1. Care Packages

Yes, I wanted to start with the more obvious. Care packages can quite literally make a college student’s week. And some things you can pack it full of are: food, coffee, tea, snacks, chocolate, cereal, instant noodles, small seasonal decorations cute inspirational quotes or school supplies. It’s nice to get a thoughtful surprise in the mail, regardless of what it contains.

2. Letters/PostCards

Especially from friends. I know that if you’re in college the likelihood is that the majority of your friends are in college too, but a simple letter or card saying: “I miss you and I’m thinking about you” is incredibly uplifting.

3. Drawings from younger family members

It’s difficult to keep in touch with younger family members that you once had the pleasure of seeing consistently such as younger siblings or cousins because they can’t write to you or call you the same way an older relative can. And, while facetiming them is wonderful, receiving something they drew or made from you is a wonderful gift.

4. Letters and Photographs from Pets

Okay, so I know this may seem silly but seriously... Send your college student a letter from the perspective of their pet, maybe include a photo of their pet, and watch how happy it will make them.

5. Homemade Food

A tupperware full of Grandma’s famous chocolate chip cookies? Yes, please! Homemade food isn’t usually a luxury that college students get very often so receiving some in the mail is like a blessing sent from above.

6. Gift Cards to local places

Try either googling or asking your college student what some of the best restaurants/places are near campus; then, if you can, buy them a gift card to one of the locations and mail it to them. It’ll give them the joy of having a night out without feeling guilty about spending money that they could be saving for something else.

7. Hobby Materials

Do they love to read? Send them a book you just read and think they might enjoy. Do they enjoy drawing/painting? Send them a small canvas. Do they enjoy writing? Send them a small journal. Do they enjoy baking? Send them a box of some cupcake batter and some frosting. Think about what they enjoy doing and cater to that.

8. Brownie or Cupcake or Cookie Batter

This is like $1 at your local dollar store but it’s also something that most college students aren’t going to run out and spend money on (despite how good homemade brownies would taste while cramming for finals) so receiving some in the mail would be a wonderful surprise.

9. Nail Polish, Makeup, Face Masks, Lotion, Etc.

These items make college students feel really good (like they’re being pampered) but they also add up in cost so it’s difficult for students to maintain the same “feel-good” routine they did in high school. However, if you send it to them… their routines can be restored!

10. Flowers

This clearly isn’t something that you should send your college student every month, however a bouquet of flowers on a special occasion would brighten your student’s month drastically.