Last Updated on January 26, 2026 by Alexandra Markin, Dip.Mgmt.St.
Need ideas for what to put in a Valentine’s Day care package for college students? As a college student myself, I’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re sending one to a daughter in college, a fellow student or good friend, this post is full of creative yet thoughtful ideas make their Valentine’s Day extra special.
So if you’re wondering what to send a college student for Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing this list of my favorite Valentine’s Day care package ideas for college students that are both useful and appreciated!
What to Include in a Valentine’s Day Care Package for College Students
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A care package is a thoughtfully put-together box or basket filled with an assortment of small items and sent or given to someone to show support, love or encouragement, especially if you can’t be there in person.
Stick to red, white and pink gift items to create the classic Valentine’s Day college care package aesthetic!
SEE ALSO: Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for College Girls
Valentine’s Chocolate and Candy
Chocolate and candy in red packaging form the basis of a Valentine’s care package.
- Snack size KitKat Bars
- Mini Twizzlers Candy Packs
Small Snack Foods
Sticking with small or individual size snack food items will allow you to include a bigger variety of things in the care package.
- Individual pouches of RITZ crackers
- Mini bags of Orville microwave popcorn
- Snack size cans of Pringles original flavor chips
- Bags of instant ramen noodles (beef flavor)
- Dark chocolate cherry Kind bars
Hot Chocolate Mug Gift Set
A hot chocolate mug gift set is the perfect addition to a Valentine’s Day college care package, especially if it’s cold where they’re studying!
Make your own with a mug, individual pouches of hot chocolate mix and mini marshmallows. Or, if you’re short on time, this delicious Lindt hot cocoa gift set is perfect to share with a study buddy and ward off the chill during a late night study session.
Self-Care Items
Send some pampering in your package for those much needed study breaks.
- Heart-shaped shower steamers
- Gua sha or a gua sha & jade roller set
- Collagen face masks
- Silk sleep mask
Gift Cards
As a student myself, I know we always appreciate extra cash! The best gift cards for students are for the coffee shop, grocery store, food delivery apps or their favorite stores.
Stress Ball
Great for building grip strength for all that note taking while releasing stress!
Cozy Socks or Slippers
Perfect for chilly dorm or apartment floors and to add comfort to long study sessions.
Study Essentials
Practical for all college students, you can never have too many pens, highlighters, stationary or notebooks!
Books
For the avid reader, books are always appreciated no matter what the occasion. Include their favorite fiction or one of the top books this year: 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think.
Covering everything from habits to emotional intelligence, this is the perfect book to read between classes to improve your study habits, grades and life.
Mini Portable Charger
If they use an iPhone and/or Apple Watch, this is one of my favorite portable chargers! Portable and lightweight, it lives in my study bag.
Valentine’s Décor
Add some fun and festivity to your box by adding small Valentine’s décor that can be enjoyed on a desk or in a small dorm or apartment, like a box of pink tealights or jewelry tray.
Handwritten Note or Card
No Valentine’s care package is complete without a personal message to express your care and encouragement. Grab a box of blank cards to complete the perfect Valentine’s college care package from mom.
How to Decorate a Valentine’s Day Care Package
Grab some premade flap sticker labels to decorate the inside of your care package! These fit perfectly with USPS Priority Mail Boxes.
How to Ship a Care Package
The cheapest way to ship a care package is to use a USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Box (US) or a Canada Post Flat Rate Box (Canada) because you can ship anywhere in your respective country without worrying about weight or destination for a set price.
- Grab a flat rate box from your post office.
- Fill it with small gifts.
- Decorate the inside of your box.
- Tape it up and take it to your local post office to ship.
Valentine’s Care Packages: Thoughtful Gifts That Mean the Most
A care package might seem like “just a gift,” but it carries so much more meaning. It’s a reminder of caring and connection, no matter what the distance.
A thoughtful box can make a big difference for someone’s Valentine’s day—especially with the busy exam season coming up!
Need more ideas? See also: 31 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for College Girls
What would you include in your Valentines Day college care package? Share your favorite ideas in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
