The Best: Parent Care Packages
THE BEST: PARENT CARE PACKAGES
Summer flew by in a blink, and now it’s time for your bebé to head back to college. We get it—it’s emotional. Suddenly your kitchen is cleaner, the laundry pile is smaller, and your texts go mostly unanswered unless someone needs money. Instead of daily interactions, you’re lucky if you get a grainy Sunday-night video call while they microwave something that’s technically food.
Whether college is a plane ride or a short drive away, one thing is certain: they’re out from under your loving wing. And while you know they need to fly on their own (even if that means crash-landing into a D on their first Macro Econ final), it doesn’t mean you can’t still show up for them—just from a safe, non-intrusive distance.
The ultimate move? Send them a perfectly curated care package. Every few weeks. No unannounced drop-ins, no emotional guilt trips—just a sweet, subtle, mamá-or-papá-powered reminder that they’re loved, supported, and absolutely still your baby (even if they now drink cold brew and have “opinions” about oat milk).
Here’s how to be the parent MVP this semester with the best care packages for college life:
1. Snack Smarter, Study Harder
Let’s be honest: between classes, group projects, sports, part-time jobs, and just trying to figure out what day it is, your college student isn’t prioritizing “balanced meals.” The first thing they’ll grab? A snack. Usually whatever’s closest, loudest, or in a shiny bag. Enter your role as Snack Fairy.
- Energy Bar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip with Chocolate Drizzle - 5ct - Good & Gather™: These non-GMO bars are the perfect blend of sweet, satisfying, and energizing. They're ideal for early-morning classes or late-night library grinds.
- Chomps Chomplings Original Beef Sticks - 9.2oz/8ct: For the student who prefers something savory and protein-packed. These beef sticks are gluten-free, sugar-free, and allergen-conscious—aka everything you wish their cafeteria food was. Bonus: made by a Latino-owned brand. It’s a thoughtful nod to quality, flavor, and representation.
Including these snack staples in your care package shows them you’re not just thinking about them—you’re planning for them. Whether they’re sprinting from rec center workouts to back-to-back labs or juggling back-to-back events, these are the kind of grab-and-go options that fuel their college life without slowing them down.
2. Drinks That Don’t Come From a Vending Machine
College kids run on caffeine, vibes, and the occasional flavored soda. But wouldn’t it be great if they also had something delicious and parent approved?
- Café Bustelo Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee - 10oz: A college dorm staple that feels like home. It’s bold, familiar, and perfect for early classes or late-night brainstorms. A full-bodied coffee that gives your student barista-level energy for their 8 a.m. lectures.
- OLIPOP Sparkling Tonic – Peaches N Cream: Packed with prebiotics, plant fiber, and delicious nostalgia. It’s a fiber-filled, gluten-free, GMO-free alternative to regular soda, and let’s be real—Peaches N Cream is a mood. Especially during high-stress weeks.
Sending thoughtful drinks in your care package is like saying, “I see you. I love you. Please don’t drink gas station energy drinks.”
3. Help Them Focus (Even When They're Totally Overwhelmed)
Midterms? Finals? Group projects that mysteriously land all the work on your child’s plate? It’s a lot. Help them stay sharp with a little boost that doesn’t involve caffeine or pulling an all-nighter.
- OLLY Laser Focus Gummies - Berry Tangy Tangerine - 36ct: Formulated with GABA, B-vitamins, and L-Theanine to help them concentrate when things get chaotic. Perfect for back-to-back classes, studying marathons, or navigating roommates who still don’t know how to use headphones.
These gummies add a functional touch to your care package, especially for students exploring ambitious academic or creative goals. You’re not just sending vitamins—you’re sending strategy.
4. A Little Luxury Goes a Long Way
Dorm life is...let’s just say it’s not exactly glamorous. But a few little luxuries in their care package can transform a basic self-care moment into something kind of magical.
- Tree Hut Lychee Kiss Shea Sugar Scrub: Paraben-free, vegan, sulfate-free, and smells like a daydream. Whether they’re washing off stress after a long day or just indulging in some #showertok-inspired self-care, this scrub is a small luxury with a big mood lift.
This is the kind of care package addition that says, “You deserve to feel good in your own skin—even when you’re living with three strangers and a shower caddy.”
5. The Love is in the Details
Your care package doesn’t have to be huge—it just has to feel personal. Add handwritten notes, print out a few family photos (yes, the dog counts as a sibling), or even include little seasonal touches—mini pumpkins in October, hot cocoa packets in December, allergy meds in April.
Tailor the box to their evolving identity. Maybe they’re into wellness, or getting serious about content creation, or building their social circle—your care package can meet them right where they are.
And here’s the best part: you don’t even have to wrestle with bubble wrap or wait in line at the post office. Let Target Circle 360 do the heavy lifting—order online, personalize it your way, and have it delivered right to their dorm door the same day. So you get to parent like a pro, without the packing and shipping drama.
Parenting From Afar, With Style
Sending a care package is about connection. It’s your way of parenting with grace, humor, and the occasional granola bar. Because even if your college kid doesn’t say much, they’ll always feel the love packed into every snack, scrub, and silly sticky note.
So go ahead. Lean into your role as long-distance MVP. Your next care package might not fix their finals, but it will absolutely make their week.