Five Ideas for an Awesome Care Package

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Ah, college.  The days of working your schedule to make sure you only had class two or three times a week, big plans every weekend, and studying hard while living off ramen noodles and air.  Sure, there are a few downsides: missing your friends at home, less convenient laundry access and no big pantry full of excellent snack options.  That’s where you come in: college is the PERFECT time for care packages stuffed with practical foods, treats and a little bit of home.  Read on for five simple tips brought to you by the new #AmazonWishList!

*Know Their Favorites*

One of my favorite care packages in college?  A box stuffed with several packages of my favorite Easter candy, a recipe for my favorite biscuits and (NO LIE) two cans of tuna.  Apparently there was space left in the box and my mom thought I could use some protein.  Lucky for her I love canned tuna!  And that’s the kicker: sure, your co-ed is going to appreciate whatever you send, but it’s even more special to know what their favorites are and send them in the box.  

Since we’re talking about preferences, Amazon.com JUST rolled out their latest feature: just add the hashtag #AmazonWishList to any tweet and the item mentioned is automatically added to their wishlist.  BRILLIANT.  From there, all you need is the link to their wish list and you can tuck a few wished for items inside your package.  (And don’t worry- they won’t be notified if something is bought off the list so it can stay a surprise.)

(Here’s what you get if you search for Bill Gates’ wish list: an easy list of items you know your recipient loves, ready to just add right to your cart.)

*Include Comfort Food*

I’m not sure there’s anything more comforting that a steaming bowl of KRAFT Macaroni and Cheese.  It’s a classic for a reason!  Did you know they even have an easy microwave version (perfect for a dorm kitchen?)  You can learn all about it here.  The reason this easy, familiar snack is perfect?  It’s accessible to students without much cooking experience, tastes like home and (honestly) is pretty hard to screw up.  

*Add A Personal Touch*

Are you a crafter?  Maybe you make a mean chocolate chip cookie?  Add a special touch direct from you- it’s exactly what someone craves when they’ve been away from home for a while.  My favorite care package cookie is my signature Carla-Mel Squares, the cookie we revamped and shipped out to fellow food bloggers last December!

*Don’t Forget Snack Foods*

Studying on an empty stomach is tough, but sometimes you feel like you just don’t have enough time to make a whole meal (even one that is done in four minutes like that mac and cheese!)  For those times, I love including easy snack foods like trail mix or nuts.  Planter’s Dry Roasted Peanuts aren’t just nutritious and full of protein (7g!), they’re also incredibly portable and easy to store.

*Put Some Work Into a Personal Card or Letter*

When Alyssa and I reminisced about our favorite packages to come up with this list, she brought up one of the best tips: the card.  It’s great to get a bunch of goodies in the mail, but receiving some wisdom and advice and love in a warm, handwritten card just can’t be beat.  Don’t forget to tuck some encouragement into your package, it will absolutely go a long way.  We also love homemade cards, and you can use our paint dot card and washi tape card tutorials to make a personalized note.

p.s. Alyssa here: did you know that Carla sends the BEST care packages?  Last year she sent me this awesome anniversary package.  It was a movie night date, including my favorite candy (sour patch kids), my husband’s favorite candy (peanut M&Ms), a movie and a sweet note.