Care Package: Send Some Love!

I think we all know someone who could use a care package, whether your spouse is deployed, your oldest is off at college, or your grandparents live out of state. Everyone loves getting a package in the mail, especially from a loved one!

I hope this list of ideas will inspire you! Have fun and be sure to show me your ideas on Facebook

Themes

"Get Well Soon" : Kleenex, cough drops, can of soup, bubble bath...

"Movie Night Package" : DVD's, popcorn & snacks...

"College Box" : Notebook, pens, thumb-drive, snacks, toiletries...

"Fitness Package" : Protein shake, water bottle, deodorant, shoes...

"Happy Birthday" : Balloons, party hat, cake mix & icing, gifts...

"Easter Box" : Chocolate bunny, jelly beans, rabbit ear headband...

"Football Care Package" : Snacks, mini-football, favorite team-wear..

"Coffee Box" : Cups, coffee filters, coffee, powdered creamer...

"I miss you SNOW much" : Personalized gift, snacks, gloves, hat...

Best items to pack

Drink mixes : Hot cocoa, instant coffee, tea bags, creamer, lemonade, iced tea...

Easy protein : Energy bars, granola bars, tuna fish, beef jerky, summer sausage, Slim-Jims, canned chicken...

Easy snacks: Graham crackers, cookies, trail mix, non-chocolate candy, gum, regular crackers, nuts...

Entertainment : Movies, newspapers, magazines, books, puzzles, pack of cards, thumb drive, reminders from home, photos, games...

Toiletries : Body wash, eye drops, tooth paste, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, shaving cream, razors ...

Easy condiments : Relish, ketchup, hot sauce, cheez-whiz, mustard, peanut butter, jelly ...

Personal & Memento : Pictures, personalized items, drawings & colored pages from the kids, photo frame, handwritten note ...

Tips & Tricks

USPS flat-rate boxes are awesome for sending care packages and are super cheap! The boxes themselves are FREE and are available in three sizes. Shipping is a standard rate - regardless of weight. Last time I checked, these were the prices: Small box : $5.80 Medium box : $12.35 Large box : $17.45

To keep items from rattling around, use leftover packing materials you've accumulated (or use some of the soft items you are sending as a cushion)! Pack items as tightly as possible and remember to distribute the weight [sort-of] evenly.

Do not package toiletries with food items!

Do not send anything with mint (like mint gum) or else all other food items will taste like it!

Ziplock anything that will burst, melt, or leak during delivery!

If you are shipping your care package overseas, be sure you know how to complete a customs form (and do it before you get to the post office).

#Holiday #Family #Homemade