<p>Seems like it’s time to send off the first care package! I need some fun creative ideas that are 2014…go!</p>
<p>Good question. My sons like homemade cookies, and the “more expensive” Asian noodle dishes you can microwave. They play computer games so gift cards of “money” for their games is good. I can’t think of much else, so I’m eager to hear what others suggest. I too need to send some things soon. </p>
<p>I haven’t sent a big package yet. But I have sent him the Sunday comics, and the Dilbert page-a-day calendar pages that DH always brought home from work for DS to read a couple of times, along with a hand-written note from each of us. Not expensive, no special delivery method required, but a little piece of home that he enjoyed while he was here.</p>
<p>My mom sent lottery tickets. A nice little thing for a difficult Friday…</p>
<p>I have sent silly little things. D said all the boys in the unit play with nerf items so I sent her some nerf stuff for the girls to play too. Also sent some candy and the always popular cash.</p>
<p>How about a monthly themed package? </p>
<p>So October is coming up…include a can of Trader Joe Pumpkin Chai Latte mix, fall/Halloween window clings, a bag of their favorite Halloween candy, something apple flavored, pumpkin bread, Cheryl’s fall or halloween cookies, a scary movie/dvd, etc. </p>
<p>chocolate, pretzels, nutella, goldfish, Muddie Buddies, clementines, granola bars, cold remedies, and aways something weird and unexpected, like giant plastic cockroaches.</p>
<p>I’ve sent a couple of care packages already. The first had favorite food items. Another had a pair of running shoes that he needed. The third had some meds, fruit packages and a case for earphones. The other son, who is at law school, likes gift cards.</p>
<p>Lottery tickets aren’t that great if you live in a different state than the person who bought the lottery tickets.</p>
<p>Processed Asian noodles? Ugh, too much sodium!</p>
<p>In any event, I sent Beef Jerky (a persistent request), real Maple Syrup, Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix (a family favorite) and a small electric waffle maker. The kid absolutely loves waffles/pancakes. He enjoys cooking so I included Hungarian Paprika, Ginger Powder, Onion Powder and Black Pepper (the supermarket is a good hike from campus). Having tired of all the packing and trips to the post office, I sent my nephew a gift card for Dinosaur Barbeque.</p>
<p>Halloween decorations. I send my daughter brownie mix that is ‘just add water, mix and bake’. Cereal. Microwave mac and cheese. Hot chocolate mix. </p>
<p>I’ve sent gift cards to CVS, Rite Aid, or to their favorite restaurant. This is in addition to snacks.</p>
<p>Funny how we are so drawn to send food. Even when they have unlimited meal plans and often restaurants/stores galore around campus!! Nothing like a good treat. 
</p>
<p>My father sent my son homework. He’s a journalism major and he sent him a book by a famous journalist. I told my son he has to read it and write to my father. hahaha But when we was home for “Homecoming” last weekend wifey gave him a large PKG of licorice twizzlers for the dorm and I gave him $40 when I drove him back to Boston. I know he likes slim jims so I suppose I can send him those. I’m in no hurry, I already sent him a usb to ethernet adapter and a network cable he’s not using … 
Wish I could send him vegetables, he says he is living on pizza and is sick of it. The college food is not great where he is. Wifey made him a turkey pot pie while he was home. He loved it.</p>
<p>Why aren’t lottery tickets any good? You can still win even if you live out of state. And it’s not like you have to claim them right away so that being away at college is a hindrance.</p>
<p>I’ve sent my son one care package so far: 3 dozen homemade chocolate chip cookies, a pair of Nike Elite socks, a bag of M&Ms, a box of Tagalongs, a box of Trader Joe’s granola bars, Nike cold gear compression pants (he plays a varsity sport and can use these under his uniform when it gets cold), a letter from his sister (decorated with stickers and glitter), a note from me, deodorant, a big roll of opaque garbage bags (requested – I did not ask why), microwave mac & cheese, and a gift card to Chipotle.</p>
<p>This is in addition to the odds and ends I’ve sent him for things he’s requested. It’s so easy to just send him stuff from Amazon Prime, what with free 2-day shipping. I just checked his account – this is his 7th week at school and he’s received 9 packages. I’ve actually only mailed him one myself – the rest are online orders that I’ve had sent directly to him.</p>
<p>I’ve got a second care package in the works and will aim to send it out Monday or Tuesday, depending on when I get around to baking something.</p>
<p>My care package is going to be hand delivered since I am going up this weekend. I am taking Keurig hot chocolate and hot apple cider now that it is getting cooler. Also taking medications. Going to stock up on vegan treats since they are so expensive close to the school (even more so than regular).</p>
<p>One daughter got 3 bras (requested), make up, lip gloss, candy, a decorated pillowcase from my sister, a magazine, and a few other things. Second daughter got undies, a toothbrush, chocolates, long underwear (she’s in a much colder climate), socks. There was enough room in the box for me to send a box with some of the same things (undies, chocolates, toothbrush, makeup) to a friend who lives in the dorm too. My mother thinks this child is going to freeze to death so also sent her a fleece jacket, shoes, socks, and a winter coat.</p>
<p>First daughter called me today to tell me it was raining and that I’d sent her to college without an umbrella or raincoat. She never wore one in her first 17 years so I didn’t think she’d need one, but now it appears it is an emergency. I guess her next box will have an umbrella and a raincoat.</p>
<p>In high school they were too cool for raincoats. Now both of my Ds got new raincoats and rainboots for college.</p>
<p>A bunch of moms of my son’s friends get together maybe twice a year for packaging parties. Every one brings 7 or 8 of the same item. It is kind of fun! But a little expensive. I send cookies and other baked goods on my own too. I have sent 2 so far. Thinking about another small package to send out Monday.</p>
<p>I was so impressed w the UCONN bookstore. They’ve got boots, coats, umbrellas and gifts to send home for family members birthdays. </p>