A care package should show you care, but also contain items that the recipient wants and need.
Best foods for a care package
The most common type of care package consists of food. When sending food care packages, make sure that everything you send is non-perishable. Also take into account how much space is available to store the items and whether or not the recipient has a stove, oven or microwave at their disposal.
Here are some common food items:
- Beef jerky
- Candy bars
- Gum
- Canned soups
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Granola bars
- Chips
- Rice Krispie treats
- Homemade cookies
- Popcorn
- Pretzels or party mix
- Protein bars
- Tea or lemonade mix
Bonus: For an extra treat, consider a gift card to their favorite restaurant!
Best school supplies for a college care package
- Pens / Pencils / Highlighters
- Notebook paper
- Brightly-colored folders & Organizational binders
- Construction paper
- Scotch tape
- Printer ink and paper
- Bookmarks
- Computer accessories
- Envelopes & Stamps
- Fun-shaped paper clips
- Post-its
Don’t forget fun items such as:
- music CDs
- Colorful sticky labels
- sketch books
- video games
- iTunes gift card
THEMED CARE PACKAGES
Movie Care Package
- Movie on DVD
- Microwave Popcorn (or already popped if they don’t have a microwave)
- M&Ms
- Doritos
- Cracker Jacks
- Rice Krispie Treats
- Twizzlers
- Cookies (Oreos and Chips Ahoy)
- Ruffles chips & dip
- Hot Tamales
- Nachos (tortilla chips & cheese)
- Make a “Now Featuring” Movie poster on your computer and add it to the package
Get Well Care Package
- Puzzle
- Chicken Noodle soup packets
- Gourmet tea packets
- Cold medicine
- Crackers
- Inspirational “Get Well” quotes
- Goldfish
- Dole Fruit Bowls
- Get Well “pills” (candy coated mints)
- Get Well card
- Chapstick
At Ease Care Package
- Glow in the dark Yo Yo
- Crossword Puzzle Book
- Silly Putty
- Deck of Cards
- Ritz Bitz
- Pringles
- Cookies
- Twizzlers
- Cheetos
- Cereal Bars
“Scruff” Care Package
- Razors
- Baby wipes
- Chap stick
- Shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Mouthwash
- Lotion
- Foot powder
- Soap
- Big fluffy towel
- Toilet paper
Comforts of Home Care Package
- Small Bottle of Febreze
- Candle
- Snuggle dryer sheets
- Blanket (a nice comfy one)
- Glade PlugIns
- Pair of slippers or cozy socks
- Hot cocoa or coffee
- Decorative coffee mug
- Pillowcase with your perfume/cologne sprayed on it
- Book on tape
“Big Kid” Care Package
- Squirt guns
- Silly Putty
- Silly String
- Whoopie Cushion
- Funny face eyeglasses
- Sidewalk chalk
- Crayons & Coloring book
- Jacks
- Marbles
- Balloons
- Frisbee
- Mini Football or Soccer Ball
- Hacky Sack
Sports Theme Care Package
- Favorite sport magazine
- Favorite Sport Recording or DVD
- Cheetos
- Popcorn
- Personalized mug
- Cookies
Care Package Tips
A good idea is to send the care package in a plastic container. The plastic container can be re-used to separate clothes, school books or any other number of things. Make sure that all fragile items are packed securely and that you clearly label the container.
No matter which kind of care package you are sending, make sure to add a personal touch. Include a hand written note, pictures of the family, homemade cookies and anything else that will make the recipient feel loved.