29 Care Packages We’re Sending to Friends
Updated: Aug. 31, 2023
Send some smiles via snail mail with these fun care package ideas.
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Whether you’re hunting for the best “thank you” gift or “just because” gift ideas, a care package says it all no matter the occasion. It’s like receiving a never-ending box of happy—bonus points if it’s filled with snackable goodies. With care package ideas for just about anything these days, we rounded up the best options for everyone on your list, including build-your-own boxes and curated gift sets. Plus, ideas for specific occasions like gifts for new moms, a golf-lover’s care package and ideas for crafters. Treat your loved one with one of these sweet care packages—then get one for yourself!
Love and Hugs Care Package
Sometimes a hug in a box is just what faraway loved ones need. For the pal in need of a cozy pick-me-up, consider this sweet care package. 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.
Happy Box Care Package
Sending your BFF a custom care package has never been easier, thanks to Happy Box. You start with a package, then add as many gifts as you’d like. (There are tons of fun selections to choose from, including sweet treats, socks, candles, bath bombs, stickers and beyond). Finish your gift with a card and custom note. Read our Happy Box review for all of the details.
Cookie Sampler
For the friend with a major sugar craving, you can’t go wrong with a Milk Bar sampler. This care package nestles truffles, cookies and a pie slice from the iconic bakery 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 you can learn how to make the Milk Bar birthday cake?
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 too.
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. Here are even more ways to create a sunshine box.
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.
Cozy Gift Set
This cozy gift set screams relaxation. Not only does it come with a throw blanket and warm socks, but it also includes your choice of tea, hot chocolate or coffee, plus snacking chocolate and a golden tea spoon for helping your loved one cozy up with their favorite brew. It doubles as a fall gift for those who are obsessed with spooky season.
Cocktail Pick Me Up 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 cocktail spoon straws, a “cheers to happy hour” tea towel and a 3D-printed cocktail mix, it’s guaranteed to brighten their afternoon. Just add vodka! By the way, these are our favorite cocktail kits.
Bacon Jerkygram
Consider this a bacon care package but with a twist. Packed with “jerkified” bacon (yes, you read that right), sending a “jerkygram” is a surefire way to put a smile on someone’s face. They’ll snack on jalapeño bacon jerky, old-fashioned maple bacon jerky and spicy sriracha bacon jerky. The hardest part is finding a spot where no one can find it. Their belly will thank you later!
Everyday Joy Care Package
Sending a gift out of the blue? Look no further than this gift set that celebrates life’s simple joys. Your friend will enjoy a moment of reflection and peace thanks to this calming delivery that includes everything they need for a refreshing cup of tea. If they’re not into tea, try one of these gifts for coffee lovers instead.
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!
Italiana Spa Day Kit
For when a European vacation just isn’t within reach, gift the next best thing with this Italiana spa day kit, courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis. Included are Giada’s favorite DIY face scrub, the essentials for a luxurious Roman-style bath and chocolates for snacking. It comes pretty close to satisfying any cravings for travel.
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.
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.
Sugarwish
No matter the occasion, a Sugarwish fits the bill. This genius service makes it easy to gift someone candy, cookies or popcorn without having to guess 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.
“Thank You” Cookie Box
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!
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 all cheese board is what dreams are made of. Not only does this care package 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!
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 quite literally a tea for every situation inside this comforting care package. Think 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.”
Japanese Snacks Box
If you really 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. BRB we’re subscribing to the curated boxes immediately.
Succulent Heart Kit
The recipient can put their own 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.
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 full of 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.
Blind Date with a Book Box
Treating a bookworm? This blind date with a book gift box is the care package to get. It includes a book of your chosen genre, tea, stickers 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.
Birthday Ice Cream Assortment
Nothing screams, “Happy Birthday” better than this decadent ice cream assortment. For 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 birthday gift inspiration? You can’t go wrong with these birthday gift baskets.
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.
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.
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. Read my Greetabl review for all the deets.
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. By the way, check out these thoughtful gifts for bakers.
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 quite literally 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.
Talk Birdie to Me Care Package
Whether your loved one is retiring or simply enjoys golfing in their spare time, celebrate their love for the sport with this curated golf gift set. Goodies include smiley face golf balls, wood tees, a cleaning cloth, crew socks and roasted pecans. It may even help them master their swing!
Additional research contributed by senior shopping editor, Katie Bandurski
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