Turn Admission into Enrollment: 30 Best College Acceptance Packages & Student Welcome Gifts
August 28, 2024
While many people can appreciate the anxiety of high school seniors waiting for college decisions, few understand that college admission professionals often experience similar levels of stress waiting to hear from their top prospective students. It's likely that the students you are most interested in will be receiving multiple offers from competitive colleges and universities.
Besides the coveted acceptance letter, which should ideally be printed on premium cardstock with a sharp design, seal the deal on enrollment with fun college acceptance packages full of branded goodies that make these applicants feel appreciated, wanted, and as if they were already a part of your student body.
Crestline offers a wide range of university logo printed promotional products that make the best college acceptance packages regardless of budget. Check out our good, better, and best ideas below.
Good: Unique & Affordable College Goodie Bag Ideas
We understand not every institution of higher learning has unlimited budgets to be able to create high end student welcome gift packages, but that doesn’t mean your acceptance letter needs to arrive without a little something special. Here are 10 great inexpensive university acceptance gifts that won’t break the bank.
1. School Spirit Stickers
College students love making things like laptops and water bottles their very own with special stickers that are unique to their lives. Add to their collection with Crestline’s 3” x 5” Removable Adhesive Back Oval Stickers or our 2” x 2” Square Stickers, imprinted with your school’s logo. Our tech tattoo laptop stickers are certain to make their laptop stand out. Simple, inexpensive, and easy to tuck into an acceptance letter, these decals make the perfect student welcome gift.
2. Customized License Plate Frames
Whether students plan to bring their car to campus or not, sending a branded Plastic License Plate Frame complete with your school’s slogan can be a great university acceptance gift. Made of 100 percent recycled material, our license plate frame will boost your school’s recognition throughout the local community.
3. University Logo Phone Wallets
Help keep potentially disorganized college students more organized by providing useful phone wallets as part of your college acceptance package. These gifts will come in handy to hold student IDs, credit cards, or membership cards securely on the back of phone cases. Our Silicone Phone Wallet is slim enough to fit in a pocket and is a great alternative to a bulky wallet or purse.
Mary, from California, a Crestline customer, said, “These pockets are a must-have on our university campus. The adhesive holds well, and the pockets hold up to daily use.”
4. Confetti Flower Seed Packets
Looking for something a little more out-of-the-ordinary? Consider tucking a Confetti Flowers Seed Packet in with your acceptance letter with a fun message like, “Looking forward to seeing you GROW with us!” This wildflower seed mix contains Sweet William Pinks, Rocket Larkspur, Candytuft, Baby Blue Eyes, Corn Poppy, Forget-Me-Not, Wallflower, Columbine, Blue Flax, Zinnia, Lemon Mint, and Five Spot.
5. Mugs with College Logo
Every student would appreciate a coffee mug as part of a college welcome package. After all, how will they wake up for those 8 a.m. classes or stay alert through their first few all-nighters? Crestline’s 11 oz Morning Gloss Mug is the perfect addition to any dorm room. This ironstone ceramic mug can hold up to 11 oz. when filled to the rim, and its glossy exterior compliments your school’s logo and brand.
6. Informational Brochures & Flyers
Take advantage of Crestline’s Tri-Fold Brochure, which can be filled with useful information for the newly accepted student, including important dates, campus map, packing lists, and more. Compact and easy to include alongside an acceptance letter, these brochures come with a professional, glossy finish.
7. Mascot Fridge Magnets & Magnetic Picture Frames
A simple but useful addition to college goodie boxes is our Magnetic Picture Frame, or a custom shape magnet in the shape of your school’s mascot. Affordable and practical, these magnets can hold up important notes on a dorm fridge or even serve as a reminder for families left at home.
8. Pens with Your School’s Name
Even though the vast majority of school work and communication is done digitally today, college students can always use extra pens to jot down notes, share contact information, or leave a quick message. Our customers love Impulse Pen, featuring the best smooth writing and a contoured rubber grip. One California customer, Debra, noted that, “The pen's sleek design represents quality, as well as the ease of writing. This is a product I will be proud to distribute to prospective students.”
9. College Logo Keychains
Keychains also make great university acceptance gifts, as a great catch-all for keys, safety whistles, flashlights, and more. Our Whistle & Light Key Ring is ready and waiting for your school’s logo and the perfect giveaway for prospective students. Lizabeth, from California, says of this item, “Our students love your products. Our department always has the coolest give aways, thanks to your products.” Another option is the Soft Enamel Key Chain that features a keyring and a colorful enamel design that can showcase your school’s name, mascot, or motto.
10. Handwritten Notes
Finally, if you don’t even have a modest budget for student welcome gifts, make a big impact with a handwritten note from the Dean, the President, or department professors. Emphasize the personal touch and the individual care that your school can provide, which may be a significant competitive advantage.
Better: Next Level University Acceptance Gifts
If you’re looking to up your game and send college goodie boxes or gifts that are a cut above the rest, consider these options from Crestline. We offer a variety of mid-range promotional items to share your brand and logo with prospective students and their families from around the world.
11. College Team Logo Pennant
Ready to encourage those students particularly interested in your school’s collegiate sports offerings? Send along this Premium Felt Pennant 9" x 24" to jump start their school spirit before they arrive on campus. This soft-to-the-touch pennant is durable and perfect for any competitive event.
12. Personalized Tumbler
Whether students are planning on spending extra hours at the library, hanging out at the local coffee shop, or hiking at nearby parks, they will need to stay hydrated and caffeinated. Welcome new students with Crestline’s extensive line of mugs and tumblers including our popular 20 oz Himalayan Tumbler that keeps beverages hot or cold for up to six hours. It’s sure to be an appreciated student welcome gift.
13. Bucket Hat
Style and school spirit go hand-in-hand when you send your prospective students either our Cotton Bucket Hat or our Berkley Bucket Hat that’s ready for embroidery. Both help keep rain at bay and block extra sunshine for those long walks around campus. Of course, traditional baseball hats are always a great student welcome gift, too.
14. School Spirit Kits
To attract top prospects, consider putting together one of Crestline’s popular kits or bundles. You can include any favorite student swag items such as T-shirts, sunglasses, drawstring backpacks and notebooks.
Here are a few more of the coolest college acceptance packages ideas:
Not finding your perfect fit? Call or chat in and we’ll build you a custom kit including anything you need!
15. Imprinted Water Bottles
College students can never have too many water bottles! Crestline offers a wide range of options including our 16 oz Vigo Stainless Insulated Water Bottle, which keeps beverages cold for a full 24-hours. Those admission offices looking for a premium bottle may want to consider our popular 22 oz Juna Copper Insulated Bottle. For those preferring tumblers with straws, check out Crestline’s 22 oz Coronado Straw Tumbler.
16. School Pride Car Decals
Make a statement to your prospects with this large 36 Sq Inch Full Color Decal, perfect to display your school slogan and logo for all to see. It’s easy to enclose with a university welcome package and may be used by students and their parents alike.
17. Custom Printed Socks
Who doesn’t need an extra pair of cool socks? Our Midcalf Jacquard Socks with Bamboo Thread are ready and waiting for your school brand. Tuck a pair with each acceptance package or include in a larger college acceptance package.
18. Belt Bags
Resembling an old-fashioned fanny pack popular with previous generations, Crestline’s Anywhere Belt Bag. Belt bags are the modern version for today’s college students. Less bulky than a backpack or purse, these bags are perfect for storing a cell phone, keys, cash, student ID and a few other necessary items. Put your school logo on these and include them in your student welcome package.
19. Scarves & Beanies in School Colors
It won’t be long once students return to campus for the weather to turn cooler in time for football season and winter walks. Provide a Pom Beanie and Fringe Scarf to encourage your prospects to stay warm on your campus while fueling school spirit for upcoming tailgates and parties. Both branded hats and scarves are perfect giveaways, both useful and promotional.
20. Books
A great addition to a university welcome box is a set of books about the school itself, its history, and a guide to getting the most out of the next four years. Other schools may consider sending some classic great works of the liberal arts as a taste of what’s to come.
Best: Top College Acceptance Packages with Wow Factor
If you have the budget for exceptional student welcome gifts, then we have a myriad of high quality unique promotional items your top recruits will love. These are perfect for merit scholarship students or the top echelon of prospects. Make a big impression and show these candidates how much you’d like them to come to your institution.
21. Swag Boxes for Students
The very best university acceptance packages start with the unboxing experience. Several of our swag boxes allow you to choose your box color and crinkle paper, all to compliment your school hues. Crestline’s Batch and Bodega Scoop & Sprinkles Gift Box is actually a music box that plays the classic ice cream truck song when it’s opened. College prospects will love the unique gift, making it social-media worthy, and offering your school another promotional avenue.
Other great gift boxes include:
22. Earbud Pods
Today’s college students will appreciate our many earbud and headphone options, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or lectures. Our Wireless Earbud Pods with Rechargeable Case offer three hours of playback time and 100 hours of standby time. Designed with a built-in microphone for use with mobile devices, these pods are great for conversations while walking around campus.
23. Cozy Customized Blankets
Help your prospective students stay warm and cozy whether they are at a football game or studying in their rooms. We offer an assortment of blankets that are perfect for your school logo including our Collegiate Sweatshirt Blanket or Koozie® Fleece Roll-Up Blanket. Blankets make some of the best college acceptance package gifts.
24. Printed Pillows
Pair it with a blanket or send it alone, but Crestline’s 16” x 16” Single Sided Indoor Pillow will make a stylish addition to a prospect’s future dorm room. Imprint your school slogan or logo, and make this item do double duty as a pillow and school advertisement.
25. Spirit Wear Sweatshirts
Besides T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts may be the most popular attire on most college campuses. Soft, durable, and always in fashion, our Gildan® Heavy Blend™ Hoodie Sweatshirt makes the perfect addition to the university welcome box. Your prospects will be excited to have campus attire before they formally pack up and head to campus. Need more inspo? Browse more collegiate spirit apparel ideas.
26. Hammocks
Looking for something super unique and sure to be appreciated? A couple of schools have already welcomed new students with branded hammocks, according to social media. Consider gifting our Basecamp® Portable Hammock, portable and ready for a nap whenever a college student wants one.
27. Bluetooth Speakers with Logo
There’s nothing quite like a branded Bluetooth speaker as a top student welcome gift for schools to send. Our Illuminated Logo Bluetooth® Speaker features a laser engraved logo that lights up when in use, provides up to 1.5 hours of playback time and recharges in 2 hours.
28. Virtual Cash to Spend in a School Swag Store
Does your school already have its own swag store with lots of spirited goodies? Let prospective students choose their own acceptance gifts! Send a card with a code that invites prospects to choose their favorite item at your custom online store. Crestline is happy to help create a swag store if you don’t already have one; they make a great addition to any college campus and generate revenue, too.
29. Famous Local Snacks
Ready to be extra thoughtful and support your community at the same time? Include snacks that represent local pride in your school’s home city or area. For example, a Maine college could send out whoopie pies from a local bakery or a New York school might send Milk Bar™ Cookies. What’s emblematic of your area? Include them in your university welcome boxes!
30. Welcome Aboard 4-Piece Gift Set
Don’t even have time to think? We get it. Fake it in style with a college swag box created just for this purpose. The Welcome Aboard Gift Set includes the basics they’ll need to start off their school year – a water bottle, accessory pouch, journal and pen. Crestline is happy to do the legwork or provide a myriad of options for you to create your own welcome boxes.
Admitted Students Day Gifts
Some schools host a special Admitted Students Day when recently admitted students can meet staff, faculty, and one another. It’s the perfect opportunity to hand out more swag as well as special perks like certificates to food trucks that are serving the occasion. Here are a few ideas for Accepted Students Days:
- Present new students with their acceptance letters in Crestline’s Designer Linen Folder or Classic Certificate Holder.
- Give away selfie frames inviting students to post photos of their day on social media.
- Decorate your campus and buildings to welcome the incoming class with balloons and banners.
- Make sure the college bookstore is stocked with merchandise for new students and their parents to stock up on spirit wear apparel, drinkware and other branded favorites.
- Sponsor an activities fair with booths and draped tables that feature all the different clubs, sports and extracurriculars available at your school.
- Set up a check-in or information tent where new prospects can get directions or a schedule for the day.
Looking for more creative inspiration? Here are some examples of colleges that have created amazing acceptance packages, based on student discussions from Reddit:
Boston College: This well-known private college in Massachusetts created large packages that contained various items such as stickers, pens, t-shirts, hats, mugs, keychains, magnets, pins, socks, scarves, and more. These items showcased the college name, logo, mascot, and colors and gave the students a sense of belonging and pride.
Stanford University: This elite private university in California has sent car decals, handwritten notes, sets of Stanford themed magnet words, printed cups with Stanford campus features on it, t-shirts with the class year, lanyards, keychains, pens, cooling towels, pennants, sticker sets, clear tote bags, Popsockets, and VR headsets loaded with a welcome and campus tour. These items displayed the university branding and colors and created excitement and fun.
Williams College: This top-ranked liberal arts college in Massachusetts created purple cow plushies that represented the school mascot. The plushies created a humorous and unique experience, and primed accepted students to be a part of their new school with true spirit.
Reed College: This prestigious liberal arts college in Oregon sent copies of The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, a classic novel that is part of the freshman curriculum. The package also included a little notebook, sticker, pencil, confetti, and a handwritten note. These items showed the college’s academic rigor and personal attention.
University of Nebraska: This public university in Nebraska created a program called “True Red”, where they sent something different every month. The items included buttons, a laundry bag, a small pennant, a scarf and more. These items highlighted the university logo and helped to generate anticipation and loyalty.
University of Oklahoma: This public university in Oklahoma created a whole cardboard box with a handwritten card from a student, a bunch of confetti, stickers and a little cardboard VR headset that could be used to view the campus virtually. These items conveyed connection and innovation and no doubt scored them a few choice future alumni.
Florida Polytechnic University: This public university in Florida created flash drives that contained all the information about the university, a move that communicated convenience and professionalism to prospective students.
University of Tennessee: This public university in Tennessee created cards that sang “Rocky Top”, the school song, when opened. The University logo printed gave the students a sense of tradition and spirit.
Crestline is ready to help you turn acceptance letters into enrollments by welcoming your new students with high quality promotional items that are useful, appreciated, and share your school spirit. Not only do we print your university logo on the gifts your students want, we’ll even mail them out for you. Happy recruiting!
