This post: 22 fall DIY college care package ideas / Post Updated September 2023
Fall is here! Let your favorite college student know how much you love and miss them with a fun fall or Halloween-inspired DIY care package filled with all their favorite sweets and treats, and a few special surprises they’ll love!
Before we get to the fall-inspired care packages, are you stumped on what to put in your college student’s fall care package? Here are a few fun ideas!
Remember: It DOESN’T have to cost a lot! You can pick up really fun and inexpensive items at the Dollar Store, Walmart, or the Target dollar section. And, don’t worry if you’re not overly creative… they’ll love the mere idea that you took the time to pull a care package together and send it to them! Seriously… don’t stress! Just go for it!
- Fall or Halloween Candy
- Their Favorite Snacks
- Cozy Socks
- Fall-Scented Candle
- Anything Orange, Red or Gold (Like Cheetos, Goldfish, Fritos, Doritos, etc.)
- Ingredients to Make S’Mores
- Microwave Popcorn
- Coffee or Tea
- Coffee Mug / Tea Cup
- Insulated Tumbler
- Gift Cards
- Fall-Inspired T-Shirt
- Any Homemade Treats
- Hot Cocoa Mix with Marshmallows
- Slippers
- Reminders of Home (Personal Letters, Pictures)
- Soap, Make-Up, Perfume or Cologne
- Silly Halloween Trinkets
- String Lights
- Books
- Comfy PJs
- Adult Coloring Book
- Stress Ball
- College Spirit Wear (T-Shirt, Sweatshirt, Hat, Stickers, etc.)
Also, don’t forget to download our FREE College Care Package Gift Tags! Send your favorite college student a care package they’ll never forget! Grab a little inspiration from our 8 adorable college care package gift tags!
CLICK HERE to visit our FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY to download now!
Don’t forget to ship your package with this fun “LOVE, MOM” downloadable care package shipping label you can purchase on Etsy for only $6! ORDER HERE!
(Just download on sticker paper!)
22 Fall DIY College Care Package Ideas
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Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Perfect for the pumpkin spice lover, this care package is so fun and festive. Fill it with their favorite fall-flavored coffee, cookies, or candies along with some fall nuts or sweet treats.
Source: Instagram
The 13 Days of Halloween Countdown
This 13 Days of Halloween care package is such a fun way to stretch out the excitement! Every day for 13 days, they can open a special surprise filled with love from home!
Source: Just Helen
No One Loves You S’More Than Me
When chilly weather hits, everyone knows it’s time to break out the s’mores! Making s’mores will be a breeze when you ship them all the fixings including graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.
Source: Pinterest
Grabbing the Chance to Say…
Don’t miss the chance to let your favorite college student know how much you miss them with a Halloween-inspired care package that’s filled with spooky fun and sweet treats! Download the printables for this adorable care package at Almost Empty Nest!
Source: Almost Empty Nest
Happy Fall
When it comes to DIY college care package ideas, you don’t have to spend a lot to make a big impression. This care package is simple and yet, so adorable! Simply line the box with fall or Halloween printed scrapbook paper, add cut-out “Happy Fall” letters, fill with “everything fall” and you’ll have a care package that’s sure to put a smile on your child’s face.
source: i.pinimg
To Some “BOO”TIFUL Ghouls
Pass along this fun care package to your favorite BOOtiful ghouls (oh, I mean girls)!
Source: Pinterest (original source unknown)
I’m Thankful for YOU!
Let your college student know just how thankful you are for them with this fun care package. Have a little fun! Search online for fun fall printables or draw your own for a unique care package your student will never forget.
Source: Pinterest
Everything Fall
From football and Thanksgiving to bonfires and apple cider, your favorite college student will love receiving this adorable fall-inspired care package! Fill it with their favorite fall candy, fall-colored surprises, a scented fall candle, cozy socks, or anything else that reminds them of fall! (I made this care package for my daughter and she flipped!)
Source: Raising Teens Today
Happy Halloween
No matter how old they are, our kids still love Halloween (even if they don’t admit it). This simple care package lined with orange and black paper and filled with plenty of Halloween candy and fun surprises is easy, fun, and adorable!
source: i.pingimg
Just for Boo
Even a few simple “treasures” will make your child feel special when they’re away from home. And, they don’t have to be expensive!
Source: Jo, My Gosh
I’m Goin’ Batty Without You
We’re loving this fun, slightly spooky care package! Pick up some creepy spiderwebs at the store and fill with Halloween trinkets and sweet treats for a creative care package your child will go batty over.
Source: Pinterest
Happy Thanksgiving
Grab the scissors and cut out a few paper leaves to recreate this festive Happy Thanksgiving care package your child will flip over. (Don’t forget to add a picture from home!)
Source: ItsJordyn33.Tumblr
Hoot Hoot!
Hooo doesn’t love owls? Your child will get a big “HOOT” out of this clever care package filled with all their favorite goodies!
Source: Pinterest
Trick or Treat
Let your child go trick or treating right in their dorm with this “Trick or Treat” care package that’s filled with all their favorite Halloween candy.
Source: Pinterest
Today is the Perfect Day to Be Happy
This “happy” care package, complete with a scented candle, cinnamon sticks, and a sweet mug, not only looks like fall but will smell like fall when your child opens it!
Source: Pinterest
Truly Thankful for YOU!
You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money on a care package – this “Truly Thankful for You” care package is sweet and simple.
Source: My Inspiration Corner
I Know This is Corny
If you’re missing your college student this Halloween, send this slightly corny, over-the-top care package that screams “Happy Halloween!”
Source: Pinterest
“It’s Time to Cozy Up” Fall Gift Basket
Add your child’s favorite “little luxuries” including a soft scarf, candy, hot cocoa or coffee, a mug, and, of course, a cozy pair of socks to a care package. Or, if you’re tight on time, purchase this adorable “Cozy Gift Basket” care package from Etsy HERE!
Source: Etsy
Eat Drink & Be Scary
This Halloween DIY college care package offers plenty of spooky and fun inspiration! We love the “Monster” drink they included!
Source: Pinterest
To My Sweet Potato
This Instagram-worthy care package box might take a little work, but the end result is amazing! Just visit your nearest craft store for fun fall-inspired scrapbook paper to make the colorful feathers!
Source: Finding Mandee
Eye Can’t Wait to See You
With just a couple of BIG googly eyes, cut-out letters, and orange and black tissue paper, you’ll have an “eye-catching,” creative care package ready to fill with everything your child loves.
Source: My Simply Madd Life
You Are FAB(BOO)LOUS
This simple, yet fun care package is proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your college student feel special and loved. For the tutorial and free printable, visit Ginger Snap Crafts HERE!
Source: Ginger Snap Crafts
EYE Miss You!
I made this silly care package for my son who’s a freshman in college and he flipped! I picked up the extra-large googly eyes from a craft store (JoAnne’s Fabrics), bought all fall-colored snacks and Halloween trinkets and lined the box flaps with scrapbooking paper and free clipart I found online. I also added a few fake cobwebs just for fun. It was so easy and it was a blast to make!
Need more college care package inspiration? Check out our other post!
DIY Finals Week College Care Packages: 12 Ideas to Take the Pressure Off
2 comments
Where did you get the “Fall Words” for the package?
Hey Cami! I found them on the internet! I just Googled FREE Fall Clipart and found lots of great ideas! You can also purchase them on some sights. Check out Canva too – you can create your own and print them. Hope this helps!