Last Updated: December 29, 2022

The 18 Best Dorm Care Package Essentials.

WRITTEN BY Grove Collaborative • 23 min read

When you're sending a kid off to college, it can be an overwhelming ordeal knowing that you won't be seeing their face around the house so much anymore. After all, it's a big change for moms, dads, and younger sisters or brothers too! But one thing that helps, in addition to knowing they're only ever a phone call or video chat away, is that you can always surprise them with gifts to stave away the homesickness. Not only does this give you a chance to still be an active part of their life, but it also lets you show them how much you still care about them – no matter how far away their next chapter has taken them.

To make this adjustment as fun as possible, we've rounded up the college dorm essentials that will make their home-away-from-home comfy and familiar. Scroll through for all that and more, and don't forget to include a note with your package telling your student how proud you are of them – it's a big step, and here at Grove, we're celebrating right along with you.


This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.


1. Bulldog Recycled Glass Handle Razor with Razor Stand

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Bulldog’s new Original Glass Razor handles are made using 70% recycled glass from durable beer bottles.
Every razor comes with a recyclable metal stand so the beautifully crafted glass razors can be kept out and not hidden away in the bathroom cabinet. The stands are specially designed to keep the razors upright to help blades stay dry. …
(1)
1 x Razor, 1x Razor Stand
$17.99
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2. Good Chemistry Eau De Parfum

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The most-concentrated formulation and spray application, is best for those wanting to announce their presence through fragrance. Notes of black currant, peony, and amber make Queen Bee vibrant + bold with a touch of sass. It’s a royal celebration of sparkling fruits that unfolds to reveal Queen Bee's, fresh floral heart. For a more personalized …
(0)
1.69 oz
$26.99
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3. Rooted Beauty Protective Lip Balm with SPF 15 - Mint Flavor

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Formerly Grove Collaborative Mint SPF Lip Balm

A moisturizing SPF lip balm made with smoothing olive oil to moisturize, non-nano zinc oxide to protect lips from harmful UVA & UVB rays, and mint essential oils for refreshing flavor.

  • MOISTURIZES AND PROTECTS LIPS FROM ELEMENTS
    This lip balm with SPF 15 uses botanical-infused olive oil …
(161)
0.25 oz
$5.99
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4. method All-Purpose Compostable Cleaning Wipes

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Messes need method. These method All-Purpose Compostable Cleaning Wipes can clean up multiple surfaces, including stone, wood, counters, glass, tile, and more, making them a great go-to for household spills and in-between cleans. Plus, they’re made in the U.S. from corn, coconut, and other ingredients. These method wipes use plant-based cleaning …

(305)
70 Wipes
$7.49
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5. Grove Co. Organic Lavender Essential Oil - Relaxing Aromatherapy

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Pure, certified organic lavender essential oil for aromatherapy and home fragrance.

  • RELAXING AND SOOTHING
    Known for creating a calm atmosphere, lavender essential oil has a fresh floral aroma that is known to promote restfulness and peacefulness.

  • CERTIFIED ORGANIC + PURITY TESTED
    This pure essential oil was steam distilled from flowering …

(103)
1 FL Oz
$19.99
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6. method Laundry Detergent Pour

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Method Laundry Detergent Pour helps clean clothes like a Roman gladiator. Choose your favorite scent and look forward to 66 laundry loads of vegan, cruelty-free, goodness made without parabens — well, as much as anyone can look forward to doing laundry, anyway!

For more effective cleaning products in tantalizing scents and fun bottles, shop …

(1001)
53.5 Oz, 66 Loads
$14.49
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7. Grove Co. Matte Cleaning Caddy

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Get organized in style! Our caddy is perfect for easily carrying cleaning products around the house and for neatly storing them. It also makes a great art supply container, sewing kit, stash for odds and ends...and the uses go on! We can't wait to see how you'll use your caddy.

Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.1 x 5.1 inches

(1002)
1 count
$7.49
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8. Davids Natural Toothpaste

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You can (and should) enjoy peppermint all year long (and not just during the holiday season). This Davids Natural Toothpaste – Peppermint gives you a burst of peppermint freshness daily when you brush. This natural toothpaste is fluoride-free, sulfate-free, vegan, and Leaping Bunny–certified. Plus, it’s made with only naturally sourced and …

(33)
5.25 oz
$11.99
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9. Babo Botanicals Calming 3-in-1 Bubble Bath Shampoo & Wash

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Draw yourself a bubble bath and ease the day away with Babo Botanicals Calming 3-in-1 Bubble Bath Shampoo and Wash. This genius trifecta formula uses argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oil to hydrate and cleanse your hair and skin. Unwind in the evening, and let the lavender oil and chamomile soothe your mind, body, and soul — and of course, leave …

(114)
15 Oz
$17.99
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10. Ettitude Bamboo Pillowcase Set

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The silky-soft sateen weave pillowcase set is soft and comfortable against your skin, gentle on your hair and made with Ettitude's exclusive, sustainable CleanBamboo™ fabric for a restful night’s sleep. …

(4)
2 count
$49
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11. Grove Co. Wrinkle Release Spray

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A wrinkle spray formulated with naturally powerful ingredients to remove creases and prevent static build up in fabric.

  • FIGHTS WRINKLES AND STATIC BUILD UP
    Our Wrinkle Release Spray harnesses the power of a plant-based conditioner to smooth out creases and help prevent static build up — doing double-duty without harsh chemicals.

  • NATURALLY …

(766)
8 oz
$6.49
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12. The Good Patch Plant Based Dream Patch

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Longing for some shut-eye, but can’t get enough rest? The Good Patch Plant Based Dream Patch is infused with the dreamy goodness of melatonin (10mg), hops (4mg), and valerian root (3mg) to promote quality sleep. Each 4-pack includes state-of-art transdermal patches in a resealable packet that’s easily stored.

Dream patch for night night or …

(43)
1 ct (4 patches)
$13.99
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13. Caldrea Linen & Room Spray

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Use this Caldrea Linen & Room Spray to knock out bad smells in your home. This linen room spray is paraben-free, formaldehyde-free, and Leaping Bunny–certified. It’s also made with essential oils and can be used on laundry, sheets, pillows, blankets, and even carpet and rugs. It comes in multiple scents, so you can choose the one that speaks to …

(874)
16 Oz
$16
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14. Superbloom Hydrating Minis Set - For Dry and Normal Skin

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A mini-sized 3-step routine to hydrate and illimunate dry and normal skin. Superbloom’s vegan formulas are crafted with the latest plant-based science to help defend skin from modern aggressors, like pollution, free radicals, and blue light, restoring balance and setting skin in bloom.

Skin types: Dry, normal
Helps defend against: Dry …

(103)
1x Mini Daily Dew Cleansing Oil, 1x Mini Dew Infusion Moisturizing Cream, 1x Mini Vitamin C & E Brilliance Serum
$41
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15. hello Coconut Deodorant with Shea Butter

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hello, deo. You asked, we listened: meet hello® naturally friendly™ deodorant in sweet coconut with shea butter. This coconut deodorant are dermatologist tested and rocks clinically proven 24 hour odor protection. hello deo' is thoughtfully crafted with a base of natural oils and waxes including coconut oil, rice wax, shea butter and cocoa butter …

(86)
2.6 oz
$8.49
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16. Grove Co. Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser - LED Light Levels and Timer Settings

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Self care goes beyond just a skin and hair care routine — this Grove Co. Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser - LED Light Levels and Timer Settings paired with essential oils diffuses a cool stream of aromatherapeutic scents for you to enjoy. It features a 100-milliliter capacity and can work for up to five hours at a time, bringing aromatherapy into …

(87)
1 Diffuser
$44.99
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17. Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set

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Hydrating formula for dry, damaged & curly hair!

Bring intense moisture to hair that needs some love. Organic pumpkin seed and argan oils leave nothing behind but shine.
(17)
1 x Shampoo - 8 Oz, 1 x Conditioner - 8 Oz
$18.59
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18. Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes

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Make a clean sweep of your day with Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes. These amazing face wipes cleanse away dirt, oil, and makeup, and revitalize and tone your skin in one easy step — no water required! Super gentle and quick and easy to use, too, these towelettes allow you to hop into to bed and drift off to dreamland just a little quicker. …

(93)
30 Count
$6.99
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FAQs

What are the most common items students forget to bring on move-in day?

This one can vary, but think about the little things you probably have in your house that your student won't think of. This could be as simple as sending them off with laundry detergent, and of course, a trash bin. Consider that despite its small quarters, a dorm room should be approached like a mini apartment – so bring anything and everything that you use every day. Sure enough, your college-bound pride and joy will eventually need it too.


How can I help my student relax?

Any big life change is stressful – and adding textbooks and exams will only intensify that feeling. The best thing you can do is to load them up with as many comfort items as you can think of. Try some calming shampoo or facial products that will leave them feeling fresh and focused. This should definitely be the focus of your care package – their new life at school will be so busy and stimulating, that having an excuse to slow down and unwind will balance them out nicely.


What is Grove Collaborative?

At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.


If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.

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