Exam season is stressful enough without being far from the people who support you. If your long-distance partner, friend, or family member is facing midterms or finals, a thoughtful care package can provide the fuel, comfort, and encouragement they need to power through.
This guide features exam season care package ideas filled with study essentials, stress-relief items, and reminders that you're cheering them on from afar.
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The Ultimate Exam Survival Box
Study Fuel & Snacks
- Energy bars and protein bars: $15-$35
- Trail mix and nuts: $10-$25
- Dark chocolate (brain food!): $10-$25
- Coffee or energy drinks: $15-$40
- Healthy snacks (fruit, veggies with dip): $15-$30
- Comfort snacks (chips, candy): $10-$25
- Snacks total: $75-$180 Shop Snacks
Study Essentials
- Quality pens and highlighters: $10-$25
- Post-it notes and index cards: $10-$20
- Blue light blocking glasses: $15-$40
- Desk organizer: $15-$40
- Noise-canceling earplugs: $10-$30
- Supplies total: $60-$155
Stress Relief Items
- Stress ball or fidget toy: $5-$15
- Essential oils or calming candle: $15-$35
- Face masks or self-care items: $15-$40
- Tea selection for study breaks: $10-$25
- Stress relief total: $45-$115
Encouragement
- Handwritten encouragement notes: $5-$15
- "Good luck on exams" card: $5-$10
- Motivational quotes: Free-$10
- Encouragement total: $10-$35
Complete Exam Care Package Total: $190-$485
Quick Care Package Ideas
The Caffeine & Cramming Box
Coffee, energy drinks, caffeinated snacks, and a "You've got this!" note. Total: $40-$90
Build BoxThe Brain Food Package
Nuts, dark chocolate, fruit, protein bars, and water bottle. Healthy fuel for studying. Total: $35-$80
Shop ItemsThe Stress-Free Study Kit
Stress ball, aromatherapy, tea, face mask, and encouragement notes. Total: $40-$100
Create KitThe All-Nighter Essentials
Coffee, energy drinks, salty & sweet snacks, eye drops, and chapstick. Total: $30-$70
Get SuppliesMust-Have Items for Exam Care Packages
Study Fuel
- Coffee or Tea: Individual pods, instant packets, or premium grounds. Price: $15-$40 Shop Coffee
- Energy Drinks: Red Bull, Monster, or healthier alternatives. Price: $15-$35
- Protein Bars: Quick, filling snacks for study sessions. Price: $15-$35
- Dark Chocolate: Antioxidants and brain-boosting benefits. Price: $10-$25
- Nuts and Trail Mix: Healthy fats for sustained energy. Price: $10-$30
Study Tools
- Quality Pens: Smooth-writing pens for note-taking. Price: $10-$25
- Highlighters: Multiple colors for organizing notes. Price: $8-$20
- Index Cards: For flashcards and studying. Price: $5-$15
- Post-it Notes: Various sizes for marking textbooks. Price: $8-$20
- Blue Light Glasses: Protect eyes from screen time. Price: $15-$40
Comfort Items
- Cozy Socks: Warm, comfortable socks for long study sessions. Price: $10-$20
- Eye Mask: For power naps between study sessions. Price: $10-$25
- Lip Balm: Combat library dryness. Price: $5-$15
- Hand Lotion: For dry hands from washing/sanitizing. Price: $8-$20
Budget-Friendly Exam Package Under $50
- Energy bars (box): $12-$25
- Coffee or tea packets: $10-$20
- Candy or comfort snacks: $8-$15
- Highlighters and pens: $8-$15
- Handwritten encouragement notes: $5-$10
- Stress ball or fidget toy: $5-$10
- Total: $48-$95
Immediate Support Ideas
For quick help during exam week:
- Food Delivery: Send study fuel via DoorDash/Uber Eats. Price: $20-$60
- Coffee Shop Gift Card: Digital card for study coffee runs. Price: $15-$50
- Grocery Delivery: Stock their fridge with study essentials. Price: $50-$150
- Encouraging Text/Video: Daily motivation messages. Free
Post-Exam Celebration Package
Send after exams are done:
- Celebration treats and snacks
- Fun movie or game for decompressing
- Self-care items (bath bombs, face masks)
- "You did it!" congratulations card
- Gift card for celebration meal
- Total: $40-$120
Virtual Support During Exams
Study Together Virtually
- Video call study sessions
- Quiz each other on material
- Pomodoro technique together (study/break cycles)
- Accountability check-ins
Provide Encouragement
- Daily good morning texts
- Motivational voice messages
- Funny memes to lighten the mood
- Remind them they're capable
- Plan celebration for after exams
What to Include in Your Note
Write encouraging messages like:
- "You've worked so hard, and it's going to pay off!"
- "Remember: you're brilliant, capable, and prepared."
- "Take breaks, stay hydrated, and believe in yourself."
- "I'm so proud of you for pushing through."
- "Can't wait to celebrate when exams are over!"
- "You've got this—I believe in you!"
Timing Your Package
- Before exams start: Send 3-5 days before first exam
- Midway through: Second package for long exam periods
- After exams: Celebration package when they're done
Final Thoughts
Exam season is stressful, and being far from your support system makes it harder. A thoughtful care package filled with study fuel, practical supplies, stress-relief items, and encouraging words reminds them they're not alone in this challenge.
Your package says: "I know you're working hard, I'm proud of you, and I'm here supporting you every step of the way—even from afar."
More care package ideas: Birthday packages | Get well packages | Holiday packages