I still can’t believe that two of my “babies” are heading back to college. I’m so proud of them, but they’re both over 10 hours away from home. Ten long hours. Since I can’t go visit them as often as I’d like, I choose to send college gift packages to remind my babies that we miss them and love them. To add to the excitement of receiving an unexpected care package from home, I like to send themed packages. This time I decided to send a maroon and gold college care package to celebrate.

I’ve created other color-themed college gift packages in the past. I’ve made a red college care package and a green college care package. It’s fun to celebrate your student’s university by sending a care package centered around the school colors.
College Gift Packages – Maroon and Gold
Food is the foundation of any college care package. Snacks, candy and homemade baked goods are always a hit. Look for items that are easy to store in a dorm room. Individual serving packages or items that are easy to reseal are the best choices.
Since maroon and gold is not as common in packaging as other primary colors, you’ll want to look in several different stores. Where to look for maroon and gold food:
- Grocery Store
- Drug Store
- Dollar Store
- Amazon
- Craft Stores
- College Store

I wanted actual maroon and gold colors on packaging rather than red and yellow. Once I started looking, there were more options for maroon and gold than I thought there would be.
If you have difficulty finding food items with maroon and gold packaging, you can simply wrap them in maroon and gold paper. But it really isn’t too difficult to find them.
A quick trip to the dollar store or discount store will yield even more non-food maroon and gold items for your care package.
Look for maroon and gold items in:
- Party Supplies
- Office Supplies
- Craft Supplies
- Travel Size Personal Care Items
- Make-up
- Hair Accessories
- Socks
- Jewelry
- Sunglasses
- Scarves

I picked up university pens and pencils at orientation. I held onto them until I was ready to send the college color themed care package. You can often find other giveaway items at orientation in college colors. If you do, collect them and you’ll be ready to include them in your care package later.

Use gold tissue paper or wrapping paper to line the box. This simple step makes it festive when your student opens the care package. Add a maroon colored note to complete the maroon and gold theme.

At first I thought it was going to be difficult to create maroon and gold college gift packages for my babies. With just a little bit of effort, I was able to find many different items that fit with the maroon and gold theme. It was fun to create and I know my baby will be thrilled to open it.
More Creative College Care Package Ideas
Brenda says
Wow, you are such an awesome mom! How neat to think of sending a care package with snacks the theme of their college colors. I’m sure they’re thrilled to receive your packages!
susan says
You’re so sweet, Brenda. Sending care packages is how I show my “babies” how much I miss them.
Moncia says
This is such a great idea! My niece and nephews are all in college and this is a wonderful way to let them know we’re thinking of them.
susan says
Thanks, Monica. You know how much I enjoy sending my “babies” care packages to let them know I miss them.
Wendy says
Great care packages! I am sure your lucky kids will enjoy the virtual hug as much as the contents! I am always amazed at how easy it is to find special colors on packaging for care package themes. My problem is usually having too much to fit in the box! 🙂
susan says
I can so-ooo relate, Wendy. I’ve found myself sending a second package the next day. Silly, I know, but it makes me feel better when I miss them so much.
Andrea says
Your kids are super lucky to have such a thoughtful mom! I hope I remember to do this for my kids when they are in college. I especially love the idea of color coordinating a package to college colors – such a great idea!
susan says
Thanks, Andrea. I try to distract myself while I’m missing my “babies” and hope they enjoy the gifts, too.