7 College Essentials

This is a sponsored post written by me in collaboration with BabbleBoxx. All ideas and opinions are my own.

This past weekend we dropped off our oldest daughter at her campus. Although this is my daughter’s second-year of college, as a mom, I didn’t find the process any easier than last year. I fought back tears during our goodbyes while reminding myself that she’s only a drive away.

For the past month, we’ve been in full college prep mode to make sure nothing got missed. Last year we planned and packed like crazy, yet we still managed to forget several things my daughter needed. Hopefully, your first experience won’t be as hectic as ours. To help you and your student prepare, I wanted to share 7 college essentials you may not have thought of. This list includes practical items as well as some fun ones that every college student can appreciate.

7 College Essentials

1. Convenient (and delicious!) Food

Even if your college student has a dining plan, they’ll need food for the busier than normal days. There were many days that my daughter would miss dinner because she was unable to make it to the dining hall before closing. Having convenient food is a must, but you certainly don’t want to sacrifice taste. These BIG AZ Sandwiches are available at convenience stores across the country and are great for busy college students on-the-go. To find a store near you click here and grab a $1.00 off coupon here.

2. Planner & Reading Material

These two are a must even for this busy momma. This beautiful Posh: Happy Living 2017-2018 Planner comes with weekly and monthly pages which make it super convenient for jotting down class assignments. I love the print on the cover and the positive quotes printed throughout the planner.

My daughter also inherited my book nerd traits and loves getting lost in a good book. I believe it’s super important that your college student has reading material that has nothing to do with school. My daughter has been reading “the princess saves herself in this one” which is the winner of the 2016 Goodreads Choice Award for Poetry. It’s a collection of poetry about resilience and writing your own ending. It’s a beautiful and empowering book that everyone should read.

3. Candy

Ask any college student and they will agree that candy is a must-have item. My daughter always has a small stash to satisfy her cravings or to share with friends when they get together to watch movies. She packed up these Sour Punch Bites which come in a resealable bag that’s perfect for on-the-go and sharing with friends.

4. Personal Care Items

This might be an obvious one, but you’ll be surprised how often your college student will run out of soap, toothpaste, and other personal care items. Last year my daughter did not have a vehicle on campus, so making a stop at a local store was not an option. A great solution to this problem is EZneeds. The website requires no membership nor service fees to use. They sell a wide range of name-brand products that are often lower than store prices. The shipping is fast, which is a must when your child needs an item, and ALL orders over $50 get free shipping.

5. Thow Blanket

Last year, when I suggested that my daughter take a throw blanket to college, she told me it wasn’t necessary because she had a blanket. Shortly after she moved she realized she needed one. Not only can a throw blanket keep your college student warm, they’re perfect for outdoor sports games or to add a splash of color to a dorm room. The Viv & Lou: Throw Blanket seen below is available in two patterns and can be personalized with a monogram or name for free. It makes a great personalized gift for college students. You can get 25% off the entire Viv & Lou site until September 30th, 2017 by using the code LatinaHomemaker25!

6. Throat Drops

Ever get overly excited at a college football game and wind up with a scratchy throat afterward? If your college kid is not quite into hot tea, throat drops are the perfect soothing solution. I packed up Luden’s Throat Drops for my daughter since they’re perfect for mild throat irritations. They also come in great flavors like Watermelon and Cherry. Right now you can save $1 off two bags of Luden’s by signing up on their website.

7. Watch

Some must-have items are practical and some are simply for fun, but when you get both it’s a win-win. My daughter is a bit of a minimalist when it comes to jewelry and prefers classic pieces that pair well with multiple outfits. This Casio watch from the Vintage Collection offers timeless style while serving a function. It features a stopwatch, an alarm, a backlight, and it’s splash resistant. You can find it at Macy’s or at ShopCasio.com.