It’s September, and just about everyone is back in school, including college students. Whether this is the first year you’ve sent a child off to college or you’ve done it before, it’s always an exciting (and emotional) event.
Parents who want to encourage their college student, or those who’ve inspired that student along the way (such as Sunday School teachers) will want to start packing a care package. Kids in college will always welcome a package from home or a family friend. What makes for a great welcome gift box from home? Here are some suggestions:
First, pick out a selection of inspirational cards. Inspirational cards are available at Christian bookstores and they come in all sorts of styles and with all kinds of messages. Cards that encourage your student to lean on God, ones that remind them that God’s strength is available and sufficient or cards that let them know you are remembering them in daily prayer are perfect. So are cards which bear the simple reminder “God Loves You”. These cards will be the anchor for all the other goodies you choose to send along.
Cash is always in short supply and is therefore, always welcome. It doesn’t have to be a lot of money. You can tuck a twenty dollar bill into a card along with a note that suggests using it for pizza or ice cream (or laundry). Getting a handwritten note from home with just a little fun money is a great way to surprise your college student.
College kids are expected to do a lot of reading, so a bookmark is another simple, but welcome gift that can be slipped inside an inspirational card. You can make the bookmark yourself or you can choose from a variety of bookmarks on sale at a Christian bookstore; either way the gift will be a regular reminder of the folks at home who are supporting the hard work of college. Desk or wall calendars also make great gifts that are easy to mail.
Gift cards are easily stuffed inside one of your inspirational cards. Gift cards that can be used at fast food chains, the gas station, the bookstore or even Wal-Mart (for dorm or school supplies) will bring a smile to your student’s face when he opens his mail. You could choose to send a different card every month. It will let your student know he is remembered and will make getting mail from home eagerly anticipated.
Of course, home-baked goodies are a staple of the college gift package. Brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and other homemade treats will make a wonderful surprise. But even better than the snack food and money will be the words you write. This is your chance to tell your child how much you believe in them. Inspirational cards with uplifting messages are valuable, but not more than the words that flow from a mother or father’s pen.
So send along regular care packages, but always include some heartfelt words of encouragement and praise. They mean more than you know and will be remembered for years to come. If you wonder where to buy great inspirational cards, check out our selection at the The Printery House. We offer a variety of cards that can help brighten the day of your college student.