My youngest son just left for college. When I boarded the plane for the 2.75 hours return flight, I went thru a stack of Frontier napkins. My daughter suggested I watch this show  for the return flight. These guys made me laugh and cry within each 47 minute episode. It was just what I needed for that flight home.  And, I remembered how much fun I had attending a college care package party.  So today I want to share how to host a college care package. 

How to host a college care package party — 

—Suggestion: Always include goodies or a separate care package for your child’s roommate—

The first college care package party I attended was hosted by the mom of one of my daughter’s friends. The party was the perfect way to celebrate this new transition and kick off the semester.  

The hostess picked up and assembled large USPS Priority boxes in advance. She remembered the packing tape too! That was why she was the hostess! 

In advance of the party, the moms were instructed to purchase small,  inexpensive items for each of the girls. Our imaginations limited only to the dimensions of the USPS Large Priority Box. 

Suggested care package items included:

• tissues
• Cracker Jack’s
• gum
• microwave popcorn
• snack sized snacks
• hand sanitizer or wipes
• seasonal items from the dollar section at Target
• lip balm

Suggestion: Always include extra goodies for your child’s roommate. 

The hostess served wine and light appetizers. We shared a few tears but ended with lots of laughs and new favorite tradition. 

We included notes of good wishes to all the girls. I brought these Hershey kisses with encouraging messages I found here. 

This was my daughter’s care package. All I had to do was ship the box! 

How to Host a College Care Package 

Care package parties are not limited to the beginning of the school year.  I made as Easter theme care package the year I son could not come home for the Easter weekend. He was in North Carolina for a college tennis tournament and could not make it home for Easter. I made sure this bunny theme care package was waiting for him. 

I tucked a funny Irish blessing card I found in Dublin.  

A college care package party was the perfect way to connect with the other moms. It kept our thoughts focused on our daughters’ new adventures! 

Good luck to all you first-timers college freshmen parents.