How to Create a Care Package

Care packages show your loved ones you care

A care package is a considerate way to show friends and family that you still care about them while they are away from home. The term "care package" comes from the acronym "Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe," or CARE, a charitable organization that sent food to Europe during World War II. Nowadays the best care packages include personalized gifts and goodies for a loved one, in addition to helpful items like books and clothes.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard box
• Packing tape
• Marker
• Protective padding materials
• Snacks
• Candy
• Clothes
• Magazines and books
• Gift certificates
• Photos
• Toiletries

Instructions

Selecting the Items for the Care Package

1. 

   Consider including homemade cookies

   Choose a variety of edible goodies based on what your loved one likes. Some should be healthy and high energy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, trail mix, or beef jerky. Others should include sweet treats like chocolate and candy. College students and adults might appreciate some gourmet treats like nice teas or coffee. Also consider adding some homemade edible items like cookies or brownies. Make sure none of the food will perish before it arrives.

2. 

   Include warm clothes for loved ones in cold climates

   Pick several useful items to include in the care package based on what kind of package you are sending. Is the package for a kid at camp, a college student, military personnel, or a friend? Items like sunscreen, bug spray, and toiletries might work better for a child at camp than a college student. Include climate-specific clothes, like gloves, scarves, and sweaters for loved ones in cold climates. Also consider including trendy school or art supplies.

3. 

   Include family photos in the care package

   Include entertaining items such as magazines, books, or music that your loved one might enjoy. It's especially nice to include gift certificates to local or online businesses, so that the loved one can choose what they like. Photos of family and friends are a nice way to send memories and a reminder that you care.

Packing the Care Package

1. 

   Find a box with a little extra room

   Select a box with enough room for some extra padding if you are sending anything breakable or crushable.

2. 

   Bubble wrap is a good way to protect breakable objects

   Wrap breakables in bubble wrap or other padding. If you're sending clothes you can use them as padding by wrapping them around the breakable object multiple times.

3. Arrange the goodies and treats in the box so that the breakables are as close to the center and as far from the sides of the box as possible.

4. 

   Send the care package from the nearest post office

   Seal the box with packing tape and write the address on the box. Take the box to the nearest post office and send it to your loved one!

Tips & Warnings

• Try using snacks like dried fruit or candy as padding instead of packing materials.

• Don't forget to protect homemade treats like cookies! Try wrapping the cookies in plastic or tin foil, then placing them inside a hard canister like a coffee tin.

References

• Aid in Small Boxes
• Care Package Ideas
• Care Package Ideas
• The Fine Art of Care Packages

Resources

• Send Care
• Care Packages