2023 will be know for the 'cost of living crisis' and this has impacted not only the number of people sending care packages but also what items they put inside. Knowing what are the best things to send in a care package can at first appear difficult. In the current climate there some how feels more pressure to get it right, not to be wasteful and to make sure you only select good things to send in a care package that are useful to the recipient.

Why is 2023 the right time to send a care package

In 2023 sending a care package means just as much as in covid times when sending a Covid care package was common place. Spending time creating the perfect care package can mean the world to that person receiving it and it can brighten their day - you don't have to spend a lot to create the perfect care package box and we're here to help you with some great care package ideas.

So firstly what is a care package

Put quite simply a care package is a way of sending a hug in a box. It's common place to live away from family and friends but it doesn't stop us caring. If you are wanting to cheer up a friend or would like to send some useful items to someone in hospital for example then a care package is a great way to do this. A care package also makes for a thoughtful sympathy gift other than flowers and can be cheaper with no less thought. When someone is experiencing sadness through the loss of a loved one or pet they may really appreciate some items to help them to sleep or some easy snack to give them energy throughout the day.

And what are the best things to send in a care package in 2023

Well, your budget may be more limited than in previous years but this doesn't stop you still wanting to send gifts and let your loved ones know how much you care. And a care package is the perfect way to do this. If you spend a bit of time thinking through what you think your recipient would find useful then you know your efforts won't be wasted.

Care Package Delivery

Firstly it's important to consider care package delivery before selecting the best things to send in a care package. You can read our guide on care package delivery to find out more. If you are hand delivering your care package box then you won't need to worry about weight. But if you are sending a care package gift box via Royal Mail or other postal services then added weight will increase the cost of sending your care package in the post. Adding smaller and lighter items will help you to keep the costs down. Some Care Package companies will have factored this in and may use couriers with less weight restrictions. It's always worth pricing it up through a build your own care package site first vs. doing it yourself as it may be cheaper.

Of course the personal touch can feel extra special but it can add up so it's important to be aware of a few things first. Find out which size of box you can send before purchasing a care package box. Again some care package websites can offer cost effective packaging that can include beautiful gift wrapping and a hand written gift card. Once you know your weight limit you can weigh your items on a pair of kitchen scales. However, if you'd prefer to calculate an approximate weight before purchasing the items then food and beauty items usually outline their weight. It's better to plan ahead than to be stung with a big postal charge that is more than the cost of your care package gifts. This way you can create the perfect gift without breaking your budget!

Care Package Box Ideas

Once you know the size, weight and cost of sending your care package you can source your care package box. If you are on a budget you don't want to spend too much on the box. Perhaps you can wrap up an old shoe box. Or if you have children get them to decorate an old cardboard box to create a cost effective care package box. If you are wanting something a bit more professional then you can order single boxes from the Tiny Box Company for around £7 including standard delivery. Again it's worth considering using a care package website as some include the box in the price or offer cost effective options.

So what are the best things to put in a care package?

1. Favorite food items: yummy snacks, chocolates, sweets or homemade treats.
2. Books or magazines: Crossword book, brain training books, colouring or crafty books. Self-help or wellbeing journals. A good novel or autobiography.
3. Media voucher: To watch a movie or listen to an audio book.
4. Bath & Beauty: Hand lotions, body lotions, bath salts or oil. A face mask, or eye mask. Soap, hand wash.
5. Cosy items: A scarf, new bath robe, blanket, comfy socks or slippers.
6. Printed photos or a scrapbook of family and friends
7. Something to Drink. Some coffee, or tea, hot cocoa, or some non alcoholic drinks.
8. Maybe you could include a funny letter to make them smile, and this is free.
9. Candles: Ton candles, tea-lights, infusers.
10. Stationary: A lovely notebook and pencil or pen. A journal or diary.

We hope you found this useful and you can create the perfect gift for that special someone.