There is a certain joy in putting together summer camp care packages for my tweens and teens each year. It’s not just loading them up with stuff so I can make sure they remember me (ha), it’s that a summer camp care package can provide them with some little surprises to help them run around with friends, play in the lake, be silly, stay up too late, fill up their MadLibs with “edgy” adjectives, read with flashlights in the dark, roast marshmallows and just be kids for a few weeks without phones and gadgets.
Of course, finding and sending great care package gifts to summer camp is my way of saying I know you’re having fun but I still miss you beyond belief!
(And maybe, if I’m lucky, it will give them an opportunity to write home more than once a summer? If only.)
Related: These sleepaway camp packing tips keep things stress-free. (If not tear-free.)
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If you’re looking for the best summer care package ideas to send to sleepaway camp, these are the gifts I’ve found over the past decade that are loved, shared, saved, get the most use, and are requested again and again.
Plus, my kids have approved them all, so there’s that, but YMMV. More tips:
Always check your camp’s guidelines for care packages. Some are pretty loose with the recommendations, others are wildly specific.
Send the camp care package guidelines to all those generous friends and grandparents who want to send gifts to camp too,
Consider care package gifts that can be enjoyed by the entire bunk. Not that every kid needs a giant dragon Squishmallow, but when you also send a giant pack of stickers or a big box of crafting supplies, it’s good for everyone.
I’m including items here that you can buy online from sites like Etsy, Amazon and Target in part because tthey’ll ship directly to your kids, which is pretty convenient.
I’m also a fan of supporting my local neighborhood shops; boutiques, clothing stores, hardware stores, drugstores and chemists, craft stores are all are packed with fun summer care package gift ideas. You can wrap them up yourself with a more personal touch before sending them off.
Those USPS Flat Rate Boxes are the shipping deal of the century!
Remember that whatever you send (ahem, giant Squishmallow) needs to make it back home somehow.
And finally, remember that personalized clothing labels on EVERYTHING can’t hurt. Send more. Really.
Yes, this is the one care package idea that benefits me possibly more than my own kids. Why do you think I listed it first! I love this personalized camp stationery by independent designer August & Oak from Minted, but there are plenty of designs to suit your own tween or teen’s style and interests.
Minted can ship it right to your camper, or, if you’re sending stationery yourself, be sure to include some pre-addressed envelopes along with stamps. It really helps. (Why do kids hate addressing envelopes so much?)
One more tip for parents with reluctant writers: When my youngest first went to summer camp, a single-sided card like this sweet starry night stationery or the POW comic-style stationery was perfect — the limited space made “filling the page” seem less daunting to her. Did I get tons of cards in the mail? No. But I’ve still saved the ones I did get.
When camps say no to phones, you can send your kid to camp with an old point-and-shoot you may have around, or check out my recent recommendations for the best camp-approved cameras to keep kids unplugged. My own kids’ favorite is definitely the Instax Mini 12 — compare prices at Amazon and Target where you might find certain colors discounted. A Fujifilm Instax bundle includes everything they’ll need, including a carrying case. And don’t forget to send extra Instax Film, which gets significantly more affordable in bulk.
(Ha, as I click the links for this article, Amazon is telling me “You have purchased this item 6 times” so clearly my kids are fans of the film with the fun borders.)
Check the article for other good cameras to send to summer camp, including a point-and-shoot, and a recyclable disposable. I would only suggest you get a camera from a brand you know if you’re shopping on Amazon — opt for Cannon, Fuji, Kodak, Olympus, Sony over GRAMMOORPIX or whatever.
Tip: Be sure they have all the batteries they need, plus a memory card (SanDisk is always reliable and affordable) that holds enough snaps for the summer — kids are used to nearly unlimited storage, having grown up with smartphone cameras.
We’ve always shared our favorite DIY craft kit gifts for kids — and those also come in handy for camp care package ideas for your teens and even younger kids. That means both boys and girls. But start with friendship bracelet embroidery floss packs! They’re super affordable (under $10 for 50 colors right now) and make a big impression — you can get enough for the entire bunk. Print some friendship bracelet patterns to send in the camp care package too.
Klutz also makes an all-in-one Friendship Bracelet Kit including supplies and instructions, that my own kids love. It flew off the Amazon shelves on Prime Day last year so get one while you can! Or check out the one from Pinwheel Crafts above, that’s so gifty in that cute box and gets great reviews.
Beaded bracelet kits are also huge again, even for tweens and teens. (Thank Taylor for that.) This one from Super Smalls is beautiful! Or grab a beaded bracelet kit from Amazon that includes letter beads so kids can make some with their friends’ names or nicknames (or superhero alter egos?) to make them more special.
If your kids prefer lanyards (or gimp or scoubidou, depending where you live), grab a lanyard kit that includes the hooks maybe include some printed lanyard pattern instructions.
Klutz makes so many cool craft kits that are fun for groups of kids, including a cool Star Wars Folded Flyers paper craft kit. Or go super old school with their Cats Cradle Kit for under $10. There’s enough that you could send a new craft kit to summer camp each week!
If you’re sending kids to a themed camp, whether it’s for sports, computers, theater, space, or roughing it in the woods, you can find a journal to suit the theme at Minted. Love this personalized basketball journal for kids who are going to be spending summer on the court. Another camp care package idea for tweens and teens is one of the personalized photo journals from Minted with a picture of the family pet they’re missing. (Hey, maybe if your kid doesn’t write home to you, they’ll write home to the dog.) Use the word “woof” instead of a name in the personalization space.
More affordably, Paperage makes blank journals in every color imaginable on Amazon, whether you have a doodler, a poet, or a kid who likes to play dots and boxes with friends. It’s simple enough that even picky teens won’t think it’s cringe. I’d stock up in lots of colors.
Of course any spiral notebook or journal will do, like one from a drugstore or local office supply place — and you can always make it special by covering it with stickers. Which brings me to…
Shades from my own misspent youth, kids are still going crazy for stickers — to decorate water bottles, notebooks, letters home to friends, laptops, backpacks, basically anything. Pick something your kids love, from cat memes to Mario, anime characters, rock bands…even a pack of 104 Marvel Avengers stickers (above) for just $6.99 if you hurry.
I’ll be honest, I am a little picky when it comes to the stuff my kids stick all over their bodies and I’m on the fence about the inks used in the giant no-brand tattoo packs on Amazon. We’re longtime fans of safe Tattly Tattoo kid designs and teen designs — but admittedly they can get expensive if you’re looking to cover (ha) the whole bunk. Alternately, check out the INKED by Dani tattoo packs at Claire’s. Also, look at the Bic Bodymark Temporary Tattoo Pens, which kids looooove. And on sale!
In fact, my own kids told me, “Don’t forget to include those cool tattoo markers on your post” so…high recommendation indeed.
It’s hard to know where to start when I’m asked to recommend games for summer camp, because games the whole bunk can play is always a favorite care package gift with my kids. My now 17-year-old counselor is so obsessed with Ultimate Werewolf as a camper, that every year on arrival day, her own counselors would help her unpack and cheer when they get to the box of cards! Hilarious.
PS a plain old deck of cards “is a fan favorite,” according to my teens. Or ones with a fun design like these Keith Haring playing cards. Check out this post on 5 card games for kids using a regular deck of cards
Other favorite camp games for groups:
Also seee our posts on the best group card games to play with the whole family, and 8 of our favorite card games for 6 or more players.
Kids get sick of the same clothes, especially if they’re away for 4 or more weeks. Sending a new shirt that reflects their interests — sports, movies, theater, music, or even a favorite show they’re missing — can be a great way to make new friends. (“Hey, you like Daria too?” “Wait, is that a real vintage Star Wars tee?”
Retro band shirts (like Queen, above from Target) are so popular now, nearly every big clothing chain sells them pretty affordably. Check GAP, Target, 80s Tees, Tilly’s, and of course…Hot Topic.
Tip: Even if you’re shopping for girls, consider looking in boys/men if you want a classic t-shirt that isn’t a tiny tank or a belly shirt. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but sometimes you just want a regular old t-shirt, ya know?)
Art Supplies and Gifts to Get Them Doodling
When it’s quiet time in the bunk, sometimes the kids would rather have time to themselves to draw, sketch, or doodle. I love sending ideas like:
Alternately, we’ve always been fans of Boogie Board reusable writing tablets, and for younger tweens and kids, their tiny new Sketch Pals mini tablets are so fun for playing tic tac toe or boxes with bunkmates. It’s a care package idea that’s screen-like…but not electronic.
Tape and Scissors
Why is tape such a hot commodity at summer camp? I have no idea but every year my kids beg for rolls of tape. Send some — along with a pair of scissors — and your kid may be the most popular kid in the bunk.
There are tons of fun, affordable multi-packs of socks these days but my kids would flip out for these Muppet socks with Beaker and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew from Target! Isn’t it great that socks are no longer considered lame? Another option is a pair of affordable, fun sunglasses. like these rainbow Wafarer-style shades or tinted aviator glasses.
Books for Camp. (No better time than rest time for reading.)
Even kids who are reluctant readers all year get more motivated when all their bunkmates are buried between the pages during rest hour after lunch. Tip: Have your kid make up an Amazon wishlist for books they want before camp begins, to help you out.
A few years back, my 14-year-old packed up YA books including Cool for Summer by Dahlia Adler, One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus, (she’s now out with the new sequel, One of Us Is Back) and They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera. (She said “it’s good to read a sad book when you’re surrounded by friends.”)
The hot YA book right now: The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer. Or get inspired with these terrific posts filled with book recommendations:
Some Health and Hygiene Care Package Goodies.(Can’t help it, I’m a mom.)
I know that some camps are strict about sending even the most basic first-aid items, so check policies first. But I love this tiny, affordable First Aid Travel Kit made for kids, packed with everything they might need.
Other practical care package gifts to keep them out of the nurse’s office:
If your camp allows them, my kids love getting fun rafts and floats (this one from the aptly named Funboy) to keep them cool in the water. Also consider flying discs (AKA Frisbees) a Kadima set for paddle ball without the net; a light-up Yo-Yo; the outrageous Quantum Bubbler Set to amp up regular old bubbles; a silly inflatable beach ball. Of course, camps should have plenty of their own toys and sporting equipment, but these care package gifts can change up the routine a bit during free swim and free play — or supplement items that a camp doesn’t have on hand.
Do kids need mascara for camp? This mom says no. But I’ve come to accept that there are times that campers dress up in costumes, act in plays, attend silly-themed dress-up dinners, or even go to dances or socials.
My kids loooove the soft, luxe Original Makeup Erasers as an alternative to scratchy washcloths. They take off everything from sunscreen and bug spray to makeup and random pen marks — and guys love them too. A 7-day set comes in rainbow colors, neutrals — even new Hello Kitty patterns — and includes a mini mesh laundry bag so they can refresh them each week. (Note the brand sent me some to try out and now we all are big fans! Find them at The Original Makeup Eraser website or lots of options direct from the brand on Amazon or Target.)
Other ideas that campers like to get:
I resisted Crocs basically, forever, until I came to accept that they’re a decent, no-slip, waterproof option for camp. My kids love getting packs of Jibbitz in a theme that their bunk friends love — Minions, Minecraft, rainbows, Spongebob, NBA teams, Star Wars — so they can split them up. It’s a whole bonding thing. Check out the Jibbitz Deals section for discounts because they costs can add up. (If you see them on sale at a local shoe store, grab them.)
There is no stopping the Squishmallow craze, if my kids’ summer camp bunks are any indication. There are so many cute camp-themed ones on sale on Amazon under $15 or $20 like a moose or a racoon. The 3-pack mystery boxes are also so fun and relatively compact for packing. Psst…if you want that 20″ S’mores Squishmallow, I tracked it down at Walmart but…let’s just say it’s a splurge. Check your local specialty toy store too.
I had one kid in a camp that was a big N-O on food in care packages…then the other three were in a camp that’s like, BRING IT ON PARENTS! If your camp falls into the latter category, I always turn to s’mores. This ready-to-ship s’mores kit from Hershey’s is a great value. Just add sticks.
If chocolate is a problem, Dylan’s Candy Bar has a great selection of bulk gummies that kids love (and won’t melt); or check their summer camp care package section, which can be a little extra…but fun. I recommend the tackle boxes. Other ideas include Twizzlers, Smarties, Lifesavers, Skittles, Pringles in every flavor (why are kids so obsessed with Pringles?) — the best bets don’t melt. And try to avoid things like lollipops with individual wrappers to help keep the camp clean.
Also no gum. Camps will confiscate it immediately.
Related: 5 creative ways to send camp food gifts on Cool Mom Eats.
Pictures From Home
Whether you’re sending pics of siblings, the grandparents, or a bunch of their besties, my kids are always grateful to get photos. I like The Postables app which turns photos into postcards that they’ll mail for you — just note that shipping isn’t wildly fast. The best part is that the photos pop out, so kids can hang them up, and then the postcard kind of becomes a little gift all on its own.
Or make it simple and affordable by including your own photos in a care package. We always pick bunch of favorites, print them collage style on regular paper, and the kids tape them up around their bunks. It helps reminds them how many people out there love them and wish them the best summer ever. And hey, maybe it’s an incentive to get them home again at some point. If your teens are anything like mine, they basically never want to leave.
Does your camper have a favorite care package gift? I’d love to hear about it!
Top image: Melissa Askew on Unsplash