How to Build a Care Package to Brighten Anyone's Day
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There are tons of reasons to send a thoughtful care package—whether it's for your kid headed off to college, a friend in need, a housewarming gift, or a get well soon box. The simple gesture of sending someone a package of homemade goodies is sure to put a smile on anyone's face. Ree Drummond has done it countless times for her family and friends. Not only has she delivered homemade meal kits to friends, but she's also sent packages to her daughters Alex and Paige when they went off to college. Here are some tips on how to build the perfect care package!
For starters, you'll want to build a box or gift basket based on the individual recipient. Customizing it is the best way to make them feel special and loved. For instance, if you're looking for a gift for a new mom, you might want to prepare ready-made comfort food dinners that can be heated up easily, plus a toy for the baby and maybe your favorite coffee blend for those late-night hours. Looking to send a holiday gift to your long-distance friend? Try a peppermint-themed package with a cookie tin of treats like peppermint brownies and a jar of peppermint hot cocoa.
As for college care kits, take Ree's advice: "Nothing says 'I love you' like sending a box of homemade granola to a boy who lives in a dorm." Not to mention she says you can package up the fundamentals for any college kid: homemade Chex mix, pound cake, cookies, and gift cards along with a note from the family the reads something like, 'We miss you!' or 'Hurry home!' Read on for even more ideas to get you started.
More ways to show someone you care:
Berry Nut Pancake Mix Jar
This pretty jar will make anyone's morning brighter! It's filled with the dry ingredients for homemade pancake mix made with extra-special additions like freeze-dried berries, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans.
Get Ree's Berry Nut Pancake Mix Jar recipe.
Cowboy Cookies
You can't go wrong with homemade cookies, especially when they're chock full of rolled oats, coconut flakes, pecans, and chocolate chips. Wrap them up with a note that says 'Baked with Love.'
Get the Cowboy Cookies recipe.
A comforting item like fuzzy socks will warm your friends and family right up! Pair them with other feel-good ideas on this list, like homemade cookies and a thoughtful journal. It's perfect for college packages or just because!
Hot Chocolate Bombs
Making this fun treat from scratch is easier than you might think! You can pair it with your favorite mug since it even comes with the marshmallow topping. All your recipient has to do is use either milk or water that's been heated to a near boil and watch the magic at work.
Get the Hot Chocolate Bombs recipe.
Honey's soothing properties makes it the perfect addition to a care package. The recipient can stir it into tea or drizzle over toast! Send a curated gift box or one of their individually jarred varietals sourced from local beekeepers around the country.
Coffee lovers, tea lovers, or even hot cocoa lovers will appreciate this pretty floral mug in their DIY box. Try pairing the mug with your favorite brand of coffee beans and some homemade doughnuts or muffins for the ultimate morning package.
Whether it's a housewarming gift or 'well wishes' to a friend in need, this needlecraft kit from The Pioneer Woman collection will be a sweet gesture. Plus, even beginners can appreciate it since the kit includes a needle, embroidery hoop, and fabric with a pre-made design to help you get started.
Candied Pecans
These sweet nuts are perfect for wrapping up in cellophane bags and ribbon. They have the warm flavor of cinnamon and a crunchy caramel-like coating.
Get the Candied Pecans recipe.
Strawberry Pound Cake
"Most cake doesn’t do too well during shipping," Ree says, "but pound cake is neat and dense enough that it stays together nicely." This version is swirled with strawberry jam so it's perfectly sweet.
Get Ree's Strawberry Pound Cake recipe.
Send the gift of relaxation with this set that includes everything you need for an at-home spa day, including bath salts, body scrub, soap, a candle, and a deep sleep pillow mist for some much-needed rest.
The Stanley tumbler is a beloved gift that anyone would appreciate, whether it's a friend, a college student, or someone like Alex Drummond! Not only does it encourage hydration, but it comes in dozens of colors so you can pick the one that works best for your care package. Pair it with matching bags of candy for a late-night study session.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup
It takes less than 10 minutes to whip up this comforting syrup that's made with just a handful of pantry ingredients. Then, you can use it for pumpkin spice lattes or drizzled over a bowl of oatmeal.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Syrup recipe.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix Jar
Grab a mason jar and some decorative ribbon for this cozy idea! It layers the homemade cocoa mix with milk chocolate chips, peppermint candies, and mini marshmallows for a festive and tasty treat. You'll want to deliver it to all your friends and family for the holidays!
Get Ree's Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix Jar recipe.
A puzzle or game is a great way to keep busy if you're feeling under the weather so this is perfect for a get-well gift. And when it's as cute as this illustrated dog puzzle, you can't help but smile! Can you spot the floppy-eared basset hound?
Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Mix
Store-bought snack mix has nothing on this homemade version that's cheesy and garlicky. It's perfect for dorm room munchies or families who love a good game day snack!
Get Ree's Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Mix recipe.
Loaded Holiday Cookie Mix Jar
You'll have freshly baked cookies in no time thanks to this jarred cookie mix. You can even swap out the M&M and sprinkle colors depending on the season. Think: pastel colors for Easter and rainbow colors for a birthday celebration!
Get Ree's Loaded Holiday Cookie Mix Jar recipe.
This pretty embroidered journal can be added to just about any care package no matter what the occasion. It has an elegant cloth cover with an inspiring quote and a grosgrain ribbon bookmark so you never lose your place.
Sourdough Pecan Granola
If you're sending a college care package, don't forget to add something healthy! It's the least you can do to keep your kids nourished while they're far from home. This granola is packed with good-for-you ingredients, like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Get the Sourdough Pecan Granola recipe.
This tea is appropriately labelled a "Cup of Sunshine" thanks to its golden color and bright ginger flavor. Not only will the herbal tea help you unwind, but it'll also comfort you and warm you right up.
It doesn't matter how much money you add to it, there's something about a gift card that always comes in handy. They can use it for stocking the pantry or buying school supplies. Plus, you can even redeem it easily online.
Kara Zauberman is the Senior Editor of Content Strategy at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, lifestyle, news, and more. When she’s not writing and editing, you can find her seeking out new restaurants or cooking for friends and family.
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