It is definitely a time for care packages. There are so many circumstances right now that call for a little (or a lot of) extra love, whether it’s sickness or loneliness or a family effected financially. Even just a general cheer boost is so very needed right now.
When I hear about someone is struggling, whether it’s during Covid or otherwise, I always want to reach out and do something. I often struggle though with where to begin. What to say. What to send. Especially when the circumstances are very tough, it’s hard to know just what to do.
I’ve been the very grateful recipient of some amazing care packages and gestures during times I really needed it, and this has been a big help in me getting over the hurdle of overthinking things and just reaching out with what feels right at the time.
The occasions when a care package is a good idea are endless, but here’s a small list based on when I’ve received or sent one:
–Expecting a new baby
–After a miscarriage
–After an operation or surgery or treatment
–A birthday
–After a divorce or break-up
–For the parents or siblings after a new baby’s arrival
–For a big celebration- new job, new house, new pet, retirement
–When someone is sick
–After losing a loved one
–For someone who will be alone on a holiday
–After a major life event, happy or sad
Obviously, the occasions are limitless. Every care package I’ve received over the years has put so much joy into my heart. And while something sent via an online store is fun too, there is definitely something extra special about the time and effort of a hand-packed package. So, here are some ideas for what to put inside:
—Homemade cookies (These usually travel well, unless there are terrible mail delays. I often make the cookies ahead of time and freeze them for a few days to give them a little extra chance. I think homemade cookies are good for pretty much any occasion. (A friend even sent a whole box of cookies to us after my mother-in-law passed away, and they were very much welcomed and appreciated.)
–Store-bought food goodies (After I gave birth to my first kiddo, my sister sent a whole package of baby/mini-sized store-bought snacks for me, and I still think back to how wonderful those tasted. New mamas are HUNGRY!)
—Homemade granola {If I’m sending homemade treats in a priority box where weight doesn’t matter, I love reusing/upcycling glass jars to package them. There are also eco-friendly, compostable sandwich bags available at stores for affordable prices.}
–Bath tea blend (I bought a bag of homemade bath tea after I gave birth to my first baby, and I loved how relaxing and calming it felt, even amidst the chaos. Bath blends could be great for anytime, but especially when someone needs extra love and self-care. There are some very simple blend ideas online.)
–Eye pillow (These are fairly easy to sew your own)
–“Hugs” (In a recent care package I sent out, I wanted so badly to be able to give hugs, so I cut out small hearts and wrote a “hug” message on each of them. I wrote a separate hug from each member of our family to each member of their family. So for their family of five I had five hearts from each one of our four family members, making 20 hearts total. ” A hug from Mary to Jon”. “A hug from Mary to Natalie” etc. I put them in a small envelope along with everything else.)
–Pajamas. (Something about a well-chosen set of soft pajamas just says comfort and self-care.)
–Ditto with slippers
–A hand-written card (Never underestimate the power of your words, even if those words are, “I don’t know what to say right now.”)
–Artwork (If you love painting or creating, or if you have kids who do, this is a great thing to include.)
–If kids are on the receiving end, it’s always fun to include something extra for them (while being conscious of things like the mess or effort it puts on the parents, the interests of the kids, and the environmental impact).
—Homemade play-dough. (It’s not just for kids. There’s something very relaxing about working with dough, and an adult is probably more likely to try this if it’s sent as a gift.)
–Coloring pages (As above, not just for kids)
Care packages are ultimately about the thought–the care you put into the package and the care you’re sending someone’s way. I try my best to stay away from items that will add more work for the recipient, but, of course, I’ve also got the environmental bug in my ear as well. Hopefully, the recipient will feel the love and thought that went into what’s been sent and know they’re on my heart. What can be better than a surprise package in the mailbox that reminds us that someone cares