Make a DIY College Survival Kit With Dollar Tree Items
Make your own college survival kit to send them back to school with all the essentials!
Know a high school graduate heading off to college soon?
Consider making a fun DIY College Survival Kit gift basket and then attaching our free printable card! I went to Dollar Tree for filler items, but you can create a simple gift basket with items you think your recipient will both need and love. I remember how bummed I was in college to have to spend and budget for essentials like soap, detergent, toothpaste, and batteries for the first time. My freshmen college roommate received a gift basket like this, and I remember being kind of jealous at the time! 😂
This is such an exciting time in a young person’s life, and receiving a thoughtful gift like this is special and also easy to accomplish at any price point.
Make a super affordable gift basket from Dollar Tree!
Dollar tree has inexpensive snacks and practical items to fill a gift basket for college students, including large baskets to use as containers! I scored everything pictured below at Dollar Tree for about $13!
Hip Tip: If you are wanting to make multiple baskets for graduation gifts, consider shopping DollarTree.com for personal care, cleaning supplies, snacks, and more in bulk.
Here are some fun college survival kit ideas to consider:
-
- flip flops for shower shoes
- earplugs and sleeping masks
- laundry detergent/dryer sheets
- laundry basket/laundry bags
- hangers
- snack food items like Ramen noodles & microwave popcorn
- shower gel and loofah
- coffee mugs/cups and instant coffee
- hand soap/hand sanitizer
- personal care items like deodorant, toothpaste, etc.
- tools, flashlight, batteries
- First Aid kit with bandages and pain reliever
DIY College Survival Kit
PrintSupplies Needed
- free printable card
- small laundry basket
- tape and ribbon
- collection of gift basket fillers
- clear cellophane wrap
Directions
1
Print the card and attach it to the basket using tape.
2
Fill the basket with all your goodies.
3
Cover the basket with clear cellophane and attach a bow or ribbon.
This is such a thoughtful and practical gift idea!
Other than gift cards or cash, I honestly struggle with what to give as graduation gifts. A gift basket doesn’t cost much, but it can mean so much to someone that you thought of them!
I do big laundry baskets filled with all the above, plus pens ( everyone thinks they only need their computers!), deodorant, condoms, hot chocolate and oatmeal packs.
That’s a great pack to give! I’m sure they love them, acgold!
Very practical! I’m sure some would take issue with the condoms but might as well be realistic.
I agree! So many parents don’t talk to their kids about safe sex practices, but it’s so important for them to keep in mind, especially during college!
FYI- I ask all the parents before I add the condoms. But I am realistic! All the kids have great relationships with their parents and me. They are very educated about the world! I would rather them be safe then sorry! They get a little embarrassed and a good laugh, and they will always remember me and their gift!
I made these kits for my sons friends when they all left the state for College. Not from the dollar tree but just thinks for life. Can openers, condoms, flip flops (for the shared showers), their own towels and cleaning products. When they all got to school every few weeks I’d get a text cause they’d used another item they thought they’d never need. (not the condoms lol)
That’s such a great idea! Love the can opener – good one! Ha
Make it in a sturdy square basket and not a cheapo DT one that will not last more than a few weeks. A square basket is a more efficient use of space and kids without cars don’t need to be left with a broken laundry basket a few weeks into school.
I did this and it’s allwayssss a hit!!
Oh yay! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Since I first commented, I have added a few other things, since the weather has been crazy where some of the kids go to school. A flashlight with batteries ( better than the one on the phone), fully charged power packs for their phones or computers, ziplock bags to hold some valuables, body wipes. All in case the power goes out- which it has.
Ohhh yes great ideas! Especially the charger packs. Thank you for sharing these.