Stepping into my parents’ house that snowy day, a profound chill had settled within me, far deeper than the winter air. Trauma had cast a dense fog over my life, leaving me disoriented and unsure of how to navigate forward.
Just inside the doorway, a simple wire basket waited. Perched on top, an envelope addressed to “Lainey” caught my eye. Setting down my purse, I eagerly opened it. Inside, a card from dear friends offered words of warmth and strength, a beacon of encouragement in my personal storm. Beneath the card lay the care package they had thoughtfully assembled. It was filled with items I didn’t realize I desperately needed: a comforting weighted blanket, a calming coloring book, and a generous supply of my favorite chocolate.
Looking back on the days, months, and even years that have passed since, that care package stands out as a powerful memory. And even now, on those inevitably tough days, I still turn to some of those items for solace and support.
Trauma and grief can profoundly disrupt lives, leaving individuals feeling lost and overwhelmed, unsure of what can bring comfort. A simple gesture of care and support from someone can be transformative. It’s crucial to recognize those navigating these difficult journeys and offer our support. However, understanding how to help, and knowing what to do, isn’t always clear.
One of the most meaningful ways to demonstrate your love and support for someone experiencing trauma or grief is by creating a care package. Stuck for ideas? Here are 35 things to put in a care package. Choose the items that resonate, and feel free to add your personal touch of creativity!
35 Thoughtful Items for a Care Package
When assembling a care package, consider starting with a reusable basket or bin to hold your chosen items. Opting for a reusable container is a bonus, offering a practical gift the recipient can use around their home long after the initial contents are enjoyed.
A key principle when creating a care package is to avoid including anything that requires upkeep or could add stress to their routine. Even a beautiful potted plant, while thoughtful in other circumstances, can feel overwhelming when someone is managing intense emotions and daily responsibilities. Simplicity is key.
To gather insightful suggestions, I reached out to individuals who have personally navigated trauma and grief, asking them about their most appreciated care package items. Based on their experiences, here are 35 ideas for What To Put In A Care Package, categorized for easy browsing.
Tasty Treats: Comfort in Every Bite
1. Restaurant or Coffee Shop Gift Cards
Gift cards to local restaurants or coffee shops are invaluable. They offer the flexibility of a comforting treat or a simple meal on days when energy is low, and cooking feels impossible.
2. Food Delivery Service Gift Cards (Instacart, DoorDash, GrubHub)
Sometimes, the thought of cooking or even leaving the house to get food is just too much. Gift cards for delivery services like Instacart, DoorDash, or Grubhub provide the gift of nourishment delivered right to their door, offering immense relief and support.
3. Chocolate and Favorite Treats
The simple pleasure of a favorite treat can be profoundly uplifting. The taste of chocolate or another beloved snack can boost spirits and release dopamine in the brain, providing a moment of comfort.
4. Healthy Snacks and Easy Meals
Include a selection of healthy snacks or non-perishable, easy-to-prepare meals like mac and cheese. These are perfect for moments when appetite is small but a little something to graze on is needed.
5. Grocery Store Gift Cards
Grocery shopping can feel overwhelming and overstimulating, especially during difficult times. A grocery store gift card, particularly if it facilitates grocery delivery, is a practical and deeply helpful gift.
6. Tea, Coffee, or Hot Chocolate
The comforting power of a warm beverage cannot be overstated. Holding a hot mug and slowly sipping a favorite tea, coffee, or hot chocolate can be incredibly soothing, helping to restore calm to the mind and spirit. Consider adding a cozy mug or travel thermos to enhance the experience.
7. Honey Sticks
Beyond being a delicious treat, honey offers potential calming benefits. Some studies suggest honey may help ease anxiety. Honey sticks are a convenient and naturally soothing addition to a care package.
8. Water Bottle
A new, attractive water bottle serves as a gentle reminder to stay hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for overall well-being and crucial for brain function and healing, especially during stressful times.
Alt text: A person holding a thoughtfully curated care package basket filled with comforting items, symbolizing support and care.
Pamper Them: Gentle Self-Care Reminders
9. Lotion
A good quality lotion can be incredibly soothing and provide a simple act of self-care. Applying lotion can be a moment of gentle grounding and sensory comfort throughout the day.
10. Chapstick or Lip Balm
Stress and trauma can manifest physically, and lip biting is a common response. Chapstick or lip balm might seem simple, but it can offer significant comfort and relief, often overlooked but deeply appreciated.
11. Bubble Bath or Shower Steamers
Encourage relaxation and rejuvenation with bubble bath, shower steamers, or Epsom salts. These bath-time treats can transform a routine shower or bath into a mini spa experience, promoting calm and easing tension.
12. Body Scrubs or Soaps
The sensation of running water itself can be therapeutic, feeling like a symbolic washing away of stress and emotional weight. Adding a favorite scented soap or body scrub elevates this experience, stimulating the body’s relaxation responses, grounding them in the present moment, and leaving them feeling refreshed.
13. Toiletries
Basic toiletries like toothpaste, a new toothbrush, shampoo, and conditioner are practical yet thoughtful. Replenishing these everyday essentials can gently encourage a return to routine and self-care practices, even when energy is low.
Let’s Get Cozy: Comfort and Security
14. Fuzzy Socks
Items with comforting textures are excellent for reducing anxiety. Fuzzy socks provide warmth and a soothing tactile sensation on the feet, promoting relaxation and a sense of comfort.
15. Weighted Blanket
A weighted blanket is a truly exceptional gift for comfort and security. The gentle pressure of the blanket mimics a hug, which can reduce anxiety, promote feelings of safety, and provide comforting warmth.
16. Lavender-Scented Items
Lavender is renowned for its natural calming properties. Whether it’s a lavender sachet, lavender tea, or even lavender-scented lotion, incorporating real lavender can aid relaxation and improve sleep quality.
17. Essential Oils
Lavender essential oil, along with other calming scents, can be diffused, added to a bath, or gently applied (diluted) to pulse points like temples or wrists. Peppermint oil can be helpful for headaches or to boost energy. A small set of essential oils offers natural aromatherapy benefits.
Note: If the recipient has pets, ensure any essential oils included are pet-safe.
18. Heating Pad
Trauma and stress can manifest as physical tension and chills. A heating pad offers soothing warmth to relax tight muscles, alleviate aches, and provide comfort on cold days or during moments of physical discomfort.
Share a Little Light: Illuminating Comfort
19. Candle
Candles create a calming and cozy atmosphere. The soft glow and gentle scents can help shift focus to the present moment, offering a peaceful ambiance and promoting relaxation.
20. Nightlight
Experiencing trauma or grief can sometimes heighten anxieties, including fear of the dark. A nightlight provides a gentle source of light, offering comfort and security, especially at bedtime, without disrupting sleep.
21. Salt Lamp
Warm-toned lights, like reds, oranges, and golds, are often associated with calming and rejuvenating effects. A salt lamp emits a soft, warm glow, adding a touch of tranquility to their space. While claims of air-purifying and mood-boosting benefits are not fully scientifically substantiated, the warm light itself can be comforting.
Alt text: A steaming mug of hot chocolate adorned with marshmallows, representing warmth, comfort, and a simple indulgence within a care package.
Express Creativity: Engaging the Mind
22. Coloring Book and Art Supplies
During times of trauma, words and thoughts can feel jumbled and overwhelming. A coloring book, paired with colored pencils or markers, offers a non-verbal outlet for expression. Coloring can be a relaxing and meditative activity, helping to process emotions and quiet the mind.
23. Notepad and Pen
Memory can be significantly affected by stress and trauma. A notepad and pen provide a practical tool for jotting down reminders, to-do lists, or thoughts as they arise. Even simple self-care tasks can be hard to remember during challenging times, making a notepad a helpful aid.
24. Dot Journal
For those who find comfort in writing or drawing, a dot journal (with dot grid pages instead of lines) is a versatile and creative outlet. Dot journals offer a flexible space for personal reflection, journaling, or artistic expression as they navigate their healing journey.
Something to Read: Words of Comfort and Escape
25. Uplifting Book or Devotional
A short devotional, collection of inspiring quotes, or an uplifting book can offer moments of peace, encouragement, and a gentle shift in focus. Many devotionals are tailored to specific challenges, providing relevant comfort and support.
26. Magazines
Magazines are easily digestible and visually engaging, making them ideal for times when concentration is difficult. The shorter articles and varied content are perfect for brief moments of distraction and light reading.
27. Heartfelt Handwritten Notes
Feelings of isolation and discouragement are common during difficult times. Include handwritten notes expressing your care, support, and encouragement. Personal notes offer a tangible reminder that they are not alone and are cherished.
28. Puzzles and Games
Puzzles and games, such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, or Sudoku, offer a fun and engaging way to pass the time and gently stimulate the brain. These activities provide a healthy distraction and can help keep the mind active in a relaxing way.
Acts of Service: Practical Support
29. Massage Gift Certificate
The body often holds onto trauma in physical ways. A massage gift certificate offers the opportunity for professional relaxation and can help release physical tension and stress stored in muscles and tissues.
30. “IOU” Coupons for Help
Include personalized “IOU” coupons offering practical assistance, such as help with yard work, babysitting, pet care, or house cleaning. These coupons represent tangible support and can be redeemed when needed, easing everyday burdens.
Keep Their Fingers Busy: Fidgets for Focus
31. Fidget Items
Stress, anxiety, and trauma often manifest in restless energy and fidgeting. Include fidget items like stress balls, kinetic sand, Play-Doh, or a fidget spinner to provide a tactile outlet for nervous energy and promote focus.
32. Worry Stone
Worry stones are smooth, polished stones designed to be held and rubbed. Carrying a worry stone in a pocket offers a discreet and comforting tactile anchor to use whenever feelings of worry, stress, or anxiety arise. Some feature heart shapes or engraved inspirational words for added comfort.
Drown Out The Noise: Creating a Peaceful Environment
33. Soothing Music Playlist or CD
Music has a powerful impact on mood and well-being. Create a playlist or CD of calming music, nature sounds, or instrumental pieces. Music can aid relaxation, promote focus, and provide a sense of grounding in the present moment.
34. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Overstimulation and overwhelm are common experiences when dealing with trauma or grief. Noise-canceling headphones provide a valuable tool for creating a moment of quiet and retreat, even in busy environments. They offer a way to block out external noise and find a sense of calm.
35. White Noise Machine
A white noise machine or other sound machine can be incredibly helpful for sleep and relaxation. These machines mask distracting sounds and create a consistent, soothing soundscape, promoting restful sleep and a sense of calm.
These 35 ideas for what to put in a care package are intended to offer comfort, support, and a tangible expression of care to someone navigating a difficult time. What other thoughtful items would you add to a care package? Share your ideas in the comments below!
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