It’s hard to believe that it’s been 33 (yikes) years since I went off to college.  My high school friend, Kathy and who is still one of my besties, was my roommate.  Before we left for college, her mother gave me the best gift — a caddy of office supplies.  Would you believe I still have the exact same pair of orange scissors she put inside the box?

I’ve remembered that gift for years.  Since many students will be heading off to college soon, either as a new or returning student, why not send them with a “Dorm-Warming” gift.  There are infinite possibilities.  I’m a Mother of a girl, so I am pretty sure I know what to buy for her.  You Mom’s of boys could adapt this with more manly supplies, maybe a tool kit with a massive roll of Duck Tape.

Here’s a few ideas from some of my favorite sources See Jane Work, Target, The Container Store and Draper James.

First up — scissors and a stapler.  I have the gold set from Nate Berkus at Target.  This pair is from See Jane Work.

Gold Stapler and Gold Scissors

Next:  File Folders.  I am going to get a set of these “Days of the Week” file folders for myself.  They have such cute sayings, like Monday – Get me out of here to Friday – oh, happy day!  Wouldn’t it be cute if you wrote a personal note and tucked one inside each folder for them to read once they arrive safely in their dorm?

Days of the Week File Folders

To Do List:  I debated about posting these for fear it might be a little racy.  But, seriously, haven’t we all thought this when we make a list of things to do for the day?

Stuff to Do Notepad

Tape Dispenser:  I thought this tape dispenser was clean and modern.

Storage:  Dorm rooms are known for little storage and our sweet, over optimistic children pack way too much stuff.  I love the Smart Store System from The Container Store.  The containers come in all shapes and with individual bins you can place inside to keep everything from office supplies to snacks to toiletries organized.  And, they stack or store under the bed.

The Container Store is also offering free, downloadable labels for the containers.

If you want to send them with a true caddy with all the supplies tucked down inside along with glue sticks, paper clips, etc… The Container Store has this pretty acrylic tote (which I also used here for a cookie decorating party).

Or you could go old school with a Caboodle like Mrs. Kennemer sent off to college with me. Caboodles come in all shapes, colors and sizes.  She packed mine full of fun stuff.

Last, but not least.  Every girl needs a good package of fun pencils.  These are from Draper James.

Oh, my stars, these are just darling and have the cutest Southern sayings.

So, there you have it.  The best gift a college student will ever receive.  Maybe, 30 years from now, they will still have those same scissors and think of you.

Thank you Ma’am (and Mrs. Kennemer).