How far is the package going? I found it cheaper to use a “regional box” from the post office than a flat rate box when I was shipping Minnesota to Michigan. Sometimes the post office had them in the back; other times they were delivered to the house.
I send packages to a former foster kid. Be sure to send a personal note. It means so much to them.
Hand sanitizer is a no go to ship because it is potentially flammable.
If the dorm has a microwave, the single serve muffins and cakes that are microwaved in a mug are nice for snacking. Send a nice mug as well as a measuring spoon because it takes a set amount of water and a spoon to stir/eat with. Other things that can be microwaved in a mug are oatmeal, mac and cheese single packs (or you could send a matching bowl), tea and hot chocolate. Get one of the cloth storage containers that fold flat. Then when the snacks are stored they are in something attractive.
I found a cute zip top cosmetic bag at Target and filled it with things for when she feels crummy. Ibuprofen, Tylenol, cold and cough med, a thermometer, throat lozenges, Tums, etc. There is a band aid brand there called Bravery Badges and that was a big hit.
Cash for an ice cream or pizza with a friend is good. It is tough to be left behind because you can’t afford the activity. My dad would send money to my cousin with the instructions to use it for fun. He used it for the first date with the woman he later married!
edited to add: I use loose wrapped candy like butterscotches or mini reese’s cup as filler instead of styrofoam or air pocket things.
Lots of candy. She might not eat it, but it will bring her out to share it with her dorm mates. Anything Haribo makes plus Hershey’s kisses. Bags of toys from Oriental Trading. Those plastic tubes of toy cats, dogs, dinosaurs, etc. Legos (you never outgrow those). Silly putty.
I think I would aim less for the practical than for the humorous and even childish. My kids loved stuff like this (my son had an entire prank built around hundreds of miniature yellow ducks) when they were in college.
I’m also into practical things, as our my young adult children. If one is somewhat eco-conscious, little doodads and tchotckes might not be much appreciated. A couple $10 gift cards for coffee/doughnut/ice cream shops close to her would likely be appreciated.
Food/drink items.
Speaking of tote bags, I first heard about Baggu on CC and they are pretty inexpensive and come in fun prints.
I’ll add my 2 cents. Where my son went to school, the smallest size USPS prime boxes just fit nicely in their mailboxes, so that was the best size to send (assuming you are considering filling a box) and it costs $8.30 no matter what you fill it with. At his school, when they got a box that didn’t fit in their po box, they had to take the package notice and then see the post master ( who had limited hours so you might have to go to the post office more than once to get your package). So I’d suggest just using this box which is about the size of a video tape.
Also, put her PO box number on all sides of the box - at least this was highly recommended at my son’s school.
You have already gotten some great ideas on what to send.
Look for a phone stand-they’re inexpensive even for a wooden one. String lights. Positive affirmation cards or small sign. Fuzzy socks, fuzzy headband, cute manicure kit. I agree that you can purchase a box at the post office and stuff it Then you can buy everything locally.
Be careful sending cash or gift cards via USPS. They can’t be insured and I learned that the hard way after standing in line for almost a half hour recently to send my son and his fiancee a card and $100 Whole Foods gift card. I was told it couldn’t be insured ( gift cards are considered to be just like cash), regardless of sending by first class mail or in a priority mail envelope . After waiting so long, I decided to take a chance and send it anyway via first class mail. Luckily, they got it!
So many amazing thoughts! I have ordered the first box to be shipped from Amazon; she’s in quarantine, so I wanted to get something, pronto! I will send a Halloween box later, when I send my kids their boxes.
Then you can buy everything locally.