Pick-Me-Up Care Package

I have a lot of themed care packages. Themes are great, but sometimes you just need a regular care package for no special occasion. My rules for a pick-me-up care package are similar to my rules for packing a stocking. I made this care package for my cousin’s wife, just after my cousin (who is in the Air Force) went on deployment.

Ingredients

• Something to Eat – I tend to pick gourmet, slightly healthy food. There are junk food options everywhere, so it’s not that special. Delicious health food will make people feel good while they’re eating, as well as afterward (when they don’t feel guilty). In this package, I sent honey roasted sunflower seeds, candied nuts, sweet potato crackers, Seaweed Snax, and Harvest Snaps. I like to peruse health food stores or gluten free sections of the grocery store for ideas. Shout out to Fine Fettle!
• Something to Drink – Tea is very soothing and I have a few favourites that I like to share. There are also great hot chocolate mixes at this time of year. Mini wine bottles are also fun!
• Something to Read – Gossip magazines don’t require too much brain power, so when you need a pick-me-up, they can be a nice distraction. Magazines are great because there are so many topics, you can tailor it to the person. If in doubt, Reader’s Digest is entertaining and small enough to ship easily.
• Something to Do – I sent cat toys. A gift for a pet-lover’s animal is also a gift to them, and you get the entertainment of playing with your pet. This category must be tailored to the person’s interests as well. Some people might want to do a cross word or Sudoku. Others might like mini packs of cards from Magic: The Gathering.
• Something for Self-Care– I sent lip balm, a face mask, and some nice smelling, natural hand-sanitizer. If you don’t know the person that well, it’s hard to go wrong with bath products and a beeswax candle.
• Something Local – If you are sending something to someone who lives far away, it’s nice to send something only you can get. My area is known for really good honey, so I sent along a jar of it.
• I used to have a “something to watch” category but that went out the window with video streaming.