Getting care packages is one of the primary perks of being a college student. I know that.
It's supposed to help make up for the fact that you live in a 10' x 10' dorm room with only a microwave and a mini-fridge. That you have no money. And that you're up to your ears in papers, projects, study groups, and ultimately, a week's worth of grueling final exams 
.
I know all that. So, I was planning to be the perfect college mom, sending fun and festive care packages to my stepdaughter on a monthly basis.
OK, so I didn't exactly send a care package every month.
I sent exactly one care package—at finals time. But it was pretty good: packages of cocoa, a new pair of gloves, Christmas candy, and a picture of her little brother holding a sign that said "Good Luck On Finals Steph!!"
It was during second semester that I really dropped the ball. The one and only "care package" I sent was when she asked me to mail her the winter scarf she had left behind. I couldn't just send the scarf. How disappointing would that be?
I searched the cupboards and added some leftover packages of cocoa, a can of soup, and a half-used bottle of vitamins . Wow. It looked more like a box of junk than a care package.
Clearly, I've got to redeem myself this semester. But I'm at a loss. What's really fun to get in a care package? Candy? Cash? A stress ball ?
Homemade goody's are the best- mom's cookies and brownies! A card that says "I am thinking of you" and a nice message inside if also a nice touch.
Things that remind me of home are always great. Send the ingredients and recipe of her favorite meal. Or giftcards for gas, WalMart, or a grocery store. Being in college we don't always have money to buy stuff for fun; like nailpolish, hairdye, makeup, or cd's. Even fuzzy socks or a simple but fun way to show you care! :)
Yummy treats and gift cards to stores around the college :) And borders/barnes&noble giftcards especially.
My friend sent me a care package from Box-O-Box, and I was so impressed that I visited their website, www.boxobox.com, and sent several to my kids and their friends, and even a few of my own.
They really have a unique, fun twist for a solution of what to send.
I sent my son a care package from www.redship.com
It was full of stuff he loved and he wants more!