If you have loved ones in college, in the military, or just simply far away, a care package is always a welcome surprise. Whether you want to put together a cheer-me-up package for a stressed-out student, a package of personal hygiene supplies for military members on deployment, or simply a taste of home, your thoughtfulness will be greatly appreciated. Here are a few care package ideas to inspire you.
The Feel Better Soon Package
When your loved one is sick and far from home, it’s easy to feel helpless to do something to make them feel better. But you can! Send them a care package with items that make them feel an “I love you” from wherever they are. Here are some ideas for items to include:
- Cold and flu medicine
- Cough drops
- Tea
- Microwaveable soup
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfecting wipes
- Fuzzy socks
- Epsom salts / bubble bath
The Social Media Detox Package
Social media gets on just about everyone’s last nerve at some point. Help your loved one find things to do that don’t involve obsessively checking social media. Send them a package containing some of the following items:
- Book(s)
- Amazon or Audible gift card
- Small DIY craft projects (cross-stitch, beading, or embroidery, for example)
- Origami kit
- Bullet journal or unlined journal for sketching
- Colored pencils
- High-quality writing pens
- Adult coloring book
- A puzzle or board/card game
The Summer Camp Package
If you have kids going to sleep-away camp, you can help them feel less homesick by sending them a package of items containing practical and thoughtful gifts. Here are some care package ideas for your little campers:
- A few photographs and a journal
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Flashlight
- Marshmallows
- Snacks like pretzels and popcorn
- Stationery paper and addressed, stamped envelopes for writing home
The Taste of Home Package
Whether your loved one is away at college, on military deployment, or off working on an oil rig, a care package containing treats from home is always a welcome reprieve from the day-to-day grind. Here are some ideas for things to send to your far-away relative:
- Coffee (or a gift card to a coffee shop)
- Candy and chocolate
- Home-made brownies
- Cookies
- Favorite local foods—think potato chips or other snacks made by a local company, handmade bread from a nearby bakery, or a non-perishable treat from their favorite restaurant
- If you enjoy doing craft projects, include a small item you made for them
When it comes to cookies, don’t feel bad if you’re not the baking type. There are lots of wonderful pre-made cookies you can send to your loved one, including Little Rae’s signature shortbread cookies. We have cookies for all occasions, and they’re always handmade, with all butter, natural colors, and local, sustainable ingredients. Best of all, Little Rae’s cookies are made with no peanuts or tree nuts, ever, so they’re safe for your loved ones with nut allergies.
What do you think? Would you add anything to these lists? Do you have any care package ideas of your own? Share them in the comments!