Handle with Care-How to create and send an inspired care package
Anyone who’s received a care package knows the inherent appeal of the concept.
Just at the time when you need it most, you get a box filled with who-knows-
what-kind of goodies, sent from someone who cares, to let you know they’re thinking of you. You can hardly wait to rip through the stuffing and find out what treats the package contains. Cards, gifts, letters, food? This is just what you needed.
The tradition of sending care packages dates back to relief efforts after World War II. Today’s packages
still represent an important gesture to a loved one or someone who needs a little something extra to keep
them going. College students away from home for the first time, someone recovering from an illness or injury, grandchildren celebrating birthdays, military personnel stationed overseas are all common recipients of care packages.
With a little extra thought and preparation, when it comes time to send your next care package, you can make it really stand out.
Get Creative
When sending a care package, think about why you’re making the package, and use that as a starting point for a theme. For example, if you’re sending a get-well care package to a friend, you could fill it with a selection of herbal teas, pretty floral note cards, a hand-painted coffee mug and
a box of cookies. A grandchild getting a happy birthday care package from a grandparent would adore opening a party in a box, complete with party hats, colorful plates and napkins, gifts and
a homemade birthday cake. Don’t forget college students either. They would love to get a care package from home, especially during the long days of midterms or finals ‘ an encouraging letter, some family photos, mom’s famous brownies, and a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant (so they can escape cafeteria food) would undoubtedly cheer them up.
Package Well
Now that you’ve settled on the perfect theme and contents for your one-of-a-kind care package creation, it’s time to think logistics. All the creativity and care in the world won’t help your package if you don’t package and ship it properly. Make sure to take time for this crucial step. First use
a new, strong box designed for shipping, in the proper size. Line the box all around (at least two inches on all sides) with foam packing peanuts and/or bubble cushioning.
If you’re unsure of your packing skills, or would just prefer to leave it to the professionals, don’t hesitate to visit a shipping and packing specialty business, like The UPS Store. For a minimal fee, the experts at these stores will do the packing for you.
So, you’ve created your care-package masterpiece and shipped it off safely. Now, there’s only one thing left to do … count the days until it’s your turn to get one.