I would like to send a package to an orphaned college freshman (freshperson?), somebody I do not know, but know she is having a hard time. I’d like to make it fun, but not too expensive, (maybe $50) as I’d like to send a few packages throughout the year, and not too heavy as shipping is expensive! Thanks!
I’m thinking:
Granola bars
face wipes
hand sanitizer
coffee card
gum (?)
…and that where my ideas dry up!
I don’t know what they are called, but those sticks you put in scented oil to make the room smell good. Kind of like incense but you don’t burn them.
Stuffed animal
music
Very nice gesture. Can you get ANY info from someone who might have more info/some idea about what her likes (and dislikes) are? If you are trying to keep it fun, I might go light on stuff like hand sanitizer and face wipes. Some people like things like granola bars, coffee, gum, others just dont. Maybe a card from college bookstore-usually with that you can get stuff for both needs and wants, also a nice note wishing her well at college, some treats you may be able to find out she likes, etc. Since you say you might want to do this more than once and are concerned about shipping costs, maybe consider shipping stuff directly from Amazon with free shipping and ability to include a gift message.
Things to make rooms smell good are great! My son prefers either these https://www.yankeecandle.com/browse/car–flameless/flameless-fragrance/fragrance-spheres/_/N-8dd?view=Grid or the mist diffusers. Air can get pretty dry in dorms in winter, so he likes the misters for some added moisture.
Maybe a toy? Something small like a frisbee or nerf if she’s outdoorsy. Maybe a puzzle if she more introverted and an indoor type.
A coloring book and colored pencils?
What a lovely gesture! Refillable water bottle, uber/lyft gift card, deck of cards, snacks, gift card to local pizza/restaurant, something related to a holiday she celebrates, games?
Fun socks
Popcorn (pop it and friends will come!)
Mug w/good hot chocolate packets
Holiday/seasonal room decor
Reed diffuser (someone mentioned above but without the name)
If cold climate mittens or a hat
Small fake plant in pot (TJ or HomeGoods have oodles)
If you really don’t know her - and she doesn’t know you - I wouldn’t make it too personal. Trusting you’ll use your own judgement there.
Agree about not making it too personal unless you have a wishlist of what she really likes from either her or someone who knows her well. Like @abasket mentions, throwing in some popcorn can’t hurt!
You could get free shipping on many things with Amazon Prime. (We resisted joining for many years, until I wanted to order a wheelchair for my mother with quick shipping. Now we also like the perk of Amazon Prime streaming, especially The Marvelous Mrs Maisel).
I mentioned Amazon shipping earlier. If you don’t have Prime already or don’t feel you want or need it, it’s also easy to just get free shipping by buying $35 of stuff that qualifies. I do that all the time. Since $50 seems what is going to be spent, it shouldn’t be a problem to find enough stuff that includes free shipping. Have fun shopping for things. I’m sure what you send will be very much appreciated!
RIght… I used that $35 method a lot over the years. But I thought OP wanted to send multiple packages.
I thought she meant packages totaling about $50 each a few times a year. Maybe I am misinterpreting what she intends/wants to do.
Thanks, all ! You gave me some great ideas, some I’d never think of ie a jigsaw!
I do have have Amazon Prime which I prefer not to use for gift giving, but I will, and yes, I am thinking $50 per package. Thankyou!
Seconding, thirding, etc., something cute and frivolous. Perhaps something like this affront to good taste: https://mcphee.com/products/yodelling-pickle
Such a kind and thoughtful thing to do and lots of possibilities here, including your initial list. Perhaps a small card case for credit card and IDs that fits in a pocket; small LED flashlight. 3M hooks for closet, or a package of Sharpies. Many practical things can be found in fun versions; the type of things a student might not get for themselves. A nylon tote bag that folds very small and can be stashed in a backpack or bag when not in use might come in handy (not thinking fancy. here). All the best with this.
Please, please, please don’t send any of those scented things unless you know that this person likes them. Some people just don’t. And then they have to re-home the items.
One of those bright Inflatable beach balls.
Don’t forget Halloween items like socks, a headband, a flashlight.
I used to send my kids a priority mail box or envelop which (then) cost about $6 to mail no matter how heavy. I’d stuff them full of all kinds of things but always included some holiday themed stuff. My daughter’s boyfriend liked Pez dispensers.
I also sent Popcorn Factory boxes or tins. They were easy because they ship directly from the company and were shareable with roommates.
Actually, I think you only need $25 these days to get free shipping from Amazon, but OP has Prime anyway. She’ll look forward to your packages arriving at her school!