Whether you have a student at college, a family member stationed far away, or just want to send a care package to brighten a friend’s day, these DIY Care Package Ideas are here to help you make a care package you will be proud to give and your recipient excited to get!
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Of course, you could always purchase a care package, already put together. That would be a fine option that you can send directly to your friend or relative without much hassle. BUT you may choose to personalize your care package so you can include things you know your recipient will love and, when you put time into the care package, it shows!

Who To Send A Care Package To
College Students
College students love to know you’re thinking of them while they’re away from home. My son told me that he loved getting care packages, when he lived in a dorm, and said they always seemed to come at the right time, when he was feeling down.
- How To Send A College Care Package The Smart Way
- What Do College Students Want In A Care Package?
- Care Package Ideas For College Students
Military
When my husband was stationed in various parts of the world, I sent him care packages of some of his favorite things. Back then, I would record his favorite shows on VHS to send. There’s probably no need to send a VHS but your military spouse, family member, or friend will welcome a care package full of their favorite things!
Missionaries
Send the missionaries in your life a taste of home! They may not have access to their favorite snacks and would love to know you’ve thought of them!
Friends
Even if your friends live nearby, you may want to brighten their day with a care package!
Family
You probably know your family members well enough to know if they could use a little pick me up or you may just want to make them smile with a care package!
DIY Care Package Theme Ideas
You don’t have to have a theme for your care package but a theme makes it fun for you to put together and for your recipient to receive!
Theme ideas are limitless but here are a few ideas to get you started:
Party In A Box
Turn any holiday into a party by packing party items in your care package!
- Christmas Party In A Box
- Birthday Party In A Box
- Valentine Party In A Box
Holiday Care Packages
Holidays give you an excellent excuse to send a care package!
- Valentine’s Day
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Easter
- 4th of July
- Halloween
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- You’ve Been Elfed
Seasonal Care Package Ideas
- Fall
- Winter
- Spring
- Summer
Care Packages To Brighten Someone’s Day
- Sunshine Box
- Get Well Box
- You’ve Been Hugged
Food Care Package Ideas
- S’mores Box
- Snack Box
- Dinner Box
Care Package Ideas For Big Life Events
- New Home
- New Baby
- Wedding
Care Package Boxes That Focus On One Color
- Red
- Yellow
- Blue
More Care Package Ideas
22 Genius Friend Care Package Ideas Guaranteed To Make Them Smile
DIY Care Package Decor Ideas
One way to make a care package extra special is with box decorations. You can DIY your own or purchase care package box decor that has been done for you!
The box decor below is created to fit 3-1/2″ or 5″ box flaps.
What To Put In A Care Package
The best care packages have a good mix of practical items that will get used along with festive and maybe even silly things that will put a smile on your recipient’s face! Food, self-care items, something to wear, activities, seasonal items, silly trinkets, and a note from home are the top items to put in care packages.
Read more about what to put in a care package here!