I'm making DD a leaving homebox!

[KatyMacWho]

As she is hoping to go away next September and a bit a week/month is better than loads at once in August next year.

So far I have got
2 pans & a frying pan (not much use if she ends up in catered halls!!)
Mini Blender
8 tins of custard(expiry date summer 2015!)
Clothes pegs

What else should I be looking out for to add to it?

trying desperately to be positive

To be honest I think I'd just put a little money away each month rather than getting stuff that might not be of use. Sorry, I know that's a bit dull.

Tea towels.

A torch.

Jars of herbs and spices.

Condoms

An Eco egg, so doesn't have to buy washing powder

Big bags of pasta
Baby wipes
Dry shampoo
A kettle?
Towels
Bedding

Did you not see the desperately trying to be positive Nell?

I know saving might be better - but this way we see something grow.

We have a big box & when we spot something we weigh up whether it will be useful (most bits are freebies from Staples etc - I persuaded her she didn't need a pink electric screwdriver even if it was free!)

I wouldn't buy many kitchen things as most places have then catered or as furnished. And a tea towel is 50p

Things I would have liked and that we brought after moving:

Tea lights and holders
Eco egg ( mentioned above- fantastic)
Plug extension ( one that has 4 additional plugs, many places have few sockets)
Double duvet/ pillows/ bedding ( can use double duvet on single bed if that's what she gets but silly a single on double)
Cleaning products- bleach/ sponges/ dish matic etc
Toiletries
First aid supplies - paracetamol/ plaster/ throat syrup
Printer and ink
Microwaveable heat pack

Our catered halls didn't have meals on a Sunday night, so it was fend for yourself time - lots of cheap plates are good for pizza when you have loads of friends. Same with cheap mugs and glasses - I had four of each and was popular!

Have a little search on MN, there are a number of threads on 'What to take to uni'

Great ideas everyone

The food is mainly for lunches as the halls she might go to do breakfast & tea weekdays so she will need packed lunches

I buy small pots of custard at 43p the time is nearly 4 servings the same size for 50p

I make her work out in Tesco if she can afford to buy stuff (as if it were next year)

What about a cafetiere (or a teapot if she prefers?) It was a great ice breaker when I was in halls. A toasted sandwich maker is also a great thing to have for substantial snack if she misses dinner.

cups
bedding
candles
lamp
blankets

This toaster.
Mugs
Tea spoons
Canisters for Teabags, sugar, coffee.
Perhaps a small drinks fridge she could keep a bottle of milk, some juice and water in.

Towels.
Cutlery
Toaster (and toaster bags)
Kettle
Mugs

Students can make enough to survive anything with a toaster and a kettle

CO alarm
Smoke alarm
first aid kit

When I went into Nursing accommodation my mum bought me a big rug because the carpets were worn and a bit manky.

A beanbag/floor cushion

Nice cushion for her bed

A big clip frame so she can make a collage of photos of her friends, family and herself.

A recipe book. All her favourite dishes written up.
A savings account.
Christmas decorations box.
Gift cards for supermarkets/ clothes shop.
A chat about calling me any time, about anything. :)

beanbags are a good call. I made myself 2* 1m square beanbag cushions when I was a student - they were furniture, and together they were a spare bed. We still have them .

..it would make a change from gluing on sparkly things, anyway.

Hot chocolate

Fold up laundry bin
Actual bin

MIL made us a useful things box. It's got safety pins, needle and thread, elastic bands, measuring tape, string, scissors, paper clips, plasters, glue etc. And it has been really useful!

Oh I love those toasters but we are waiting for a foreman grill to be a freebie.....we might get one if it gets late & they haven't offered one!!

I want:
laundry bin
Bin
Kettle, mugs tea/hot choc making
Rug
Blanket (she has plenty of her own - we just need to remember to pack it)
Beanbags are a great idea (I might even stick sparkles on them! Mind you - you have to admit that dress was amazing!!)
Tea Towels
Torch
Wipes (but not condoms I can't deal with that she is too, too young)
Fire alarm (I'll think about as they have major wored in ones where she might be)
First Aid & useful things kit (great ideas)
Maybe a fridge......I'll have to think
Printer & ink (never even thought of that & computer too)
Recipe book
Savings account
Cutlery (she has already on the box I forgot)
Mini Christmas tree (got)

You see it can be exciting not scary I hope

A small sharp kitchen kni