Send Your Love with DIY Care Packages for Kids

My two older kids will be spending a few weeks with their grandparents soon. This will be the longest we’ve been apart and, while I’m excited for them (and me), I know I’ll miss them terribly. So, I wanted to send some love in their suitcases. I decided a handmade gift would be a special way to connect while they’re away. These simple, DIY Care Packages for Kids are perfect when kids are away at camp, on study abroad, gone for a long weekend, or traveling for the summer.

I know my kids will get goodies and buy things along the way, so I wanted to make them something from my heart. They didn’t need more “stuff” or candy, so I looked for ideas to keep us connected using supplies I already have at home. I’ve loved working on these care packages for kids and I can’t wait to hide them in their suitcases!

DIY Care Packages for Kids

Supplies

• Colored Paper
• Stickers
• Markers
• Scissors
• Glue
• Computer Paper
• I Love You More Than… Printouts
• Note cards, stationary, and envelopes or postcards
• Stamps
• Large Manila Envelope

Instructions

Part I: Letters Home

1. Gather some note cards, stationary, and envelopes. You can also send postcards if you’d like. 1 to 2 cards per week is probably ideal.
2. Write a personal note to your child and invite them to use the enclosed cards to share their adventures with you through letters.
3. Add stamps in an envelope with your note and seal.
4. Stack the cards and envelopes with your note on top.
5. Tie together with a ribbon or string.

Part II: Open When

I originally discovered the basic idea behind this in a Christmas post from DadMumBaby.com. My daughter adapted it as a Mother’s Day Gift for grandma and I used it as inspiration to create my Open When Cards for these care packages for kids.

1. Print your favorite I Love You More Than… Pictures.
2. Cut out your pictures.
3. Take a piece of colored construction paper and fold in half.
4. Glue your picture to the top half of the paper.
5. Write a message on the second half of the paper and sign your name. These are my messages to the kids:
6. Fold the paper in half with the writing and picture folded in.
7. Fold over the top about 1 inch and secure closed with a sticker.
8. On the opposite side from the sticker, write a teaser message. I used:

• Open for a surprise…
• Open when you need my love…
• Open before breakfast…
  
• Open when you’re reading a good book…
• Open when you feel lonely…
• Open when you  miss me…
  

Part III: Create Your Package

I placed everything in a large manila envelope with a simple message to the kids. You can decorate with stickers or other embellishments if you’d like. Hide away in kids’ suitcases for them to discover when they arrive!

Do you have favorite things you include in a care package for kids?