Despite our best efforts, there are times when the people we care about the most are simply unavailable, either because they live far away or because their schedules are too busy. Thankfully, there are other ways to express your love, such as thoughtful gift baskets and care packages. We’ve compiled the best care package suggestions that can be delivered right to your loved one’s door if you’re looking for a quick way to make their day.
A simple and sweet care package can instantly brighten someone’s day and let them know they’re on your mind, whether they are a senior member of the family or a college student. Even the hassle of gift-wrapping and delivery is eliminated with these innovative pre-packaged options. Here are a few care packages for seniors that we suggest. To see them, scroll down!
3 Things You Must Know Before Preparing a Care Package
Start by enquiring about the following fundamentals: Does the recipient live nearby, or will you have to send the package by mail? Would you like to deliver a one-time gift or do something on a monthly basis? How can you package your items so they arrive intact? Consider the following options:
Care Package Subscription.
Online these days, there are numerous subscription box choices. Some are designed especially with seniors in mind, and others follow a theme such as a beauty box, a tea subscription, or even a fun pair of socks each month.
Shipped Boxes.
Pick up a mailing box from the post office if you plan to mail your care package or choose a sturdy cardboard box. Use plenty of packing material to keep items safe during their journey, and choose items that aren’t fragile. A batch of your renowned homemade snickerdoodles, for instance, might crumble by the time they get to your friend through the mail.
Decorative Baskets Or Containers.
If your friend lives close by, you could make them a lovely basket or box filled with all their favorite things (now would be the ideal time to include those homemade snickerdoodles!)
How to Choose Care Package for Seniors
What interests your senior? And what is he or she capable of?
Activities and Entertainment Supplies
Is the senior confined to a chair or bed? Add activities and entertainment supplies to the care package to focus your loved one’s attention on the fun:
- Puzzles
- Audiobooks
- Sketch pad and pencils
- Books and magazines
- Games
- Netflix movie subscription
- Adult coloring book
- An Amazon gift card
- Journal and pens
Personal Care
What personal care items or toiletries does the person need? What gift could you give them to make them feel special? There may be a need for new or different personal care products if there have been any physical changes.
- Depends
- Lotion (Medicated or favorite fragrance)
- Dry shampoo
- Foot scrub
- Travel size items for the hospital (before surgery or in the event of a long hospital stay)
- Toiletries
Treats and Foods
Make a list of the snacks and meals that your senior enjoys, and include a proposal to bring them a home-cooked meal. Other ideas include:
- Cookbook
- Cookies
- A fruit basket
- Snacks
- An apron if he or she likes to cook
- Specialty teas
- A subscription to a food service like Blue Apron
- Wine
- Cocoa packets
A Personal Touch
As you fill your care package with fun surprises, remember that the most meaningful gift is often something personal or sentimental. Add a personal touch to your care package with one of these ideas:
- Get well cards drawn by your children or grandchildren
- Framed photograph of the two of you or a family photograph
- Something handmade
- A handwritten card expressing your care and concern
- “Coupons” for things you can do (housecleaning, making a meal, grocery shopping, walking the dog, etc.)
Home Products
Who doesn’t desire to be cozy and warm? Try these:
- Warm socks
- Blanket
- Slippers
- Robe
- Small pillow
- Sweater
- Gloves
- Winter hat
Workout and Gardening
For the senior that likes to be outdoors:
- Gardening hats, gloves, or aprons
- Chair exercise DVD for seniors
- A pot for plants
- A subscription to a gardening magazine
- Squeeze balls for hand therapy
- Windchime
- Resistance bands
- Gift card to a lawn and garden store
- Watering can be filled with gardening supplies
- Exercise mat
Reminders
Things You Cannot Send
There are certain things you should never, ever send. However, you must be aware that they might not arrive intact if you send other items, so you must do so with caution.
Personally, I stay away from things that are:
- Super perishable and need to be delivered ASAP
- Super breakable
- Super valuable, either sentimental value or actual price/cost
- Messy
- Spillable
Wrap and Stuff Care Package
Layers of wrapping materials have saved my shipping over the years.
Now, not every item has to be wrapped tightly. Leave it alone if the box, bag, or container that your item is currently in appears to be fairly secure or is made for it.
- Glass/porcelain/breakables: wrap these items individually in layers of newspaper, bubble wrap or (honestly) any fabric items you’re also shipping; think: socks, shirts, bandanas, scarves, etc.
- Food: double layer it in Ziploc bags
- Spillables, liquids: double Ziploc bag
The main thing you want to do is stop liquids from getting on everything and breakable things from breaking. Food odors should be contained so they don’t contaminate the rest of the package.
Once everything is safely wrapped, it’s time to begin packing. It’s likely that you don’t have anything particularly delicate inside if you’re using an envelope-style container. On the top, bottom, and sides, however, be sure to pack this with your sturdiest, shock-absorbing materials. By doing this, you’ll essentially be creating a cushion around your most delicate items, which will be the items in the middle.
Apply the same packing techniques in a box with a few modifications. Sort your items by size and flexibility. Getting everything to fit in the right places while packing will be a bit like Tetris.
Around the sides and bottom, place things that are shock-absorbing and flat-ish. Consider items like socks and tea boxes. Your most fragile items should go in the middle. Start by placing the biggest and more inflexible or oddly shaped item(s). Work around that by using smaller items that can be somewhat tucked into crevices or nooks. Add a few more flat, shock-absorbing, and unbreakable items on top. This is a good spot for books, socks, shirts and cards.
Final Thoughts
You can demonstrate your concern for others by being kind, offering consolation, and being sensitive to their needs. A thoughtful way to brighten someone’s day is to convey these feelings through a care package for an elderly loved one, whether it comes from a spouse or an adult child. Get inspired by these care package suggestions!
