Sleepaway Camp Care Packages Ideas are one of my favorite things to put together for summer camp! Whether your kid is heading to camp for the first time or they’re a seasoned pro, a thoughtful care package can really make their day and help them feel connected to home.
If you’re looking for some creative ideas, I’ve rounded up the best suggestions from fellow camp moms (thank you to everyone who shared their amazing ideas!!). From fun little surprises to camp essentials, I’ve got you covered!
A few notes about this round-up:
- This list is all about non-food items—so no snacks or candy here.
- If your camp doesn’t allow care packages, don’t worry! These items make great little surprises to sneak into your camper’s luggage instead.
- I’ve linked some of the items for easy online shopping, but you can also look at the Dollar Store or Five Below for lots of these items!
- I’ve listed the items in order of popularity. The first 6 were the most popular by a landslide (many, many votes for these items)!

My Top 5 Favorite Camp Care Packages Ideas
Before we dive in, I wanted to highlight my top 5 favorite ideas from the list!
- A Funny Letter from the Pet – Because who doesn’t love a little “doggy” update from home? This one always brings a smile!
- A friendship bracelet kit – A fun activity to do with new camp friends, and a keepsake they can wear all summer long.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Stuff for the Whole Cabin – Think Squishies, LED Light-Up Scrunchies, Glow In The Dark Nail Polish for the girls and Glow Critters 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 personalize camp gear and make sure nothing gets lost!
- Disposable Camera – Let them capture the camp memories and relive those moments when they return home. Plus, it’s a fun way to get them off their phones!
OK, without further ado, here are 30 Camp Care Packages Ideas in order of the most popular items!
30 Reader Camp Care Packages 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
- Stickers (Glow In The Dark Inspirational / Taylor Swift / Cute & Colorful / BFFs)
- Joke book
- Magazines
- Scrunchies + Hair Clips (LOVE these LED Light-Up Scrunchies)
- Sleep Eye Masks (I thought these Design-Your-Own were so fun and come in a pack for the whole cabin)
- Stuffed Animals (specifically Jellycat and Beanie Babies)
- Trading Cards (Pokémon, Football, etc.)
- Notebook/Journals + Fun Pens (These glitter gel scented pens are fun!)
- Pillowcase with Fabric Markers
- Word Search/Puzzle Book
- Card Games (6-in-1 / Spoons / Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza / Sussed?)
- A funny letter from your pet (with pictures)!
- Washable Sparkle Body Art Pens
- Bounce Balls (My kids LOVE these High Bounce Balls — 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 / Taylor Swift 13 / Tie Dye / Groovy Glow)
- Fun Socks (These Snack + Junk Food Themed Crew Socks are hilarious!)
- Stress Balls
- Punch Balloons
- Bandanas
- Yo-Yo
- Magic 8 Ball
- Hawaiian Leis