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Grandkids love mail, and they also love packages! We think summer is the perfect time to send off Summer care packages to your grandkids. Your grown kids will also thank you, because it is one more tool in the toolbox to use as they respond to the familiar words “I’m bored.” We’ve purposely included lots of ideas that can be used creatively – a key to busting the boredom.
You’ll find affordable summer care packages ideas for all ages, and they cover a variety of interests!
No matter what items you include in your summer care package, consider sending a letter with more sentimentality along with it! Use this list of 52 letter ideas to get your wheels turning and check out the PLUS membership to save time and make affordable connections through mail every single month.
In This Post
Sidewalk Chalk
Kids can create games, write messages, and draw pictures.
If your grown kids are planning to be actively involved in the chalk drawing, send along these fun ideas from Super Healthy Kids for them to try out as a family.
A new bucket and shovel
They don’t have to be going to the beach to enjoy some new garden tools. They can dig in approved sections of their own yard, or use it inside to scoop up rice, beans, or piles of pom poms. Hopping in the tub for some fun water play is also an option. If your grown kids would like to be actively involved, include some small items for them to bury – then send the kids on a treasure hunt
Water Balloons
Check your local stores for quick fill water balloons. This is one example of the good old days not being so good! I remember trying to fill water balloons one at a time – tedious work! And if you haven’t seen them yet, you’ve got to take a look at these refillable water balloons. Simply open them up, hold them under water, and they will ‘self seal’ with a magnet. I am definitely putting these in my cart!
Paint by Numbers
They are so popular right now. You’ll find endless options for kids ages 6-8 and up. Maybe this is the perfect activity to purchase two or more of, then plan your own virtual paint party with the grandkids!
Bracelets
Send off supplies for friendship bracelets, beaded bracelets, or rubberband loom bracelets. They’ll have hours of fun creating a bracelet with just the right style in just the right colors for themselves and their friends. You could also download some pattern ideas to send along.
Stickers
For the younger set, you can never go wrong with stickers. Find sets that reflect their favorite activities, or a recent vacation they’ve enjoyed.
Books
A package with a couple of brand new books is a great gift to open in the summer. Consider their age and choose story books, chapter books, or puzzle books. I recently found a bluey puzzle (literally the pages have built in jigsaw puzzles) at Costco for my middle granddaughter who is a huge Bluey fan. It was a hit! Include a bookmark with a message from you to make it super personal!
Science Kits
Choose a prepackaged kit, or send the ingredients for a few simple experiments they can do on their own or with minimal parental involvement. To get you started here are some great ideas from Good Housekeeping.
Games and Snacks
Select a few fun game options that are age appropriate for your grandkids. Check with your grown kids to see if they own any of them. If not, send one their way, complete with some snacks – anything that won’t melt is a great idea! One game that we continue to go back to it Spot It. It is available in several different versions, and we’ve been able to adapt it so that multiple ages can play at the same time. Here’s a link to the classic Spot It, but you’ll also find Princess themes, Marvel, Squishmallows and more!
Spa Day
Pack up a selection of sheet masks, nail polishes and small lotions to send their way.
Summer memories
A journal and pen are great options for an activity to help them save their summer memories. Whether they are dictating their stories to their mom and dad, drawing pictures, or writing their own thoughts and memories down, it will be a gift to help them remember this season of their lives.
We hope you have a great time packing up a special surprise this summer! We know your grandkids are going to love receiving a special package that’s just from you. With these summer care packages, you’ll create lasting memories and help parents keep the boredom at bay.
