Send some smiles via snail mail with these fun care package ideas.
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34 Care Packages We’re Sending to Friends
Updated on Oct. 02, 2024
Whether you’re hunting for the best “thank you” gift or “just because” gift ideas, a care package says it all. It’s like receiving a bona fide box of happy—bonus points if it’s filled with snackable goodies. The best care packages bring a little dose of cheer when things get tough or show your loved one that you’re thinking of them. After all, nothing beats the blues like a surprise book, a box of chocolates, a candle or a pair of fluffy socks.
While it’s perfectly possible to procure your own items for a custom care package, snagging a readily curated package is much easier than building one yourself—and far more fun than a gift card. Because these companies often enter into agreements with the included brands (or make their own products), the box’s value is usually greater than the cost. That means saving money on high-quality gift baskets. Win!
We rounded up the best options for everyone on your list, including build-your-own boxes, monthly subscriptions and curated gift sets. Ideas for specific occasions—like gifts for new moms, soup gift baskets for an under-the-weather friend and ideas for crafters—totally bucks the myth that ready-made care packages aren’t personal. Treat your loved one with these sweet care packages (or buy them for yourself—we won’t judge!).
For the Hugger
Love and Hugs Care Package
Sometimes a hug in a box is just what faraway loved ones need. Consider this sweet care package for the pal deserving of a cozy pick-me-up. It’s loaded with everything they need to unwind, including tea, a mug, honey, socks and a heartfelt card. It makes a perfect “just because” gift as well.
For the Comfort Seeker
Spoonful of Comfort Box
Whether you’re sending a “get well soon” care package or want to cheer up a homesick loved one going through a hard time, a spoonful of comfort is exactly what they’ll get inside this heartfelt box. Complete with all things warm—chicken noodle soup, grandma’s old-fashioned rolls and chocolate chip cookies—it lights up their soul. The box arrives with a shiny ladle and a personal message from you.
I was impressed with how everything heated up perfectly in the microwave and stovetop, and now I have enough chicken noodle soup for the week. I’m not exaggerating when I say I almost ate all the cookies in one sitting—they’re that good.
For the One-of-a-Kind Friend
Happy Box Care Package
Thanks to Happy Box, sending your BFF a custom care package has never been easier. Start with a package, then add as many gifts as you’d like. (There are many fun selections, including sweet treats, socks, candles, bath bombs and stickers). Finish your gift with a card and custom note. Read our Happy Box review for all of the details.
For the Cheesehead
Cheese Lover's Charcuterie Package
It’s official: Boarderie charcuterie boards are the prettiest food gift you can send for any occasion. And this Ciccetti Cheese Board is what dreams are made of. Not only does this charcuterie gift basket include artisan cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate and jam, but it also arrives fully arranged inside a keepsake acacia wood board. Talk about genius cheese board gifts!
For the Bookworm
Blind Date with a Book Box
Treating a bookworm? This Blind Date with a Book gift box is the care package to send. It includes two books of your chosen genre, snacks and more fun freebies. All they have to do is cuddle up on the couch with their new book to make it a solo date night at home. Our editor received a thrilling cannabis shop mystery—what will you unbox?
For the Cookie Monster
Cookie Sampler
For a friend with a major sugar craving, you can’t go wrong with a cookie sampler. This care package nestles delicious sugar cookie cutouts, rich brownies and bold flavors into a cozy tin, then ships it straight to their door. Bonus: It’s available as a monthly care package delivery for sweet pick-me-ups on the regular. Speaking of, did you know there are a lot of cookie of the month clubs out there?
For the Sweet Tooth
Sugarwish
No matter the occasion, a Sugarwish fits the bill. This genius service makes it easy to gift someone candy, cookies or popcorn without guessing their favorites. Once you select the box size you wish to send, Sugarwish sends a code asking giftees to choose their goodies. How sweet! Get the full scoop in our Sugarwish review.
For the Snacker
Bokksu Snack Box
If you truly want to wow loved ones, we can’t recommend a Bokksu snack box enough. Packed with more than 20 authentic Japanese snacks, sweets and tea (an impeccable value, if we may add), it introduces adventurous eaters to a whole new world of treats. Each box is expertly curated to include new seasonal treats every time, and every purchase supports Japanese family businesses. Read our full take and learn more about our favorite snack subscriptions.
For the Cocktail King or Queen
Born to Rum Cocktail Kit
Everyone needs a little pick me up from time to time, and there’s no better way to show a friend some love than with this happy hour care package. Complete with citrus oils, bitters, honey, grapefruit sherbet essence, jerk demerara syrup—and everything else needed to craft the perfect cocktail—it’s guaranteed to brighten their afternoon. Just add your favorite rum! Rum not your thing? Shop our other favorite cocktail kits.
For the Busy Bee
Dinnerly Meal Kit
When feeling under the weather, the last thing your loved one needs to worry about is cooking dinner. Dinnerly comes to the rescue with quick, easy and delicious meal kits. It’s a more comforting alternative to eating out when the last thing you want to do is cook. Customize their plan and cancel at any time. Read our Dinnerly review for the full scoop.
For Any Occasion
Greetabl
If you want to send a quick little treat, a Greetabl box is my go-to gift for any occasion. Start by choosing a box design, then add a small trinket and a gift card, if desired. Personalize your gift with a heartfelt note, photos and graphics for the sweetest (and simplest) gift ever.
For the Tea Partier
Teacup and Scones Box
Pinkies up! If they’re a tea drinker who already has their favorite flavors and brands pegged, consider sending them this scones and teacup box. Each month’s shipment (or one-time box) comes with an assortment of six freshly baked scones from Erika’s Tea Room, plus a vintage collectible tea cup and saucer set for sipping. Our favorite flavors of the bunch included cranberry white chocolate and carrot cake. Our mouths are watering thinking about this month’s flavors!
P.S. Don’t miss out on these gift baskets for women for every occasion, lifestyle and hobby, too.
For the Baker
Cookie Dough Care Package
Not just kids love cookie dough. Send your pal a Doughp gift box for birthdays, get-well gifts or “just because.” Each comes with a popper, card, stickers and two pints of safe, edible (or bakeable) cookie dough. With selectable gift options like “happy breakup” and “sober anniversary,” it’s easy to see how this cookie dough box can work for almost any occasion.
For the Sweet Friend
Fruit for Thought Box
Love the idea of sending an aromatic, perfectly curated selection of home goods, treats and bath products to your fruit-loving BFF? The Fruit for Thought box offers a new, fruity theme each month. Past boxes include pumpkin cheesecake, strawberries and cream, pomegranate rhubarb and tutti frutti. Friends will love receiving a collection of sweet-themed gifts, whether a one-time present or a gift subscription.
For the Candle Connoisseur
Candle Care Package
Sometimes, lighting a candle and enjoying a few restful moments of deep breathing is the best care we can give ourselves. Vellabox is one of our favorite candle subscriptions for gifting. Send your friend or family member a box curated to their scent preferences and look forward to extras like leather luggage tags, hand creams, herb strippers and other fun items. Because it’s so customizable, it’s easy to forget you didn’t send it yourself.
For the Luxury Lover
Seasonal Luxury Gift Box
Soaps, artisan coffee and other home goodies? Sign us up—especially since each Flamingo Estate box is specifically curated to the current season. Enjoy gourmet gifts like whole bean coffee or high-quality olive oil, plus a smattering of home and beauty finds like herb-scented candles, luxe shampoos and delicious-smelling hand soaps. Each box offers a mix of top-selling products, longtime classics and our new limited-edition finds.
For the Movie Goer
Popcorn Care Package
Movie lovers and snack fiends alike will appreciate receiving this popcorn care package in the mail. Apart from the super cute popcorn pods that fire up delicious kernels on the stovetop, each box comes with an assortment of corn-themed goodies like stationary and stickers. The six popcorn pods included boast butter flavors and fun blends like cinnamon sugar or kettle corn.
For the Cravings Chaser
Snacks and Treats Box
Warning: It’s hard to avoid a sugar hangover after indulging in this decadent snacks and treats box from Olive & Cocoa. This is one of the best care package ideas to send when you don’t know what to get faraway loved ones (or close neighbors and teachers). Assorted in a wooden crate overflowing with churro pretzels, red Aussie licorice, farmhouse cheese and a dark chocolate bar with seeds and berries, it’s perfect for the whole family to share. Upgrade to the medium or large crates for even more goodies!
For the Dough Nut
Donuts & Coffee Gift Pack
Whether your college student is studying for a big exam or is simply tired on a Tuesday, this Stan’s Donuts gift box is a delicious pick-me-up. It includes a half-dozen donuts, one bag of Stan’s whole bean coffee and a ceramic mug. If you’re looking for more caffeinated goodies, check out these coffee subscription boxes and coffee gift baskets, too.
For the Gardener
Sunshine Box
This sunshine box brings smiles—even on a cloudy day. It’s loaded with cheerful goodies, including a bright yellow card, a candle and a succulent.
For the Self Care Queen
Sweet Blossom Care Package
Send this blossoming care package for the woman who needs a little reminder of how sweet her love is. She’ll unravel honey blossom soap, a daisy porcelain soap dish, lemon verbena hand cream and Champagne gummy candy. Talk about the perfect pick-me-up!
For the Muncher
Moose Munch Gift Tin
Warning: Giftees won’t be able to stop snacking on this sweet care package once it arrives on their doorstep. The mouth-watering gift includes four decadent varieties of Harry & David’s famous Moose Munch popcorn. It’s perfect for family movie night! And if you’re looking for more “thinking of you” gift ideas—we’ve got you covered.
For the Wine Drinker
Wine and Snack Box
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute birthday gift for a wine lover or a “just because” boozy treat, this wine and snack box fits the bill—and then some. Your friend will enjoy a meat, cheese and cracker assortment paired with a red wine. Cheers!
For the Fancy Pants
Caviar Gift Set
Shopping for someone who enjoys the finer things in life? For those with hard-to-impress palates, look no further than this caviar gift set. Choose from eight different types of caviar, paired with crème fraîche and gourmet blini, along with two caviar spoons for the ultimate happy hour. Yes, it’s out of the ordinary, but that’s the beauty of it!
For the Carb Lover
New York Bagel Delivery
Anyone who’s ever visited or lived in New York will delight at this Essa-Bagel box showing up at their door. These massive, hand-rolled delights are worth the wait. Choose up to four bagel flavors, add cream cheese and then get ready to spoil your friend with breakfast heaven. Bread bakers and beyond will appreciate this sweet gift.
For the New Mom
New Mom Care Package
“Curated by moms who’ve been there,” this peaceful postpartum new mom gift box is the ultimate push present (yes, that’s a thing). Goodies include slipper socks, a non-toxic candle, tea and luxury hand cream. Finish it off with a custom message.
For the Hostess
Petite Thank You
Are you trying to find a heartfelt way to show your thanks to the hostess? An Olive & Cocoa care package is just the thing for any occasion. Inside the gift-wrapped box, they’ll be treated to gourmet cookies, rocky road popcorn, nuts, farmhouse cheese and crackers. How sweet!
For the Tea Drinker
Tea for Every Situation Gift Set
Calling all tea lovers! If they need a reminder that someone they love is thinking of them, there is a tea for every situation inside this comforting care package. Consider a refreshing mint tea for when they’re “turning over a new leaf,” and a spicy citrus blend for when your loved one is “plotting revenge.”
For Your Other Half
Succulent Heart Kit
The recipient can put their special touches on this sweet succulent heart care package. It comes with moss, a shaped frame and six succulents they can arrange to their heart’s content. Plants make for some of the best housewarming gifts because of their longevity.
For the Foodie
Chicago Restaurant Tour
If they can’t make it to the Windy City, gift them the next best thing. This beautiful gift box is packed with delicious treats from Chicago chefs and restaurants. They’ll dig into a cheddar and caramel popcorn mix, house-smoked sea salt, spicy chili crisp oil—and so. much. more. This food gift contains 11 treats, all expertly wrapped for shipping, so it’s an excellent value too.
For the Birthday Boy or Girl
Birthday Ice Cream Assortment
Nothing screams, “Happy Birthday” better than this decadent ice cream assortment. When you can’t be there on a loved one’s birthday, help them celebrate by the spoonful with cupcake ice cream, Oreo sweet cream ice cream, chocolate ice cream and mint fudge ice cream. Need more sweet inspiration? You can’t go wrong with these birthday gift baskets and chocolate gift baskets.
For the Crafter
DIY Embroidery Kit
Crafty friends will be delighted by this thoughtful embroidery kit. It’s perfect for beginners and anyone looking to hone their craft—literally. Choose from eight nature-inspired patterns. Find more gifts for crafters they’ll love.
For the Epicurean
Gourmet Soft Pretzels
Everyone has a friend who chooses Team Salty over Team Sweet. Satisfy their savory cravings with a soft pretzel gift box. It features a variety of soft pretzels and slider buns, plus fun flavored salts.
For the Mental Health Warrior
Therapy Care Package
Start them on a self-care journey with TheraBox. Each package arrives brimming with up to eight full-size self-care and therapy-related products. Picks range from self-help workbooks to scented candles, beauty items and tons of other great goodies. Sure, it’s no replacement for therapy—but it is much cheaper.
