The MASSIVE List of What to Put in Care Packages

Don’t know what to put in care packages?

You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions that I get asked here on the blog.

Every situation and recipient is different. There are tons of different themes you can do and personalizations that you can make.

Maybe the package is headed to a deployed soldier, a college student, or an overseas missionary. Maybe the recipient craves a taste of home or doesn’t have access to the random things that they want or need.

I put together this massive list of what to put in care packages to give you some ideas!

Food & Snacks

If you’re wondering what to put in care packages, food and snacks are ALWAYS a popular option! It’s nice to get a little taste of home when you are living far away.

Most of the care packages I’ve made were sent to my husband while he was deployed or on a hardship tour with the Army. He always appreciates snacks from home, even when they’re not homemade.

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

My College Crate Candy & Snack Box Ultimate Snack Care Package for College Students – 40 piece Includes 20 Full Size Candies, Candy Variety Pack, Starburst, Skittles, Sour Patch & MoreThe Snack Bar – Snack Care Package (40 count) – Variety Assortment with American Candy, Fruit Snacks, Gift Snack Box for Lunches, Office, College Students, Road Trips, Holiday GiftsCare Package (120 Count) Variety Snacks Gift Box – College Students, Military, Work or Home – Chips Cookies & Candy! Sweet Choice

 

Toiletries

Another popular option when you’re trying to decide what to put in care packages is toiletries.

Hygiene products are often expensive, and sending some to college students can be a great way to ease their financial burden.

My husband always appreciates it when I send him toiletries overseas. Sometimes, he only has access to a very limited selection and likes 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

OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent I, Smooth & Dry Bug Spray for the Beach, Backyard, Picnics and More, 4 oz. (Pack of 2)Gentleman Jon Complete Wet Shave Kit | Includes 6 Items: One Safety Razor, One Badger Hair Brush, One Alum Block, One Shave Soap, One Stainless Steel Bowl and Five Razor BladesStomach Relief Medicine Travel Kit with Antacid, Acetaminophen, Bismuth & Electrolytes

 

Fitness

Another 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
• pre-workout
• 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

VINTAGE BLAST – The First 2-Stage Pre Workout Supplement – Premium Ingredients for Lasting Energy, Pumps, Endurance & Results – Focus & Mood with No Crash – N.O. Booster – Natural Flavors & SweetenersGlass Protein Shaker Water Bottle – 24 Oz (Black, 24 oz)Grunt Style Start Running T-Shirt – XLarge Black

 

Entertainment

Even while your loved one is off doing important or wonderful things, they are bound to have some downtime. Instead of being bored or homesick, 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

• frisbee
• football/basketball/soccer ball
• baseball/baseball glove
• playing cards
• poker chips
• dice
• board games/dominoes

Nintendo Switch Console Video Games Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con, 32GB Internal Storage, 6.2Arteza 8.5×11Wilson

 

Miscellaneous

There are so many items that you don’t think about until you don’t have or can’t get them. These little things are useful fillers to send when you decide on what to put in care packages.

Sentimental

• cards
• letters
• pictures/photo albums
• scrapbooks

Misc.

• prepaid phone cards/gift cards
• alarm clock
• flash light
• tool set
• air freshener/Febreze
• blankets
• sheet sets
• candles
• gloves/hats/scarves
• socks/underwear
• hand & foot warmers
• sunglasses

Leather Photo Album Scrap Book – Genuine Handcrafted Buffalo Leather Scrapbook and Photo Albums for Photos w/ Leather Strap – Beautiful, Authentic Handmade Wedding Photo Album Book, Photo BookTwin Size Sheet Set – 4 Piece Set – Hotel Luxury Bed Sheets – Extra Soft – Deep Pockets – Easy Fit – Breathable & Cooling – Wrinkle Free – Comfy – Sage Green Bed Sheets – Twins Sheets – 4 PCCurated Military Care Package By Hero Care Packages | Personalized Card, Premium Contents, Veteran-Run, APO/FPO Shipping (Navy)

 

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 them. It will always be the thought that counts. Your loved ones will appreciate that you are thinking of them and missing them while they’re away.