Now that The Girl has headed off to college, I want to start sending her some care packages. They don’t need to be anything fancy, but just a little something fun and usable to let her know we are thinking about her. And what’s more fun and usable than M&M’s and money?
Supplies Needed
- Pint-sized mason jar
- Empty toilet paper roll
- M&M’s
- Money
- Plastic lid for mason jar
Directions
Stick the toilet paper roll in the center of the jar. Pour the M&M’s around the outside of the toilet paper roll, holding the roll in place until the outside of the jar is full of M&M’s. Slip the money into the center of the toilet paper roll {that way, it will be a pleasant surprise when your college student opens the jar}. Screw on the lid, and mail.
Pretty awesome if you ask me! 🙂
~Mavis
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Lauren | Bears By Lauren says
This would be a cute idea for Christmas too. 🙂
Ruth Ward says
Be sure and put a picture of “M&M” in the bottom of the jar, or there will be no surprise.
Beth says
My daughter went away this year too and like you, I miss her terribly!!! This is a great idea. Keep them coming Mavis!!! Thank you!!!
maile says
I am definately doing this one! Thanks!
Tina B says
An alternative would be to stuff the center with a roll of quarters, if your college student has to use coin-op laundry machines. I like this idea.
I just sent a package on Monday of this week. Flat rate shipping is the way to go when doing this, but it’s still pricey. I got a lot of good deals on snack type foods and stuffed a medium sized flat rate box so full that my son remarked it was like a Tetris puzzle in there. I gave him candy bars (for those studying times when he just “needs” some sweets”, microwave popcorn, ramen packets (cookable in the microwave), and since I have 2 more kids in that town, one of whom still attends college, I sent some Chicken Helper for them because they share an apartment and are just starting out in the cooking world.
Tina B says
Just a thought…if you aren’t going flat rate and want to keep the weight down, you can use an empty peanut butter jar, since the 18oz ones are about this size.
Jamie says
I’d prefer to use papertowel rolls instead of toilet paper rolls for obvious reasons. My oldest is a HS Senior this year, so I like the ideas, just not the eventual reality of using them 🙁
Aline says
My mom used to send me layered German Chocolate Cakes. frosting and all!! She would cover with toothpicks and plastic wrap (to preserve a little) and pack in popcorn! The cakes arrived in remarkably good condition!! 🙂
Mavis says
That is so brave (and totally delicious I bet!).
Diane says
Slightly off topic, but I’ve done something like this at the house to act as a “diversion safe” for an emergency fund.
I re-purposed a vitamin container and used some old vitamins that had expired. This was just in case, a potential burgler had a sweet tooth :> As soon as I saw Mavis’ picture, I immediately remember this project and thought I’d mention it.
Another variation is a version outside with Sluggo to serve as a “hide-a-key”
Useful and fun a great combo! Makes me grin whenever I see them just sitting around.
Best wishes for a great weekend.
Debbie K says
I am fixing these for our church college freshmen who are away from home & church for the first time. Love the idea & can’t wait to see more!
Louisa says
Love the M&M idea… Plan on borrowing it this week to send off to Papperdine.
Gracias. If you have any more College Shares please pass them along.
Blessings. L
Tonia says
Have granddaughters leaving for college soon. Great ideas for sending them a little extra cash from time to time! Thanks for ideas!
Dawn says
It’s cute in that it fits in a Mason jar. idk if I would use a roll from TP that’s been likely in the bathroom…. not going into detail there. Also, money is so dirty I wouldn’t put it open in something I might be encouraging someone to eat? Maybe put the money in a baggie sealed up would be less unappetizing? Or if there is something else you could put around it because I’m sure the money is something useful for college kids, but maybe you could find those mini highlighters or something else to put around a TP or paper towel roll? Then the jar could be used later on a desk or shelf to hold pens and things