Smash Stress! Send Exam Care Packages

To Help Ease Their Stress During Exam Week

Midterm and finals can be some of the biggest stressors for your student. Don’t expect too many calls from your students during exams. I typically do not speak to my daughter during finals or exam weeks. My calls usually get a “sorry I cannot talk right now” text response followed by an “I’m at the library mom” text. I also know that she is not going to eat healthily and probably going to consume any form of caffeine she can get whether it is coffee or energy drinks and late-night snacks most likely consisting of pizza and junk. Everything from eating habits to sleep habits, from study skills to exercise changes during exam time. I hate to say it but I had my share of all-nighters when I went to UF and, no matter how good a student you may have, when there is a grade on the line, students will do whatever it takes to make sure they are prepared.

As a parent, I hate watching how stressed my daughter feels. No matter what I say, it is not going to change the fact that if I am even lucky to get her on the phone, it is not going to be the most pleasant of conversations. I just keep reminding myself that I went through this too and do the next best thing; I send a care package. I know she appreciates it and it makes me feel good too. I would go out and buy food for her and her roommates – nuts, granola, dark chocolate, coffee, gum, lollipops, and popcorn, usually in pre-packaged small sizes so they could throw it in their backpack while holed up in the library.

I even found snack packages labeled brain food. Maybe include enough for them to share with their roommates. Of course, you can make your own care packages, as I often have done, and can even design your own care package box with this fun sticker kit.

If you are not the DIY-type or lack the time, here are some items we recommend and the top items our student interns are requesting (from our very unscientific intern poll):

Study Snacks & Gum

No surprise here, snacks to take to the library and gum were the top items mentioned followed by energy bars. Find them at:

OCM- Also known as Our Campus Market, they work with most colleges for care packages sent to students living in dorms. See their finals care packages. Think high energy, nutritious treats, and some not so nutritious survival gift baskets. They do have a healthy blend care package as well.

NatureBox – College kids love to snack so why not give them healthier snacks that promote wellness and reduce stress? Their snacks have no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners, no corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, or MSG – just healthy deliciousness.

Mrs. Fields Cookies – There’s something about cookies that are the perfect pick-me-up while students are studying. Mrs. Fields® offers a selection of college care packages are the perfect pick-me-up. Their exam care packages and gift baskets are filled to the brim with freshly baked treats – from their classic Nibblers® to Mrs. Fields® signature chocolate chip cookies.

Walmart – Perfect for those late-night study sessions, shop online for their Healthy Choices Deluxe Care Package. Mint gum is recommended as it is said to not only help you focus but also help recall information during tests.

Nuts.com – Nuts and seeds contain essential fatty acids that support brain function and health. Of course, throw in a little sweetness like chocolate, and you are providing students with the benefits their brains need for focus and concentration.

Vegancuts – For the students who are vegan, we love this option for sending snacks to your student. From vegan mac and cheese and delicious vegan chocolate to avocado chips, hummus crackers and superfood smoothies, this subscription box includes a minimum of 10 sweet and savory vegan snacks.

Coffee

Students drink an insane amount of coffee during exam time. Not only do they want coffee, including gift cards, but don’t forget the travel mug to go with it. S’well bottles  or a Hydroflask Coffee Mug or Tumbler will keep coffee hot for up to 12 hours. Or try an inspirational coffee mug that says “But First Coffee.”

Dunkin Donuts – You know they are going to be drinking coffee so why not send them a treat from the Dunkin’ Donuts Shop or from Starbucks.

Health & Healing

When students are feeling stressed, they are most susceptible to colds and that achy feeling. Sleep is normally the cure but is highly unlikely during exam time. They know they will need to load up on Vitamin C and Advil.

Another item students request for relaxation or at least to reduce stress and treat anxiety are essential oils as a substitute for candles that are not allowed in the dorms and may be dangerous in apartments if they forget to blow it out (because they are sleep-deprived. Lavender oils are a great choice as they are good for not only focus and concentration but also for anxiety.

Stress Relievers – While they are holed up in the library or their apartment studying, many of the students turn to stress balls and fidget spinners. They are easy to find.

Socks– The library can get awfully cold which is why students would love a pair of fuzzy socks. We recommend or Happy Socks or some novelty ones or Ugg socks.

Facemasks, bath bombs and more – Nothing says relax more than a facial mask or long soak in the bath.

Food

They have to eat and yet many may skip a meal or two. Make sure they are eating properly by sending them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or even a grocery store where they can grab something from the prepared foods aisle. A gift card from Lucky’s or Publix or a specific restaurant they love can work.

Concentration

Most students rely on noise blocking headphones so they can study in the library without having to hear anyone else.

Beats by Dr. Dre is one of the most requested audio brands for headphones, earphones, and speakers and also one of the most in-demand holiday gift items by our student panel.  Most students prefer the wireless version. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all sell this brand.

Bose Headphones and Earbuds – known for their sound systems, try the Noise Cancelling headphones or the Bose Sound Sport Wireless Headphones.

School supplies

Across the board, our interns and those they surveyed all asked for good pens, pencils, highlighters, and index cards. We should be thrilled that they actually want something that will help them study; they just want you to pay for it which is why this makes a great exam care package gift. Office Depot/ Office Max carries plenty of these items.

Make It Personal

Finally, and somewhat surprisingly, our students all requested a personal good luck note or letter of encouragement. I think they realize they are not the best at talking on the phone but they all stated that it makes them feel better and even work harder.

Read our blog on The Stress of College for some additional tips. And then, when they finish, perhaps gifting them a Fandango gift card to watch movies from their laptop or television would be a great way to unwind.

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