DIY gifts for college kids

I don’t have college age kids.

In fact, the very idea that my boys will someday leave for college makes me start to hyperventilate… but I’ve got eleven more years before I have to deal with that! In meantime though, I thought it would be fun to come up with a cool idea for those of you who do have kiddos headed off to school.

what to pack for school

Most people make college care packages filled with snacks or treats but I thought it would be more helpful to fill some boxes with items your college student might not realize they need. We pulled together three tupperware boxes and divided them up by essentials: School Supplies, Stuff for Home and Healthcare Essentials. 

Items for College Kids

School supplies are probably obvious, right? Paper, pencils, notebooks, post-its, tape, etc but don’t forget things like stationary and stamps for sending letters home (you might even address those envelopes to try and encourage them to actually send a hand-written note!)

DIY college care package

For the Health Care Box include everything from pain relief, to eye drops, lip balm and vitamins. Also bandaids, neosporin, antacids and something like Emergen-C or Airborn to help them stay healthy.

what to pack for collegeFor the “Home” box I like the idea of including everything you never knew you’d need until you really need it. A hammer is helpful, also a screw driver, removable hooks, flashlight, batteries, adhesive velcro strips, a little tape measure, and Goo Gone. Don’t forget the Clorox wipes because let’s face it, they probably won’t clean that dorm room otherwise!

stackable college care package tupperware at college

We attached cute signs with some washi tape which means that when the kids have used up their college care package they can easily repurpose this tupperware for storage.

tupperware for college dorms