27 Most Thoughtful Care Packages for 2024

Are you searching for the best care packages for a college student, military member, sick friend or another special person? Care package deliveries can make the recipient feel special, let them know you’re thinking about them and remind them of home if they’re away at camp, in college or in the military. They can also give them something to do if they’re homebound while recovering from an injury or illness. 

Keep reading to discover some creative, unique and thoughtful inspiration, like cozy comfort items, useful gift cards, relaxing experiences and more, as we’ve designed our list to include a variety of interests, situations and price ranges.

Jump to Section

• Creative Care Package Ideas
• Foodie Care Package Ideas
• Care Package Ideas for College Students and Young Adults
• Care Package Ideas for a Sick Friend or Family Member
• DIY Care Package Ideas
• Self-Care Package Ideas

Creative Care Package Ideas

1. Gift Cards

An experience gift card that allows the recipient to choose their gift makes the perfect addition to any care package. A Classpop! gift card is available for any amount over $10, never expires and can be used for a variety of classes and events. They can choose between cooking classes, dancing, paint and sip, virtual events and more.

2. Paint and Sip

Art classes make great care gifts for creative types. From paint and sip in Portland to paint and sip in NYC and paint and sip in Atlanta, the recipient can learn how to choose colors, shade and outline masterpieces.

If they’re away from home for the first time, they’ll have the chance to meet other locals in the area. Check out paint and sip near you to find the coolest spot.

3. Pottery

For fun and unique birthday care package ideas, consider gifting pottery classes. If you need a way to package this idea, give a gift card to a class inside a ceramic pot. Soon they'll be making one of their own!

Whether it’s pottery classes in Boston, pottery classes in Chicago or pottery classes in Houston, your friend or family member will have a memorable time learning how to shape, throw and hand-form sculptures, vases and mugs. Book pottery classes near you today!

4. Virtual Flower Arranging

With virtual flower arranging classes, the recipient can learn a creative hobby from the comfort of their own home. This is the perfect gift for a sick or rehabilitating friend who may be homebound for a while.

Foodie Care Package Ideas

5. Cooking Classes

Cooking classes are the perfect gift for foodies who like to experiment and learn new tricks in the kitchen. Check out cooking classes in the Bay Area, cooking classes in Chicago, cooking classes in St. Louis or cooking classes near you to find classes on regional cuisine or international choices like French bread, Italian seafood and Indian tandoori recipes.

6. Online Cooking Classes

When you gift online cooking classes, the recipient can choose from a wide selection of cuisines and culinary skills. From learning to bake birthday cakes and make homemade pasta to preparing regional specialties and international recipes like French macarons, Asian sushi and dumplings, Spanish tapas and German strudel, this a gift that will keep giving.

7. Online Mixology Classes

Amateur bartenders will love the unique gift of online mixology classes. This fun birthday care package idea gives them the chance to experiment with cocktail shakers, flavored liqueurs and favorite spirits. They’ll learn how to stir martinis, muddle mojitos and slice the perfect garnishes for tropical cocktails.

8. Virtual Wine Tastings

If your friend or family member is a wine aficionado, virtual wine tastings are a thoughtful gift idea. World-class sommeliers lead fun and interactive sessions while they share tips on grape varietals, food pairings and wine regions.

9. Tastes of Home

Send them a box of goodies from home. Include farmers market favorites, specialty items from a local store or home-grown honey. This is one of the best birthday package ideas for college students, military members and newly relocated friends or family.

Tip: Be sure to follow these tips and guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture before sending food gifts to U.S. military members.

Care Package Ideas for College Students and Young Adults

10. Virtual Game Nights

Virtual game nights allow friends and family to connect while apart. With the assistance of mobile devices, they can take part in a virtual scavenger hunt and virtual escape rooms. Hunt for items around the house, race around a cyber city or solve riddles to be the first out of the virtual room.

11. Online Trivia Games

Friends on other sides of town or even the country can connect with online trivia games. Challenge each other with your knowledge of movies, sports, music and pop culture trivia.

12. Dance Classes

Looking for care packages for college students? Think outside of the gift box and choose dance classes in Las Vegas, dance classes in San Francisco, dance classes in Orlando or dance classes near you for fun and unique college care packages.

They can learn ballet steps, jazz moves, how to line dance or how to dance cumbia while meeting other students and locals.

13. Online Dance or Yoga Classes

For packages for young adults who like to dance but might not want to put their moves on display just yet, online dance classes fit the bill, or encourage keeping fit with online yoga classes. All they need is a mobile device, a little bit of dance space and a fun attitude. 

14. Home Essentials Box

College students and young adults in their first home or apartment can always use supplies to get started. Fill a box with paper towels, toilet paper, dishwashing powder, detergent and other essentials.

If you’re looking for other ideas and going away gifts, you could also give pots, pans, spatulas, dish towels and kitchen gear.

15. Photos

Military members will appreciate a package filled with photos of friends, family, pets and scenes from home. These also make thoughtful items for inmate care packages or as gifts for young adults who are leaving home.

16. Snack Box

Send a box full of packaged snacks like cookies, chips, granola bars and other favorites. This makes the perfect gift college students and also military members.

Care Package Ideas for a Sick Friend or Family Member

17. Bouquet

The traditional bouquet never fails to make someone feel special. Pick a sunny shade of yellow daisies or sunflowers to brighten the room. This makes the perfect get-well gift for a sick friend as well as gifts for coworkers who may be on extended sick leave.

18. Puzzles and Word Games

Wondering what you put in a covid care package? Put together a box of puzzles, crossword books, word searches or Sudoku for the homebound friend or family member.

A bunch of coloring books, markers and colored pencils also makes one of the best inmate care packages. This gives them something to do and lets them express their artistic side. 

19. Phone Accessories

Accessories that make it easier to stay entertained, work remotely or stay connected to others make a wonderful get-well gift. Think about items like headphones, earbuds, chargers and stands.

20. Sick Care Kit

To answer the question of how to make cheap care packages or what to give for long distance relationship gifts, send a care kit — a package filled with cans of chicken noodle soup, cough drops, tissues, a jar of honey, elderberry gummies and magazines — a great option if you're looking for gifts under $50.

21. Streaming Service

A streaming service is an excellent gift for movie buffs. They can watch movies, catch up on favorite shows or find a new series to stream with services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video or Disney+. If they’re experiencing extended time at home, they’ll welcome this entertainment option.

DIY Care Package Ideas

22. Romantic Custom Care Package

How do you make a cute custom package for a long distance relationship? Fill a pretty box with heart-shaped candy, a favorite scented candle, a framed photo or other items to create romantic gifts your long-distance love will adore.

23. Pet Products

Pet parents love getting gifts to spoil their four-legged kids. Think of things like treats, toys, collars, leashes and other gifts for dog lovers and pet owners.

24. Cookie-Baking Kit

If you’re searching for a gift for a friend who enjoys baking, put together a cookie-baking kit. Have fun picking out cookie cutters, sprinkles, cans of icing, decorating tools and ingredients to make cookies.

Self-Care Package Ideas

25. Facial and Body Products

Bath bombs, face masks, salt scrubs, body oil, pedicure sets and other self-care package ideas allow the recipient to relax, recharge and de-stress. Arrange relaxing spa items in a pretty box or bag to brighten their day.

26. Coffee Corner

Coffee makes everything better. If that describes your friend, family member or coworker, consider gifting them their favorite beverage. Purchase bags of ground or whole beans, a fun mug, coffee-flavored products and even items like a milk frother, grinder or French press.

27. Cozy Care

If the recipient is stuck at home recovering from an injury or illness, they’ll appreciate cozy blankets, robes, socks, slippers and five senses gifts. This is also a great chemo care package idea for women and men that will help them feel more comfortable throughout treatment.

Whether you choose to send a gift basket, a gift card, a big box of favorite items or a bouquet, it is always the thought that counts.

The simple act of receiving a surprise package is sure to brighten someone’s day. Your friend, family member or coworker will be thrilled that you took the time to pick out the perfect, most thoughtful care package gifts.

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!