One of my odd recurring nightmares is that someone walks up to me on campus and casually mentions a test in one of my courses — a test I knew nothing about. The panic I felt is familiar to many college students.
With my two oldest children attending a university (one senior, one freshman), I like to look for ways to support and encourage them. While the rest of us are contemplating Christmas, they just started finals week. To kick it off, we delivered to each of them a large basket overflowing with goodies to help them through.
Time is of the essence, so look for things to keep your favorite student going without having to spend time away from their studies. Items that are portable and do not require special handling (like refrigeration) are things to look for. Generally I include a few junk foods, but mostly try to include things that will contribute to their health at this crucial time!
You can tailor such a gift to your college kids, depending on the season and their personal preferences. Some possible items to include are:
- #2 pencils
- Erasers
- Calculator batteries
- Highlighter
- Study tips
- Fleece blanket
- Hand sanitizer
- Ear plugs
- Pain killer
- Book light
- Stress-reducing ball or toy
- Vitamins (including chewable vitamin C)
- Hot/cold beverage mug
- Cocoa/cider/herb tea packets
- Single-serving soup packets or cups
- Heat and serve packaged dinners
- Hot cereal packets
- Granola bars
- Microwave popcorn
- Fresh fruit
- Nuts and seeds
- Pretzels
- Fruit leather
- Beef jerky
- Vitamin fortified drinks
- Juice boxes
- Applesauce cups
- Protein bars
- Raisins
- Rice cakes
- Favorite candy bar
- Hard candy
- Cookies
- Crackers and cracker packs
- Chewing gum
Help your college students pass through finals with flying colors!
Kissie December 30, 2009 at 6:40 pm
My youngest (and LAST) child will be entering school next year. I’m using this list for “gift ideas” ….and not only for him but others who can benefit from this awesome package.
.-= Kissie´s last blog ..My 2010 Wish for You =-.
Alison Moore Smith December 30, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Oh, that’s great Kissie! I hope you enjoy it. My kids (and I) have had fun with them.
Thanks for dropping by!
Alison Moore Smith April 16, 2010 at 1:06 am
I just updated the picture to include a photo of this week’s college finals survival kits. I made one for each of my college age children. And the younger kids have asked me repeatedly, “When I go to college will you make one for me?” Of course!
.-= Alison Moore Smith hopes you’ll read 31DBBB: Day #9 Join a Forum and Start Participating =-.
Amit November 18, 2011 at 4:55 am
Interesting point of views and very thought provoking. Thanks a lot for the valuable information. Will definitely visit this site regularly.
wWinning December 6, 2011 at 10:29 am
This list is just what I was looking for. I’ll be whipping up a basket for my son later today!
Matt Davidson March 29, 2012 at 9:25 pm
This is a great list. When choosing the type of chewing gum to add, I would HIGHLY recommend choosing Think Gum. Think Gum is a caffeinated sugar-free chewing gum that was recently shown in a peer-reviewed scientific study to improve performance by over 25%.