I just impulsively put together a seasonal/December/pre-Christmas care package for Rob, my eldest who is living far away and not coming home for Christmas this year. My goal was to get it shipped for free from Target, which meant hitting $35—but I didn’t want to go too much over, because this was impulsive. I succeeded in this goal: the total was just over $37.
My other goal was to send things that would not overly oppress him: he doesn’t want Too Much Stuff, he doesn’t want Too Many Sweets. These preferences can be challenging for a parent who loves Stuff and Sweets, and who inclines towards showing love through those things; also, he IS just starting out in a new place with only what he could carry in his airplane luggage, so my hope is that SOME, SMALL number of things will still be useful. My other hope is that by this point in adulthood or by a point sometime soon he will have taken on board a sense of Middle Ground, and that we can come to an arrangement where I dial my shopping/lavishing inclinations wayyyyyy back, AND tactfully/completely fail to notice/care if he keeps the items; and where HE accepts the items in the loving parental spirit in which they were intended, AND finds friends or a local charity to take anything he doesn’t want.
…I am looping back to edit this section after posting only the very first thing that I purchased, because it is clear to me as I try to select a second item to post that although I DID dial things way back, I did NOT succeed in not sending Stuff. I just didn’t. It reminds me of a scene from the book Life with Father by Clarence Day, where he is describing the spending habits of his mother, and he says something about how after she had kept herself from buying nine simply divine teacups, it didn’t seem so very terrible to give in and buy the tenth. I felt at the time I was assembling the care package that I was showing enormous restraint by NOT sending all the things I WANTED to send, and there were SO many things I REMOVED from the cart—well, but now I see I will be lucky if he doesn’t sigh over the waste before bringing the whole parcel to Goodwill. Well!! If so, there will be someone at Goodwill who benefits, and how nice!
Here is what I sent, if you have someone similar to send an impulsive and perhaps unwise Christmas care package to—or perhaps you have someone who DOES like Stuff and Sweets!
Mrs. Meyer’s Iowa Pine hand soap. I started with this because I buy it every year. And it’s consumable/useful, so I hope it will not oppress the little minimalist; but I hope it will also smack pleasantly of December and Christmas and home.
(image from Target.com)
50ct white Christmas tree lights. It is just a WEE little string of them! Like what you’d have in a college dorm room, or even littler than that! And they tend to stop working after a couple of years anyway!
(image from Target.com)
Cotton pug kitchen towel. I’d bought one of these for myself and liked it even better than I’d expected. And everyone needs kitchen towels! And I only bought ONE, when I’d wanted to buy him TWO (I would have gotten a different design as the second towel, for variety). And I DIDN’T buy him the coordinating bathroom hand towels OR the coordinating mug!
(image from Target.com)
Just one single melamine Christmas plate. NOT two different ones for variety, as I would have preferred. And also, I’d WANTED to buy him the Christmas-tree-shaped one, but Paul said if I wanted there to be any chance of him keeping it, it would HAVE to stack with his other plates, and I saw the wisdom of that and COMPROMISED.
(image from Target.com)
Candy cane napkins. He uses cloth napkins AND his favorite color is green!! Also: I had already bought a pair of these for my household (along with another kind, for variety), then realized they’d be perfect for him and set one of them aside to include with his Christmas box—but then the total was just under $35, and the napkins were on sale for $3.50; and this way he can use them through the Christmas season instead of not starting until Christmas.
(image from Target.com)
Snack pack of Pepperidge Farm Christmas cookies. Just one lil individual snack-pack of cookies, not a full pack, and not the entire cute polar-bear-themed sewing-kit tin of cookies I would have sent a child who liked more sweets! And no second thing of cookies, for variety! And no Christmas candy!
(image from Target.com)
One single serving of Ghirardelli hot cocoa mix. Not a whole box, even though a whole box would have had eight times as much for three times the price! And no cocoa toppers, or marshmallows, or what have you! Just one austere little packet!!
(image from Target.com)
Holiday flannel sheet set. OKAY I UNDERSTAND WHAT I’VE DONE, YOU DON’T HAVE TO INDIRECTLY SCOLD ME WITH STORIES ABOUT HOW YOUR MOTHER NEVER LISTENS TO YOU WHEN YOU SAY YOU DON’T WANT ANY MORE OF THE UNWANTED STUFF SHE CONSTANTLY BURDENS YOU WITH, THIS IS NOT THE SAME THING AND YOUR MOTHER IS NOT TRYING AS HARD AS I AM. But also: he had a set of flannel sheets this same color that he used until they absolutely fell into scraps—and I got the ones that were more “pine trees, why not year-round?” and less CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS ONLY CHRISTMAS. And he’s only lived in his new place since summer, so he might not HAVE flannel sheets yet. And they were on sale. And I took the sweet little three-pack of dressed birdies and nice little flocked trees out of the cart! I AM NOT EXCUSING I AM JUST EXPLAINING.
(image from Target.com)
You know what, I am turning this into a little Christmas/winter giveaway for someone who WOULD like to receive a box like this from their parent!! If you have a mailing address in the United States (it can be your address, or you can have me send it as a gift to someone you know in the U.S.), and you (or the someone you know) DOES like sweets and stuff, I will send you (or them) a VERY VERY SIMILAR box (I don’t want to promise EXACT, because things are selling out fast).
This is going to be a fast one, because of what I just mentioned in the parenthetical about things selling out fast: I will choose a winner tomorrow (Wednesday the 7th) evening sometime. To enter, leave any comment; I will follow up with the winner about whether the package should be Christmas- or Winter-themed. (I will also ask the winner if they have a twin-sized bed they’d like sheets for, in which case I will choose one of the available sets and it will be a surprise; if not, I will substitute some of the things I kept myself from sending Rob.)
(If you want to comment but DON’T want to enter, just add something about not wanting to enter.)
The pug towel! The plate! The sheets! All so cute, and nice job on restraining yourself from sending more!
Love this idea! My son doesn’t live far from home but moved out during Covid, which was terrifying
He’s turning 24 on Dec 7 and only wants money for birthday and Christmas yet I feel like he MUST have something else!!
My mother is not the sort of mother who sends care packages like this and I find it so entirely marvelous that you put so much thought into the items. Rob is very very lucky! Happy Holidays!
You are a good mom.
Rob is lucky to have you.
And please enter me, I could use some cheering up!
I haven’t received a swistle thing in many years! Still have several magnets on my fridge with swistle sayings 😊
Me too!!! I think about the drop in the bucket thing ALL the time!
I love how HARD you are trying! I think the sheets and the soap and the cloth napkins are especially excellent items to include – stuff you would use/need/like anyway. And those tiny little samples of a sweet!
This is so fun and I would have LOVED to receive such a care package post-college, but my Mom errs on the minimalist side of things too.
I am not looking forward to my children growing up and leaving home, but I am looking forward to sending them care packages!
Oh this is so nice
I almost bought the pug towel for myself but am way over budget at this point in the year.
I love this little care package. My daughter moved out this summer to her first apartment and it’s SO HARD to not buy every cute thing I see for her! But she also doesn’t want a lot of “stuff”. Why are they like this?
This is very cute and I love your sense of “appropriatism” with this box of goodies- one package of cookies! One hot chocolate! Well done. :)
I would cry happy tears if my mom sent me this care package. I will probably cry them if I win the contest and you send it, too.
I wish I was the kind of mom to send care packages. I’d like to be! I’m just…not thoughtful like that. Fortunately, I too have an incredibly practical, logical child who has no need of “stuff” – it makes me feel somewhat less guilty, haha.
I am tickled by this care package and would very much like the chance to also get one.
Even the most dedicated minimalist needs to wash their hands! And even the most grown of GrownUps appreciate being thought of by the people they love. I am sure Rob will appreciate this gesture for what it is.
I will say, Swistle, as the adult child of a mother who cannot resist a deal and sometimes burden me with too much *stuff*, I am always so grateful she thinks of me. I have many treasures thanks to her and the scale tips generously on treasure vs things I dropped off at Goodwill. Also, she finds a lot of treasures at Goodwill so I feel like I’m just keeping the circle going.
Echoing that I do NOT have a mother who would ever in a million years think to send a care package…and I would love to have a mother who would do that. Happy Holidays Swistle!
This is lovely! I have someone in mind who lives alone and would be so deeply tickled to receive this care package. In fact, really, if I don’t win, I should send one myself. I wish I was Swistle and loved sending care packages!
The soap! The sheets! The PUG TOWEL!! This package is perfect! What a pick-me-up!
This is an adorable care package! Enter me, please!
We live in a shoebox 800sqft apartment for all 4 of us and a cat, so I can’t justify the space that Seasonal Decor takes up. But UGH I have been wistfully gazing at all the cute Target items! The hand towels! The cute little plates! FESTIVE SHEETS ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
My MIL is forever buying us stuff we do not want, and I have nicknamed my Goodwill box ‘the Becky box’ as a result. But she does not buy us adorable things like these, so perhaps it is less that we do not want stuff but more that she has not attempted to learn who we are as adults and just buys us random stuff. Probably that. We are 42, incidentally.
Bravo on your restraint!
Those cloth napkins!
And one of my not nieces will be going to college in two years and I have already begun to research care packages.
Aw, I think you did a great job! I just sent the 2nd of 3 packages to my daughter who is living in Spain. This one was mainly from my mother in law, who did not listen when I told her that it needed to be lightweight because of the cost of mailing it. $70!! For maybe $50 of snacks and silly Christmas things. We should have just sent her cash, but at least I know she will appreciate it. Oh well, it’s foolish, but it’s done.
So thoughtful! My son is a college freshman and his school is selling “finals week care packages” and I was a sucker and ordered one.
Holiday flannel sheets are always irresistible.
I’d love to be entered. I would love to receive a care package like that!
My oldest has also recently moved out of state and has definite ideas about what she wants and doesn’t want. I’m filling a similar box with her past favorites and useful things hoping that she at least feels loved.
What a cute package! Excuse me- I’m off to look for candy cane napkins…
I aspire to be the kind of mom you are, Swistle. I think this is lovely!
I have an adult child who likes only practical things, and I tend towards the minimalist side myself. But in my early 20s, in a new place, I would have loved a care package just like this! (more towels and soap, tho! :D)
I think these are all excellent choices
With that single quote, I now want to read Life with Father. Also, I, for one, am applauding your restraint. I think you hit the balance of useful vs. a tiny bit of fun/sweet/holiday just right.
So, so fun! Please enter me!
I love this entire post. You have hit the exact balance between practical and festive.
I don’t want to enter (no more “stuff” for me!), but what a fun idea. Swistle, do you have a red card? As a fellow target lover, it is the best. Most things have no shipping minimum AND you save 5% on everything at target. It is linked to your bank account like a debit card. I really love mine. Between the red card and targets drive up order pickup (lifesaver with young kids!), I have transitioned most of my Amazon purchases to target.
I so love a Swistle care package that I kept some of the notes from one you sent for charity donations a few years ago!
I love all these items and your accompanying commentary! I was going to skip entering but my 4 year old just moved out of her toddler bed and only wants “soft sheets” so flannel sheets have been on my shopping list. And HOLIDAY flannel sheets are the best. So count me entered!
I would be thrilled to receive a care package like this!
My daughter is in her first year of college and lives stuff and sweets. I would like to enter for her. She’d love it.
I am amazed by your restraint. Such a fun care package. I probably need to learn something about minimalism myself, but I don’t anticipate it happening any time soon!
This is such a nice idea! I’d love to receive a package like this!!
I would absolutely love it if my mother sent me that package.
I love that you do this. I have never received a care package. Even if he thinks it is too much stuff he will know the love you put in this.
Ugh! Buying “stuff” for grown-up kids, especially ones who live far away, is so fraught. You’ve done a great job!
There’s something specifically difficult about an adult child not wanting the help/assistance you want to give.
Oh my gosh I want to win! So cute!
I too have a hard time.
I’ve been living on my own for years but have basically no holiday themed stuff – I should get on that! Thanks for the inspiration!
I don’t want to enter, and Christmas is not my holiday, but these are still adorable items. And, I am super impressed that you got all of that for $37.
Also, if you felt like giving TWO care packages, and that didn’t feel like too much work on your end (more work in December – ugh!), I would be happy to Venmo you the cost to choose two winners. I could use the feeling of bringing someone some type of cheer this month.
So cute! I would love one!
I love sweets! And stuff! AND care packages! Such a thoughtful assortment of gifts. And good ideas for Christmas shopping- I can get my in-laws cloth napkins!
I think this is so lovely of you, and thank you.
I have resisted buying nearly everything in that sweet care package and would love to win one. My oldest doesn’t live far enough away that I’d need to mail her something, but I may just have to send a care package anyway – what a delight!
Rob is very lucky to have you as his mom.
How is he finding the weather in Seattle? I’ve lived here 48 years and still HATE this time of year – but oh do I LOVE our beautiful summers.
What a lovely idea! I always enjoy your target posts so much also—you have a knack for finding the best stuff.
I have someone in mind who could use some
Holiday cheer as she navigates this season as a single mom after losing her own mom earlier this year – you are so thoughtful ❤️
I’d love to enter!
My kiddo is only 9…. but I’m taking notes for how to let him grow up and away even if I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for it.
What a fun, festive box to receive!
My mother likes to to do stuff for my family’s Christmas stockings. Sometimes it’s completely ridiculous, and I roll my eyes, but I love that she does it. It definitely makes me feel loved, and I like seeing what she picks (even if it’s a banana slicer). I will say that sometimes I am sceptical of an item, and then end up loving it, and she’s has said she buys things that make her laugh, so it’s okay if I donate them or pass them on.
All that to say, I’m sure Rob will appreciate it for the heart that goes into it even it’s not for the stuff.
My mom (in her 70s) still does our stockings too! And things that seemed goofy when I was younger are now cherished family traditions (we each MUST get a nail clipper and tweezers, what even is Christmas if we don’t).
A banana slicer! Genius!
Ooh, I am filing this away for when my young kids are adults and living far away, especially as my kindergartner is already someone who I can tell loves stuff AND sweets!
I think you showed AMAZING restraint! Lorelei is away at college this year and I’ve put together a couple care packages for her and it is SUCH FUN and so hard to keep it at a reasonable amount! I’m entering the contest on behalf of her. It’d be fun for her to have a package waiting for her when she gets back in January.
“THIS IS NOT THE SAME THING AND YOUR MOTHER IS NOT TRYING AS HARD AS I AM. ” This package is the best and so are you. Thanks for making me smile before a stressful day.
Oh my gosh, my daughter is the polar opposite of Rob, AND it’s her first year away at college. She would adore every single thing you included and excluded in your package to him! And! I am very impressed with the number of things you *didn’t* send him. We are all admiring your restraint, even if he does not. : )
He will feel the love that went into this endeavor. The stuff doesn’t matter. Way to go, Mom!
My 12 year old daughter and I would be DELIGHTED to receive a Swistle care package of any kind, especially this fun and festive one! I usually talk myself out of buying fun things like holiday napkins and plates but I would EMBRACE them if I got them in a care package! I’m glad you have this whole community of people who love the things you do and the items you select, even if they are not entirely appreciated by the grown-child recipient.
I am not entering, because I only got as far as the candy cane napkins before I clicked the link and ordered several dish towels plus cute napkins for myself, my daughters, and my mom. But I will say that the package you put together for Rob sounds festive AND useful, and hopefully he will accept it in the spirit in which it was intended!
Fun fact: my younger daughter who is a bit of a minimalist herself sent me a list of things she DOES NOT want, in addition to her regular Christmas list of things she’d like to receive. It was actually very helpful! I would recommend asking for a similar list from any picky/prickly minimalist in one’s close gift-giving circle; it helps avoid wasting money on unwanted items.
These seem like great thing to include in a care package. I also use cloth napkins, and I didn’t realize Target has cute seasonal ones. That could be dangerous.
In college, my mom sent care packages that were a mixture of fun (silly string and mad libs), sweets (homemade cookies), and practical (forgotten items). She always used pads as the packing materials to cushion things. I knew this, so I always opened my packages back in my room. One day, I brought the package to lunch with me, and my friends would not stop bugging me to open it right then (probably wanting some cookies). I finally gave in and showed them the inside. They were embarrassed enough they didn’t bug me about opening them in public again.
This reminds me of the time my mom sent me an unexpected package at university and I opened it in the cafeteria (everything previously received had been safe) not knowing that right on top was a new pair of underwear. A male friend snagged it immediately and twirled it high in the air on his finger going “Woo woo!”
I am not entering the giveaway, but I am definitely stealing these ideas to send my nephew a care package (first nibling in college).
And, I wanted to say: You’re such a good mom. I see how RESTRAINED and CAREFUL you were, and it just makes me want to SQUEEZE you. Merry Christmas!
How exciting! Thankfully my sons do not live far from me. Even if he doesn’t tell you, I’m sure he will secretly be thrilled to receive the package.
This is so fun! I would totally love a package like this. Everything is something that can be used or consumed, not just a trinket that might feel more useless.
I think you are totally fine and did a great job walking the line!!!! I bet he is delighted. They are ‘necessities, but make it FUN.’
The dressed birdies make me weep with joy. And you are a good mama, Swistle. My mom (and I love her to pieces, make no mistake) would never EVER consider doing something like this.
This all beautifully straddles the line between festive and practical! Plus who doesn’t like to get a surprise package?
It is so hard when a child doesn’t come home for the holidays. I think you showed the perfect amount of restraint in the selections you made.
This sounds like a such a fun care package to receive, and it sounds like you were very thoughtful in putting it together! I hope Rob ends up wanting to keep/use at least SOME of the stuff, but even if not, I’m sure he’ll recognize the spirit in which it was intended.
hmmm, I am also a “please, Mom, stop sending me stuff!” person (relatedly, I wish to comment without being entered in a giveaway), and I wonder if Rob is solely motivated by minimalism, or if (like me), he is also concerned about waste reduction, in which case, focusing on avoiding plastic and only sending metal/glass/paper/natural fibers might help. When I get plastic stuff, I get all worked up about how plastic doesn’t really recycle properly and the object in question is just going to end up being trash for far longer than it was ever a joy-bringing object, EVEN if it goes to someone else via Goodwill first! But if I get a metal or biodegradable etc thing I don’t want, I am comforted to know that the object’s lifecycle does have an ending. Plus, since stuff that is Not Plastic is usually more expensive, this might also help you send fewer items for the same budget?
Thanks for sharing that aspect!
I live in Canada so I’m not entering, but I just want to reassure you that you’re the very model of restraint!
My mom sent me the odd package when I was in residence in university, but it’s not really her style plus we see each other all the time. I, however, surprised HER with a mailed variety box of vegan meat-alternatives last year mid-summer when there was no gift-giving occasion in sight, and I got a lot of satisfaction out of sending it. I love sending unexpected gifts and my kids will have to learn to accept them with good grace when they move out!
Also, I really had a twinge when I read the “Living Far Away and Not Coming Home for Christmas This Year” part of the post title. That would (will?) be very hard on me to not have one of my kids around for Christmas.
I would love to win.
I love all the ideas! I have a college age son but he’s still in the dorm so I love the just one of everything idea.
I kept thinking “man, how can he not love this?!”, but remembered the struggle of all the times when you tried to find the right presents for him, and well. Some people just don’t. That you took this occasion to gift someone else is wonderful! I’d love to receive the package; alas, I don’t live in the US. But I do have friends in the US that would flip, and also totally deserve the cheer. So I’m taking part for one of them.
Thanks for doing this and spreading the cheer!
Oh, and I keep meaning to tell you: I once won a Jacquie Larson Advent calendar from you, which was a happy spot during a difficult time. I’ve since also gifted one to my sister, a cousin and a friend, and have myself been the recipient again (for the second time this year, in fact!) by way of my sister. It’s a joyful thing to give and receive, and your generosity has led to a lovely what-goes-around-comes-around sort of tradition. Just yesterday I spent a quiet half hour decorating my virtual tree when I should’ve gone to be instead :D Time well spent, methinks.
That package is so cute and I would love to receive something similar! My mother was not really a care package person while I was at college, but she did send a bunch of random cards which would include a $5.00 bill or some fall foliage (home was New England and the changing leaves were one of the things I missed the most while away) or a cute comic cut out of the paper and it made me so happy every time I got one. It’s a nice feeling to be thought of. I also think you did a great job with the restraint- especially with the single items when you wanted to send two. One item seems doable to integrate into the household, two veers into Stuff. (those birdies were ADORABLE though)
I think you’re being too hard on yourself. It all seems very practical. I would love it if I had a mom who sent me a care package like this, even as a minimalist myself.
This post had me smiling wide at your self-realization arc :)
If it’s not an off-limits topic, would you say Rob is neurodivergent? I was reading something recently (can’t find the link) about how gifts are a challenge for those folks. It’s overwhelming to think of how to incorporate the new thing(s) into their place/manner of living. It was fascinating. Bravo for your awareness and work toward compromise between your two styles.
I think that’s well-spotted. When he was in kindergarten, his teachers referred him to a pediatric neurologist for evaluation, because of certain quirks. The neurologist reported that Rob didn’t quite qualify for a diagnosis, but would likely have similar issues, and that the neurologist definitely could see why the teachers had referred him.
This seems entirely reasonable and practical. How lovely for you to think about what he needs and wants. Would love to win a similar package.
Thoughtful care package using Target’s free shipping.
As I was reading your post, I was thinking “I would love all of these things!!” I am outside of the US, but would happily send you my girlfriend’s address in Texas – I would feel delighted to be a winner even if I didn’t receive the items haha! ;) And I/she are happy with either Christmas or winter themed!
This is a fantastic care package!
Even if it all goes to Goodwill, he will know he’s loved!
I can appreciate how difficult it would be to have a kid away from home for Christmas for the first time AND not be able to send all the things. My oldest’s living spaces that I’ve seen (dorm room, apartment) have been pretty austere (the word “monkish” comes to mind), but he’s gracious, if sometimes amused, about accepting tributes, whether it’s a live basil plant or $5 worth of Halloween candy mailed to Australia for $30.
Oh, I love this. And there’s someone in my community (possibly 3 someones?) who does not have a place to go on Thanksgiving, and therefore is likely to be A Bit Short on Christmas cheer. I would deeply love to surprise one of them with some loveliness.
Those flannel sheets are what I asked for for Christmas. They just look so WARM.
You’ve inspired me to try to Christmassy-up our house! I am not naturally inclined in that direction, but my kids really love it, and the way you describe your love of these things makes me excited, too.
I very much do want to enter and tried to buy the tiny birds but they are not available anymore. Sad face.
What fun! I am still in the teenage years and could use positivity. :)
You did good! Everything but the light is consumable or practical! And your understanding that he can donate it if the ownership doesn’t “spark joy” is key I think when there is a disconnect between gifting/stuff preferences. Good job trying to love the kid you have!
I’m not entering, but I did want to say, along with others, that I have never received a care package from my mother and would be overwhelmed with surprise if I ever did. I have gotten completely random things from her, but, they are, sadly, never thoughtful: a pair of socks and a container of turmeric, for example, when I had no actual need for either. Therefore, everything in this package just makes me think about how lucky Rob is.
I still have my lovely book from last year’s giveaway, so I consider myself taken care of for this year!
Don’t want to enter, but I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS POST.
Look at the delightful, practical items you have shipped to your son! I hope he is properly appreciative when they arrive!
I would absolutely love to get this package, I really would!
Thank you! Thank you! What a kind thing of you to do Swistle:)
I love Christmas and I could use new flannel sheets!!
I would love to enter. It’s been a really tough year and I could use some cheer. Rob is lucky to have such a thoughtful mom.
I cannot tell if Swistle readers are the sort to use TikTok, but there is a sound on there that reminds me of this post. “It’s so cute! Capitalism really popped of todaaaay, ladies.” I bought the Mrs. Meyer’s soap for myself in peppermint and it has yet to be delivered but I’m so excited. If selected, I would have you send a little package to my best friend who moved into her own place for the first time this summer.
I have been a reader/lurker of your blog for a long time. The posts about care packages are wonderful–this has never been a thing in my life. I aspire to your level of thoughtfulness and generosity.
I’m sorry Rob is not coming home for Christmas. Sad for you, and Paul, and his sibs, and Rob himself. The need to be separate doesn’t necessarily mean rejection of all else, but it can sting just the same. Your post inspired me to go Target shopping and so my dear sister and our 95 year-old mother will be getting some goodies early next week. Swistle, you are precious to us. xo
I don’t want to enter but this is charming. I have fond memories of the extremely random things my parents mailed me over the many years I was far from home, which I took in a somewhat bemused spirit of appreciation. (They were often EXTREMELY random. Envision a can opener, a pocket knife, a box of cake mix, and a set of napkin rings, with no note.)
I would like it if someone gave me something like this.
I’d let to enter if you haven’t picked someone yet. And I’d like to say that this is far from an oppressive amount of stuff.
If 1:11 a.m. post-nursing session/now wide awake/technically now Thursday still sneaks in under the timeline, then I’m in! I hate shopping and yet your posts make me wonder why. There are so many fun things in the world I don’t notice until I read your blog.
Another “technically Thursday in the wee hours (1:41 a.m. here), but perhaps under the deadline” person here.
More importantly, I think you did a fabulous job with the balance of what to send. Moreover, I’m sure that by now Rob is familiar with your style, what you like, and your enjoyment of, and desire to send Stuff and Things. With that premise in mind, it’s easy for me to imagine him receiving your box, being grateful for the practicality of the things you code and the love in said choosing, AND being acutely aware of the level of reduction you must have done. There are SO MANY ways for him to feel and see the love here, even if the things in the box don’t exactly meet his particular desire at the moment. (I am NOT saying that it inherently won’t meet his desires or needs right now, but rather saying, even if it doesn’t meet his current need or desire, there are many ways for him to take it in the spirit in which it is being given.)
I think you did a beautiful job with his care package, and with your understanding that it’s okay if he does not choose to keep every item. I’ll echo what others are saying: Rob us so very lucky to have you!
*Not throwing my hat in. *
You did a great job at trying to mesh your style of gift giving with Rob’s wishes. I personally love consumable gifts. Its so fun to try things that other people pick out for me.
This is an excellent seasonal care package. I’m in my mid-30s and my mom still sends care packages a few times a year. When we would go to summer camp, she always sent homemade Chex mix, cookies, and our favorite candy. 25 years later, she still includes those in every package, along with random gifts. My most recent one included a magazine about the Queen, a toy for the cats, earrings, and three pineapple-shaped luggage tags. The random stuff drives my minimalist sister crazy, but I love it. Plus I love thinking about how everywhere she goes, she is on the lookout for things we might like.
I found every item to be cute and thoughtful!
I love this package! Since he doesn’t want too much stuff (I agree Rob!) it’s perfect that about half of it is consumable.
When I got out of college I moved about 1000 miles away and felt very pressured to come home every year for Christmas even though I barely got time off work and had to charge a ticket on my credit card and then spend months paying it off. It’s great Rob feels comfortable staying put and that you are sending him a supportive, thoughtful package!
I lived in a tiny studio apartment in Seattle during my minimalist 20s/early 30s. What I would have loved to get in a care package at that time would have been pretty much 100% consumables. Pasta, sauce, cheese, crackers, fruit. Soap, candles, bath stuff. (Probably not for Rob, but I would’ve been all over that sort of thing.) If I was still living that life now, I would add a subscription to a gaming site or a library than allows paid memberships for non-locals. (So good for ebooks!) I was hugely frugal back then, so things that didn’t take space for long but were nice things that I wouldn’t let myself buy or nicer versions of things that I did buy would have been much appreciated. I loved that apartment and I loved my life there, but there genuinely wasn’t a lot of room for extras. My mom drove me quietly crazy with her gifts during that time, because she just didn’t get it.
These days, with a house, I would probably be happy enough with nearly all of the things she sent back then. Or at least, I would be less bothered. She just had never seen the apartment and was very much a bargain/volume shopper– it was such a mismatch to my life as a gift-receiver during that phase.