Things To Mail Your Grandkids

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13+ Care Package Ideas to Kickstart Your Connections

We’re continuing our snail mail series this week with fun things to mail your grandkids—and let me tell you, week one was a hit!

📬 If you missed it, check out our Pen Pal ideas and read about the benefits of having a pen pal here.

I sent my granddaughter Morgan her first letter, and she loves to ‘read’ it over and over. She even filled in some of the boxes on the template and dictated the rest to me through her mom. (Thanks, Amanda!)

Update 2025: We’ve now been connecting long distance for over SEVEN YEARS! When we first started using snail mail to stay connected, I relied on this simple set of pen pal templates to keep the letters going. It made staying in touch so easy! Now, we use O ver the River PLUS printables to maintain our monthly connections via mail, video chat and those special in person visits, and I love how effortless it feels.

Why Send Care Packages?

If you’ve been following along, you know that consistency in relationships is key to strong grandparent-grandchild connections. Sending letters is a great way to keep that connection alive, but sometimes, you might want to send something a little bigger—a care package!

A thoughtful care package shows your grandkids you’re thinking of them and that you truly know what they love. Plus, it doesn’t have to be expensive! Whether you hand-pick items yourself or let Amazon or Walmart do the work, a simple package can make a big impact.

Looking for things to mail your grandkids that will brighten their day? Here are some ideas!

‘Show You Know Them’ Mail

Here are some care package ideas that show you’re paying attention to their world:

Cheer Them On in New Things 🎉

Are they starting a new sport? Learning an instrument? Trying out a hobby? Moving into a dorm? Beginning a new job? Send a little encouragement!
Ideas: A small piece of gear for their new activity, a motivational note, or a themed surprise related to their new venture.

Share Things They Enjoy 📚

If you come across an article, book, or keepsake related to their interests, mail it with a note saying why it reminded you of them.
Pair it with a favorite snack for an extra personal touch.

Remind Them of a Shared Memory

When Morgan last visited, she found a flat rock outside. That rock became a toy, a cooking pan, a desk—you name it!
After she left, I took pictures of our adventures with the rock, then mailed them to her with a note: “The rock wants to visit YOUR house now!”
Small, thoughtful gestures like this keep memories alive and remind grandkids that they are always in your heart.

Themed Care Package Ideas 🎁

Themed boxes are an easy way to add extra fun and creativity to your care packages! Here are a few simple ideas:

Get well box (cozy socks, tea, a book, and a handwritten note)
Seasonal box (Happy Fall, Spring, Summer, or Winter!)
Snack & Movie Night (their favorite snacks + a streaming gift card)
Morning box (coffee for older grands, cereal bars for little ones)
Storytime box (a book, flashlight, and cozy blanket)
New driver survival kit (gas gift card, emergency snacks, keychain flashlight)
Cheering You Up box (small gifts, stickers, and a note)
Craft Kit (DIY supplies for creative fun)

If you’re wondering what things to mail your grandkids that will truly make an impact, these themed care packages are a great starting point!

Remember, a thoughtful care package doesn’t need to cost much—it’s the thought behind it that makes it special.

9 Items I Put in My Most Recent Care Package

I sent this care package to my five-year-old granddaughter just for fun (not for a birthday or holiday). If you’re like me and sometimes need a kickstart for creativity, here’s what I included:

1️⃣ Reusable Stickers – She loved the mermaid set in the last care package, so I got the princess version this time.

2️⃣ Memory Match Game – She plays this at Great Grandma’s, so now she has her own!

3️⃣ Ollie Coloring Book – She loves the character Ollie the Owl from church.

4️⃣ Tropical Markers – Perfect for our FaceTime coloring dates.

5️⃣ Snacks – Goldfish, fruit snacks, fruit leather—lightweight and fun!

6️⃣ The Princess in Black Book #3 – She borrowed the first two from the library and loved them.

7️⃣ A Recent Picture of Us Together – Simple, but so meaningful.

8️⃣ A Personalized Note – Because nothing replaces the power of words.

9️⃣ A Little Surprise – Sometimes, an unexpected addition makes all the difference!

The best part? It doesn’t have to be perfect—connection over perfection!

Final Thoughts

Putting together a box of things to mail your grandkids is a really fun way to stay connected, whether you’re near or far. The key isn’t spending a lot—it’s about showing up for your grandkids in small, consistent ways that make a big impact.

Want even more ready-to-go ideas for connecting with your grandkids?