If you’ve ever made a care package or searched for ideas on-line, then you know that one size doesn’t fit all. There are tons of different themes you can do and personalizations you can make. Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing what to put in care packages.
Every situation and recipient is different. Maybe you are sending the package to a deployed soldier, a college student, or an overseas missionary. Perhaps the person you are sending it to craves snacks from home or they don’t have access to the toiletries they like.
There are so many things you could include in a care package, that it’s overwhelming. I get messages from people all the time asking what I put in my care packages. So, I’ve compiled a list what to put in care packages to make them helpful and appreciated!
Food & Snacks
If you’re wondering what to put in care packages, food and snacks are ALWAYS a popular option! It’s always nice to get a little taste of home when you are living far away.
Most of the care packages that I have made were sent to my husband while he was deployed or on a hardship tour with the Army. He always appreciated snacks from home, since he couldn’t always get them where he was stationed.
Microwaveable Foods
- popcorn
- instant oatmeal
- mac-n-cheese
- mug cake mixes
- ramen noodles
Snacks
- granola bars
- trail mix
- beef jerky
- dried fruit
- pringles
- nuts
- hard candy
- snack cups (fruit, pudding, etc.)
- crackers
- individual packs of cereal
- fruit roll-ups/gushers/fruit snacks
- pop tarts
- rice krispy treats
- sunflower seeds
- pretzels
- cookies
Drinks
- kool-aid packets
- Gatorade powder
- hot chocolate
- tea bags
- coffee
- creamer
- small juice boxes
Condiments
- ketchup
- mustard
- hot sauce
- seasonings
- relish
- favorite sauces
- sugar
Toiletries
Another popular option for things to put in care packages are toiletries. Toiletries are often expensive and sending some to college students can be a great way to ease their financial burden.
My husband always appreciated when I sent him toiletries overseas. He usually only had access to a limited selection and liked to get his ‘regular’ things from home.
Bath Time
- soap/body wash
- shampoo/conditioner
- shaving cream
- razors
- toothbrush/floss
- toothpaste
- deoderant
- q-tips
- nail clippers
- mouthwash
- towels/bath cloths
- comb/brush
- lotion
First Aid
- Tylenol/Motrin
- antacids
- cold/allergy medicine
- cough drops
- bandaids
- eye drops
- bandage wraps
- neosporin/antibiotic ointment
- nose/throat spray
- anti-itch cream
Other Toiletries
- bug spray
- sun screen
- chapstick
- tissues
- baby wipes/antibacterial wipes
- baby powder
- foot powder
- hair ties/bobby pins
- make-up/skincare items
- hair spray/dry shampoo
- hair gel/mousse
Fitness
A good care package theme is one based on fitness or working out. There are a lot of things you can send in these kinds of packages.
- protein powder
- shaker bottle/water bottle
- vitamins
- protein bars
- tuna packets
- blister/chafing protection
- resistance bands
- cooling towels
- gym shorts/shirt
- shoe inserts
- wireless headphones
- fitness dvd
Entertainment
Even while your loved one is off doing important or wonderful things, they are bound to have some down time. Instead of spending their time being homesick, aim to help them stay entertained during those hours.
Depending on the things they have access to maybe you could send some of these things to help pass the time:
Read & Write
- books
- magazines
- comic books/graphic novels
- puzzle books
- devotionals
- journals
- art supplies
- sketchbook
- adult coloring books
Electronics
- DVDs
- video games
- CDs
- handheld electronic games
- iTunes gift cards
- batteries
Games
- football
- baseball/baseball glove
- playing cards
- poker chips
- dice
- board games/dominoes
Miscellaneous
There are so many things that you don’t think about until you don’t have and can’t get. These little things are great to send when you’re trying to think of what to put in care packages.
Sentimental
- cards
- letters
- pictures/photo albums
- scrapbooks
Misc.
- prepaid phone cards
- alarm clock
- flash light
- tool set
- air freshener/Febreze
- blankets
- sheet sets
- candles
- gloves/hats/scarves
- socks/underwear
- hand & foot warmers
- sunglasses
I hope this massive list of what to put in care packages helps you send some love to the one you miss!
In the end, it doesn’t matter what you put in your care packages or how cute you decorate it. It will always be the thought that counts. Your loved one will appreciate that you are thinking of them and missing them while they’re away.
