Back-to-school care packages
This has been a summer of big kids around here – the two teenagers who live here have been working, the youngest is going into third grade but thinks she’s a teenager too, feelings about growing and grieving are so intertwined in this momma’s mind. Even so, it’s so fun to celebrate big kids – we hung lights by our pool so they could stay here later, we went with our teenagers and their friends to see Twisters, and I made care packages for a couple of incoming college friends we have.
It got me thinking about how it’s a simple way to love someone – show up with practical gifts. Really, if I had to sum up my love language, that may be it. My oldest child told me the other day, “You really like making basket gifts, don’t you?” I sure do. And big kids are a fun new audience in my life.
Of our two dear friends who are going to live in Murray State’s campus this coming year, one is a boy and one is a girl. They don’t really even know each other, but I’ve got them each a basket on my kitchen counter. This kind of gift could also work for any teacher, young adult, newly married couple, or anyone in a new living or school situation.
Here are what the care baskets, really, bins, include:
Tide Pods – Who doesn’t want some smell-good detergent that may be a preferred brand that they may not buy themselves?
Chip clips that double as magnets – Snacks and notes to self on the fridge are important whoever and wherever you are.
Clorox Wipes – I find cleaning happens best when there are tools readily available.
Treats – You can’t go wrong with mac & cheese cups, Pringles, LifeSaver Wint-O-Green mints, Extra Polar Ice chewing gym, and Haribo gummy bears.
Face cleansing wipes – Again, let’s my hygiene easy!
Ponytail holders – A girl can never have too many stored on her wrist, in her pocket, in her backpack, or beside her bed.
Playing cards – You never know when a game of Euchre, Rummy, or Spades is in order.
Sharpie – Always useful to have around for organization or hosting a party.
Post-It Notes – Like the Sharpie, you just never know. They work well as bookmarks too, you know, when the big kids are studying … uh-huh.
Plastic drinking cups – I got our friends some MSU Racers ones, but the fun options are unlimited! Paper plates, plasticware, and Zip-locs are other ideas.
Hand sanitizer – Again, the ease of cleanliness.
Plus the bin itself can be useful for many things – socks, school supplies, snacks, books, or whatever else needs storing.
What would you like to have in a basket of everyday, useful treats?
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If you like all these ideas, I have them saved together as a collection on my Walmart Creator storefront. When you buy things through my links, the price doesn’t change, but you support this small business of mine.