Tips and ideas for care packages for seniors

When you can’t be with a loved one in person, a thoughtful care package can lift their spirits with special treats, useful items, and reminders that you’re thinking of them. Wondering what to include? These ideas can help you customize a care package for someone who lives far away, recently moved into an assisted living community, or could simply use something to look forward to.

Care package ideas for older adults

Once you’ve decided to put together a package for an older loved one, the next question is what to include. Consider a mix of the following ideas, but don’t feel that you need to go overboard. A small package of cookies or a large envelope filled with the kids’ drawings can be just as welcome as a bigger box of gifts.

Treats: Favorite candy, cookies, or savory snacks are always welcome, especially local delicacies your loved one may not be able to get where they live.

Books: Your choices will depend on how well you know your loved one’s tastes, but consider sending books or audiobooks, along with a device to play them on if needed.

Games or puzzles: Many older adults enjoy Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and other games and puzzles. You can send a fresh puzzle book periodically. These activities may have the added benefit of helping keep an older adult’s mind sharp.

Coloring books: Coloring isn’t just for kids. You can find beautiful adult coloring books for many interests, and adults of all ages may find the activity soothing. Don’t forget to include colored pencils or markers.

Letters, pictures, and cards: Even a short letter describing what you or your family has been doing lately can mean a lot. Get kids involved by having them practice signing their names or writing a letter or story for your loved one. If they enjoy drawing or crafting, send their pictures and projects along with tape or cute magnets so your loved one can display them.

Stationery, calendars, and journals: Include comfortable pens or pencils, especially if your loved one has dexterity issues. They may also enjoy blank books or pretty stationery for keeping up with correspondence.

Local newspapers: Although even small towns generally have an online news outlet, your loved one may appreciate receiving the printed version of their hometown publication.

Recurring or subscription packages: These may not feel as personal as a gift basket you assemble yourself, but themed subscriptions are available for many hobbies. Options include craft boxes, wine subscriptions, and cosmetic or skin care packages.

Fresh-cut flowers: They may not come in a traditional care package, but a fresh-cut flower subscription can give an older adult something cheerful to look forward to each month.

Gift cards: If you’re not sure what your loved one would like but know where they enjoy shopping or eating, send a gift card to a favorite store or restaurant.

Holiday care package ideas for older adults

A holiday care package can show your loved one that you’re thinking of them, even if they’re celebrating in an assisted living community or with other family members. These gift ideas can work for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another fall or winter celebration.

Family recipes: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions, but consider baking your loved one’s favorite cookies or holiday treats. Fresh toasted or candied nuts, cookies, tarts, biscotti, or kolaczki can bring back memories of what they enjoyed making or eating over the years. If family recipes are unlikely to appear at cookie exchanges or be prepared by community staff, your loved one may especially appreciate the fond memories your package brings back.

Favorite candies: If your loved one grew up in another country, traveled extensively in their youth, or is simply accustomed to the flavors of your culture, visit specialty stores in your city to find quality baklava or the rice candy they loved as a child. If your loved one has ever spoken fondly about a Western candy you’ve never heard of or seen on a store shelf, check out The Vermont Country Store. It has a selection of old-fashioned candies that can be difficult to find.

Tea, hot chocolate, cider, or other warm drinks: Many hot drink mixes and blends are available. Send your loved one’s favorites or a few new flavors to try. You could also include a special mug or teacup.

Favorite lotion, lip balm, or other toiletries: Cold weather can take a toll on skin. Send your loved one’s favorite hand or body lotion scents, or choose unscented, gentle formulas if they have sensitive skin.

Warm socks, slippers, a shawl, or a lap blanket: If you or someone in your family has the skills to make these items by hand, consider sharing them with an older loved one. Even people living in warmer climates, such as Florida or Arizona, can get chilled and may appreciate these homemade gifts.

Simple decorations: Send festive holiday decorations that are easy to hang or assemble. Garlands made of paper, yarn, or other lightweight materials are easy to ship and string along headboards or over doors. Small wreaths or swags can hang on doors or door handles. Window decals or faux, battery-powered votive candles can brighten a room without violating an assisted living community’s rules.

Send holiday care packages early when possible

This time of year can get busy, so try to send your loved one’s package early. Still, remember that “Better late than never” applies, provided you’re not sending perishables. Your loved one will almost certainly forgive a care package that misses the holiday date. If the holiday includes gift-giving, try to include the gift in your care package. If you can’t, make it clear that this is a “Thinking of you!” package and that the gift will arrive separately.

Aim to send a care package once or twice a year

If you can put together and ship a care package every month, more power to you. For many people, however, this kind of task can be difficult to remember, especially when a loved one is hard to shop for or you want to avoid sending impersonal knickknacks. An occasional package of thoughtfully assembled goodies will be better received than frequent boxes filled with unwelcome stuff.