Sending your college student off to school comes with a lot of emotions – for both of you. And while you can’t be there for every homesick night, stressful exam, bad day, or exciting milestone, Open When letters are a sweet way to remind them that you’re never too far away.
Also called Open When cards or envelopes, these notes are meant to be opened at just the right moment, like Open When You Miss Home, Open When You Need a Laugh, or Open When You Survive Your First Exam. Add a heartfelt note, a small gift, a gift card, or something that reminds them of home, and you’ve created a little piece of encouragement they can keep in their dorm room all year long.
In our Dorm Shopping Recommendations Facebook group, we get hundreds of questions every summer, with group members looking for Open When letter ideas, especially what to write and what to put inside.
So we’ve gathered our favorite ideas from years of helping college families, added plenty of our own, and created a list of 54 Open When letter ideas for college students, along with gift and filler suggestions for each one.
PLEASE NOTE: Before you see 54 and start thinking you’ve just added another massive project to your college move-in checklist – you absolutely do not need to make them all!
Think of this as an idea bank. Choose the Open When occasions that feel most like your student, whether that means five envelopes, 15, or somewhere in between. A few thoughtful letters they’ll genuinely appreciate will mean far more than trying to make every idea on the list.
Ready to put your Open When letters together? You can handwrite your envelopes, create your own labels, or make it easy with one of our printable Open When label sets.
Our sets include all 54 Open When occasions featured in the list below, so each label coordinates with the letter, gift, and filler ideas we’ve included.
We use labels instead of pre-printed envelopes for a reason…not every Open When gift fits in an envelope! Some ideas work better tucked into a small box, gift bag, or wrapped package. With labels, you can use whatever container makes sense for each surprise.
Each printable set includes 54 labels on 9 pages, with 6 labels per page, formatted for standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper. Print them on regular paper, cut them out, and attach them to 4″ x 6″ or 5″ x 7″ envelopes, boxes, bags, or gifts.
Want to skip the cutting? The designs are also sized to print directly onto these Avery shipping labels. Print them at home, peel, and stick them onto your envelope, box, wrapped gift, or gift bag.
And remember, you don’t need all 54. Choose the occasions that fit your student and your relationship best. Whether you make a handful or a whole collection, the goal is simply to give them something from home to open when they need it most.
If you’re also looking for more significant gifts for move-in day, please see Sentimental Gift Ideas Perfect For College Move-In Day.
These instructions are specifically for those who purchased a 54 Open When Label Set from The Dorm Guide shop.
After placing your order, you will receive an email with a link to download your high-resolution PDF with the 54 printable labels (9 pages of 6).
To print at home:
Once the labels have printed, give them a few minutes to dry.
Suggestions for appropriately sized envelopes in many colors, plus gift bags and larger envelopes, too.
If you need envelopes for your Open When letters, cards, gifts, options from craft paper to colored envelopes are listed below. The labels are 3″x4″, so you’ll want envelopes at least 4″x6″.
Use gift bags for slightly larger items – staple or tape the top closed to keep your student in suspense!
When you have all of your packages assembled, quietly take them to college in a box or bin with a lid. Try to keep this out of sight from your student until you arrive in the dorm. Have the OPEN NOW gift out and ready to go just before you leave.
This is always the big question. “I have the Open When labels; now what do I put inside each of the Open When cards or gifts?!”
That’s where this list comes in. Below you’ll find gift and filler ideas for all 54 of our Open When occasions, from sentimental notes and little reminders of home to snacks, practical dorm essentials, gift cards, and fun surprises.
You definitely don’t need to include a gift with every letter, either. Sometimes a handwritten note, favorite photo, funny memory, or a few encouraging words will be exactly what your student needs in that moment.
One quick tip before you start: Be thoughtful about anything scented or containing common allergens, especially if your student shares a dorm room or suite. Strong fragrances can trigger migraines or sensitivities, and foods containing nuts or other allergens may be unsafe for roommates or friends. When in doubt, choose an unscented or allergy-friendly alternative.
For many of the ideas below, we’ve included convenient shopping options to help you find the fillers without making 10 different trips to the store. But think of these as inspiration – you may already have the perfect little gifts, snacks, photos, or personal touches at home.
Now for the fun part! 54 Open When letter ideas and what to put inside each one.
* Include a note explaining Open When letters and gifts, and a reminder for no peeking!
* A thoughtful sign, an inspirational keychain, an everyday necklace.
* This book?
* For a more significant move-in gift, please see Sentimental Gift Ideas Perfect For College Move-In Day.
* Notes from family members.
* Family photo magnet for the fridge.
* Uno is a great way to meet people – everyone already knows how to play!
* A QR code that links to family picture album – maybe family members can hold We Miss You or You’ve Got This signs.
* Note with “1st day of school” sign so they can send you a picture! Some schools have backdrops out for this or there are templates on Canva to make your own.
* Creative ways to continue first day of school traditions. Gift card for donuts or schedule a Facetime over breakfast.
* Give them a little pep talk about checking email more than daily, getting to know their professors, and the importance of showing up!
* A few notes from family, friends and even pets – include pictures or turn the pictures into memes.
* A sweet reminder of something from home like favorite non-perishable snack (maybe one not allowed at home) or extra phone charging cables if those were always hard to come by at home.
* Ask them to text you with a code word (VISIT) to schedule their next visit home or your visit to school.
* Uber gift card.
* Night Cap drink cover scrunchie.
* Hydration packets, Ibuprofen, condoms?
* A pep-talk note and a reminder to put phone in Do Not Disturb mode while studying.
* Smarties candies (and some to share with classmates) or bags of SmartFood popcorn.
* Colorful index cards, a set of Post-It note pads and flags.
* Portable charger.
* Starbucks gift card.
* Energy drink packets.
* Energy bars.
* Meal-like snacks (Mac & Cheese Cups, Chicken Noodle Soup Cups, Hormel Compleats).
* Energy drink packets.
* Mini bags of microwave popcorn.
* Simple budget planner with expense tracker. Good life skill!
* $100,000 bar.
* Of course, some cash!
* A sweet note with a feel better soon message and some reminders from home/childhood when you don’t feel well.
* Permission to Instacart any OTC meds they may need.
* Tissues, cough drops, Vicks VapoRub, thermometer, fluffy socks, a soft blanket, hydration packets, hot/cold packs, chicken noodle soup packets, tea bags.
* Motivational Stress Balls.
* Calming essential oil roll-on for wrist application.
* Native body wash to help make the next shower feel a bit like a spa experience.
* Stress relief tea.
* Mindfulness book with stress-reducing exercises.
* A funny card sure to bring a smile.
* Suggested list of family/friends who would love to hear from you.
* A Jellycat stuffed puppy or other animal
* And try to open a package of any of these and not smile! Haribo gummy bears, Funfetti Chex Mix, Shark Fruit Snacks
* Write down a couple favorite or inside jokes on a note.
* Print a couple of funny memes about college.
* Recount a favorite embarrassing story about yourself, their siblings or pets.
* These stretchy smiley face bracelets.
* A note letting them know you believe in them and that they can do it!
* This little “I’ve Got This” notepad.
* A gift card for a little sweet treat or caffeinated beverage.
* A suggested playlist with motivating songs. Put it together in advance and ask them to text you for a Spotify link.
* A little ‘You Rock’ note with a suggestion to do what they’re good at (go exercise, go shopping, put on fave outfit).
* Suggest some short-term, easier-to-achieve goal setting.
* A gift card to a local nail salon or hair salon.
* Send a goal-setting journal to help track accomplishments.
* A note suggesting they write down what’s making them happy to refer to on a tough day.
* A gift card for a treat for you & a friend – be thankful for your happiness and treat a friend who may be struggling.
* Take a few minutes to document gratitude in a Gratitude Journal.
* A request to FaceTime mom or dad and let them know!
* A note with this quote: “Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” – Erma Bombeck. You can find memes online, you can print them, or just write them yourself.
* A reminder that rather than worry, do something productive, such as go for a walk, meditate, or ask a friend to join you for a coffee.
* Take a few minutes for mindfulness in your Five Minute Journal.
* If academics are a concern, suggest they make an appointment with the professor or a teaching assistant for the class, or set up a study group session.
* An encouraging note with a reminder that honesty is always the best policy and that taking accountability/apologizing is always the best first step. Include a reminder to forgive yourself and move on.
* The game of Sorry! This one is in a 10″ square box.
* A blank “I’m Sorry” card to send to the person who may need to hear an apology.
* A funny family mistake story – share a note about something YOU completely screwed up at their age and what happened afterward. This could be incredibly reassuring when they feel like they’re the only person who’s ever made a terrible decision.
* Write out a new joke in a card and also include “Text JOKE to Mom (or Dad)” for more. Be ready with a few silly jokes or links to comedian shorts or written jokes. Here’s a collection of jokes related to college.
* How about a book of jokes that are also life lessons?
* A little orange gift bag with black tissue paper with their favorite Halloween candy, pics of them over the years in Halloween costumes, plastic spiders, orange and black crepe paper, and some other inexpensive decor for their dorm room.
* A Crumbl or Insomnia Cookie gift card (see what is near their campus).
* A Starbucks or coffee gift card.
* A protein-packed brownie in a cup!
* A delivery surprise — “Text me when you open this. I have a treat headed your way.” Then Mom/Dad can order something fresh instead of trying to predict what they’ll want months in advance.
* A note with encouragement and a reminder to put the phone in Do Not Disturb mode while studying. 🙂
* Smarties candies (and some to share with roommates) or bags of SmartFood popcorn.
* Colorful index cards, a set of Post-It note pads and flags.
* An eye mask to help take a good daytime nap if they were up late studying.
* Alani energy drink packets.
* A note that tells them to send you a text asking for a Virtual Hug.
* Have a cute animated graphic or virtual hug video ready to send back when you receive it!
* Include a few kisses (Hershey) and hugs (gummy bear hugs) with a warming neck wrap or other comfort item.
* A sweet note or poem to let them know they will never be alone.
* A list of family/family friends to text or call, along with suggested topics (text Uncle Bob @ math or cousin Sue @ college football).
* Cash or gift card to invite a friend to dinner.
* A QR code to a family video – have siblings, grandparents, pets, or close family friends record quick hellos before move-in.
* A reminder that life will bring anger and frustration at times, but to use those times as moments to learn and grow.
* Include these perfect for college stress balls.
* For a less physical (than stress balls) release, include a simple journal to give them a place to get the frustration off their chest.
* “Cup of Calm” tea bags.
* Send them a link to watch The Hangover movie on their streaming service.
* Include a small box with Liquid IV or Gatorade packets, Tums, ibuprofen, Pepto.
* Consider a gift card for a greasy meal at locations such as Waffle House or McDonald’s.
* This 6-pack of Starbucks double hot chocolate packets. Enough to share!
* Hand warmers – rechargable and easy to carry.
* Fleece-lined headbands.
* Fuzzy socks.
* A movie-night out: include gift cards for a local theater with enough for popcorn & a drink.
* Or a movie night in with microwave popcorn, movie theater candy,
* If you want something really big, send one of these portable projectors to take to the lounge in the dorm or show on their dorm room ceiling! It looks big but is only 8″x6″x3″.
* It is probably a good idea to skip the confetti, but metallic balloons are a good idea. Let the students blow them up.
* Write out Congratulations! on this letter board (it includes emojis as well) and send the rest of the letters along for the roommates to use for future messages and events.
* A small coffee shop gift card to go out for a treat.
* A ‘you’ll get through this note’ with encouragement and reminders of making it through previous tough times.
* Send a little something that holds things together – some drawer organizers, thin wallet, or NCAA Wristlet.
* This cute desk organizer set has all the things to keep things together.
* Write a note on bright paper or a bright index card (I use these at home all the time).
* Include some bright items like neon sticky notes, colorful Goldfish crackers, colored pens.
* If allowed, consider colorful LED fairy lights or LED strip lights (can go behind the TV, monitor or along the side of the bed).
* A note or card with encouraging phrases about never giving up such as “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt.
* A photo with a story behind it – choose a picture from a moment when they accomplished something difficult and write the story/reminder on the back.
* An encouraging item for their room, like this jewelry dish or this motivational Morse Code bracelet (good for guys).
* An encouraging message on a keychain.
* A reminder that crying is a good way of releasing stress and emotion!
* A pocket-sized Kleenex package.
* Under-eye patches or depuffer stick.
* Some of their favorite candy or snacks.
* If you can dream it, draw it! Blank sketch pad.
* When ideas pop in your head, write them down! Brilliant Ideas Launch Pad Journal.
* Need a few supplies to bring your creativity to life? Michaels or Hobby Lobby gift card.
* A small LEGO/building set – surprisingly perfect for a bored college student and something roommates can participate in too
* A Brain Health Puzzle Book.
* Create a list of scavenger hunt items for them to go find around campus and take a picture. For each one, Venmo them $1 or $5 or vary it based on difficulty.
* A Turkish towel/blanket to sit outside and do some campus people-watching.
* A note reminding them about how little space there is in the dorm and to donate or recycle something to make room.
* Cash or a gift card to their favorite local store.
* A note reminding them that hard work can overcome tough luck.
* Small Lucky Horseshoe necklace.
* A small box of Lucky Charms cereal, or go with a bag of ONLY the marshmallows!
* A reminder that a good night’s sleep will help with memory recollection, possibly even more than another hour of memorizing!
* Pair of silk eye masks.
* Relaxing roll-on essential oil.
* A bright yellow rise-and-shine note!
* Include a gift card for the favorite local coffee place or favorite Keurig pods.
* Caffeine/energy packets to mix with water.
* A canned coffee or energy drink – if you’re assembling the cards right before move-in, tuck in one of their favorites.
* Not a coffee drinker? Send tea bags or dark chocolate espresso trail mix.
* A reminder to ask friends to contribute if you’re one of the few with a car.
* Include a printout of this gas meme.
* Include cash or a gas station gift card.
* A gift card for coffee with a note: “Take a coffee break, regroup, and then figure out what’s next.”
* A scratch-off lottery ticket – “Your luck has to turn around somewhere!” (For students who are of legal age where applicable.)
* A mini reset kit – gum or mints, an electrolyte packet, and a favorite snack. Basically: today was rough; tomorrow is a new day.
* A box of Airheads candy (if they can handle the joke!).
* A note reminding them that a good walk and fresh air can fix most anything.
* Create a motivating Spotify playlist for them & share with a QR code.
* Create a list of safe nearby parks or open spaces.
* A list of new places to visit near the school and suggestions for how to get there.
* An Uber gift card to take you and a friend somewhere new to explore.
* Cash or Visa gift card to use for entry fees or supplies.
* A custom pet pillow. A sweet reminder of their furry friend at home. Our link automatically applies a 25% discount at checkout. If you see a different offer pop up when you visit their website, just click out of it and continue.
* A note from their pets at home with printed pictures.
* Have them text you “PETS” and have a video response ready with a cute video compilation of the pets. If you want to get creative, consider adding voice-overs to the video in your pet’s voice.
* Have each sibling write a special note to the new college student and include a few favorite pictures.
* Have each sibling also pick out a special treat to include and write their own note with the reason they selected it.
* A sweet note along with a framed family picture for their desk or nightstand.
* Include an IOU for a special outing you have planned for their next visit home (eg: trip to ice cream shop, family game night, etc).
* A simple green t-shirt to wear so they don’t get pinched! This is a mix of men’s & women’s with print, characters, and solids.
* Include a few limericks. Here are some college-related limericks, high-brow academic limericks & 100 general funny limericks.
* A bag of gold wrapped chocolate coins. Enough to share.
* Some St. Patrick’s Day room decor (might be hard to find in advance, though).
* A reminder about the importance of good decisions, the buddy system, and always having a DD or Uber plan.
* A small tube of sunscreen.
* A beach towel or Turkish towel.
* A simple, foldable beach bag.
* A gift card to the school bookstore for a new hat.
* A note letting them know how much you love and miss them on this first Valentine’s away from home.
* Any kind of candy or family gift traditions that you can wrap up ahead of time.
* A bag of Valentine’s Hershey Kisses (or regular kisses if Valentine’s edition isn’t available).
* Some Valentine’s Day room decor (if you can find it in advance).
* You’re only weeks away from finishing up your freshman year – keep up the hard work!
* A small package of Kleenex tissues.
* Allergy meds if they’re not already in their First Aid Kit.
* A note describing a few happy memories from childhood with pics if possible.
* A few favorite snacks or school supplies from childhood.
* Pictures taken of key pages in their baby book, scrapbooks or yearbooks. You could even take a bunch of pictures and put them into an album that you can share with them when they text to ask (put that in your note).
* Obviously, a heartfelt note is perfect for this one.
* Include special touches that are family traditions or sayings.
* Include heart-shaped chocolates or a heart-shaped frame with a favorite picture.
* Let them know you are counting down the days to Thanksgiving or Winter Break or whenever you will see them next.
Save it to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it when you need it.
Getting ready for college is all we do at The Dorm Guide!
If you’re looking for a more significant and sentimental gift for move-in day, please see Sentimental Gift Ideas Perfect For College Move-In Day.
For a smooth move-in day, see our Packing & Move-In Day Plan that starts a few weeks out, provides a packing plan, an order to load the car, and the steps to take when you arrive at the dorm on move-in day. Step #1 – start your fan. Step #2 – a little light cleaning….
Our Complete Dorm Essentials Guide provides all of our recommendations in one place, across 2 categories and several retailers in the hunt for the best products at the lowest prices.
If you have questions or want to learn from 160,000 other parents and students on the same journey, please join us in the Dorm Shopping Recommendations & Deal Alerts Facebook group.
If you love your Open When labels, be sure to check out our printable dorm & college apartment wall art options. We’ve used all of the trending college decor colors, but let us know if you need something specific.
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Be sure to share these resources with your friends and parents of friends heading to college soon, too. Thank you!
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Robin says:
I felt like the list of ideas for the open when envelopes was repetitive. Many of the ideas were really only appropriate for girls. I appreciate the effort, but just maybe a few ideas to help more people in the future.
Lara Becker says:
Thank you so much for this feedback, Robin!
Renita says:
My daughter is a senior in high school and I am making open when envelopes. Your ideas were perfect and I love the helpful links. Thank you so much