I absolutely love sending care packages. Growing up, I went to summer camp every year from the time I was five until I was sixteen. I never received a care package during those summers, and I vividly remember how exciting it was for those cabin mates who did. We were all a little envious as they opened boxes full of treats and treasures from home.
Now, as an adult, I find so much joy in creating those moments for others. I have friends with kids away at college, and each month, my daughter and I put together fun and thoughtful packages to send their way. It’s something we truly enjoy — collecting little goodies, snacks, and surprises, then boxing them up with love and sending them off. It’s our way of saying, “You’re being thought of.”
Growing up, the closest thing I had to a care package was from my grandmother. She would send her incredible banana bread, and during the holidays, her famous rum-soaked persimmon pudding. I remember friends hovering nearby just to get a taste. Receiving something homemade, something made with love — it meant everything. And getting to share it made it even more special.
Putting care packages together has become one of my favorite ways to show love and support from afar. And next year, when my own son goes off on his new adventure, I know I’ll be sending one out to him each month — a little box of home, just for him.
Some ideas for care packages are listed below, but I always throw in a couple personal items that i know the recipient really enjoys:
- Baked Goods, you want to make things that ship well and obviously don’t spoil.
- Chocolates/candy/gummy treats
- Gum/Mints
- Pencils/pens/white out/highlighters/decorative folders/pads/erasers/mechanical pencils
- For Girls: lip gloss/chap stick/hand lotion/magazines/scented candles/stuffed animals/decorative tissues/sun screen/Neutrogena makeup remover wipes singles/socks/bath salts/warm blanket/mug/aromatherapy/Origins product Peace of Mind
- For Boys: chap stick/magazines/cards/warm socks/insulated mug/baseball cards/jerky/muscle cream/toiletries
- protein bars/hot chocolate/ramen/canned soup/chips/pretzels/popcorn/coffee/tea/nuts/cereal/oatmeal/granola bars
- Gift Cards: Starbucks, Amazon, fast food/gas/shopping/travel
In months like, October, November, and December, I like to add to the theme of the month and put in some surprises. For Halloween, it’s fun to add the plastic spiders, plastic fans, spooky earrings and for Thanksgiving and Christmas follow the same. It’s always fun to throw in some unexpected surprises and some of the recipients favorites too. The most important is to have fun and the care package you send will be filled with kindness and love.
