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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
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
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
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
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
I hope this massive list of what to put in care packages helps you send some love to the ones 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.
