• Home
  • Travel
  • About Stephanie
  • Work With Me

How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

10 Ideas For The Perfect University Care Package

in Family on 09/13/18

Well, it’s happened again.  My oldest daughter has left the nest, off to her second year of University.  It’s only been a week since I held my breath as I squeezed my baby girl tight, told her to be smart, work hard and have fun, then drove away so she could continue on …carving her own path.  (and so she couldn’t see the tears in my eyes)  Good grief.   It’s weird, right?  We spend our lives preparing them for the real world, but good Lord it’s hard to let them go.  So how is a Mama to deal?  I mean, isn’t this parenting gig supposed to get easier?  I’ve cleaned the house from top to bottom, re-read a couple of books, and consumed more than my share of chips and dip.  Gulp.  It’s time to do something a wee bit more productive.  Enter the University Care Package.  I didn’t invent it, I just get to busy myself by creating the perfect one for my girl.  The bonus;  it keeps me busy and she gets the experience of a wee surprise in the mail.  Everyone loves mail!

Here are 10 ideas to help you create the perfect University/College Care Package:

**Now you could decide to go with a theme – like a box to help them study, a box for when they are feeling blue, or even a package to escape the stress.  I decided to simply go with 10 things I know my teen will love.

  • A Gift Card!  One to her favourite coffee shop, pizza place, grocery store or frozen yogurt store on campus.
  • A travel mug stuffed with tea or hot chocolate packages.   After all, Winter is coming!
  • Items to stock or re-stock that First Aid Kit; Advil, Band-aids, Multi-vitamins and a good old fashioned bottle of Vitamin C.
  • A Tupperware stuffed with homemade chocolate chip cookies and mix to make mug cakes!
  • A few favourite treats – popcorn, protein bars/granola bars and candy – lots and lots of candy.
  • New Socks – because even off at school those damn things go missing.  While you’re at it throw in some extra Bobby Pins and Hair Elastics too.  They must end up in the same place as the missing socks.
  • Instant Meals – Single serve Mac & Cheese, Oatmeal, and of course Ramen Noodles.
  • Pretty stationary and pencils to help keep her motivated.  Who doesn’t love new paper and pens?
  • Toiletries – all things bathroom – because those things are expensive and will be very much appreciated.
  • Hershey’s Kisses – you know for the chocolate and the love.

Tie it all together with a little note and a curly ribbon and your mission is complete.  I already feel better knowing this simple care package, stuffed full of love, is on its way to my girl.  I know when it arrives she will shake her head, give a little sideways grin and maybe, just maybe give her parents a call.  Truth be told this gift is as much for me as it is for her.  Sigh.  How many days until the Thanksgiving Break?

Side note to all the Mamas out there and a reminder to myself.  The fact that your babe is strong enough, brave enough and excited enough to leave the nest means you must be doing something right.   Oh, and remember, even if your kiddo doesn’t say it all the time, she misses you too.

  • « Love Is Patient….
    These 10 Things Are Making You Less Attractive »

    Comments

    1. Farmers Wifey says

      January 15, 2019 at 9:29 pm

      Oh wow I need this right now!

      My eldest is about to leave for University on the other side of the country so I’m going to do this for her xxxx

      Farmers Wifey

      • Stephanie says

        January 22, 2019 at 4:33 pm

        Hugs to you! Hope putting together the care package brings you both a little bit of joy 🙂

    2. Athena says

      December 5, 2018 at 6:06 pm

      Definitely a great list!

    3. Debbie White-Beattie says

      December 4, 2018 at 11:30 pm

      Another great list but my favorite is the chocolate chip cookies because who doesn’t love them.

    4. Julie says

      September 16, 2018 at 7:32 pm

      My girl would love to see gum and gas cards in hers!

    5. Karina says

      September 16, 2018 at 7:21 pm

      This is a great idea. Bookmarking for me for next year!

    Travel addict, sun seeker, coffee drinker, fashion lover, picture taker. This is a peek behind the closed and competitive doors of the suburbs. A place to come to learn about the best places to travel with your kids in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and beyond! stephanie@sassymodernmom.com
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Search This Site

    Guest Blogging For ETCanada & Skinny Cow

    At the GRAMMYs !
    Stephanie Holmes

    sassymodernmom

    Canadian Blogger. Traveler. Influencer. Picture Taker. Family Travel Expert.
    ❤️London ON
    ☀️Always planning my next vacation!

    My forever valentine 💘 My forever valentine 💘
    Drinking margaritas, soaking up the sun and watchi Drinking margaritas, soaking up the sun and watching the whales from our loungers! Paradise found. It’s right here at The Beach Club in @quiviraloscabos 
.
#quiviraloscabos #loscabos #quivira #quivirabeachclub #qlifecabo
    Saying goodbye to 2024 with a grateful heart. Can Saying goodbye to 2024 with a grateful heart. 
Can’t wait for all the adventures coming our way in 2025! Wishing you all a happy healthy New Year 🎉
    One of our best adventures of 2024. This trip to t One of our best adventures of 2024. This trip to the Grand Canyon was truly unforgettable. 
.
.
#roadtrip #arizona #grandcanyon #postcardsfromtheworld #letsgoeverywhere
    Woo hoo - another amazing HomeExchange! This week Woo hoo - another amazing HomeExchange! 
This week we felt all kinds of spoiled in our cozy accommodations in gorgeous Scottsdale. We hiked local trails, snuck in a little golf, drove with the top down, ate all the food, and enjoyed a sweet sunset in our own backyard. All because #Homeexchange provided us with a unique - almost free- way to stay in Arizona and see all the things! 

We had such an amazing time we’re already planning our next adventure! 
Want to plan an escape like this?
Follow the link in my bio to find out how you can plan your first or next Home Exchange.

https://spn.so/49qawpmk

@homeexchangecom #homeexchangepartner 
#homeexchangecom #homeexchange #HomeExchangePartner #LetsGoEverywhere #adventure #budgetfriendly #travel #luxurytravel
    About last night….. . #auroraborealis #londonont About last night…..
.
#auroraborealis #londonontario #ldnont
    It’s true. For the past 3 years we’ve been usi It’s true. For the past 3 years we’ve been using @homeexchangecom to take some epic vacations! 

Lake Como ✅
Cabo ✅
Scottsdale Arizona - on deck! 

If you’re ready for a new adventure sign up now through the affiliate link in my bio and you will automatically receive 250 points!!! ❤️
It’s easy, I promise. 

❤️Umm and if you have a cottage, a condo or second home, why are you not on Home Exchange?? Oh the places you can go! 

💕Drop a comment telling me your dream destination! 

#homeexchangepartner #homeexchange #travelhacks #letsgosomewhere #traveltips #familytravel
    This week my Hubby and I celebrate our 28th weddin This week my Hubby and I celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary. Yup TWENTY EIGHT. How are we celebrating? Between work and family obligations it’s been tricky to make time for us. My solution… book a trip! 

For this adventure we’re once again turning to @homeexchangecom com One or my favourite ways to plan an epic vacation and see the world. 

In the past we’ve stayed in both Lake Como and Los Cabos.  Sigh, they were glorious trips!

Why try a HomeExchange?
HomeExchange offers a whole new experience to stay in real, authentic homes, and live like a local. HomeExchange allows you to stay in areas you never could with a traditional hotel experience. 
 Intrigued? Follow my link and see how easy it is to get started.

https://spn.so/49qawpmk
(Link also in profile)
PS I’m now searching for my next great trip? Which places are on your travel bucket list?

#HomeExchangePartner #MyHomeExchange #familytravel #beautifulplaces #familyadventures #canadiantravel #letsgoeverywhere #travelbucketlist
    Missing those Paris views…. thankful for the mem Missing those Paris views….
thankful for the memories ❤️
.
.
#Paris #tb #girlstrip #ParisFrance #parisfrance🇫🇷 #beautifuldestinations #postcardsfromtheworld
    Out of office …. . . #summervibes #boshkunglake Out of office ….
.
.
#summervibes #boshkunglake #canarvon
    Load More... Follow on Instagram

    Facebook

    Categories

    Blog Archive

    Copyright © 2009-2025 · Life in the Suburbs by KrizzyDesigns

    Copyright © 2025 · Glam Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in