Sealed With a Kiss: Valentine's Care Packages

Diane Schwemm

I hadn't seen my old friend Eileen in ages. Our sons grew up together, and after they left for college, our paths never seemed to cross. One February, something nudged her, though, and she picked up the phone and called.

I remember being so glad she did. Friendship is a not-so-secret ingredient of a happy life, but it requires attention and effort.

On the phone that day, among other things, Eileen and I talked about how much we found ourselves missing our boys even though, by the second year of college, their away-ness wasn't new. Maybe it was because they'd just been home for winter break. She and her son did a bunch of skiing, and then she got to coddle him after he had his wisdom teeth removed.

We planned to catch up with each other's news and put together Valentine's care packages for the college kids. It was the perfect cozy thing to do on a wintry February weekend!

Recipe For a Delicious February Care Package

• Fuzzy socks, hat, or scarf
• Tea, coffee, hot cocoa
• A cute mug or insulated travel cup
• Homemade treats (mini quick bread loaves travel well, as do bars — my family loves butterscotch brownies)
• Chocolate (you know their favorite!)
• Healthy snacks (dried fruit, nuts, and seeds, etc.)
• Gift card to a local coffee shop, cafe, or boutique in their college town
• Pampering lotions or grooming products
• Lip gloss or balm
• Picture frame with family photo, new or old
• A fun magazine or little stuffed animal
• Vitamin C lozenges and tissue packs
• A Valentine's card or handwritten note

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Diane Schwemm

Read more by Diane Schwemm

Diane Schwemm is a freelance writer and editor. While Senior Editor and Content Manager at CollegiateParent, she helped create dozens of resources and publications for college students and families including many issues of the CollegiateParent Magazine and Insider. Diane lives in Boulder, Colorado and is a member of her local newspaper’s Community Editorial Board.