Once your kids are off to college, it can be hard to shower them with love and affection from afar … which is why a homemade college care package can become an incredible creative outlet! A box from home is just the thing to give them a smile.
We collected 11 clever DIY ideas cooked up by moms around the web to show your kids that even though they're miles away, they're in your thoughts as much as ever. Click below to see them, then tell us:
Did you send your college kid a creative care package? What's inside?
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Mini Pick-Me-Up
The best gifts come in small packages, right? This "happy birthday" message inside a mini M&M case is one tiny — and inexpensive — idea cooked up by Givers Log. Change the message to suit the occasion!
More from The Stir: 10 Easy DIY Dorm Ideas for the Coolest Room on Campus
A Party in a Box
This idea from She's Crafty is a fun way to send money and "I love you" notes … inside balloons! Great for birthdays or any occasion.
Halloween Treats
Treat your kids this October with this Halloween care package idea from Your Home Based Mom made from empty paint cans. Follow the crafty tutorial, then fill with candy (of course)!
Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates
For college kids, what's better than a box of chocolates and cold hard cash? This candy box care package idea from Life As Mom combines the two concepts in one sweet surprise.
Clean It Up
To prevent your teen from ending up in a pigsty, send them a bag of cleaning supplies like this one by Bolling With 5. She's thought of everything!
Rise and Shine
Think your college kid will struggle to roll out of bed in time for class? Then send him a "rise and shine" care package from Singing Through the Rain to get them up and at 'em!
Lots of Lollipops
Housewarming plants in dorm rooms are bound to die a slow death, but this "lollipop topiary" by Inside Out Motherhood will flourish and is easy-peasy to make! For added humor, you can label the pot "studying sucks" or, for a less negative slant, "studying sticks."
In Case of Emergency ...
Instead of the usual snacks, this care package from My Beauty Box Review focuses on emergency essentials because you never know!
Hit the Showers
This shower caddy care package from Creation Corner is filled with various items that will come in handy when they hit the showers, and she's got a fun rhyming note idea for you to slip in the box to boot!
Doctor Mom in a Box
Kids in college are bound to catch something at some point, and without mom to nurse them back to health, they're going to need this medicine box from Bolling With 5.
Egg-cellent for Easter
In this DIY care package from The Crafting Chicks, an empty egg carton doubles as a cool container for treats.
