Care packages are a great way to show your loved ones that you’re thinking of them, especially during the holidays. We hope this list of Thanksgiving-themed care package ideas has given you some inspiration for what to put in your own care packages.
The holiday season can be bittersweet if you have a loved one or family member who lives far away. Whether you have a college student, a service member, a family member serving a full-time Latter-day Saint mission, or someone who lives states away, it can be heartbreaking when you don’t get to see them for holidays like Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to celebrate love, family, togetherness, and friendship – so that empty chair can leave quite the hole in your heart during the holiday.
While you might not be able to bring your loved one home this year, there are still plenty of ways to make them feel included in the festivities! One of my favorite things to do is to send care packages. These are so much fun to make, and you can go as simple or as complex as you want. Seriously – you can pick out a few things on Amazon and send it straight to their address, or you can hand craft a themed box filled with their favorite things. Either way, they’re sure to appreciate it! It’s a great way to show them you care.
With how much I love to craft, it comes as no surprise that I’ll typically pull out my Cricut machine to make a custom themed box for the care package. There are tons of fun ideas for Thanksgiving, so you can really get creative. You can glue gratitude quotes all over the inside of the box, you could make cute little turkeys to fill the box with, or you could even cut out fall leaves and place them all around the box. The options are truly endless, so if you like that sort of thing, get creative with it!
Now that we have the box itself out of the way, here are some Thanksgiving care package ideas to send your loved ones who will be away this holiday season:
Homemade Fall/Thanksgiving Decorations
If your child is away at college or serving a mission, chances are they’re not going to be able to decorate their apartment or dorm room for the holiday. Sending a few homemade or store-bought decorations can help brighten up their space and make it feel more like home! You could send a wreath, mini pumpkins, a fall candle, felt ball garlands, fall foliage, or anything else you think they would love.
Snacks
Who doesn’t love snacks? When I’m away from home, I always love getting goodies in the mail. This is a great chance to send some of your loved one’s favorite snacks, or even some snacks that you know they can’t get where they are! It really is the perfect gift. Here are a few ideas:
- Anything pumpkin spice
- Apple cider
- Candy corn
- Pecan pie
- Fall themed candy
- Caramel apples
- Pumpkin bread
- Pancake mix
- Thanksgiving dinner leftovers (if you can package it up properly with ice packs!)
A New Outfit or Clothing Item
If you know your loved one needs something specific – like a new pair of jeans, a dress, or a winter coat this is a great chance to send it to them! This way, they’ll have it when they need it and you don’t have to worry about lugging it with you when you finally get to see them. Plus, a little something new to wear might take away a little bit of the sadness they’re feeling being away from home during the holidays.
A Thankful Tree
This is such a fun and easy activity that the whole family can do together! You can find all sorts of thankful tree kits online or in stores, but you can also easily DIY one. All you need is a small artificial tree (or a real one if you’re feeling extra crafty!), some colorful paper, and some string or ribbon. Write down things that your family is thankful for on the slips of paper and tie them to the branches of the tree. Once you’re done, send it to your long-distance loved one to finish it!
Cards From Loved Ones
If you have other family members or friends who live close by, ask them to write a short note or card to include in the care package. This is such a sweet way to let your loved one know that they’re thought about and missed, even if you can’t be there with them in person.
A “Cozy” Box
One of the hardest things about being away from home during the holidays is feeling cold and lonely. This is where a cozy box comes in! Fill a small box with items that will make your loved one feel warm and cozy, like a candle, lip balm, fuzzy socks, a beanie, a blanket, etc. You could even include a mug and some hot cocoa mix! This will help them feel right at home.
Gift Cards
If you’re not sure what to send or you know your loved one would appreciate having some spending money, gift cards are always a great option. You could get them a gift card to their favorite restaurant, Amazon, Target, or anywhere else you know they love to shop. You could also get them a gift card to a nice restaurant to eat at on Thanksgiving day so they still get a feast!
These are just a few ideas to get you started – but really, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and have fun with it! Your loved one is sure to appreciate anything you send them.
From delicious treats to cozy accessories, these items will make your friends and family feel warm and fuzzy all winter long. Thanks for reading, and happy packing!
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Katie is a Colorado-native, BYU graduated, and most importantly, wife to one and mother to three beautiful boys. She is passionate about sharing her experiences with others – especially about pregnancy, breastfeeding, cooking, and crafts. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She loves spending time with her family and helping others find joy in family life.
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