Care packages aren't just for kids

Send a little happiness in the mail

One of my kids is attending a fairly traditional overnight camp for a few weeks this summer. The camp literature strongly suggests putting a care package in the mail before the kid goes to camp so a little gift from home arrives within the first day or two. That’s when new campers might be feeling most bewildered with the whole experience, so a little bit of happiness from home can help.

I am sure this is wise — and it also got me thinking that many folks might appreciate a care package! Relationships thrive on small, thoughtful gestures. So you might think about sending a wee something to someone else in your life too.

Packing happiness

This week’s Vanderhacks are all about how life should be like summer camp. Even as so much of communication has moved online, there’s still something fun about getting a letter or a package in the mail. That’s why people send care packages to campers.

So as you’re mailing things to camp — or even just for fun — ponder where an extra package could spread some joy. You don’t have to take a ton of extra time or effort to deliver happiness. Maybe you read a book recently that you know a far flung friend would enjoy. You could absolutely order it from an online bookseller and have it sent directly to her. Or you can buy a copy in a book store and pack it with a handwritten note and a few stickers or a book mark. Both are great options.

If you’ve got a friend whose birthday is coming up, it might be a good time to send her a package of cookies from your favorite bakery. They can probably ship directly, or you can pack the cookies up well with a note and something else you think she’d enjoy (coffee? a mug? stickers? Stickers are always good…). Or if you’ll be visiting someone this summer that’s a great opportunity to get something in the mail. You’ll probably bring them something anyway, but by mailing it ahead of time, they get the fun of opening it in addition to the fun of consuming whatever it is.

Low key but good

I know that to “officially” be a care package something is supposed to be hand-packed and include lots of items. And that is wonderful. But if the thought of all that keeps you from sending something to someone who’d enjoy getting something in the mail, then feel free to take advantage of pre-made options. There are lots of subscription possibilities (BBQ sauce of the month…the Allure Beauty Box…etc.).

You can send a care package just because. But one big reason people send care packages to campers is that they know they might be missing home. Likewise, there might be someone in your life who needs to know someone cares. Maybe it’s someone who’s between jobs right now, or is coming out of a break-up, or is dealing with a family member’s difficult diagnosis. A batch of cookies and stickers can’t solve those problems, but they might make someone smile — and that is worth a lot.