As so it happens, I’ve compiled and sent off two care packages in the past few months.
And when faced with the decision of whether to wing it at the store or sit down and make a brainstormed list, of COURSE, I opted for the latter (What? Me? Pass up an opportunity to make a list? Never).
I think I speak for all of us when I say I would be happy to get ANY care package in the mail (especially if I was in a bad place) but in all honesty, I do think some nuances help to truly knock it out of the park. So without further adieu, enjoy my list of 3 Dos and 1 Do Not for crafting The World’s Greatest Care Package.
Because hey, this world needs more care packages in it, wouldn’t you agree?
Do: Spark Laughter
When you’re sick or injured, there’s simply nothing better than laughter. If you know what makes your recipient laugh (and I’m guessing you do if you like them enough to send them a care package), think of things that would tickle their funny bone. It might be a magnet with a snarky comment on it, a yodeling pickle, or a pillow with their mom’s face on it. You’ll know best.
Do: Send Physical Comfort
What’s comforting? I’ll tell you. Soft and fuzzy things. Blankets. Slippers. Socks. Sweaters. Adult blanket onesies (yes, it’s a thing). Those grain-filled pillows you can pop in the microwave. They even make them in stuffed animal form. The great thing about these things is they can be used over and over again, and most likely every time they use it they’ll think of you and your love for them.
Do: Send Comfort Food
If a food is comforting to you, chances are it’s comfort food for anyone. Savory or sweet doesn’t matter as long as it’s comforting. Baked macaroni and cheese, lasagne, or soups of any kind are all good choices. Opt for foods that are easy and simple to reheat and don’t require any cleanup. With sweets, you can’t go wrong, but finger food will make it particularly easy for your recipient i.e. cookies, brownies, muffins, truffles, etc. Or just make their all-time favorite thing!
Don’t: Send Anything That Requires Work
i.e. Don’t send a puppy in a box 😉 But in all seriousness, there are plenty of things that may seem thoughtful, but also require your recipient to add something to their to-do list (not good). Such as? A make-your-own-nachos kit or homemade brownie mix. A framed piece that needs to be hung somewhere. Flowers that need to be trimmed and put in a vase (Hot tip: send them flowers already in a vase! Yes they do that). As you think of items you want to send, make sure that everything included are things they can simply open and enjoy.
In Closing
Hey, let’s face it. Any care package is great to get. So even if you never think about this post ever again, whatever you send is going to be appreciated and loved. But to me, crafting The World’s Greatest Care Package is all about keeping the person you’re sending it to at the very TOP of your mind. Because, after all, what could be more loving than that?
<3
