I can’t say that I am an empath, but what I can tell you is that I care deeply for people and their feelings. If they are hurting emotionally or physically then I hurt for them as well. If there is someone having a moment of celebration and joy, then I want to bring more joy to them. One of the things that I love doing is creating care packages for individuals. There are many types of care packages that can be created, it just depends on the circumstances.
Care packages are not just for the sick. A care package shows you care about and are thinking about that individual. It can be for a new pet, a baby, honeymoon, travels, birthdays, thinking of you, apologies, graduation, college, new co-worker, new employee, new boss, etc. The list goes on and on.
In order to make a great package you have to think of the person in which you are creating the package. What are their likes and dislikes? What is special to them? Do they like to read or do they like puzzles? There are so many questions to that go through my mind when I shop for somebody. I am not creating a generic grab bag type of package. A lot of packages you can buy online don’t have many items and they charge a fortune for them. I love purchasing each item and putting the package together as it allows me to put my all into creating the package. I know a lot of people don’t want to create their own packages as they feel they can’t make it pretty. The wonderful news is that it doesn’t have to be pretty. The items just need to be nicely and securely packed in a shippable box with an appropriate mailing label.
CANCER CARE PACKAGE:
My most thoughtful of care packages are for those individuals’ facing cancer so I thought I would address this topic first. It is the most emotional and thought-provoking package as the recipient needs to be careful with what they apply to their skin or what they use during chemotherapy or radiation treatments. The individuals that I have sent these types of packages have thoroughly enjoyed them and appreciated it very much.
Nice to wear around the house or while receiving treatment. The non-slip dots on the outsole will prevent the person from sliding and falling.
SOOTHING MOISTURE LIP BALM
This will help to soothe dry, sensitive lips and will keep them hydrated. It is free of fragrance and mineral oil and is suitable for sensitive skin.
HAND SANITIZER
After touching anything in the hospital or out in public, especially when your immune system is in a vulnerable position, hand sanitizer is a MUST. It should always be a habit to wash your hands as their first priority; however, hand sanitizer can temporarily be applied until they are able to wash their hands.
GEL BEAD EYE MASK
These types of masks can be used hot or cold. They are great for relief of migraines, puffy eyes, or just a relaxing experience for the eyes. They can be used at home or when traveling. Now their dry eyes can be relieved from relaxing a few minutes with a gel bead eye mask.
FRUIT FLAVORED ORGANIC POPS
Since dry mouth or cotton mouth is a symptom than can occur during chemotherapy or radiation treatments then throw in some fruit flavored organic pops. This will help bring moisture to their mouth while they are enjoying their sucker. This is a great alternative if they don’t want to take lozenges.
ACT XYLITOL LOZENGES
One of the symptoms you can obtain from having chemotherapy or radiation treatment is dry mouth. This is a great product to add to their package as it will instantly soothe and moisture their mouth and will eliminate ‘cotton-mouth’ in the moment.
BAUSCH AND LOMB EYE DROPS
When receiving treatments, not only will their mouth dry out, but their eyes dry out as well. Eye drops are great for this type of care package as it is a product the patient can use to soothe their eyes so that their eyes don’t stay scratchy and dried out.
ACRYLIC TUMBLER
Acrylic tumblers are a great idea as they are BPA free and can keep liquids hot or cold. They are great to have when receiving treatments and can be taken anywhere.
TRAVEL SIZE FACIAL TISSUES
You can get packs of travel tissue packets at Walmart or the Dollar Tree. I want to ensure they have a few packs of tissues so when they are in the car, getting a treatment, etc., they will always have tissues available for the sneezes or sniffles.
WHITE FINGERNAIL POLISH
Why white fingernail polish? When someone goes through chemotherapy sometimes the person’s nails can turn a blackish color. When they try and polish their nails with their favorite color the black will come through the color. A simple trick is to paint their nails with the white polish, allow it to dry and then paint their nails with their favorite color then they will no longer have the black bleed through their nail color.
AQUAPHORE LOTION
This moisturizer can be used to treat or prevent dry, scaly, rough and itchy skin. This is really a great product for skin burns from radiation therapy. I have had a people tell me they really loved this product as part of their care package.
FIG BARS
Everyone wants a snack! This is a healthy alternative to the snacks in a vending machine. I love Nature’s Bakery fig bars. I do not like traditional fig bars, but these are the best! They come in several flavors, and you can find them at Walmart
BODY WRAP
It’s bad enough that one has to sit for a period of time while receiving treatments, but it makes it a lot worse when the temperature in the facility is on the chilly side. It doesn’t matter what season it is; the inside of these buildings can be quite cold. I have found this becomes not only physical protection but brings emotional support as well. They can grip it, cover parts of their face – whatever mood they are in then they can use the wrap however they see fit. Everybody I have sent this package to loves everything in it; however, I get the most comments on the wrap. It is absolutely a package favorite!
PUZZLE BOOKS
This is an easy thing to give that someone can use while at home or receiving treatments. It passes the time while challenging their minds. There are so many types of puzzle books that you can find such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku, crime puzzles, word searches, etc. Don’t forget to throw in a couple of ink pens and pencils into your package!
ELASTINE PROPOLITHERA REPAIR SHAMPOO
This shampoo repairs damaged hair and gives it a smooth and manageable appearance. It is paraben-free and sulfate-free. It contains minerals, vitamins and amino acids and antioxidants to help restore weak and brittle hair.
JAR OF ORGANIC COCONUT OIL
This is a great product for many types of care packages as coconut oil can be used for many things. Coconut oil is beneficial for contributing to reducing stress, shiny hair, healthy skin, etc. It has a moisturizing effect when applied to the skin.
ISA KNOX ANEW SOLAIRE ACTIVE FACE & BODY PROTECTION LOTION BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50
Sunscreen is extremely important for anybody that is outdoors. You would be amazed at the amount of sun somebody gets just while driving or riding in a car. It is important to keep the skin protected from the sun!
DOVE SENSITIVE SKIN BEAUTY BAR
When undergoing treatment for cancer, a patient’s skin can be very fragile. If you are going to buy someone a bar of soap that belongs in this type of care package, that you buy soap that is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and is great for dry and sensitive skin.
Tips for packing it all together:
- Grab a box that is suitable for the products you are sending
- Place a protective layer of bubble wrap, foam peanuts or packaging plastic air bags wrap as the bottom layer – get a piece that will also go up the sides of the box
- Start placing your products in the box. Place extra wrap or foam around breakable items and in between items.
- Once you have everything packed up, place another protective layer of bubble wrap, foam peanuts or packaging plastic air bag wrap as your top layer (just like you did your bottom layer).
- Place a personal note or card on top of your protective layers so that is the first thing they see when they open the box. I generally recap each item in the box and why I have chosen that item for them. I may also write a Bible verse that applies to them. Be very thoughtful when writing your note.
- Seal the top of the box with tape and ensure you have your shipping address available
- I take my boxes to the UPS Store for shipment, and they will provide a label based on my shipping address for my recipient.
