Free Care Package Ideas

A care package is a term that is used for a package of items--food, supplies, blankets, towels and other personal items--that is sent to a person or a group of people for comfort purposes or relief. Care packages are often sent to troops overseas serving in the military. Other times, care packages might be given to the poor or hungry or families in need of basic necessities. Here are some ideas on things you can include in a care package.

Food

• One of mankind's basic needs is food. Keep in mind, the food should be packaged and non-perishable. Sometimes, your care packages might be sent through the mail, which could take a couple days or longer to arrive at their destination. Some good foods to include are crackers; instant soup; health bars with added fiber, proteins or other nutrients; cookies; nuts; noodles; peanut butter; jelly; and cereal. If you include canned food items, choose ones with a lift-off lid.

Drinks

• Including bottles of water can be appreciated. If you are mailing the package, you could include some type of flavorings for water instead of the water itself. Cherry, strawberry or other fruit-flavored drink mixes could be included, as well as instant teas or coffee. You could also include a sweetener such as sugar.

Toiletries

• In times of need, toiletries can often be too expensive to come by for many people. Include shampoo, soap, body wash, deodorant, powder, toothpaste and lotion in your care packages. You might also include bandages, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, medicines and antibiotic cream to help clean and cure day-to-day injuries.

Blankets and Clothing

• Blankets and coats are often needed by people staying in cold climates. If your person or family in mind lives in a warm environment, they might still enjoy having a thin blanket for chilly nights. You could also include clothing, socks, hats, scarves, gloves and undergarments.

Other Tips

• Some items can be packaged in empty coffee cans with lids. After the contents are used, the person can find various uses for the can, such as storage containers for other items. Include a few Ziploc baggies if you are sending foods such as cookies or crackers. These will help keep the items fresh after they have been opened. You could include a recipe, along with the ingredients.