It’s that season again! 

No, not the annual synchronized squirrel migration, but that special time when our beloved offspring, otherwise known as “college students”, flock to their academic nests, leaving a void in our homes. 

To fill this void (and keep our sanity), we resort to an age-old tradition that involves more love than a Valentine’s Day card and less judgment than Aunt Martha’s fruitcake: the college care package.

Now, you might be wondering, “How do I create a heartwarming college care package that won’t end up being used as a doorstop or traded for an off-brand energy drink?” 

Fear not, dear parents; would we ever steer you in the wrong direction?

1. First-Class Food

Since time immemorial, college students have been known to sustain on a diet of Ramen and hope. 

So, let’s give their microwave a break and their taste buds a treat. Homemade brownies, trail mix, granola bars, or any non-perishable goodies are a fabulous start. But remember, a little surprise wouldn’t hurt. Throw in that spicy beef jerky or those hot Cheetos they love.

2. Mental Munchies

Trust me, even the biggest bookworm craves some literary relief after the twentieth chapter of “Advanced Theoretical Quantum Mechanics.”

Slip in a comic book, a gripping thriller, or even that guilty-pleasure gossip magazine. Not a fan of print? An audiobook or a streaming service gift card can be an oasis in the desert of textbooks.

3. The Practical Parcel

It’s not all about indulgence. I mean, it should always be, but that’s for another blog post. 

From a pocket-sized first aid kit to an all-purpose Swiss knife, practical items are always appreciated (although not as much as the brownies). Laundry pods, hand sanitizers, and extra-long phone charging cables make it into the Hall of Fame of this category. 

For an extra laugh, include a hilariously out-of-place item like a ‘how to survive a zombie apocalypse’ guidebook. They’ll appreciate your consideration for all potential crises. Or they may just roll their eyes. Either way, you’ll get a reaction. 

4. Personal Touches

These items are the proverbial cherry on top. 

Think pictures of the family pet in ridiculous costumes, a heartfelt letter, or even an embarrassing childhood toy. It reminds them of home and, more importantly, it gives them something to show off (or blackmail material, depending on how you see it).

So, take these tips, add a pinch of creativity, a splash of humor, and loads of love. Voila! You’ve just prepared the perfect recipe for a heartwarming college care package. And remember, if all else fails, you can always resort to including cash. You know, for those “educational expenses”… or more hot Cheetos.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Jeez, if only there were a gift basket to shamelessly plug here to match the theme…

Oh yeah! How about our Collegiate Corner Gift Basket? This winner is stocked with: Cookie Dough Dibble Bites; ready-to-drink liquid brew coffee, Tate’s Tiney cookies; peanut butter bites, Jelly Belly’s; Garrett’s popcorn, and more. 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

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Welcome, ye thirsty seekers of knowledge! 

You’re not just here for the suds; you want to know where your beloved brewski came from. Pull up a bar stool as we embark on a hop-fueled journey back in time to uncover the frothy origins of the world’s favorite adult beverage.

The Dawn of Inebriation

Let’s turn back the clocks to around 7,000 BC, when our ancestors in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iran) discovered that damp grains could ferment into a delightful, mood-altering concoction. 

Instead of calling a mold specialist, they called their friends for a party. 

This early beverage was not exactly the crisp pilsner or rich stout we know today, but our resourceful ancestors seemed to think it was the bee’s knees.

Hieroglyphics and Hangovers

As civilization (and hangovers) spread, so did beer. 

The ancient Egyptians took up the brewing baton with gusto, leaving copious evidence of their penchant for a pint. Their hieroglyphics weren’t just random squiggles—these were instructions for a homebrewing kit! 

They even had a goddess of beer, Ninkasi, who surely saw more prayers than the god of doing your chores.

The Romans: Grape Enthusiasts

Then the Romans, the killjoys, tried to replace beer with wine, declaring it the civilized choice. 

Tacitus, a Roman historian, even said that beer was a brew of “barley or wheat, a brew which has only a very far removed similarity to wine.” 

Tacitus clearly never attended a college kegger.

The Middle Ages: Monks to the Rescue

During the Middle Ages, monks in monasteries perfected the art of brewing. 

It wasn’t all chanting and scripture; these holy men knew their way around a malt. In fact, they innovated brewing techniques and invented some beer styles we still enjoy today, like the dubbel and tripel. 

The vow of silence probably wasn’t too hard to keep with a decent brew in hand.

Reinheitsgebot: Boring But Crucial

Fast forward to 1516 AD, and we hit the German Reinheitsgebot, the beer purity law. 

It sounds dull, but stick with me. This law limited beer ingredients to water, barley, and hops. That’s like limiting a painter to three colors! Still, it led to a focus on high-quality ingredients and gave us the delightful lagers we know and love today.

Modern Beers: A Boozy Renaissance

Today, we’re in a golden age of brewing, with thousands of breweries around the world and a seemingly infinite array of styles. 

From the hoppy punch of American IPAs to the funky depths of Belgian sours, we’ve got it all. Beer has truly come a long way from its humble origins of damp, fermented grain.

Beer: It’s not just a beverage; it’s history in a glass. Cheers to that!

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Speaking of beer, it’s time to elevate your brew experience with our Beer to Go Gift Cooler. Outfitted with a rugged, waxed cotton canvas exterior and a comfy, adjustable shoulder strap, it’s packed with Chicago’s finest micro-brews. With a handy, retractable bottle opener and a slotted top flap for easy access, your favorite beer is always just a reach away. Enjoy freshness and convenience, all in one package!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.