the power of a care package

• Share:

Sep 04 1:30 PM posted by Team Ricki

Friend of Ricki Louise Sattler is an old pro when it comes to packing up care packages for her college kids. Good news for the rest of those parents sending kids off to college, she's willing to share her tips for sending a little taste of home.

Friend of Ricki Louise Sattler: This is the seventh time that I have prepared the “back-to-college survival box." It's a family tradition for any college student's first week at school.  While I don’t cook nor bake much, I include goodies to share that will help even a college freshman make friends. Don't have a kid headed to college? The care package can also be customized for a sick friend, a relative who moved away or just to let someone know you are thinking of them.

Here are the back-to-college care package contents:

A PEZ dispenser  Yep, nothing says, “Be my friend” more than a PEZ dispenser and tons of spare candy.  Both of my kids said this was a great way to break the ice. Note: Consider including more than one for the roommate(s).

Cup of … soup, mac and cheese or cereal  So many products come in instant cup form and can be a source of instant “brain food” for your late night student.

Sports memorabilia Think: college team pennant or t-shirt.

Homemade brownies, cookies or other goodies  It doesn’t have to be from “scratch,” box-made brownies can also serve as “sweetness from home."

Gift cards I usually add an iTunes gift card which I understand is often the roommates favorite gift, too!

Unexpected cash I label an envelope with "BREAK OPEN WHEN IN NEED OF EMERGENCY PIZZA MONEY."

A handwritten note As they take that huge step toward independence, it's still nice to know how proud and excited we are as they embark on a new milestone.

In closing,  while others may celebrate the new school year with their own family traditions, we started ours with a trip to the post office this weekend.  Off went three “new school year” boxes. The PEZ dispenser is right on top.

Who would you make a care package for and what would you include?

Louise Sattler is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, the owner of Signing Families, co-founder of 411 Voices and a contributor to Education.com. She lives in Southern California.