Nothing says “I’m thinking about you” like receiving a personalized care package full of fun gifts and treats. Not sure how to begin? There are endless DIY care package ideas — you just have to think about what the recipient would enjoy most! Keep reading for some winning ideas for care packages.
Tips to Build Your Own Care Package
Learning how to make a care package is a lot easier than you might think. Just follow these tips.
- Plan ahead. Thoughtful care packages can take a little planning. If you’re including food or baked goods, timing is super important to ensure freshness. If you’re shipping mailing your care package locally or internationally, make sure it’s boxed and sealed securely and check with your shipping provider for any prohibited items.
- Make it thoughtful. A good care package doesn’t just have to be a collection of random things the person enjoys; it can also be an entire themed experience.
- Buy items in bulk for bulk care packages. If you’re making care packages for groups of people, you’ll save some money by buying items in bulk.
- Consider dietary preferences and pre-packaged goods. Unless you’re making a care package for friends or family you know, avoid cooking homemade meals or baked goods. Concerns about germs, contamination, allergens or freshness can make even the most grateful of recipients wary of eating your goods if they don’t know you well. If you do cook or bake something for friends and family, be sure to individually wrap the items and include labels and dietary considerations.
What to Put in a Care Package
What exactly should you put in a care package? Here are a few heartwarming ideas that are sure to make your recipients smile.
- Snacks and candy – Include their favorite sweet and salty treats.
- Baked goods – For a personal touch, add homemade goodies that will ship easily, such as cookies.
- Candles – Yummy-smelling candles help create a soothing atmosphere.
- Self-care items – Inspire pampering and relaxing with items such as lotions, bath bombs and face masks.
- Books – Whether it’s their favorite book for reading or a coloring book, choose something to keep their mind occupied.
- Games or activities – Send games, puzzles or crafts for fun activities that will keep them entertained.
- Homemade gifts – Anything homemade shows you’re sending something straight from the heart. Think photo collages, knitted blankets and kids’ crafts from school.
- Comforting gifts – Whether it’s for a homesick college student or overseas soldier, including little bits of home will personalize your care package and add sentimental value.
- Personalized messages – Nothing beats a handwritten card or note for expressing your care and concern.
How to Ship a Care Package
- Gather your care package items. Take inventory of all your items to determine the size of your packaging needs.
- Gather your packaging materials. You’ll want a sturdy box, padding or filler material, and packing tape.
- Weigh and pack carefully. Put all your items in your box and weigh before arranging and sealing your package to ensure you’re within size and shipping weight limits. Be sure to label any food items with dates or dietary notes.
- Add lightweight fillers. You’ll want to avoid having loose items or space in your care package. This will minimize the chance of your items shuffling, spilling or breaking in transit.
- Seal items and the box well. Make sure all box openings are sealed well with packing tape. If you’re mailing packaged cookies or baked goods, seal all items to preserve freshness.
- Select your preferred shipping service. Depending on your shipping service, they may handle the packaging materials, labeling, postage and handling. If not, be sure to take care of those on your own. Some shipping services also provide a receipt or tracking number.
Additional Shipping Considerations:
- Budget and Shipping Insurance – The more items and the bigger the package, the more expensive the shipping costs, especially overseas. Keep that in mind when considering your budget. You may also want to consider adding shipping insurance if you’re including personal or valuable items.
- Prohibited Items – Depending on your shipping carrier, certain items may not pass shipping guidelines. Refer to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a full list of prohibited and restricted shipping items.
- Customs Forms – If you’re shipping internationally, you may have to fill out customs declaration forms.
- Military Protocols – If you’re sending packages to military addresses, be sure to follow specific instructions and U.S. Customs requirements
College Care Package for Students
When college students are hundreds of miles away, you can’t always surprise them with a visit, so a surprise care package is the next best thing. Whether it’s an all-candy care package or a finals survival kit, any care package will let them know you’re thinking about them.
Cost: $$–$$$
What you’ll need:
- Sweet treats like HERSHEY’S KISSES Candy and REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups
- Salty snacks like DOT’S HOMESTYLE PRETZELS
- Beef jerky
- Protein bars like ONE Bars
- Mints and gum like ICE BREAKERS Mints
- Detergent pods
- Gift cards
- Microwaveable foods
- Pain reliever
- Water bottle
- Lip balm
- Fidget toy or stress ball
New Mom Care Package
New moms barely have any time to think about themselves, which is where you come in! By sending them a care package, you’re showing you care while also giving them a moment to pause and enjoy some treats and pampering.
Cost: $$–$$$
What you’ll need:
- Water bottle
- Coffee mug
- Fancy hand cream
- Face mask or shower steamer
- Healthy snacks like SKINNYPOP Popcorn
- Tea or coffee
- Lip balm
- Cozy socks
Care Packages for Unhoused Individuals
If you want to help an unhoused person, aim for including basic necessities, such as personal hygiene items, food, clothing and maybe some comfort items. They’ll be appreciative of whatever you can send to make their lives a little bit easier.
Cost: $–$$
What you’ll need:
- Hygiene items like soap, deodorant, toothpaste and shampoo
- First aid items like bandages and pain reliever
- Hand sanitizer
- Socks
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Non-perishable snacks like peanut butter
Sympathy Care Package or Gift Basket
It’s often difficult to find exactly the right words to say when someone has lost a loved one. Instead, you can send a thoughtful sympathy package to show your care and concern. If you’re delivering the gift in person, you may also want to check out these gift basket ideas.
Cost: $–$$
What you’ll need:
- Sympathy note
- Food delivery gift card
- Tea or coffee
- Scented candle
- Bath bomb or shower steamer
- Journal
- Homemade baked goods
Military Care Package
Whether they’re stationed across the country or across the world, service members will feel a lot less homesick after receiving a care package from home. Include a mix of personal items, snacks and supplies.
Cost: $–$$
What you’ll need:
- Personal note or letter
- Photo prints or a small scrapbook
- Homemade treats like chocolate chip cookies
- Stationery and stamps
- Playing cards
- Candy that won’t melt like TWIZZLERS Candy
- Beef jerky
- Kids’ crafts from school
- Hygiene items like deodorant, toothpaste and hand sanitizer
- Calendar that includes family birthdays
Hospital Care Package for Nurses and Doctors
It’s nice to thank our healthcare heroes with a little something for all their care and dedication. A hospital care package for them could be as simple as some on-the-go snacks or a bit more substantial with gift cards or wine.
Cost: $–$$$
What you’ll need:
- Individually packaged snacks like the PIRATE’S BOOTY Variety Pack
- Protein bar
- Lip balm
- Hand cream
- Miniature wine bottles
- Travel coffee mug
- Coffee shop or restaurant gift cards
Teacher Survival Kit
Here’s your opportunity to help a teacher better manage their classroom and also relieve stress. Teachers have the hugely important job of shaping young minds, so let’s give them a hand in doing so.
Cost: $–$$
What you’ll need:
- First aid kit
- Pens
- Hand sanitizer
- Travel mug
- Coffee or tea
- Tote bag
- Gift card
Sick & Chemo Care Package
The keyword here is comfort. The recipient is already going through a lot medically, so you can help them feel a little more comfortable by sending items that manage any side effects of treatment and are just plain practical.
Cost: $–$$
What you’ll need:
- Cozy socks
- Blanket
- Hand sanitizer
- Books
- Lip balm
- Unscented hand lotion
- Books or magazines
- Ginger candies
- Easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars
- Hat or scarf
- Journal
- Personal note or card
Birthday Care Package for Friends
Here’s a chance to surprise a friend with all of their favorite things on their special day. Include a mix of personalized items, tasty treats, fun gifts and anything else that simply makes you think of them.
Cost: $–$$$
What you’ll need:
- Festive treats like HERSHEY’S KISSES Birthday Cake Candy or KIT KAT® Birthday Cake Candy Bar
- Board game or craft kit
- Book or movie
- Scented candle or other self-care items
- Handmade or personalized gift
- Gift card to their favorite restaurant or store
- Birthday card with note
Frequently Asked Questions
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A care package is any collection of items that you assemble and send to someone as a way of showing your care, concern or support. This could include anything from self-care items and personal notes to snacks and small gifts.
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It’s most common to select your items, pack them in a box and then ship it to your recipient. Alternately, there are companies and websites that offer premade care packages that can be sent directly to your recipient.
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Costs to mail a care package can vary greatly, depending on size, weight, destination and shipping service. But plan on at least $20 to ship a 10-pound package. You can also explore the United States Postal Service’s flat rate boxes for a set price.
