This is a partnered post. All opinions are mine alone.
Many parents sent their kids off to college this year. During this transition, emotions most likely went between excitement and nervousness for parents and their first year college students. Once everyone has settled into their new routines, parents may find themselves feeling like empty nesters. Oh the joys of a quiet home, and lack of those little annoyances like piles of shoes left in the doorway or laundry to pick up off the floor.
Meanwhile their kids are on their way to adulthood, exploring their new surrounds, making new friends, and busy with college life. Which means less phones calls to check in with mom and dad.
So what better way for parents to remind their kids how much they care than a surprise college care package filled with their child’s favorite things!
Thankfully the boys are way too young to head off to college, however Nate’s youngest sister just began her first semester just a few hours from home. I was working on a care package filled with her favorite things to send off to her, when I received an email from MyVanilla pre-paid cards with tips on how to get your college student to call home. They recommended sending along a reloadable gift card, where parents can add more money onto the card when they feel necessary. Sending a pre-paid card is much safer than sending cash too! The MyVanilla cards can be used wherever Visa is accepted, making it very convenient for students.
I decided to include a MyVanilla pre-paid card in my sister in laws college care package and a funny thing happened: she called us! We hear from her on social media and by text from time to time, but the tip to include a pre-paid card with her care package totally worked!
Her college care package also included her favorite snacks and drink, make-up, magazines, and a special note from the kids drawn on the inside of the box. She raved about how much she loved everything inside and thanked us for the nice box of goodies.
If you are a parent who’s recently become an empty nester, consider sending off a favorite things care package to remind them of home. I bet you’ll get that phone call you’ve been hoping for. 😉
Maria H says
That is a really cute idea! 🙂
Jennifer H says
Thanks 🙂
Erin Ellis says
I would have loved a care package like that when I was in college!
Teresa Foskey says
Such a great idea. It really is the little things like a package from home that means so much. And it doesn’t have to be just a college student. you can send then to nieces and nephews or just a friend to say Im thinking about you. 🙂
Jennifer H says
Very true Teresa! 🙂
BobbiJo Clarke says
Love it!!
Just Only Home says
I’ve got a gal college bound next year. Thanks for the great ideas. Pinned it!
LittleCrunchy says
Gift boxes are loved by all so why not college students too. I love the one you put together!
Jesica H says
I love this idea, i can think of a few people who could use a care package!
Janell says
I am visiting from the Frugal Friday Link Up Party. I would have loved to have received an awesome care package like this in college. I am sure a lot of parents with college bound students will find this post very helpful! Thanks for sharing.