & 100 general funny limericks.
* A bag of gold wrapped chocolate coins. Enough to share.
* Some St. Patrick’s Day room decor (might be hard to find in advance though).
* A reminder about the importance of good decisions, the buddy system and always having a DD or Uber plan.
* A small tube of sunscreen.
* A beach towel or Turkish towel.
* A simple, foldable beach bag.
* A gift card to the school bookstore for a new hat.
* A note letting them know how much you love and miss them on this first Valentine’s away from home.
* Any kind of candy or family gift traditions that you can wrap up ahead of time.
* A bag of Valentine’s Hershey Kisses (or regular kisses if Valentine’s edition aren’t available).
* Some Valentine’s Day room decor (if you can find it in advance).
* You’re only weeks away from finishing up your freshman year – keep up the hard work!
* A small package of Kleenex tissues.
* Allergy meds if they’re not already in their First Aid Kit.
* A note describing a few happy memories from childhood with pics if possible.
* A few favorite snacks or school supplies from childhood.
* Pictures taken of key pages in their baby book, scrapbooks or yearbooks. You could even take a bunch of pictures and put them into an album that you can share with them when they text to ask (put that in your note).
* Obviously, a heartfelt note is perfect for this one.
* Include special touches that are family traditions or sayings.
* Include heart-shaped chocolate or a heart-shaped frame with a favorite picture.
* Let them know you are counting down the days to Thanksgiving or Winter Break or whenever you will see them next.
Getting ready for college is all we do at The Dorm Guide (formerly Positively Squared Away)!
If you’re looking for a more significant and sentimental gift for move-in day, please see Sentimental Gift Ideas Perfect For College Move-In Day.
For a smooth move-in day, see our Packing & Move-In Day Plan that starts a few weeks out, provides a packing plan, an order to loading the car and the steps to take when you arrive at the dorm on move-in day. Step #1 – start your fan. Step #2 – a little light cleaning….
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Robin says:
I felt like the list of ideas for the open when envelopes was repetitive. Many of the ideas were really only appropriate for girls. I appreciate the effort, but just maybe a few ideas to help more people in the future.
Lara Becker says:
Thank you so much for this feedback, Robin!