Crafts

Creating a Care Package For Someone You Love (A "Coming Home" Project)

Posted on March 30, 2012 - 12:00:00 by

I've never been the recipient of a care package, but I have sent one more than a few times. I imagine that being far away from home, whether for service or for healthcare in another state or country, for school, or for fun can be difficult.

During my sister's study abroad in France I had a baby. Unfortunately, it was mere weeks after she had left, and she hadn't yet settled in, instead stumbling through the first 6 weeks of dorm life before being placed with a family, sad, and making several long distance phone calls home where I could tell she was crying but not trying to let on.

In talking with her, the most important things for her were the things that reminded her of home or took her mind off how much she missed home. Kind of a double-edged sword if you ask me.

Care Package items:

Postcards and stamps to write home with
A journal
A good book
Snacks that they can't get wherever they are (recipes below)

When sending snacks, think of things that will travel well. I opted for granola bars and trail mix, as those are the sorts of things I like snacking on. You can also send cookies and cupcakes (in a jar!?), but be sure to choose ones that don't have fillings or cream cheese bases that will go bad as they travel far.

Chewy Maple Sugar Granola Bars

2 cups quick rolled oats
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans and/or almonds
1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, cherries and/or blueberries)
6 tablespoons melted butter
6 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
1 tablespoon water

Heat oven to 350º F. Generously grease an 8"x8" pan or line with parchment paper. Mix together oats, sugar, flour, salt, nuts and fruit. In a separate bowl mix together the butter, syrup, honey and water. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, stirring well until thoroughly mixed.

Using the back of a spoon, press the mixture firmly to the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake at 350º F for 30-40 minutes until the top starts to brown. Remove from oven and cool completely. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container and pack in the care package.

Grab 'N Go Granola Trail Mix

Layered in a pint jar:

½ cup toasted almonds
¼ cup dark chocolate
½ cup small cinnamon graham crackers
½ cup cinnamon granola
¼ cup miniature marshmallows

Seal and place in the care package.