LDR Care Packages: The Ultimate Guide [2020 Edition]
In this guide we're not only going to show you the best long distance relationship care package ideas.
But also:
Everything else you need to know to make sure it arrives on time and in tact!
You're here because you want your care package to:
- Be unexpected
- Blow them away
- Fill them with joy
But most of all you want it show them just how much they mean to you.
Figuring out what to put in a care package for your long distance boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse can be daunting.
We believe we’ve gotten the process down to a science!
Here is everything you need to know about sending a care package that is bound to make them smile from ear to ear.
Why Send a Care Package?
Simply put, you should send a care package for two reason. One, it will make your partner feel good. Two, it will make you feel good!
Receiving mail in a time when everyone depends on cell phones and computers has become a rare occasion. Think about how excited you get when you receive something unexpected and awesome. That's exactly how your partner is going to feel!
Check out: The Odyssey Online's take on why receiving letters makes us feel loved.
It's also something very personal. Everything in it and the intricate details will show your partner not only the time and effort you put into it, but the lengths you're willing to go for them and the relationship.
How to Send a Care Package
A lot of planning is needed for an amazing care package. It will take a lot of time and effort, so here are our tips to making the creation process as smooth as possible.
Estimating Shipping Costs & Delivery Time
Shipping can be expensive. The cost will depend on the weight and size of the package and the distance it needs to travel.
It's helpful to get an estimate before beginning to put your LDR care package together as you may need to change to box size or leave out certain pieces.
Check your local post office or preferred shipping provider’s website to see your options.
We've put together a list of shipping calculators by provider and region below.
USA
CANADA
AUSTRALIA
UK
Cost of the Care Package Itself
Beyond shipping, the cost of items in a care package can add up.
The best way to avoid incurring a big expense is to plan ahead. For example, if you won’t be able to see your partner for Valentine’s Day and want to send them a care package, make a plan to buy an item each week.
Spending a little each week until is easier than having to drop a large amount at once.
Also, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty with DIY gifts! They can help save money and add a very personal touch.
Fragile Items
If you want to include items in your care package that could break, like a picture frame or mug, be sure to wrap it carefully.
This means using proper packing material, such as packing paper or bubble wrap.
It is best to not assume the tissue paper the cashier wrapped your mug in will be enough!
Food Care Packages
Different countries and shipping providers have varying rules, so be sure to check them out before spending your hard-earned money on something that may not get through customs.
As a guide, steer clear of homemade foods or anything that needs to be temperature controlled. Store bought food in original and sealed packaging that lists all ingredients and has a shelf life longer than 6 months should clear customs.
For more detailed information, ParcelHero.com has a great article on The Do's and Don'ts of Sending Parcels Abroad.
What to Send in a Care Package
Before we dive into specific long distance care packages, we believe there are some things that should always be included.
Notes
Words and sentiments are super important when you’re in an LDR. The message you send can vary greatly, just make sure it comes from the heart. Oh and be sure to include a list that explains what's included.
Pictures
Including pictures of you or both of you together will not only bring a smile to their face, but it gives them something to display. Plus if they're unframed, they won't take up much room!
Long Distance Relationship Care Package Ideas
A "Them" Themed Package
There isn’t a person in this world who wouldn’t love a care package filled with their favorite things! Fill a box with things you've found your partner loves and prepare for a gushing phone call when they receive it.
What to put in a 'Them' themed care package:
A "You" Themed Package
Your partner might know a lot about you, but do they know everything?! Why not make an entire care package around all things YOU?! This one is tons of fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative with it.
What to put in a 'You' themed care package:
Birthday Care Package
Let’s be honest, it sucks to be away from the person you love, especially on their a day like their birthday. Why not make them a care package to show how much they mean to you, even when so far apart.
Check out: Rachel's birthday care package from Countdowns & Cupcakes.
What to put in a birthday care package:
Anniversary Care Package
We’re not going to pretend that being apart is easy, but we will say that sending a care package will ease the pain a bit. Plan ahead for this one to make sure they get it on time!
What to put in an anniversary care package:
Valentine's Day Care Package
Show your love you’re thinking of them this Valentine’s Day with a fun care package. Since you can’t be together, they’ll love having a package to open up instead!
What to put in a Valentine's Day care package:
Not sure what to do on Valentine's Day? Check out our 23 LDR Date Night Ideas
Halloween Care Package
Halloween is definitely one of the most enjoyable and entertaining holidays to make a care package for! Though it may not seem as obvious a choice as Valentine’s Day or Christmas, that makes it all the more of a surprise for your honey. Don’t miss out on the pun, “I miss you boo!”
What to put in a Halloween care package:
Thanksgiving Care Package
Thanksgiving is all about appreciation, and they’re bound to feel appreciated with a surprise care package on their doorstep.
What to put in a Thanksgiving care package:
Christmas Care Package
If you’re spending the holidays apart, sending them a care package separate from the gift they are likely expecting is sure to bring them a ton of holiday cheer.
What to put in a Christmas care package:
Winter Care Package
It is scientifically proven that our mood changes as the days get shorter in winter. A care package will definitely give your partner a boost!
What to put in a winter care package:
Summer Care Package
Look out! Here comes another season! Summer is tons of fun, so make your significant other’s summer even better with an awesome package full of summer essentials.
What to put in a summer care package:
College Care Package
Is your partner at college? Whether they've just moved into the dorms or are stressing over finals and exams, a college care package is sure to help them.
What to put in a college care package:
The Sick Care Package
It can be hard when your partner is sick and you’re far away. Cheer them up and make them feel better, literally, with a care package containing everything they’ll need to feel better.
What to put in a sick care package:
The "I'm Coming Soon" Care Package
Hype up your visit and get your partner even more excited about your upcoming trip with a fun care package.
What to put in an 'I'm coming soon' care package:
The Essentials Care Package
Care packages don’t have to be overly complex. Sometimes just sending the person you love some basics, like toiletries and clothing, is a great way to go. You know it’s definitely something they’ll put to good use.
What to put in an essentials care package:
Open When Letters Care Package
We’re sure you’ve seen “Open When…” letters floating around the internet, and it’s an especially great idea of a care package. You write a series of letters to your significant other, instructing them when to open it.
This is an affordable option that’s also extremely heartfelt.
What letters to put in an 'Open When...' care package:
Junk Food Care Package
Sometimes people just need a treat! If your partner has been having a tough time lately, send them a nice package of junk food! It’ll be tons of fun for you to shop for, and equally as fun for them to eat.
What to put in a junk food care package:
Health Food Care Package
Junk food is nice and all, but a healthy care package is a great idea if your partner is a healthy eater, or is trying to change their habits in 2019. They’ll enjoy this package because it’s from the person they love, and you're helping to keep them motivated!
What to put in a health food care package:
Sports Care Package
If your partner has a team they always root for, consider that team for the theme of your next care package.
What to put in a sports care package:
Movie Buff Care Package
You can customize this based on your partner's film preferences and even send a favorite movie of yours that they haven’t seen. Make sure it's the director's cut!
What to put in a movie care package:
Bookworm Care Package
Fairly self explanatory! Here are a few literary care package ideas for the bookworm in your life.
What to put in a bookworm care package:
Military Care Package
Having a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse in the military can be extremely difficult, but sending a care package is one of the best ways to let them know you’re thinking about them. You can tailor the package however you want, from fun to functional.
Check out: Lauren Tamm's 75 Awesome Military Care Package Ideas
What to put in a military care package:
Zombie Apocalypse Care Package
This super awesome zombie apocalypse survival kit from Glued to My Craft deserves a special mention. If you think your significant other is the type of person to appreciate such a unique care package, you should definitely give it a go!
What to put in a zombie apocalypse care package:
What are your Long Distance Relationship Care Package Ideas?
Now it's your turn! Have you sent your partner, or received from them, an epic LDR care package worth raving about? Are you having trouble deciding what sort of package to send them? Feel free to drop any questions or comments below!
