How to Pack a Care Package

Are your children off at summer camp, attending an out-of-state college or away on a trip abroad? Are you in need of sending a care package but unsure of what to put in it? Here are a few tips and ideas to get you started.

Things You'll Need

• Shipping box
• Protective stuffing (optional)
• Plastic baggies (various sizes)

Instructions

Edible Goodies

1. Purchase a few sweet treats. They are the most common goodies in care packages and likely what your child will be expecting. There are all kinds of different hard candies, soft candies, chocolates and sweet treats. Be sure whatever you choose has sound individual packaging so as to not come apart in shipping. Also, consider purchasing miniature candies so that your child can share the goodies with others.

2. Consider also adding to the care package your child's favorite cookies, particularly homemade cookies that remind them of home. Other more healthy treats such as granola bars, trail mixes and dried fruits can also be a great addition.

3. Purchase a few savory treats as well. Often, care packages come solely with candies and cookies. A few savory items such as beef jerky, chips, mixed nuts and crackers can fill in the box and balance out the sweet treats. There are even items such as smoked salmon, specialty coffees, teas and other gourmet goods that can be a welcoming treat for the more mature young adult.

Non-Edible Goodies

1. Consider adding a few non-edible items to the package as well. With a little creativity, these items can be great surprises in the package. There are a lot of small games, toys and other unique items that can be included. There are coloring books, drawing and writing sets. For young adults there are even small cookbooks and self-help books for taking care of a first home. There are miniature basketball hoops, Hawaiian leis, costume jewelry, board games and video games. Choose items that fit with what they are doing and what their interests are.

2. Remember to send them a few "necessities" as well. More than likely if your child is away at summer camp they have already probably told you what they have forgotten. Small items can be bug spray, a small flashlight, batteries, tissues, bandages and general toiletries. Clothing can also make a great cushion in the box. Even students away at college often find these items handy. College students often could also use notebooks, nice pens and even mesh laundry bags.

3. Contemplate adding in something extra special for those students or family members far from home. Items that remind them of home can be are real treat. Some ideas might be a nice pair of sunglasses, a watch or jewelry. There are practical gifts such as a scientific calculator, a compass, laminated maps or binoculars.

Safe Packaging

1. Survey the items to be packaged and determine if there are any items that can be used to cushion other items. If there are not enough "soft" things it may be necessary to use some sort of stuffing to keep the items in the box from getting broken.

2. Package any items, particularly liquid ones, within one or two plastic baggies. If a bottle of lotion leaks and gets all over your homemade cookies it would be disastrous. Even items that are already prepackaged may need a second covering. Be sure to push the extra air out of the baggies if you are short on space in the box.

3. Collect all of the goodies and items into the box, being extra careful with the more fragile, breakable, liquid and perishable items. Items that can be damaged need to be taken into account when shipping a care package. If something is not worth the risk, it might be better to leave it out. Of course, there are insurances and special shipping options usually available.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a "flat rate" box if you plan to use the United States Postal Service. They are a great way to limit both your spending and the amount you send. They can hold quite a lot as well.

• Use caution when sending liquids, glues or any other potentially hazardous items. There can be extra postage required and various potential limitations, especially with international shipping regulations. Consult your local shipping agency or postal service for instructions.

• Use caution when sending perishable food items as well. Fresh foods are very difficult to mail. Chocolates can melt and cookies can go stale if not sealed tightly.