13 answers

Ideas for Care Package

Hi Moms,
I have a very good friend from medical school who is pretty blue right now. He has always been free thinking, extroverted, brilliant, and charitable-- the one everyone turned to in a crisis. Last year he started a business (in a recession) and in now floundering. I spoke to him on the phone for about an hour last night, and things sound really bad. I couldn't tell whether the worst part is the financial whollop he has taken, or that his self worth is crumbling. Anyway, I want to send him a care package (he lives 1800 miles away from me), but am sort of at a loss- besides something dessert-ish and maybe $20 for a beer. Everything else I can think of to put in the box just seems so petty in light of his present mood. Also, I don't want to send anything that could be construed as "too friendly"-- I am happily married with a toddler. Any ideas-- BTW, he's in his early 40s?

What can I do next?

Featured Answers

It's not homemade, but I've sent the mixed dozen brownies from Embrace Sweets many times and am told they're delicious. That way, it's may send a
"friendly, but not too friendly" message.

1 mom found this helpful

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Maybe what he really needs is a box full of SILLY!? Like a troll, a whoopee cushion, chips, snacks, lifesavers, a pet rock, a play doctor kit, a stuffed animal, etc....just funny stuff. You could find things that were trends from college.....
OR what about sending him a floral arrangement for the business, candygram, gift card for a local restaurant, bookstore card, Beer-of the month club....I agree ask your hubby for some advice. have your toddler draw him a picture to include!

3 moms found this helpful

That is so nice of you! Cookies are always a hit. You can include a note that your toddler "helped" you. That would be a subtle reminder that you have a family, but not weird. What about sending a nice bottle of scotch? You could bubble wrap it. Maybe your husband could help pick something out? That way it is a family effort for a family friend.

Added: Please try to remember this is a guy. Ask your husband if you don't believe me, but it would probably weird him out to get something like a picture frame, or anything "sentimental". He's having a tough time, not turning into a woman.

2 moms found this helpful

You could put together things like: a movie, w/candy, microwave popcorn, soda, add some playing cards, crossword puzzles, etc. Just put together a bunch of little things and then write him a little note letting him know that you are thinking about him and hopes this will cheer him up. Let him know you hope things turn around for his business. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

It's not homemade, but I've sent the mixed dozen brownies from Embrace Sweets many times and am told they're delicious. That way, it's may send a
"friendly, but not too friendly" message.

1 mom found this helpful

how about a mixed cd--really upbeat music? and maybe a drawing from your child too? i like the other ideas below too!

1 mom found this helpful

You are a very good friend to think of this for him. Perhaps a nice card would go along way to say how much you care. Package ideas would be anything that you think would make him smile, pictures of your child doing silly things, a few strips of his favorite comic, a dvd of his favorite movie and a bag of popcorn, a good book, a cd of his favorite band or a cd of music reminiscent of the time when you lived closer (ex. sound of the 80's) a souvenir from the past (or a recreated one) that is attached to a fun memory, mardi gras beads / trinkets, a smiley face pen. Given the qualities you listed anything out of the ordinary should work great, the idea is that you care and are thinking of his well being, not so much about what is in the box.

1 mom found this helpful

A good joke book? Did he used to spend time playing an instrument or being artistic? - maybe a music book or art supplies.

1 mom found this helpful

maybe a saying in a picture frame.. like you can do it.. or something like a mug with hang in there... and maybe a few scratch off lottery tickets... just wish him good luck.. tell him to hang in there and you are available to talk... tell him your sending him a great big hug...

1 mom found this helpful

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