Sending a care package to your loved ones who are far away is a wonderful way to show them that you care. Whether it’s a college student or a military member, a care package can bring happiness, love, and precious memories right to their doorstep. To make your care package extra special, we’ve included some printable decorations for you to add a personal touch. These printables include box flap decorations, fun tags, and matching stationery for a heartfelt note.
For college students
Being far away from home can be tough for college students. But you can bring a little piece of home to them with a care package that shows your love and support. Whether they’re feeling homesick or stressed during finals, these care package ideas will comfort and encourage them.
Feeling a bit under the weather
Catching a cold in college can feel even worse without mom’s comforting presence. Send your college student some medicine and feel-good items to let them know it’s okay to take a break and rest.
Care package ideas:
- Cold and flu medicine
- Soothing cough drops
- Warm tea
- Cozy mug
- Microwavable soup
- Fuzzy socks for extra warmth
- Disinfecting wipes
- Thermometer
- Band-aids for small cuts
- Gentle tissues
- Hand sanitizer
Surviving the dreaded finals week
Finals week can be extremely stressful for college students. Help your student power through with a finals survival kit that boosts their energy and motivation.
Care package ideas:
- Stress ball or fidget spinner for relaxation
- Coffee or a gift card to a coffee shop for a caffeine pick-me-up
- Water bottle to stay hydrated
- Healthy snacks such as granola bars, dried fruit, and mixed nuts
- Study supplies like notecards, highlighters, colored pens, and sticky notes
- Sweet treats like candy and chocolate for a little indulgence
- Chewing gum to stay focused
- Stress relief candle for a calming atmosphere
- Headphones for some study music
- Chapstick for dry lips
Housekeeping essentials
Taking care of their own space while being away from home means college students often run out of everyday items. Help them stay organized with some essential supplies they might forget to pick up.
Care package ideas:
- Laundry detergent pods for clean clothes
- Clothing hangers for a tidy closet
- Razors for a smooth shave
- Body wash for a refreshing shower
- Toothbrushes for good dental hygiene
- Q-tips for various uses
- Sunscreen for protection from the sun
- Lotion for soft skin
- Scissors for various tasks
- Lint roller to keep clothes lint-free
- Stain remover pen for small spills or stains
For service members
Being deployed can be challenging for service members. But you can remind them of the love and support from home by sending a care package filled with practical and thoughtful gifts.
When shipping packages internationally, keep these tips in mind:
- Consider size and weight restrictions.
- Be aware of the time it takes for your package to ship (non-perishable foods are best).
- Include a card listing the contents of the package in case it opens during transit.
- Keep items to a minimum, as soldiers have limited personal space and storage.
- Use resourceful packing materials that can be reused, such as newspapers or plastic bags.
Dear spouse
Sending sentimental items from home to your military spouse is a beautiful way to show your love and provide a glimpse of life back home. These small, meaningful items will mean the world to your spouse during their time away.
Care package ideas:
- Printed photos to cherish memories
- Crafts made by the kids from school
- Calendar with family birthdays printed to keep track of special days
- Photo pendant to keep loved ones close
- Flash drive filled with home videos
- Stationery and stamps for writing heartfelt letters
- Personal care items such as baby wipes, deodorant, and toothpaste
- Interesting articles clipped or printed from local newspapers or magazines
Taste of home
Give your soldier a taste of their favorite snacks to enjoy during their deployment. Non-perishable foods, hard packaged items, and condiments that can be added to meals are ideal. Include some local flavors to add a touch of home to their meals.
Care package ideas:
- Hot cocoa for a comforting drink
- Chips and salty snacks for a savory treat
- Non-melting candy for a sweet indulgence
- Fruit snacks for a burst of fruity goodness
- Cookies for a homemade feel
- Condiments like honey or hot sauce for flavor enhancement
- Treats from a local restaurant such as seasoning packets or dipping sauces
My hero
This superhero-themed care package is perfect for showing your service member just how strong and appreciated they are. Fill it with fun and heroic treats to bring a smile to their face.
Care package ideas:
- Superhero socks to symbolize their strength
- Sports drinks or powdered mixes for an energy boost
- Energy and granola bars for quick snacks
- Jerky snacks for a satisfying protein punch
- Board games for some entertainment
- Playing cards for fun and friendly competition
- Movies or music loaded on a flash drive for relaxation and enjoyment
For long distance lovers
Being in a long-distance relationship can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean you can’t show your love and support. Send a care package to your significant other to let them know they’re always on your mind. Whether it’s for a special anniversary or just because, a care package is a thoughtful way to bridge the distance until you can be together again. And when you can finally reunite, try some of these date ideas to keep the love alive.
Celebrating an anniversary
No matter how long you’ve been together, celebrate your special anniversary with a care package that is filled with romantic surprises. Make your partner feel like you’re not even apart with these loving gifts. Take it up a notch by creating a secret playlist just for them.
Care package ideas:
- Framed photo to cherish a special memory
- Confetti for a festive touch
- Chocolate for a sweet treat
- Travel-sized cologne or perfume (via ground shipping only) for a familiar scent
- Rose petals for a romantic atmosphere
- Candles to set the mood
- Lipstick or chapstick for a kissable touch
- Breath mints for fresh breath
- Jewelry with initials or coordinates to symbolize your connection
- Gift card for takeout to have a virtual date together
Travel-themed
Distance means nothing when love is strong. Celebrate your long-distance relationship with a travel-themed care package that showcases how far love can travel.
Care package ideas:
- Map marked with dream destinations or your next road trip plans
- Luggage tag to remind them of future adventures
- Travel pillow for comfort on long journeys
- Passport holder to hold dreams of future travels
- Sleep mask for peaceful rest during flights or trains
- Cozy socks for warm and cozy travels
- Travel-sized toiletries for convenience on the go
- Snacks like pretzels and peanuts for a taste of travel
- Magazines for entertainment during long waits
Treat yourself
Spoil your loved one with a spa night at home and pamper them with a care package filled with luxurious goodies. Set the mood with relaxing music, candles, and create a cozy atmosphere for a perfect night in.
Care package ideas:
- Bath bomb for a soothing bath
- Face mask for a refreshing skin treatment
- Body lotion for soft and moisturized skin
- Body scrub for a spa-like experience
- Nail polish for a DIY manicure
- Manicure set for professional-looking nails
- Robe or pajamas for ultimate comfort
- Fuzzy socks to keep their feet warm and cozy
For kids away at camp
Sending your kids to overnight camp can be a nerve-wracking experience. But while they have fun and make new friends, you can send them a care package filled with goodies and activities to keep them entertained throughout their stay. Plus, receiving mail will make their experience even more exciting!
Happy camper
Make sure your camper is prepared for fun in the sun and the great outdoors with these camping-themed ideas. Even if they’re not in tents or cabins, these items will give them the feel of an authentic camping trip!
Care package ideas:
- Sunscreen for protection from the sun
- Bug spray to keep pesky bugs away
- Water bottle for hydration
- Sunglasses for style and eye protection
- Hat for shade on sunny days
- Compass for adventure and exploration
- Flashlight for nighttime adventures
- Marshmallows for delicious campfire treats
- Graham crackers and chocolate for classic s’mores
- Snacks like pretzels and popcorn for munching
Busy bee
With all the activities and programs planned, your little one may still need some entertainment during downtime. Send a care package filled with games and activities to keep them occupied and prevent homesickness.
Care package ideas:
- Frisbee for outdoor fun
- Jump rope for active play
- Coloring books for artistic expression
- Crayons for colorful creations
- Stickers for decorating camp belongings
- Playing cards for card games with new friends
- Watercolor paints for artistic exploration
- Glowsticks for fun after-dark activities
- Inflatable beach ball for beach or poolside fun
- Outdoor scavenger hunt for adventurous exploration
- Decorations for their cabin to make it feel like home
- Funny note from the family pet with a printed picture for a laugh
Capture the memories
Even though you can’t be there to capture every moment at camp, you can help your child document their favorite memories with a special care package.
Care package ideas:
- Drawstring backpack for friends to sign and create lasting memories
- Colored permanent markers for decorating the backpack and artwork
- Matching friendship bracelets for a symbol of friendship
- Journal with a pen for recording thoughts and experiences
- Disposable camera or two for capturing moments on film
- Silly photo props like fake mustaches and crazy sunglasses for hilarious pictures
Shipping tips for sending your care package
When sending a care package, there are certain items that are restricted and cannot be shipped via ground or air transportation. To ensure successful delivery, make sure your package doesn’t contain the following items:
Restricted shipping items:
- Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)
- Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
- Lithium-ion batteries
Restricted items via air transportation:
- Nail polish
- Perfume
- Matches
There’s always a reason to send love to someone. When you can’t be together, a care package filled with goodies and personal items is the perfect way to spread joy, comfort, and create lasting memories. If you’re looking for more gift ideas to include in your care package, check out Skulls Galaxy for some last-minute inspiration.
