Gustavus students love receiving mail. It is fun for students to have something in their P.O. box, or to have an email stating they have a surprise package awaiting them. Here are some ideas of what is helpful for your student:
- chips
- ramen noodles
- popcorn
- homemade cookies
- tea/coffee
- shampoo
- soap
- pens
- highlighters
- gift card to the grocery store
- themed packages (For example Halloween themed. This might include candy, caramel apples, room decorations, and other Fall related items.)
Letters to encourage your student to push through midterms are also appreciated! This is the time classes become more stressful as tests and papers begin to pile up. One parent suggests a care package party: “a group of parents decided to get together throughout the year to organize care packages for our kids, as well as keep our social contact with these parents. The first year we met monthly and we each brought one item for all 14 college students. Some months we had a theme and others we just brought treats. The kids got about everything and anything you could imagine…plus parents had lots of fun – we dressed up for Halloween, went caroling at our Christmas get together, and even went bowling.” (http://www1.umn.edu/parent/campus-community/gopher-gifts/). Feel free to check out that site for more great ideas for care packages (thanks U of M)!
If you would like to send a package or letter to your student you may send it here:
Student Name
Gustavus Student
800 W. College Ave
St. Peter, MN 56082