Looking for creative Camp Care Package Ideas for sleepaway camp? Whether your kid is heading off to camp for the very first time or already counts down the days until drop-off, a thoughtful package from home can completely make their day.
I asked fellow camp moms to share the best camp care package ideas their kids have actually loved over the years, and the responses were SO good. From funny little surprises to practical camp favorites, this list is packed with ideas that are easy to put together and fun for kids to receive.
A few quick notes before we jump in:
This round-up focuses mostly on non-food camp care package ideas, so you’ll find lots of creative surprises beyond candy and snacks.
And if your camp doesn’t allow care packages, don’t worry. So many of these ideas also make great little surprises to tuck into your camper’s trunk before they leave.
I’ve linked a few items for easy shopping, but honestly, the Dollar Store and Five Below are goldmines for camp care package goodies.
Also, the first few ideas on this list were the runaway favorites by a landslide. Camp moms had LOTS of opinions on these
My Top 5 Favorite Camp Care Package Ideas
Before we dive into the full list, I wanted to highlight a few of my personal favorite camp care package ideas. These are the ones that feel extra memorable, get kids excited, and make camp mail even more fun to receive.
- A Funny Letter from the Pet – This one gets me every time. A silly little update “written” from the family dog or cat is such a fun surprise from home and always makes kids laugh.
- An Activity for the Cabin – These are always a hit during downtime and make it easy for kids to bond with their cabinmates. Think friendship bracelet kits, bedazzling kits, temporary tattoos, a fun game, or little craft projects everyone can do together. (These plus more ideas HERE!)
- Glow-in-the-Dark Goodies for the Whole Cabin – Always a hit. Think glow squishies, LED Scrunchies, glow-in-the dark nail polish for the girls and glow critters, temporary tattoos, and foam glow batons for the boys. Perfect for adding a little fun to the nighttime camp vibe!
- Fabric Markers for Signing Blankets/Pillowcases – A creative way to turn camp gear into sweet little keepsakes, and make sure nothing gets lost!
- Camp Snap Camera – One of my favorite camp care package ideas for kids heading to sleepaway camp. This screen-free digital camera lets campers capture all their memories without needing a phone. We actually prefer this camera over disposable cameras now because developing film can be kind of a pain, and with Camp Snap you can instantly upload all the photos once your camper gets home. The pictures still have that fun, nostalgic disposable camera feel too, which makes them even better. Use code CHARM7 for discount!
OK, without further ado, here are the reader-recommended Camp Care Package Ideas in order of popularity…
30 Camp Care Package Ideas
- Mad Libs: Camp Edition (hands down the most recommended item)!!!!
- Glow in the dark stuff for the whole cabin (ideas: Squishies / Glow Critters / Glow Sticks/Necklaces / Light-Up Glow Bracelets / LED Light-Up Scrunchies / Foam Glow Batons / Magnatiles)
- Friendship Bracelet Kit (this KIT has 5100 clay beads, lots of charms, and is very inexpensive)!
- Nail stickers & Nail Polish (love this Glow In The Dark Set!)
- *Disposable camera (see note above about the screen-free digital camera we love)
- Stickers (Glow In The Dark Inspirational / Cute & Colorful / BFFs)
- Joke books
- Magazines
- Scrunchies + Hair Clips + Hair Jewelry Kit
- Sleep Eye Masks (I thought these Design-Your-Own were so fun and come in a pack for the whole cabin)
- Stuffed Animals
- Trading Cards (Pokémon, Football, etc.)
- Notebook/Journals + Fun Pens (These glitter gel scented pens are fun!)
- Pillowcase with Fabric Markers
- Word Search/Puzzle Book
- Games (Spoons / Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza)
- A funny letter from your pet (with pictures)!
- Washable Sparkle Body Art Pens
- Bounce Balls (My kids LOVE these High Bounce Balls because they bounce wildly high)
- Mini Puzzles (Thought this 6-Pack of 100 Piece Cereal Boxes was SO fun!)
- Silly Putty (This PACK has color-changing and glow-in-the-dark)
- Family photo from something silly or special
- Temporary Tattoos (Gamer Glow / Tie Dye / Groovy Glow)
- Fun Socks (These Snack + Junk Food Themed Crew Socks are hilarious!)
- Fidget toys
- Punch Balloons
- Bandanas
- Yo-Yo
- Magic 8 Ball
- Hawaiian Leis
