Covid-19 has interrupted our lives for longer than we care to remember. With the country still in lockdown and restrictions being lifted incredibly cautiously, it's hard to imagine life without the pandemic. Perhaps the most significant impact of Covid-19 is the isolation people feel, especially if they live alone.
While you may not be able to visit your loved ones yet, you can still show them you're thinking about them by sending over a care package. Applications such as Skype, Facetime, and Zoom make it possible for people to see one another, but nothing shows you care like a selection of someone's favourite treats.
According to a report published by Mind, the pandemic has a significant impact on our mental health, especially among individuals who already suffer from conditions. Sending a care package might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big impact on someone's life.
Most care packages contain a selection of treats and practical gifts that someone will make use of. For example, an ideal care package for women would be a combination of beauty treatments and chocolate.
There are so many unique ideas you can put together, so let's take a look at some of the best care package ideas for those in lockdown.
The Coffee Lovers Box
For some people, coffee is a vital part of their day. It's just not the same without that morning caffeine boost, so why not send them a selection of coffees from around the world? There are plenty of subscription companies that offer coffee gifts, but you can save money by shopping around and putting your box together.
Try to focus on flavours you know the recipient enjoys, mixed with some new exotic mixes too. What does coffee go best with? Yep, you got it, chocolate! We recommend pairing the coffee with some dark chocolate creams from Beech's.
Chocolate covered nuts are also a fantastic idea, but make sure your recipient isn't allergic.
Mothers Day
Mother's day is fast approaching, and many families will be apart this year. Luckily, you can still show the main woman in your life what she means to you by sending a Mother's care package.
While flowers are a popular option, they don't last very long. We recommend buying a grow at home plant instead. Not only will it last longer, but it's also a way to embrace spring and the fast-approaching summer.
Pair the plant with a selection of your Mother's favourite sweets, and you've got a thoughtful care package that shows your appreciation for your mum.
The Self Care Package
With salons forced to close due to lockdown restrictions, people are turning to self-care products. Hair dyes, home waxing kits, manicures, foot spas and face masks are all popular options right now, and if you're sending a care package to a female friend or family member, she'll certainly appreciate it.
Add a selection of chocolate covered nuts and fruit if your recipient is a chocolate lover. Other popular options include Haribo, Lovehearts and candy necklaces. Whatever you choose, make sure there are no known allergies, and the person you're sending the care package to isn't a vegetarian or vegan.
Haribo and most jelly sweets contain gelatine which is an animal-derived product. Luckily, specialist confectioners sell a broad selection of wholesale sweets, so shopping with the right one means you can find candy for all dietary needs and preferences.
The USA Movie Package
Cinemas closed down due to lockdown restrictions, which means more people are streaming the latest Hollywood movies. If someone in your life is a cinema lover, bring the big screen to them by sending them a movie snacks care package.
Candy from the USA is popular because it's different from what we're used to and there are some exciting flavour combinations. The most popular brands include Hershey's, Reese's, Cow Tails and Butterfinger.
You can also include some drinks such as A&W Root Beer and Kool-Aid. There are plenty of delicious treats too, including cookie dough bites and twinkies. Customise the package any way you want and add some DVDs or a streaming subscription gift card.
Men's Shaving & Grooming Package
Don't give the man in your life any excuse to let that beard get out of control by sending a grooming care package. Try to make sure you find a safety razor set and include shaving cream and some aftershave.
Personalise the package by adding some of his favourite sweet treats. Popular options for men include M&M's, Haribo and dark chocolate. Retro sweets are also a great idea, including traditional boiled sweets or a pick n mix selection of gummies and chocolate.
The Kids Care Package
Parents everywhere have had to adapt to homeschooling their children and find ways to entertain them through the lockdown. With no way to socialise with their friends, kids will get bored - which isn't great for parents!
You can give friends and family members some much-needed relief by putting together a care package for kids. Include some fun board games, colouring books and activities for older children. Of course, you can't forget the sweets, and there are plenty to choose from.
Haribo mixes are eternally popular with children, but you can also include individual pick n mix bags with a combination of chocolates and jelly sweets. Older kids will love the USA sweets, especially Reese's peanut butter cups.
Pub at Home Care Package
Pubs will be one of the last things to open when the government begins to lift lockdown restrictions, which is sad news for many people. But you can bring the pub to your loved ones by sending an alcohol care package.
Think about the drinks your recipient loves and try to find unique brands. For example, lager lovers would appreciate a world beers gift pack, and gin connoisseurs will enjoy a selection of flavoured miniatures.
There's so much you can do, so don't be afraid to get creative. It's also worthwhile adding some snacks such as nuts, crisps and chocolate.
Final Thoughts
Care packages don't need to contain a selection of expensive items because it's the thought that counts. Whether you can afford to spend £10 or £100, the person you send it to will appreciate being in your thoughts during a difficult time.
For more confectionery tips and news, follow our blog and check out our latest post here.