College Care-Package ideas?

asf619

My cousin is starting her second semester of her freshman year away at school. I've got a small gift that I want to send her "just because" and want to put together a small care package for her. She's a runner, so if I do send baked goods, I know she'll share... But, I don't want to send her just junk food. Trying to get some ideas.

What would you include? She's in Pennsylvania, so climate is similar. She has a car, so it's not like she's stuck on campus 100% of the time. Any and all ideas are welcome!!

Alicia 

cheekywife

what a sweet idea, i loved getting care packages when i was in college! 

maybe bake some healthy muffins or quick bread? perhaps snack size packets of pita or multigrain chips? those are things that are handy to have on hand in a dorm. how about adding a photo of her little cousins, shannon & kyle?

ditribal

Does she have an iPod or similar?  An iTunes gift card maybe?  If she's running outdoors in this weather some chapstick or nice lotion might be handy...

MrsAnastasiaBeaverhausen

I remember when I received care packages in college I actually liked to receive healthier food. You eat so much junk in college it was a nice break. Dried fruit and nuts were my favorite. I was also a runner and I loved energy bars. Powerbars, Cliff bars, etc. I think sending her baked goods are a good idea too. HTH!

asf619

I like those ideas!

I am definitely baking something. I think I'll go the muffin route. I was thinking of getting her some of the freeze dried strawberries from Trade Joe's that my kids love (since I need to go pick up some more for my house anyway). There's a little place nearby that sells dried fruits and freshly roasted nuts, so I might go there for some more items. Or, perhaps it's time for me to buy some more PeeledSnacks and spread the love!!! I'm pretty sure she has an ipod, but I'll double check before adding a GC for new tunes!

I just looked up what gas stations/convenience stores are near her, and I'm going to get a gas card so we don't leave "Herbert" out!

I'll probably end up polling the runners for more running-specific ideas! I don't necessarily want to spend a lot, but I do want to put together a decent care package  

cheekywife

that all sounds really great alicia, she will love all of those things i'm sure!

asf619

She goes to IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) and I shared with her that everytime I see a picture of her in her IUP gear, I can't help but think of the 1UPs and power-up mushrooms from Super Mario Bros. She laughed. I found her a 1UP and power-up mushroom charm to include as well... I'm having almost as much fun with this care package as I did with my SSSK stint.

cheekywife

asf619:

She goes to IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) and I shared with her that everytime I see a picture of her in her IUP gear, I can't help but think of the 1UPs and power-up mushrooms from Super Mario Bros. She laughed. I found her a 1UP and power-up mushroom charm to include as well... I'm having almost as much fun with this care package as I did with my SSSK stint.

i think you might want to consider a career in thoughtful gifts, care packages, and clever naming of party dishes 

asf619

cheekywife:

i think you might want to consider a career in thoughtful gifts, care packages, and clever naming of party dishes 

Is there a market for that? I'd totally love doing that!!! What a great use of my LAW degree, eh? Well, I'm not using that degree now anyway... Hmm... let's see, how can I market myself!  

psyri

How about Luna Bars? They are protein bars designed specifically for women. You can get them at Trader Joe's and elsewhere, but Trader Joe's has the best price. Chocolate peppermint stick and white chocolate macadamia are my two favorite flavors. I like the Chapstick suggestion. I always always always take one on my runs. How about a box of tea? Hot cocoa mix? Does she like headbands? You might be able to find fleece headbands or hats on clearance now.

psyri

Also, if her hair is long enough for a ponytail, non-slip elastic bands are good. I have them everywhere ... in my bathroom, in my office desk, in my purse and gym bag, in my car, etc.