Homemade College Survival Kit Hamper

by India
(United Kingdom)

Homemade University/College Survival Gift Basket - contents before I wrapped them

Homemade University/College Survival Gift Basket - all wrapped up with card

Homemade University/College Survival Gift Basket - each gift is labelled with a letter matching the description in the card

Homemade University/College Survival Gift Basket

The idea was to make a university survival kit. With each thing we wrote a tag stating a number then we included a key in her birthday card. This added more fun whist opening the gift. The key was a list of explanations for why we bought that gift.

Who did you make it for?

The gift was for a gift to my cousin. She is hard to buy for but we wanted something she would appreciate. She is a practical but likes a laugh! She was also worried about the lack of good food at University.

What's in it?

Inside the hamper we put:

Peppermint tea - for when you have over-indulged (to settle the stomach)

Coffee - for hangovers

Good quality chocolate - to treat yourself

Fancy biscuits - go on you know you want to

A sleep mask and a scented candle - relax!

Hot chocolate - you deserve it

Garlic specialty cheese - you won't be able to afford this as you are a student!

Japanese cooking oil and soy sauce - Wok to go: beats a pot noodle!

Curry spices: cumin, coriander, chilli powder - nothing beats a curry

What did you use for the basket/container and wrapping?

I used a shoe box without the lid and I wrapped the shoe box in tin foil. Then I wrapped the gifts in a variety of wrapping paper.

Anything else you'd like to share about your gift basket?

I know the pictures are not the best but It was before I got my new camera. My hamper will probably not be the best or flashiest included but Becky loved it calling it the best gift ever. Its practical and handy but also cute and fun. The foodie items can be switched around and items can vary to suit different students. It is nice to know thought and effort went into a gift.

Also this is my blog: http://purpledragonfly25.blogspot.com. Please check it out!

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Homemade College Survival Kit Hamper

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Feb 20, 2012
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College Survival Kits
by: Susan

Great ideas...but I have more to add to the mix. One important thing you need to know if live in Alabama....you or either an Auburn fan..or Alabama fan...there is no "in between!". But I went to TROY (Go NY Giants!)...but the "rule" still applies...(dang! I really wish they would get a life!). Since I'm an artist, I came up with ideas for great college kits. I bought several "tubbies"in both red and blue...sometimes I get other colors only when a student is going to another college outside the state. I paint an Auburn Tiger on the tub..or an elephant on the red for Alabama (War Eagle if you are guessing). Then we either go to the collegiate book stores online...or physically go to the bookstores located on college campus. I buy notebooks, pencils, stationary, pens, highlighters, coffee cups, towels, super drink cups, and a t-shirt from the college of choice...and place them in the painted mascot tubs...add ribbons to the handles I'd they have any (in fact, you can get ribbon from the bookstores with the school colors and mascots already on). They are the best gifts! The students really love getting "stuff" from the college they are attending...because they will probably buy those items when they start school anyway, so you're giving them a good starting point! I even place the bookstore's shopping bags in the bottom of the tubs for them to use as trash bags or laundry bags!

Nov 19, 2011
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thanks people
by: India

Just wanted to say thanks for all the lovely comments, I hope you guys have had a peek at my blog too xx

Nov 19, 2011
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yum!
by: Anonymous

All I can say is: I wish someone gave me one of these when I moved in to college!!! What a lucky cousin.

Nov 15, 2011
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Great idea!
by: Stephanie

This is such a creative and thoughtful gift basket - I bet your cousin loved it! I really like that you made a key explaining all the gifts too so she knew exactly why you gave each gift :-)

Nov 14, 2011
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Homemade College Survival Kit
by: Linda

What a super idea.. something else you may want to add, how about pens, pencils, stamps, envelopes,coins for the laundry, a phone card, desk essentials, (Paper clips, glue, stapler, staples, push pins) I remember sending my son off to college with most of these items, and he was so thankful..told me Mom I can't believe how much it costs to set up my desk stuff.. lol.. but the care packages were always a hit to.. thank you for sharing your great ideas..

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