I woke up wide-eyed at 6:30 a.m. on a Sunday in mid August. I had a pit in my stomach and was slightly nauseas, anxious and sad.
I diagnosed myself with the back to school blues.
My son left a few hours later to head back to college for his senior year. My back to school blues lingered until my daughter headed back to school the following Friday. My symptoms included waking up early, feeling overwhelmed by all the last minute shopping and walking around in a fragile emotional state.
I loathe this day every summer. It never gets easy, and I have to navigate this challenging time differently with each kid. My daughter spent the entire summer planning every inch of decor in her new apartment. Every item’s color, style and aesthetic was thoughtfully curated including small details like dish towel designs and candle scents.
She was shopping for specific picture frames and designing photo boards up until the last day. Even though she went a littleoverboard, I applaud and appreciate her attention to detail.
College kids wear hoodies like uniforms. They can never have too many. WRV is always a popular choice for the Virginia Beach kids. (Lee Belote/for The Virginian-Pilot)
My son was a lot easier. “I’m good,” he said. He only needed a few random things. That was until the Sunday he left. Two hours before he hit the interstate to head to school, he casually mentioned that he needed new sheets. I offered to race to Target to get some. While I was there, he added a comforter to the list, a shower curtain and bath rugs. I’m wired like my daughter and like things to match and look stylish.
When you’re on a 30 minute timeline at Target, you get what you get.
So, both my kids have left the nest again and are loving their college experience.
757 gifts are always a fun item to bring a college kid. My daughter brought this cute cosmetic bag to my attention while shopping at The Painted Tree. This is in the Made by Lauren booth. (Lee Belote/for The Virginian-Pilot)
Logically, I should be thrilled for them. I am, but it will take me at least a week to embrace the positives to empty nesting like the cleaner house and calmer days. In the meantime, I will start counting the days to parent’s weekend. I will use my extra free time to start planning my visit.
I always like to bring something to remind them of home. If you have some college kids, here are some fun local ideas:
TASTE House dressing
This famous house dressing is about as local as you get in Virginia Beach. The creamy sandwich spread elevates any sandwich, and is a staple in our refrigerator. Your kids and their roommates will love you if you show up with a bottle of this. Several locations in Hampton Roads
757 gifts
My favorite place to find 757 swag is at The Painted Tree. You can find almost any clothing item, gift or sticker with “757.” One of my favorite finds is from the Made by Lauren booth. She sells handmade stitched 757 cosmetic bags. Girls can never have too many cosmetic bags. Bring your daughter one stuffed with a few toiletries and candy. My college daughter is the one that discovered this fun gift.
Hoodie
College kids love hoodies. That’s their class uniform on most days. Pick one up from their favorite restaurant or Virginia Beach spot. You’ll never go wrong with WRV (Wave Riding Vehicles). That’s always a classic and a local favorite.
TASTE’s famous house dressing is a great item to bring to your kids to remind them of home. My son’s freshman roommate had a bottle of this in his dorm fridge. (Lee Belote/for The Virginian-Pilot)
Huggies for local restaurants
A beverage huggie is light and will fit in any care package. Chick’s Oyster Bar has a great selection along with Tervis tumblers. I’m sure your college kids will only use them for soft drinks and bottled waters.
Lee Belote jlbelote@verizon.net
https://www.dailypress.com/2025/08/26/beach-buzz-the-back-to-school-blues/
