My youngest brother, Jason, recently moved to Tennessee. My brothers and I have all been close so it is really weird to not see him very often. I’m looking forward to going to visit him soon, but for now I decided to put together a care package.
Care packages are a great way to brighten someone’s day. When you live far away from a friend or family member, it takes a lot more effort to stay in touch. With a care package, you can send a note and a few favorite things to let them know how much they are missed.
Here are a few of the things that I like to include in a care package:
Something handwritten: Get a funny card or write something that will make them smile. The fun gifts in a care package are important, but it’s also nice to get a handwritten note. You could also get colorful post-its and write a funny note to put on each item you sent.
Something to munch on: What’s a care package without some food? I baked some cookies to include in Jason’s care package, but you could buy their favorite candy or junk food.
Something local: Include something from where you live. This could be a postcard, a tasty treat from a local bakery, a product your city is famous for, you get the picture. This is great when the recipient of your package used to live there, too. It’s like getting a taste of home in the mail.
Something useful: This is especially important if you are sending a package to a college student or a young bachelor like my brother. You could include hygiene products, a grocery store gift card, something for their house, etc.
Something funny: Pick up a random item at the dollar store that will make them laugh. It could be a reminder of an inside joke, or just something completely off-the-wall.
Something from friends and family: What’s better than a care package from a friend? A care package from lots of friends! Enlist a few friends or family members to write notes or buy small items to add to the package.
It’s always fun to decorate the outside of the box, too! The people at the post office got a kick out of the writing and smiley faces all over my box. One even told me that the trick to getting a fragile package to it’s destination safely is to have a child draw all over the box. They are always extra careful with those!
Tip! Pick up a flat rate box and fill it up. You can make it as heavy as you like and it will still be the same price. That way, you won’t be surprised at the price when you go to mail your package.
Do you have a friend or family member that lives far away? Brighten up their day with a care package! What will you include in your package?
Alli Smith says
What a sweet and thoughtful gift for your brother! I know the feeling, my sister and I were so close growing up (only 18 months apart) and she grew up and married someone from Colorado and has lived there ever since. We only get to visit each other a couple of times a year, so thanks for the great idea. I try to send her something occasionally for being my blog’s number 1 fan and my BFF.
I didn’t know about the postage service and kid’s drawings. I draw like a 2 year old so that should be easy. 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
Thanks! I think I have as much fun putting packages together as others have receiving them.
I thought that was a pretty great tip! I can’t draw either, so maybe I should just scribble some stick figures and hearts.
Shipra Taneja says
Aw, that is so sweet! <3 I love making care packages! They are the best gifts to give. 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
They are so fun to put together!
Andi Fisher says
I just packed a care package for a blogger mail exchange and it looks like I passed! I followed all your (awesome) tips!
Jenna Brussee says
That’s great! I have been seeing some blogger mail exchange posts and I think I need to get on board next time! I love getting mail.
Andi Fisher says
Lauren of Pink on the Cheek does one every month, October is my first time.
Megan Walker says
What a sweet sister! : ) I sent Jared a care package when we were in college while he was studying for the MCAT. I sent him a T-shirt, a list of reasons why I love him, some of his favorite treats and some little party poppers to use once he took the test. He loved it!
Jenna Brussee says
Aww that is so sweet! Those party poppers are such a creative idea.
Lauren says
Awwww this is so sweet! I love care packages and basically any fun mail 🙂
I decorate the boxes as well, makes it more fun!
Jenna Brussee says
Getting a care package is fun, but it’s even happier when the box is decorated!
Jenna Griffin says
This is such a great idea! What a toughtful gift!! I’ll keep this in mind. 🙂 I love that you included baked goods!
Jenna Brussee says
Thank you! It was a lot of fun to put together. Baked goods adds a personal, homemade touch.
Heather says
This is a cute idea! I used to be really good at this kind of thing and then I felt like I used up all of my good ideas and stopped doing them! Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
You’re welcome! I’m sure you can come up with even more good ideas.
Karissa Ancell says
I should send my niece and nephew a care package. I send birthday and holiday presents but I should do a just because box.
Jenna Brussee says
Just because boxes are the best in my opinion! Especially when they come when you are having a bad day.
Lindsay says
This is so sweet! When I was in college my mom and dad would send me care packages and they were always the highlight of my day. Nothing gets better than packages in the mail 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
Getting packages in the mail is so fun! It’s always a nice surprise.
Chelsea says
Love this! Care packages are the best thing ever to receive!
Jenna Brussee says
I agree! They are lots of fun to put together, too.
Heather Smith says
This would be so fun to get! I like the tip about having kids color on the box!
Jenna Brussee says
Care packages are the best! I’m going to have to get one of my cousins to color on the next care package I send…
Rachel G says
That is so, so sweet Jenna! I kind of wish my family would send us care packages. 😛 International shipping is so pricy and customs are so unreliable, though, so I discourage it. I be he loved that package!
Jenna Brussee says
It’s tough trying to send a package internationally! I remember my church used to put together packages for missionaries and it would take forever to get there!
Jenna Brussee says
It definitely makes it easier when you can show them how much they are loved and missed through a care package.
Jenna Brussee says
I hope I gave you some new ideas for items to include for your son! Thanks for hosting the party, I enjoyed stopping by this week.
Jenna Brussee says
I’m so glad that this post inspired you! That will be a great way to show your brother and sister-in-law how much they are missed.
Jenna Brussee says
Aww, thanks Fiona! I love putting a care package together almost more than I love receiving them.
Jenna Brussee says
Thank you! Handwritten notes are always extra special to me. I keep them forever!
Jenna Brussee says
It’s nice to include useful items and fun items. You should send a care package to someone soon!
Jenna Brussee says
Me too! It was nice to know that I could make the box as heavy as I needed to, and it would still be the same price.
Jenna Brussee says
That will definitely make his day! I hope this post gave you some ideas for what to include.
Jenna Brussee says
You’re welcome! I grew up with two brothers so I’m usually pretty good at guys gifts.
Jenna Brussee says
That is a bummer that they never received it, but at least they knew you cared! You should send one to a friend or family member soon.
Jenna Brussee says
Isn’t that a smart idea? I’m going to borrow a cousin next time to help me with that.
Jenna Brussee says
You’re welcome, Jessica! I hope this gave you a few ideas for items to include. Have fun putting together a care package for your brother!
Jenna Brussee says
Aww thank you for your sweet words, Anna. You are always so encouraging!
Annie Montgomery says
you are so thoughtful! i always have grand ideas to create these for friends (being an expat means you’re scatter all over the globe!) but then the idea gets lost on what to put in it! thanks for this!!
Jenna Brussee says
I hope these ideas help! You should put together some care packages for friends soon.
Jenna Brussee says
Personal touches make it even more special!
Jenna Brussee says
It’s especially nice to include helpful stuff when sending packages to young adults. They really appreciate it!
Jenna Brussee says
Thank you! I love getting mail, too.
Jenna Brussee says
It’s definitely more expensive to send packages overseas but you will make her day for sure!
Jenna Brussee says
That is such a fun idea! Thanks for sharing it.
Jenna Brussee says
You should! Your brother will love it.
Mia Myrabev says
Especially since his moving to a new house x
Jessica at Team Wiking says
Great tips! I send a lot to my family that doesn’t live near me, especially during holidays / birthday time.
Jenna Brussee says
I hope some of these ideas will help you out the next time you send a package!
Cassie Lau says
Such cute tips! I never really send care packages as all my friends and family live nearby, but I’ll keep these in mind! 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
I’ve heard of bloggers swapping care packages, too. That would be fun!
TheAdventuresofBugandBoo says
These are such great tips – esp the flat rate box!! I only just found those ones, amazing! Care packages are the best 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
I’m sure you have plenty of friends you can send them to now that you moved to the U.S.! Flat rate boxes are great, it’s nice to not have to worry about how much it will cost when you ship it.
Jenna Brussee says
Thank you! You should send one soon!
Lyssadawson says
Love this! We send my brother packages like this and we write on the inside of the box as a surprise! So much fun!
Jenna Brussee says
That is a fun idea to write on the inside of the box! I would be very surprised if someone did that.
corisbigmouth says
I love the items you included in your care package! I’m always looking for ideas of things to send my sister and I am going to take your advice 🙂
Jenna Brussee says
I’m glad you liked it! It always helps to think of the types of things you would enjoy getting in a care package.
Jenna Brussee says
I love getting snail mail and packages. I think they are even more special now, because it’s way easier to use the internet to keep in touch. Sending something in the mail shows you care enough to put a little extra effort into it.
Jenna Brussee says
Aww thanks! Care packages are the best.
Nicki Lewis says
Great idea. Jeremy’s sister just moved to Florida, and this would be a great idea to send to her
Jenna Brussee says
Yay! I hope you get a chance to send it soon.
Kristen from The Road to Domes says
This post was FEATURED over at the #homematters linky party! Check it out here: http://theroadtodomestication.com/2014/10/22/home-matters-linky-party-11/
Jenna Brussee says
Thank you for featuring me! It looks like I missed the party but I will try to remember to join in this week.
Wendy says
As someone who has sent MANY care packages (some across the country and some across the world), I think you have included some thoughtful and helpful care package tips and ideas! The love in this care package is one item you don’t specifically mention but it so obviously included in abundance! 🙂 Lucky brother! The one tip I would share is to be careful mixing hygiene products and food in the same package. The strong scents of soaps, deodorants, and body wash have a tendency to transfer to baked goods. “Fresh ocean breeze chocolate chip cookies” isn’t optimal. 😉
Jenna Brussee says
Aww, thank you! Yes, this package was definitely packed with love.
That is a great tip about hygiene products and food! I put the hygiene products in a ziploc bag just in case they leaked!
Brittany Helena Tenhage says
What’s a good way to pack the baking? I’m sending home-made cookies, but I’d like them to still be intact and tasty for the week it takes to get there…
Jenna Brussee says
I first put the cookies in a ziploc bag to keep them airtight so they would stay fresh. Then I put them in a plastic tupperware container to make sure nothing else in the package crushed them. It worked great!