Is it harder on parents or their college children when kids leave home to attend college? Either way, sending little gifts to college students is a great way to let them know you miss them and that they’re still an important part of your life.

Several years ago, our church started a college-age ministry that was wildly popular with our youth. We compiled a list of all the college kids in our church, including name, home address, school address, favorite color, favorite snack food, birthday, exam schedule, etc. Members of our congregation “adopted” various kids and agreed to send notes, cards, goodies, and general reminders that someone at home was thinking of them.

Ways to Keep Connected With College Students: Food

If you know anything about teenagers, you know they love to eat! Microwave popcorn or kettle corn is a “can’t-lose” suggestion for a food gift to a college student. Even if the student lives in an apartment, cooking is not at the top of their list for everyday activities!

Cup-a-soup, Ramen noodles, microwave macaroni and cheese and other quick, easy-to-prepare food items are certain to be much appreciated and a big hit. Homemade cookies could possibly send a college student over the top, and make him very popular with roommates! Pop Tarts and cereal bars make a quick take-along breakfast on the mad rush to get to that early morning class on time.

Ways to Keep Connected With College Students: Money

No, I don’t mean you need to pen them a check for a large sum of money! A roll of quarters will be a god-send on laundry day. I don’t even know adults who can put their hands on eight-to-ten quarters at a time, let alone a college student who only uses a debit card for all monetary transactions! Quarters can be used in washers and dryers and also in vending machines on campus.

Ways to Keep Connected With College Students: Debit Card

This is another way to give your favorite college student money, but is more convenient-no need to go to the bank to cash a check. My daughter attended George Mason University in northern Virginia and they offered debit cards they called “Mason Money.” These debit cards could be used in the bookstore, at on-campus food establishments, and even several off-campus restaurants and stores.

Ways to Keep Connected With College Students: Flavored Water

No, not actual bottles of flavored water! I’m referring to the single serve sleeves of kool-aid, tea, lemonade, fruit juice, etc. that can be poured into bottles of water. These are very popular now, and widely available.

Ways to Keep Connected With College Students: Bedding Accessories

Sheets and towels, etc. are already taken care of, of course. A cozy fleece in just about any size or color is great to wrap up in for those all-night study sessions and even better when heart-to-heart conversations with roommates run into the wee hours. Throw pillows or floor pillows are a great idea too.

Ways to Keep Connected With College Students: Study Aids

I am known as the “post-it-note queen” because I include them in just about every gift I give to just about everyone! Post-it-notes are handy to use as book marks, to jot down study notes, and even to leave a note for roommates. A book light is bound to come in handy when your student needs to stay up late studying and doesn’t want to disturb roommates. A lap desk makes studying and writing in bed so convenient.

Ways to Keep Connected With College Students: Mail

Even in this electronic age kids love to get mail from family and friends. My daughter had several male friends who I corresponded with for a few years while they were in college. I used to send them funny cards and covered the envelopes with stickers! They were at the same time embarrassed and secretly thrilled to see those envelopes arrive. If you don’t feel inclined to send paper greetings, an e-card is just as nice. Several companies even offer free choices so you don’t need to pay a membership fee to send electronic greetings to family and friends.

Kids may not admit it, but they do miss home, even if they love college. Staying in touch with them is important and serves as a gentle reminder of who they are and where they come from. No matter what you send to a college student away at school, it will be appreciated! Remember it’s the thought that counts.