37 Care Package Ideas: From “Get Well” to “Just Because”

It’s always nice to show some extra appreciation for your loved ones. Whether you want to support a sick friend or a neighbor who had their first child, a care package is the perfect way to do it. Care packages are full of small gifts and treats, giving you plenty of freedom to personalize them.

If you’re stuck deciding what to put in your package, we’re sharing 37 care package ideas you can mix and match to create the perfect gift for anyone who needs it.

Table of contents:

• Sick care packages
• College care packages
• New parent care packages
• Self-care packages

What to put in a care package

Care packages are great because there are endless possibilities for any person, situation or budget. Browse local shops and boutiques for inspiration and see what reminds you of the person you’re shopping for.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to get ideas flowing:

• Do they already have this item?
• Do they have everything they need to use the item?
• What do they enjoy?
• Have they mentioned any new hobbies or interests?

These answers can help inform what will work best for your gift recipient.

1. Socks

Best for: Sick care packages

This is a go-to care package idea for a reason — everyone loves a good pair of socks! When a loved one is ill or recovering, send along fuzzy socks with treads on the bottom so they can relax in comfort without worrying about slipping.

2. Handwritten note

Best for: Sick care packages

There’s nothing like a little encouragement on a sick day. Let your loved one know you appreciate them by sending a handwritten note to brighten their day.

3. Ready-made meals

Best for: Sick care packages

It’s important to eat well when you’re ill, but it can be difficult to cook if your energy is low. Drop off some meals that freeze well, like nutritious soups, stews or healthy casseroles for a quick pick-me-up meal.

4. Blanket

Best for: Sick care packages

No one appreciates a warm blanket more than someone with a fever. Send a care package with a thick, soft blanket for them to sleep off any symptoms in comfort and style.

5. Fresh fruit

Best for: Sick care packages

Many fruits are jam-packed with vitamin C and other essential nutrients to help your body recover when you’re sick. But chopping all that fruit can be a pain. Send your sniffly friend some chopped fresh fruit for a zero-effort snack that can help get them back on their feet.

6. Lip balm

Best for: Sick care packages

One of the worst parts about being sick is being dehydrated and all the associated symptoms. Save your care package recipient from the horror of cracked lips with some fancy lip balm that will help them feel a bit more human while they’re on the mend.

7. Heating pad

Best for: Sick care packages

Send a heating pad to a friend or family member who’s under the weather to soothe their aches while they rest up. Whether they’re recovering from the flu or a procedure, a heating pad helps keep them warm and comfortable as they regain strength.

8. Reusable water bottle

Best for: Sick care packages

You can’t beat a reusable water bottle. Help your loved ones beat the sniffles with a water bottle that will keep them hydrated in style. Features like extra insulation or a straw encourage them to keep sipping even when they’re not feeling their best.

9. Immunity-boosting supplements

Best for: Sick care packages

Stock up your friend or family member with immunity-boosting supplements that can help support their recovery and prevent future illnesses. This can be especially useful during the winter months when viruses run rampant.

10. Gift cards

Best for: College care packages

Gift cards are ideal for college students who are probably a bit short on cash while they’re focusing on their studies. Whether it’s a gift card to their favorite grocery store or something a little more fun, broke college students always appreciate this care basket idea.

11. Plants

Best for: College care packages

Dorm rooms are a blank canvas for decor. Deliver groceries to the dorm with some surprise plants to support your college student and liven up their living space.

12. Tote bag

Best for: College care packages

A college student can never have enough tote bags! Between grocery store trips, days packed with classes and trips to the library, a stylish tote bag carries everything they need to go about their day.

13. Fidget toy

Best for: College care packages

Fidget toys are great for relieving stress and focusing during long lectures. Add a few stress balls and other toys to make a care package that can help keep their stress levels in check.

14. Headphones

Best for: College care packages

A good pair of noise-canceling headphones is a must-have for any student. These headphones are the key to blocking out distractions during long study sessions or enjoying a movie marathon without disturbing roommates.

15. Eye mask

Best for: College care packages

An eye mask is another must-have for college students living in a dorm for the first time. This essential is perfect for getting in all the naps they need to refresh after a long day of classes.

16. Baked goods

Best for: College care packages

Nothing will make a student the most popular person on the dorm floor faster than some shared baked goods, like gooey chocolate chip cookies or fudgy brownies. Baked goods are always a home run with college students, whether they share or not.

17. Phone charger

Best for: College care packages

People are always forgetting their phone chargers — especially college students who are always on the move between the dorm and other areas of campus. Help them stock up on an extra charger or power bank to keep their phone at 100%.

18. Photos

Best for: College care packages

A thoughtful photo book is the perfect gift for a potentially homesick student. Include photos of friends, family and a few encouraging notes they can look at on days they’re missing home a little extra.

19. Stationery

Best for: College care packages

Studying isn’t always the most fun part of college, but stylish stationery can change that. Send a collection of fun notepads, pens, highlighters and other supplies so they can take notes and send letters home in style.

20. Games

Best for: College care packages

Games are the perfect gift to include in a care package for college students. They offer much-needed stress relief and can be a great icebreaker to help your student make friends in a new environment.

21. Lotion

Best for: New parent care packages

A gift basket isn’t complete without a thick lotion to keep skin moisturized. After your gift recipient takes a relaxing shower or bath, a nice body lotion can make their night even more relaxing.

22. Slippers

Best for: New parent care packages

It’s the little things that matter when you’re a new parent with hardly any time for yourself. Warm slippers make long days at home a little easier — your loved one may be tired, but at least their feet will be warm and comfortable!

23. Favorite snacks

Best for: New parent care packages

Parenting is a lot of work. Send your friend and their new family a stash of their favorite snacks to help keep their energy up until nap time.

24. Gourmet coffee or tea

Best for: New parent care packages

A good day always starts with a warm drink. Curate a collection of gourmet tea or different types of coffee for your loved one to sample and find their new favorite “treat yourself” drink.

25. Face masks

Best for: New parent care packages

Face masks are an easy way to encourage new parents to take care of themselves. Send them a few sheet masks that can stay on through feedings and tummy time.

26. Mug

Best for: New parent care packages

A fun mug is a quick way to bring a smile to someone’s face with an item they’ll use every day. Add this to a care package with some hot cocoa and other cozy snacks for the ultimate care package pick-me-up.

27. Charcuterie

Best for: New parent care packages

A charcuterie board makes a great care package surprise. Your friend can munch on their favorite cheeses and other small bites while they relax during nap time.

28. Coloring book and pencils

Best for: New parent care packages

People of all ages have hopped on the coloring book train over the past few years. Send along a pack of coloring books and colored pencils for an easygoing and relaxing self-care activity that busy parents can stop and start without losing progress.

29. Grocery gift card

Best for: Self-care packages

It’s hard to do things for yourself sometimes. This includes necessary errands, like trips to the grocery store. For a thoughtful self-care package, send them an Instacart gift card so they can get anything from pantry staples to craft supplies delivered. 

30. Bath bombs or shower steamers

Best for: Self-care packages

Nothing says self-care like a warm, relaxing bath. Add a spa-like treat to your care package with a bath bomb or bath salts so your gift recipient can ease their mind and sore muscles. Or, add a few shower steamers for a similar experience without a tub.

31. Candles

Best for: Self-care packages

It can be hard to create a relaxing ambiance when you’re in desperate need of some downtime. Some fancy candles give off the perfect warm glow and soft scents for a chill evening.

32. Journal

Best for: Self-care packages

Journaling is a great self-care habit to promote mindfulness and help reset your brain. Add a journal to a care package for a friend to give them the necessary space to clear their mind.

33. Books

Best for: Self-care packages

Encourage your loved one to take some time for themselves with a book lover-themed care package. Toss in a book by their favorite author and some fun bookmarks for a complete gift.

34. Sweets

Best for: Self-care packages

Everyone could use a little something sweet. Stock up a basket with your loved one’s favorite candy, baked goods and pastries for a snacky care package that will bring a smile to their face and some indulgence to their next night in.

35. Cocktail ingredients

Best for: Self-care packages

A good cocktail kit is a fun activity to give a friend for a self-care night. Include a shaker, basic ingredients and a unique cocktail recipe for them to try. If you’re putting together a care package for someone who doesn’t drink, add a book of mocktail recipes for when they want a fun beverage to sip on.

36. Flowers

Best for: Self-care packages

Everyone appreciates a nice bouquet. Take a trip to the local florist or put together your own masterpiece to brighten up your loved one’s space.

37. Stickers

Best for: Self-care packages

What’s not to like about stickers? Bring a smile to your loved one’s face with some fun stickers they can use to level up their journaling game or add some pizzazz to their daily planner.

Send a care package from wherever with Instacart

A thoughtful gift basket is a great way to show support to friends and family and make a positive impact on their day. Don’t let distance or a busy schedule keep you from showing up for your loved ones. Order these care package ideas through Instacart to deliver your appreciation directly to your recipient in just a few clicks.