College-Bound

6 ways to keep your college kid happy.

by Julie Steed


Fall semester is approaching and many college-age military children will be attending schools that are in different states (or even countries) from their parents’ homes. Thoughtful, useful care packages can help ease the transition from home to school, while making life a little more fun for busy, cash-strapped co-eds.

1. Gift Cards and Cash: Gift cards and cash are favorite items to give and receive in college care packages. Gift cards for movie theatres and stores where clothes and school supplies can be purchased are also good choices.

2. Holidays: Fun holiday ideas include silly items like Halloween window clings, Valentine’s Day card kits and pinwheels for Easter.

3. Gift-A-Month: Avoid procrastination and the post office by preparing a single care package at the beginning of each semester. Wrap one item to be opened on the first day of each month. The gifts can be big or small, fun or practical, while serving as a constant reminder of home.

4. Reminders of Home: Separation from family, along with the demands of a college schedule, can make the contrast between a dorm room and home painfully apparent. Homemade baked goods, notes, pictures, favorite magazines, new DVDs and cards are other requested items.

5. Greek Gifts: For students who have pledged a fraternity or sorority, shop at college bookstores or online for fun Greek items. From flip-flops to clothes and car tags, a wide variety of Greek gift items are available.

6. Just Send Something: More important than the contents of the care package is the thought behind it.