Care Packages for College Students: Essentials They Need Most

For couch study sessions or overflow seating in the library, the LapGear Home Office Lap Desk kept our laptops and mice organized with a built-in mouse pad and handy phone slot. In our testing, the lightweight build and dual-bolster cushion made it easy to carry and comfortable, while promoting airflow under the machine. Be aware it can feel a bit large for smaller laps, heat from some laptops still warms the surface, and the mouse-pad material may wear with heavy use - still a solid care-package upgrade for portable work.

For to-do lists that actually stay put, these 4 x 6 lined Post-it Super Sticky Notes gripped dorm doors, walls, and monitors reliably in our testing. The canary yellow color is bright and easy to spot, and the lined format gives enough space for class schedules, study plans, or shared-suite reminders. They're pricier per pad compared with bulk online options and packs can be smaller, but our experience shows the strong adhesive and re-stickable convenience are worth it for students juggling busy calendars.

For a quick dorm mattress upgrade, the Linenspa Convoluted Gel Memory Foam 3 Inch topper adds plush comfort at a budget price. During our review, the ventilated, egg-crate profile and gel infusion modestly improved airflow, easing stuffiness on warm study nights. It's CertiPUR-US certified, though we did notice some off-gassing on unpacking that dissipated after airing out. Our experience shows the foam can compress and lose loft over months and may feel warm to hot sleepers, so plan accordingly.

This Bedsure Flannel Fleece Blanket is the cozy, low-maintenance layer dorm rooms need: exceptionally soft, machine-washable, and still plush after multiple washes. In our testing, the generous sizing made it a perfect throw for late-night study sessions or weekend movie marathons. Some buyers find it thinner than expected and we noticed minor shedding or small pilling after the first couple of washes. Color can vary slightly versus online images, so if you're matching dorm decor, our experience shows ordering a neutral shade is the safest bet.

Personalize dorm sleep with the Coop Original Adjustable Pillow: add or remove fill to dial in the loft and support you like. During our review, the breathable cover and fill kept temperature neutral most nights without the chill of aggressive cooling gels. It does require regular fluffing and may lose some density over time, so keep extra fill handy if you prefer a firmer feel. Our experience shows side, back, and stomach sleepers can all get comfortable once adjusted, though hot sleepers may want a dedicated cooling pillow instead.

For long study days or post-intramural workouts, we found Liquid I.V.'s Lemon Lime and Passion Fruit sticks deliver a big electrolyte boost that rehydrates faster than water alone. The single-serve packets are easy to stash in a backpack or slip into a care package, and the added B vitamins and vitamin C are a nice bonus. Be aware the flavor skews sweet - and some sips taste a bit salty - and during our review the powder sometimes dissolved slowly, so we recommend shaking vigorously to limit clumps or residue.

Hydration gets easier with the Stanley Quencher H2.0 - vacuum insulation keeps water icy for hours and coffee hot through long lectures. We like the comfy handle and tapered base that fits most car cup holders, and many parts are dishwasher safe for quick cleanup. Just note the lid isn't fully leakproof, so don't toss it sideways in a backpack, and the 40-ounce size gets heavy when filled. During our review, the lid's small parts took extra time to scrub, but overall performance still beat most campus tumblers we've used.

We like the Nodpod for late-night cram sessions and midday naps because its strap-free design won't snag hair or squeeze your head. In our testing, the four weighted pods applied gentle pressure at key points, and the reversible fabrics let you choose microfleece/cotton or cooler silk. That said, some masks arrive with inconsistent weight distribution and a few buyers report customer service or shipping hiccups. Light blocking varies by face shape; during our review, side sleepers needed a precise fit to prevent leaks near the nose and cheeks.

A small, student-friendly care kit, Burt's Bees Essential set covers lip, hand, body, foot, and cleansing needs with five travel sizes. In our testing, the formulas moisturized well and left skin nourished - great after winter walks across campus. Be aware the hand salve can feel greasy and take effort to apply, and some users say the lip balm isn't as effective as before. Since the sizes are small, we found they can run out quickly with daily use, but they're perfect for backpacks, gym bags, or exam-week travel.

For dorm decor without the drill, Command Large Picture Hanging Strips make hanging frames and art with no tools, holes, or hardware. In our testing, they held securely on painted walls and removed cleanly when pulled correctly, which is resident-advisor approved. That said, adhesion can weaken in humid spaces and we've seen failures over time or with heavier frames on textured or poorly painted surfaces. Our advice for campus walls: test one strip first and be prepared for occasional paint lifting, especially on older or lightly bonded paint.

Under-bed storage that actually fits, the IRIS 50-quart container slides under many dorm beds and swallows off-season clothes or extra bedding. During our review, we liked the spacious capacity and smooth sliders on hard floors, which made grab-and-go access easy. However, customers report cracked lids or broken handles from shipping, and the latches and thin plastic can feel flimsy. Recent versions may omit gliders, so our experience shows carpeted dorms can be harder to slide on - felt pads or a low-pile mat can help.

For keeping track of keys or a backpack on campus, Apple's AirTag shines thanks to the huge Find My network. During our review, Ultra Wideband precision finding on compatible iPhones made nearby locating nearly foolproof, guiding us right to the item. The user-replaceable CR2032 battery lasts about a year, but you'll need an accessory to attach it since there's no built-in hole or clip. It's best paired with an iPhone (Android support is limited), and we advise a quick privacy chat, since the tiny tag has been misused for tracking.

Powering multiple devices in a dorm or library is easy with the Anker 735: two USB-C ports plus USB-A in a compact GaN II body. In our testing, single-port 65W output fast-charged many laptops, while the other ports kept phones and earbuds topped up. It's not the tiniest Nano model, and we saw occasional quirks with older devices, so pack a backup cable for legacy gear. The plug can feel loose in crowded or worn outlets; our experience shows using a quality power strip improves stability and prevents accidental disconnects.

Dorms can be noisy, and in our testing Mack's Slim Fit Soft Foam Ear Plugs were a standout for smaller ear canals, with a soft, slow-expanding foam that stays comfortable overnight. Their high noise reduction rating helps block snoring and loud hallways, which we found makes early classes easier after a solid sleep. Note they run smaller than standard earplugs and can fall out if not rolled and inserted correctly; plus, the disposable foam degrades after a few uses, so include extra pairs in a care package.

For study notes and bullet journals, we love Zebra Mildliners' double-ended design - broad chisel for headings, fine tip for margins - and the soft, muted palette keeps pages calm and organized. During our review, the tips proved sturdy and resisted bending with normal use, which helps them survive backpacks and late-night cramming. Just note some shades are darker than expected and fresh pen ink can smear, so let writing dry; also, they aren't refillable, meaning you'll replace the whole pen when ink runs out.

Outfitting a dorm desk or shared suite, we found Belkin's 12-Outlet Surge Protector invaluable - widely spaced outlets handle bulky chargers, and the 8-foot heavy-duty cord reaches behind lofted beds and furniture. Its high surge rating (around 3,780-3,940 joules) adds peace of mind for laptops, consoles, and monitors during campus power blips. On the downside, there are no built-in USB ports, the strip is relatively heavy with a larger footprint, and our experience shows a few users encounter defective units - so buy from a retailer with easy returns.

For everyday scrapes and dorm mishaps, this Johnson & Johnson compact kit packs the essentials - bandages, gauze, ointments - plus trusted brands like Neosporin, Benadryl topical, and Tylenol. In our testing, the portable case fit easily in a backpack or car, making it a smart add-in for a college care package. Downsides: the outer case and some items can feel flimsy, and it doesn't include oral allergy meds, so our experience shows you may want to supplement with personal medications or extra quantities.