The Best Things to Include in a Care Package for a Boyfriend

A care package is a great way to show someone you're thinking of them, whether you live next door or on separate continents. If you're marking a special occasion or want to put together a surprise gift just because, a care package for your boyfriend is a great choice to show him some love.

In this article, we'll give you some ideas for what to put in a care package for a boyfriend, whether you're celebrating a holiday or anniversary, or you just want to cheer him up when he's feeling sad or stressed. Not all care packages are created equally, but we've got all the ideas you'll need in order to put together a great one.

In this article:

• What to Put in a Care Package for Your Boyfriend
• Sample Care Package Messages to Your Boyfriend
• Where to Buy Boyfriend Care Package Supplies

What to Put in a Care Package for Your Boyfriend

Wondering how to make a care package for your boyfriend? We've got all the tips you need. The best thing about a care package is that the entire collection of items is handpicked for that special someone—in this case, your boyfriend. That alone is sure to make him feel pretty special. But a little bit of thought goes a long way when it comes to curating care package items for a boyfriend, especially if you'd like the package to serve a specific purpose, like curing the cold he picked up after studying for finals. Basically, anything that feels personal to him is fair game. Snacks are always welcome, as are practical items like medicine (if he's sick) or some cool office supplies (if he's been inundated with work or studying). But you can also spark some joy with items like a new book to dig into, a giftcard for food delivery or a bag of his favorite coffee grounds/beans. Keep reading for some of our favorite things to put in a boyfriend care package, no matter what the occasion.

For a Special Occasion

Putting together a DIY care package for your boyfriend to help celebrate a special occasion, like his birthday or your anniversary? The sky's the limit here and so is the amount you could spend. Keep it simple or make it lavish—either way, he's sure to appreciate the thought. If you've chosen to purchase one main gift for this occasion, you could choose to include it in the care package, then add a few smaller gifts to round it out and make it look festive (candy and a card are great options). Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Gift card
• His favorite candy or snacks
• Stainless steel water bottle
• Book by one of his favorite authors
• Cologne
• Cool baseball cap

For a Faraway Boyfriend

Being in love in different locations can be tough on both partners, but a care package goes a long way (pardon the pun) toward maintaining the connection between the two of you. When putting together a long-distance relationship gift care package, don't forget to consider shipping costs. In order to keep the amount lower, look for small items that don't weigh much and assemble your care package at home before heading to the post office in order to save on supplies. Here are just some of our favorite care package items for a boyfriend who lives far away.

• Touch lamps
• Air plant with terrarium
• We're Not Strangers card game for couples
• Customized coffee mug
• Box of candy bars
• Sample sizes of his favorite toiletry brands

For School or Studying

Maybe he's put his life on hold to pursue a degree. If so, a care package can be just the way to show that you support his efforts and dedication. These boyfriend care package ideas will make those late-night study sessions a bit more bearable, with plenty of items to cheer him on and keep him motivated.

• Jerky
• Lap desk
• Study lamp with USB-charging base
• Cool or funny pens and pencils
• Bluetooth headphones
• Highlighters
• Hardbound notebook or journal

For a Sick Boyfriend

Is there anything worse than your boyfriend being under the weather? We think not! A cute care package for your boyfriend is just the ticket when he's fighting off nasty germs. Help him feel better in no time by including these feel-good googies.

• Box of tea
• Saltine crackers
• Cozy blanket
• Heating pad
• Robe and slippers
• Streaming service gift card
• Pajama pants
• Epsom salts for a bath

For a Stressed Boyfriend

Feeling super stressed is never a good thing, but if there's a silver lining, it's that you get to take care of your love and help him feel more calm and focused. Start by sending a surprise care package for your boyfriend that lets him know you're thinking of him and hoping for the best during these stressful times, whether it's work issues or more personal burdens he's dealing with. Here are some great things to put in a care package for a boyfriend who's feeling life's pressures lately.

• Joke book
• Funny movie
• A few of his favorite comic books (or a new series!)
• Stress relief ball
• Muscle rub
• Hard candies/gum
• Bottle of wine or case of his favorite beer (if you're not mailing the box)

For a Sad Boyfriend

If your boyfriend is grieving or just feeling a bit blue, a care package might be just the thing to get him on the road to healing. In this case, it's all about filling it with things that let him know you care and that you're thinking about him if you two can't be together (or if he needs some solo time to process his emotions).

• Cheer-up card
• One of your shirts or another article of clothing that bears your scent
• Motivational book or book of encouraging quotes
• Hardbound journal
• Worry stone
• His favorite treats or snacks
• Keychain with a sweet message

Sample Care Package Messages to Your Boyfriend

After you put together a care package for your boyfriend, you'll want to include a note to let him know how much he means to you and, of course, why you're sending him a care package. You can keep things short and sweet or go the love letter route if you're feeling warm and fuzzy. Below, some of our favorite care package messages for a boyfriend:

• Even though we can't be together all the time, I want you to know you're always in my thoughts. I love and miss you so much!
• I can tell you're feeling stressed out lately and I know you've got a lot on your plate. I thought these small gifts might ease the burden just a little bit. I'm always here if you need to talk.
• I am so sorry you're going through such a tough time right now. I hope this care package puts a smile on your face.
• Just a fun care package to let you know I'm thinking of you and I love you!
  
• Happy birthday! Hope these gifts make you happy on your special day!
• To my love on our anniversary: Here's a collection of gifts to show you just how much you mean to me, today and every day. Love you!
• We are together in spirit, even though we can't be together right now. This care package is a way to bring us closer. I can't wait to see you again.
• I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. I've put together some items that'll hopefully help you to feel more comfortable until you're well again. Love you so much!
• What do I do when I miss you? I collect little gifts to send to you in a care package. It helps me to feel closer to you and I hope this care package helps you feel closer to me, too. Love you!
• Until the semester is over and we can be together again, here's a care package with some things that'll help you with your studies. Happy opening!

Where to Buy Boyfriend Care Package Supplies

Now that we've given you lots of great ideas of things to put in a care package for a boyfriend, it's time to start shopping. When assembling a care package, you could choose to just collect little things you've picked up for your boyfriend as you go about your daily life. After all, he's probably always top of mind! But if you need a bit of shopping inspo, we've got it right here. Below, we've listed some of our favorite places to shop for care package items.

• Etsy: Etsy is your one-stop shop for all things handmade or personalized. Here, you'll find wonderful items to help you make a DIY care package for your boyfriend. Consider items like a coffee mug displaying a couple that you can customize to look like you two, a personalized pocket knife or keychain or even a cozy blanket with his initials.
• The Knot Shop: The perfect place for small, filler items like a flask, shot glass or pint glass, The Knot Shop offers personalizable goods at great prices.
• Amazon: These days, there isn't much you can't find on Amazon. It's a great place to turn for everyday items and gifts alike. Plus, with fast shipping, it's a sure way to quickly put together a great care package.