Tips for Sending a Care Package to a Loved One or Friend

When you want to let someone know you're thinking of them, greeting cards are nice; but to really show caring, send a care package instead. They aren't only for kids in camp or young adults in college anymore. What is a care package? Its a few items that you think your friend or family member will like sent through the mail. Contents could be whatever you choose; common choices are tins of homemade cookies, books, letters and prepackaged foods. Nowadays, with a shaky economy and so many people financially trying to make ends meet, gifts of useful and necessary items are always a good choice. Here are some tips on packing items.

Easily damaged items

If you're sending fragile things like homemade cookies or glass, make sure to pack the box with packing Styrofoam peanuts and make sure the fragile item is well preserved so it won't feel the impact of being shaken. Make sure nothing heavy can hit against the fragile items, if the package is shaken, to avoid breakage. If you plan to send lightweight things like clothing, use them to cushion the more fragile things. I put clothing first, then peanuts, then the tin of cookies, for example. Fill any spaces with the peanuts and it should be good to go.

Liquids

If you want to send toiletries like perfume, shampoo or other liquids, then it's a good idea to double bag loose bottles in zip-lock plastic bags. It's better to be safe than sorry. If something breaks or spills, the rest of the care package's contents should be untouched.

Electronics

When you send an item that takes batteries, do the recipient a favor and throw in an extra package of them for good measure. This is helpful for the home-bound or students who don't have easy access to stores. There's nothing more frustrating than getting a great new electronic item like a cellular phone or personal organizer, that doesn't come with batteries.

Something regional

If your friend or loved one is across the country and away from the creature comforts of the region he or she grew up in, send them something that they won't find locally. Being from Ohio, but living in Florida, I miss the Midwestern staples such as maple syrup, Euclid Beach popcorn balls, and Fowler's Mill pancake mixes. For my birthday, my parents sent me these lovely things, which brought a little of my cooler climate hometown favorites to my current tropical lifestyle. It helps ease the feelings of homesickness I get during former Ohio family traditions such as going to spring maple sugar festivals and pancake breakfasts. Finding thoughtful items for the recipient will be highly appreciated, for sure.

If your friend has a pet

A kind gesture to add into a care package is a dog chew toy or catnip for your recipient's furry friend. My mother sends fresh catnip to my cats, who storm the box like paratroopers when they get a whiff of that enticing catnip scent. Like people, pets like a gift now or then, too.

Family members are having money troubles

It's not a good idea to send cash through the mail, so order a gift card from a local grocery store and have it sent to your loved ones. Groceries are a welcome gift to anyone who is struggling with money, at anytime. You cannot go wrong. Or, you can send a gift card from a store or service you think they can use, such as restaurants, bookstores, or healthcare items. Helping struggling family members will help to get them through the tough times, and reduce the money pressure, at least a little.

Make sure to make a care package that is thoughtful, and useful to its recipient. When it is received, the gift will be a pleasant and welcomed surprise. Give it a try to let someone know you're thinking of him or her today. You'll both feel good for the gesture. It's a win-win.