Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Care Package from Home Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, the bear, DerekL, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 
2006-02-15 6:48 PM

User image

Extreme Veteran
604
500100
Northwest Ohio
Subject: Care Package from Home
My oldest son went off to college in the fall and I waited until he was well out of sight before I started doing my cartwheels. Don't get me wrong, I love my son dearly, but there is a reason why mama-birds push their babies out of the nest.....it was time!

So he called me Monday night and started laying on the Mom-guilt by telling me that *all* his roommates get care packages from home, but all he ever gets is an envelope (with money, I should add!) He said that it sure would be nice if *he* got a care package now and then. I asked what were in the care packages and he said, "you know, homemade cookies and that sort of thing." To which I replied, "Honey, I haven't made you homemade cookies in years! (I'm domestically disabled) Why would I start now? And who's to say if they'd be edible?" So then he said, "Well, it'd be nice to get a package of stuff with things that I usually don't have the extra money to buy."

Well, it's been 2 days and the mom-guilt has built up. I was always creative when it came to making Valentines Boxes or Science Projects when he was in school, (as long as I didn't have to cook) but now I'm at a loss trying to figure out WHAT to put in the package. I stocked him up pretty well on toiletries and medicine cabinet stuff at Christmas. Seems silly to send him a box of junk food, but then again, maybe not if you're him.

So---many of you Cup-of-Joers are college students or remember being college students (I got married at age 19 and commuted to school, so my college experience was different). Do you have any ideas to share about cool things you got in a care package and/or wish you would have gotten in a care package from home?



2006-02-15 6:57 PM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Master
1867
10005001001001002525
The real USC, in the ghetto of LA
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
Hey you send him money thats cool, i dont ever get sh%t from my family except a phone call.

Condoms? jk....

you can send him a bunch of junk food. or chips and stuff. i would say edible is good, even though he could just go buy it himself; its nice to get food. expect for drinking, studying, and girls the next biggest thing for me is food. i donno, i dont ever get anything, and none of my freinds do so....

edit: i would say so to the grocery store and all the things he loved to eat from there stock up and ship it to him. what school? (is the answer is texas dont send him %hit)

edit2: http://www.igiveacrap.com/order.html(a la comet; who is moving closer to me...)

Edited by tyrant 2006-02-15 7:00 PM
2006-02-15 7:10 PM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Extreme Veteran
604
500100
Northwest Ohio
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
He is going to school in Florida. That's a long way from Ohio. I asked him about flying home at spring break. He said, "Mom! Duh! It's spring break and I'm IN Florida!"
2006-02-15 7:13 PM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Pro
4189
20002000100252525
Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
I looove care packages!! I love getting them here in Ireland (my first one included such luxury items as Jif Peanut Butter!!!).

My mom usualy sends a little card, $5 or so, a picture of the dogs or so, maybe a scarf (she's a knitter), she sent me a box of my favorite sugar-free gum once, I've also gotten candy (Again, won't buy it for myself because it is so expensive), umm..cookies are GREAT, are there any special shops where you're from that he likes things from (a friend sent my big sister an entire DOZEN of doughnuts from Shneiders in Westerville!)?

Honestly, it's just nice to get mail!!! real mail! any mail!

(ps, I got a lovely valentine from my mommy today, it made me cry).
2006-02-15 7:15 PM
in reply to: #346851

User image

Master
1867
10005001001001002525
The real USC, in the ghetto of LA
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
Bettylou - 2006-02-15 7:10 PM

He is going to school in Florida. That's a long way from Ohio. I asked him about flying home at spring break. He said, "Mom! Duh! It's spring break and I'm IN Florida!"


you should send him a beer bong! jk

yea what azul said, food!

Edited by tyrant 2006-02-15 7:20 PM
2006-02-15 7:53 PM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Master
2136
200010025
A Prairie Home
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
Bettylou, you so sweet. Can you be my mommy?

Let's see. George Foreman Grill, Rival water pot (to cook ramen), Domino's gift card, anything from Costco (such as bulk vitamins, bulk cereal bars, bulk sweets, bulk flu medicines)... to name a few dorm essentials.



2006-02-15 7:55 PM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Champion
6627
5000100050010025
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Gold member
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home

Be the cool mom...it's all about the goodies...

  • Itunes gift card.  Honies love tunes.
  • Starbucks gift card (with enough to deal with a morning after date)
  • Tickets to ANY cool concert.  Be sure you know the cool ones
  • Tickets to ANY sports event. 
  • Cookies.  Become domestically unchallenged.  It starts in the refrigerated section and is named toll house. 
  • Any favorite meal.  If it's out, gift certificate (e.g., red lobster, friday's, whatever)
  • Hollister t-shirts. Word has it they're hot.

There's the starter list.  Hope it helps. 

2006-02-15 8:06 PM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Queen BTich
12411
500050002000100100100100
,
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home

Yes, food.

Snack packs of goldfish, gummi bears, etc.
$5 gift cards to places like Starbucks, iTunes, fast food, the grocery store ($25!) is all good.
Shampoo, soap, etc. would be good but you're far away so cards might be best.

I didn't really get care packages, my mom would just take me to the store and buy all the extra stuff I needed-but I was only 3 hours from home.

2006-02-15 8:15 PM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Master
1728
100050010010025
Pulaski TN
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
My mom would usually send homeade food, walmart gift cards, blockbuster gift cards, cards, and such.
2006-02-15 9:01 PM
in reply to: #346843


62
2525
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
My grandpa used to send me boxes of cereal (HoneyComb was my fav.) and soda coupons.

My momma sent tea and honey, but that was only after I laid the guilt trip on her...
2006-02-15 9:33 PM
in reply to: #346913

User image

Master
1867
10005001001001002525
The real USC, in the ghetto of LA
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
Calmdown - 2006-02-15 9:01 PM

My grandpa used to send me boxes of cereal (HoneyComb was my fav.) and soda coupons.

My momma sent tea and honey, but that was only after I laid the guilt trip on her...


ha ha cupons. i never collected them until i BC a poor college student.


2006-02-16 7:30 AM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Crystal Lake, IL
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home

I love home made cookies, but a package of big soft cookies from the grocery store can be just as satisfying and much easier for you.

On the sly find out what his favorite fast food places in the area are (Chipotle?  Domino's?) and send him gift cards/certificates for those places.  Also movie theater gift cards.  He can use them for dates, himself, or friends.

 As a joke, send him a key that looks like a house key.  Tell him you had the locks on the doors changed after he left but since he made you feel so guilty you decided to give him a key to get back in when he comes home to visit. 

Another joke, tell him that you feel so terrible about not sending care packages like the other moms that you want to make it up to him.  You are going to make a huge care package and bring it down to him personally.  During Spring Break!  You are coming by yourself and you want to know if you can stay with him for the week.  Ha!  Or at least say you are looking forward to spending the whole week with him and having him show you all around his school and town. 

2006-02-16 7:42 AM
in reply to: #347039

User image

Pro
4189
20002000100252525
Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
hangloose - 2006-02-16 8:30 AM

I love home made cookies, but a package of big soft cookies from the grocery store can be just as satisfying and much easier for you.

On the sly find out what his favorite fast food places in the area are (Chipotle? Domino's?) and send him gift cards/certificates for those places. Also movie theater gift cards. He can use them for dates, himself, or friends.

As a joke, send him a key that looks like a house key. Tell him you had the locks on the doors changed after he left but since he made you feel so guilty you decided to give him a key to get back in when he comes home to visit.

Another joke, tell him that you feel so terrible about not sending care packages like the other moms that you want to make it up to him. You are going to make a huge care package and bring it down to him personally. During Spring Break! You are coming by yourself and you want to know if you can stay with him for the week. Ha! Or at least say you are looking forward to spending the whole week with him and having him show you all around his school and town.



CRUEL!!!

But BRILLIANT!
2006-02-16 7:53 AM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Champion
5183
5000100252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home

my mom used to send rolls of quarters for laundry. LOVED it. Also, cheesy magazines that I would never but but liked reading.  coffee.  socks and underwear.  gatorade powder (i told her I needed it for my sports, but secretly it was great hangover prevention.

One time she sent a foam basketball and hoop that goes over the door. It must have cost 10 bucks at most, and at first I thought she was crazy, but we ended up having so much fun with it in the dorms.  

I have some friends' kids at boarding school to whom I send books and mix cd's, and toiletires from hotels (and quarters)

2006-02-16 7:54 AM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Champion
7558
500020005002525
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
Care Package???

Can't say that I ever experienced such a thing when I was in college...My roommate one year had his parents ship his bowling ball down to him, and they put about that much extra weight in cookies, fudge, etc. What devotion!

There are some companies out there that specialize in delivering "care packages" on some regular schedule. These are designed for people with more $$ than time, but it really does save the hassle of shopping then shipping stuff.

When was the last time he WROTE? Not e-mail, wrote you a letter the old fashioned way? That might help expedite any care package he expects (or demands??) You can delicately explain to him that your letters are his care package (especially since you are including $$ in them).

2006-02-16 7:57 AM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Pro
4189
20002000100252525
Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
in defense of the students...I regularly send my mom and dad AND my brother cards ! (secretly it keeps them happy) and I call home regularly.

I would have ADORED quarters!! Now I need pound coins and 20p coins to do my stuff . I think my mom is sending me a Steelers shirt!!

Can you round up an Ohio state flag? I just got a PA state flag for myself to put up in my dorm room. Things ID-ing your state helps you meet people.


2006-02-16 8:38 AM
in reply to: #347039

User image

Extreme Veteran
604
500100
Northwest Ohio
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
hangloose - 2006-02-16 7:30 AM

p>Another joke, tell him that you feel so terrible about not sending care packages like the other moms that you want to make it up to him.  You are going to make a huge care package and bring it down to him personally.  During Spring Break!  You are coming by yourself and you want to know if you can stay with him for the week.  Ha!  Or at least say you are looking forward to spending the whole week with him and having him show you all around his school and town. 



That's a great idea. I'm going to do it. And tell him that I bought a new red bikini and I'm looking forward to going to the beach with him and his roommates. HA!

Also, thanks for the other good ideas. I may have to spread it out over time.

2006-02-16 9:20 AM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Elite
3201
20001000100100
South Florida
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
-Rolls of quarters were the best.
-Slice and bake cookies - you can't really screw them up.
-My mom would go to BJ's and get me giant boxes of my favorite junk - blow pops, 100 Grand bars - anything I could share with my friends was good.
-Silly things like Possum's basketball hoop are always fun - try the paty store.
-Oh - and of course tons of decorations for whatever holiday is coming - St. Patty's Day would be best right now. Get some things he can hang and stupid hats they can wear when they're drunk.
-I love the gift card idea - Blockbuster would be great.
-Magazines were the best.
-My roommate's mom used to tape Santa Barbra for us each week so we could catch up - our dorm rooms only had "school" TV so we had to watch videos.
- Stamps

And if you want something quick and easy go to Popcorn Factory.

Edited by MomX3 2006-02-16 9:23 AM
2006-02-16 9:55 AM
in reply to: #346843

User image

Master
1728
100050010010025
Pulaski TN
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
I also went to a small private college that sent out a form to the parents to buy care packages from someone at school. They would have a list ov everything you could get and different prices it was a cool idea... as a matter of fact my MOM was the one who started it she worked in the Development office. It was cool when I moved off to grad school she would also send me those care packages as well from my ole alma matter.
2006-02-16 10:11 AM
in reply to: #346843

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2006-02-16 1:36 PM
in reply to: #346843

Master
1741
100050010010025
Boston
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
What school in Fla. does your son go to? I hope it's Univ. of Fla. - the only real college in Fla.!


2006-02-16 4:31 PM
in reply to: #346843

Member
34
25
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
I second the quarters suggestion...that's always something great to get in the mail. I'm in grad school now so magically my parents think that I don't need anything sent in the form of a care package anymore when in reality I'm more poor than ever (hint hint you can send something my way )
ANYWAY, my mom never sent food so I got things like quarters, magazines, packs of gum, $20 bill, pictures from home, various luxury toiletry items (lotion, hair gel, etc), etc.
Anything you send will be welcomed with open arms!
2006-02-16 7:52 PM
in reply to: #346849

COURT JESTER
12230
50005000200010010025
ROCKFORD, IL
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home

tyrant - 2006-02-15 5:57 PM  Condoms? jk....

 In Florida for spring break.  He'll need those.  If it's freak him out to get those from mom, go ahead and send them.  If nothing else, just to mess with his mind. 

2006-02-16 8:28 PM
in reply to: #346843

Coach
9167
5000200020001002525
Stairway to Seven
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
Hey, stop scaring BettyLou...her son does NOT drink, does NOT date, but by allmeans, does not have SEX!!! And he would love to have his mother visit for spring break.
2006-02-16 10:26 PM
in reply to: #347904

Extreme Veteran
604
500100
Northwest Ohio
Subject: RE: Care Package from Home
AdventureBear - 2006-02-16 8:28 PM

Hey, stop scaring BettyLou...her son does NOT drink, does NOT date, but by allmeans, does not have SEX!!! And he would love to have his mother visit for spring break.


THAT made me laugh! Thanks.

Yes. it's settled. I'll go stay with him at spring break and we'll bake cookies together. And to top it off, I'll flirt with his roommates. I'm sure he'll love that!
New Thread
Other Resources My Cup of Joe » Care Package from Home Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2