Personal-care items are safe to ship and last for lengths of time. These include soap, body wash, deodorant, shaving cream, disposable razors or cartridges and other basic hygiene items. When your college student is strapped for cash, she may not be able to afford these necessities.
Food is something you can never have enough of. Pick foods that are shelf-stable such as popcorn, chips and pretzels or hot cocoa mix. Depending on what your child likes, make a mixture of sweets and healthy options such as oatmeal or granola bars.
Medicines to treat ailments such as the flu, sinus problems or a cold will be useful as well. Send aspirin, allergy medications, cough drops and plenty of tissues. Send a multivitamin to make up for nutrients your child may be missing out on while living in the college environment.
Your child can always use money to buy something he can't afford or in case a fun event comes up. Send rolls of quarters for self-service laundry if the college's facility does not offer free machines. Gift cards are an ideal choice to encourage students to get out and get something they like, especially during stressful times like midterms or finals week.
Include something that is personal in the package. Pictures of her parents from an event or outing they attended can help with homesickness. Write her a letter that says what you have been doing since she left. Send letters or emails on a frequent basis to remind your college student that you are always thinking of her.