Care Packages 101: Everything You Need to Know

Care packages are a great way to let people know you’re care when they aren’t at home. They’ve been sent for generations to kids at camp and for kids at boarding school and college and more.

They’re a tangible way to show someone you’re thinking of them, especially when they’re far away. Whether it’s a college kid missing home or a friend going through a tough time, a care package can be a real mood-booster.

Image shows and Overhead of a care package with snacks and hand warmers inside it.

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What is a Care Package?

A care package is basically a box filled with goodies. It’s like curating a mini-gift basket tailored to someone’s specific needs or interests.

It can be as large or small as you choose. You can send a small envelope with gift cards or a massive box decorated and developed with a specific theme in mind from Halloween to finals week to the first snow.

It’s a thoughtful gesture that says, “Hey, I’m here for you, even though I’m not physically there.” They can come from parents, grandparents, friends, or whomever wants to send them.

What do you include in a Care Package?

The contents of a care package can vary wildly depending on who it’s for. But here are some general ideas to get you started:

  • Food: Snacks, candy, popcorn, granola bars, instant ramen, hot chocolate, or anything else that sounds delicious.
  • Comfort: Blankets, fuzzy socks, eye masks, bath bombs, candles, or other cozy items.
  • Entertainment: Books, magazines, puzzles, games, or streaming subscriptions.
  • Self-care: Skincare products, lotions, face masks, or other pampering items.
  • Personalized touches: Letters, photos, or small gifts that show you care.

Remember, the best care packages are the ones that show you know the recipient well. Think about their hobbies, tastes, and current situation.

Don’t feel pressure to make it the biggest and the best. It isn’t a competition, and your kids will be happy to receive something whether it’s in a plain, recycled box – what I often use – or a highly decorated and curated box.

Who Sends Care Packages?

Traditionally, care packages were mostly sent to soldiers overseas or college students homesick for mom’s cooking. But these days, anyone can send a care package to anyone, for any reason. It’s a versatile gift that can brighten anyone’s day.

Should you send care packages to roommates?

With college students, they almost always have a roommate. It can be a big decision whether to send a college care package to a roommate in addition to your own child or not.

Sending a care package to your child’s roommate can be a nice gesture, but it depends on your relationship. If you’re close and want to show your appreciation, go for it!

That said, once you send a care package to the roommate, it creates a precedent. The other child’s parents may feel the need to reciprocate or feel awkward if they don’t or can’t. And once you send it to the roommate, you may feel obligated to always send one.

Instead, most parents choose to send a care package just to their child but include either a few items for a roommate or items that your child can share with their friends like homemade cookies or snacks or games.

How often should you send college care packages?

Much like what to include, there’s no strict rule for how often to send care packages to college students. It depends on your budget, how far away they are, and how often you see them.

Some people send one at the beginning of each semester, while others send them monthly or even more frequently. Do what feels right for you and for your budget, and know that you are doing the right thing.

What is the best way to mail care packages?

While smaller care packages can fit in envelopes, either traditional letter size or padded envelopes, most packages are boxes. Depending on the size or weight of the box, you may find it works best to use USPS or UPS.

Pirate Ship is the secret to discounted shipping, and it’s a legit service that works wonders. FedEx is often much more expensive than other options though it is a secure shipping method that works well.

Make sure to pack the box securely to prevent damage during shipping. Invest in a measuring tape and a kitchen scale to ensure you know the size and weight of your box to help determine the best way to ship it and the approximate cost.

PS You want a kitchen scale if you don’t already have one. You’ll be surprised by how often you use it.

Are You Ready to Send Your First College Care Package?

Care packages are a simple yet powerful way to connect with others. They’re a tangible expression of care and support that can bring joy to anyone’s life.

Whether you have a kid headed to college or someone at camp or in the military, consider sending them a care package. It might just make their day.

Image shows an Overhead of care package with text care packages 101.

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2 Comments

  1. I am very interested to see the care packages you offer I have boy girl twins in college and would love to see your line. Thank you Ellen

    1. Hi Ellen, that’s so sweet of you! Honestly, I don’t know that I will ever create a line of care packages. I am aiming to create ideas for people to make their own care packages and tips for parents of college kids. I will be putting some designs for parents into my Etsy store over the next couple weeks. Do check back for tips, and I will also be sharing some companies I work with that I recommend for people to use (and will always disclose any relationship I have with them – but also know I will ALWAYS share my honest opinions and also only share those that I truly feel good about). If you want to bookmark the Etsy store to remember as I start to add items to it, you can find it at https://honestandtrulydesign.etsy.com – thanks for your support!

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