Life can get busy, exciting, stressful, and everything in between. It’s nice to show the people in your life you care and an easy way to do this (especially now during social distancing) is to send a care package! The following box ideas are designed to be sent to anyone, eating disorder or not, but be sure to add personal touches of your own. However if you are sending a package to someone in recovery it’s important to either ask beforehand or refrain from sending food, clothes, or other related items. Here are three care package ideas for friends, family, or yourself- I don’t judge:
PS: with Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday, these ideas are also great to personalize and give to mom!
Boredom Buster
This care package focuses on items that give the recipient something to do and is perfect for killing time or taking a mental break. Here are a few suggestions on what to put inside:
Coloring Book
Coloring books are a great way to hone your creativity while still being a fun break from daily responsibilities and stressors. This is an easy option to customize, too, because there is a huge variety of coloring book subjects/themes. This “Enchanted Forest” book is perfect for floral enthusiasts, while Potterheads may prefer something with a bit more of a wizarding world flair. For an added touch send along a set of gel pens, markers, or colored pencils.
Bullet Journal
To add onto the creative expression that the coloring book brings, or as another option for those less coloring inclined, bullet journals are also an entertaining gift. Bullet journals provide a blank slate and can be used for organization, expression, art, or a combination of all three. To give the recipient a head start you can send gel pens, stickers, stencils, or markets along with the journal to get them inspired. Amazon has many options under $10, like this one here.
Card Game
Sometimes to beat boredom you need to go back to basics! A good old fashioned card game is both an affordable and unique choice to add to your care package. It can also encourage your recipient (and their friends/family) to spend some quality time together. An UNO deck or classic deck of cards can be fun nostalgic options or you can try a newer option like Apples to Apples or Exploding Kittens.
Book/Magazine
Books or magazines are also solid additions to this list, but choosing one will likely depend on how well you know the person. If you can find an option that encompasses their interests (I.e. Travel + Leisure for travel buffs, Vogue for fashion lovers, etc.) or find something that is new/popular but you don’t think they’ve had the chance to read yet (Barnes & Noble’s Top 100 Bestsellers list here) then it is a perfect choice to add to the care package! If you still aren’t sure what to choose but are set on sending some reading material, try sending one of your favorites along with a little note to remind them to tell you what they thought of it!
Relax & Refresh
Send along a care package all about self-care for someone who deserves a break. Here are a few suggestions on what to put inside:
Face Masks
Few things are as refreshing and luxurious as face masks. Luckily they are incredibly affordable, too! Masks at grocery or beauty stores can often be found for less than $3 a piece. You can also purchase a variety pack. Face masks are a wonderful way to set the tone for this self-care oriented box.
Mug
Mugs are generally pretty small which makes them perfect to send in a care package. An easy way to give a more personal touch is to send a monogram mug (I love the ones from Anthropologie)! This care package pick offers a lot of variety, creativity, and levels of affordability. For cheaper options I recommend browsing sale sections, Target, or Amazon.
Fuzzy Socks
Fuzzy socks are yet another cute and compact item to brighten someone’s day! While it’s already 80 degrees where I live most days, I am still a fuzzy sock enthusiast. They’re just so cozy! It’s not hard to find options that are good quality while being easy on the budget.
Movie
This suggestion will work best if the recipient has something to play a DVD on, but you could also send a “ticket” to a Netflix Party or $5 to purchase a movie for themselves on their computer/television. Keep it light and send a comedy, rom-com, or animated option you’d think they’d enjoy. A few of my favorites are The Proposal, 27 Dresses, Aquamarine, and anything Disney!
Fearless Faith
If your care package recipient has fearless faith, this is a box to help them grow their connection with God while also being a thoughtful surprise. This can also be adapted to faiths outside of Christianity. Here are a few suggestions on what to put inside:
Daily Devotional/Prayer Journal
A daily devotional or prayer journal are awesome options when there is a large chance the person you’re sending the care package to already has a Bible or other religious text! Altar’d State has many options for daily devotionals, Bibles, prayer journals, and other Christian books. One of these options is a daily devotional dedicated to bravery, which is perfect to inspire those in recovery. Similar options can also be found on Amazon.
Stickers
Stickers are a fun and easy way to express oneself or add a pop of color to a water bottle or laptop. As an added bonus for the sender, stickers are also affordable while still being thoughtful and small enough to send in a package. You can find Christian centered stickers through brands like Elevated Faith or online. Sites like RedBubble, Etsy, and Amazon have options for those in the Muslim, Jewish, or other faiths!
Necklace
Jewelry isn’t just a fashion statement- it can also be a reminder. If your loved one finds strength and peace because of their faith, a necklace can be a visible reminder of that. Jewelry is another thing that can add personalization as you tailor the style, length, and color to the personal tastes of the recipient. I find that Altar’d State (again, I know) has options that are stylish, vary in price, and are of good quality.
When times get tough, care packages are the perfect way to show those near or far that you care! While the combinations above are targeted to specific needs and personalities, you know your loved one best and should add personal touches as you see fit. Just remember to take as good of care of yourself as you do your friends/family, too!
Featured photo by Ekaterina Shevchenko from Unsplash
All content on Recovroad is based on personal experiences, research, and ideas. Please do not repost/share without credit and be aware that nothing on this blog takes the place of professional help. This is also a formal trigger warning: content about and relating to eating disorders may be triggering to survivors. Please see the “RESOURCES” tab, call the National Eating Disorders Association hotline at 800-931-2237, and remember to take care of yourself.
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