Care Package Ideas for Campers for Boys and Girls!

If you’re looking for the perfect care package ideas for campers, you’re in the right place! In this post I’ll be sharing loads of ideas for both boys and girls including snacks, just-for-fun items, and so many must-haves that are just better options for camp! This post contains affiliate links and gifted content.

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When M first went to sleepaway camp last year, I was sure I was going to be that parent – the one that sends multiple care packages a week, full of fun little surprises, just to let my kid know how much we miss him.

I spent so much time googling care package ideas for campers and there were surprisingly few ideas for me. So I figured I need to do my job: do further research and create a list!

In this post I’ll be sharing our favorite care package ideas for campers of all ages and genders – both boys and girls – with some really fun finds. You’ll find more basic items, upgraded surprises, must-haves you may not have packed, bulkier visiting day gifts and smaller mailable items, sneak-in-their-suitcase surprises and more.

If you’re traveling this summer, you may also want to check out these road trip activities for kids of all ages.

What makes great care package ideas for campers?

There are so many different categories of items that are fun to send kids in camp, and I’d definitely recommend that you send a selection. Choose an item or two from each category, mix it up, and assemble something nice. Include one activity, one thing to eat, one health/hygiene item, one wearable, and one memory-making or letter-writing tool. And then fill the box with additional items from your favorite categories.

What we look for

Aside from the categories, here are a few characteristics we’re looking for:

• If we’re mailing it, it has to be flat and packable. If we’re not shipping flat rate (we do usually do flat rate mailers) we also look for lightweight.
• If we’re sneaking it into his suitcase before leaving, we look specifically for larger items since we don’t want him to miss it when unpacking.
• Items that will be useful in camp specifically.
• Items that are fun for him and not just utilitarian.
• For the entertainment-type items, we prefer if it encourages social interaction rather than solitary activity.

Watch the video

I created a video featuring most of the items in this list that you can check out as well, but I do highlight them all – with links – in the post so keep scrolling if that’s what you prefer.

21 Care Package Ideas for Campers for every need!

Ready for some actual ideas? Keep in mind that some of these items were gifted from the respective companies. The list was curated by me and features only items I truly believe make great care package ideas for campers.

Health & Safety

Our first category is health and safety. Kids are far from home, and one of the big things they learn in sleepaway camp is a bit of self-care. Providing them with some fun tools helps them feel nurtured and cared for even though they’re far!

Keep Going First Aid Kits

This adorable first aid kit comes in so many fun themes and is full of little first aid must-haves. It doubles as a little emergency kit, since it even comes with a mini sewing kit! Think: ointments, bandages in many sizes, lip care, tick and splinter care, and more – all in one little pouch!

Keep going offers first aid kits in a few sizes and many prints. They include both adult and kid kits, with plain or fun bandages, so keep in mind what your kid would prefer. This is a really fun camp care package idea especially for older kids and teen staff who are going and might be able to care more for themselves, given the right tools.

For younger kids, you may want to pull out anything you don’t want them to have themselves, keeping the things that they can really use on their own in the kit.

Handzies Natural Soap & Water Hand Wipes

I will never forget the visiting the dining room bathroom on visiting day at my son’s camp… Handzies are free & clear soap and water wipes that come individually wrapped. They are perfect for stowing into pockets, and using when running straight from field to meal, or when using a bathroom that’s a bit more… ick.

It’s really easy to mail a full package of 24, or toss a handful into a weekly care package.

NATPAT Mosquito Repellent and Itch Relief Stickers

For us parents, being covered in mosquito bites may have been an integral part of the summer camp experience… but out kids are different!

NATPAT mosquito repellent stickers are a deet free alternative to bug spray. Stick a few of them on your clothing and they keep mosquitos away (you’ll smell the natural fragrances that do the job right when you open the package). They come in both cute and basic designs so choose according to your kids’ tastes.

They also make itch relief stickers that go right on mosquito bites, and they have been working like magic. They are a bit closer to the texture of a bandage’s adhesive portion, but have a unique design that lets them sit nicely on the skin. My kids feel immediate relief when they use this and stop itching right away.

Both the mosquito repellent stickers and the itch relief stickers are so easy for kids to use and very mailable. They can be slipped right into a padded envelope and are actually fun for kids to receive and to use.

Manta Kids Sleep Mask

Some kids do better than others in shared sleep environments, but if your kid is one of the more difficult ones, it can really mar their camp experience.

Manta Sleep’s kids’ masks are perfectly sized for their faces with subtly-fun print options. They contour the eyes, creating zero pressure for a more comfortable sleep experience. The design – complete with an adjustable strap – lends total blackout so that kids are much less disturbed.

Good sleep is the baseline for a good day! And the Manta kids’ sleep mask is totally small and packable in a small gift box.

MommaBear Organics Immunity Lollipops

Kids who suffer from environmental allergens are doubly exposed in camp – between the pollen from being in such an amazing natural setting, and the dust within the bunkhouses. Add to that being around others all day, and there are so many coughs and sniffles that go around.

MommaBear’s natural lollipops give kids some natural prevention in candy format. Their elderberry and honey lollipops are perfect for sore throat and cough relief and their pineapple cherry lollipops have in them some natural allergy-prevention.

Summer Camp must-haves

Let’s talk must-haves! These are variations of things that are either naturally items your kids would pack/wear to camp, on the camp list, but things that you can upgrade! Whether they’re ready for a top-off mid-camp, you want to sneak in a cooler version of it while they pack their suitcase, or you’re just looking for something fun to send that’ll actually be useful, these care package ideas for campers take the basics up a notch.

Zubii Hello Summer Socks

I always had a weakness for cute socks and these “hello summer” socks from Zubii are spot on for camp care packages for your girl! The ankle socks are nice and cool, and the sweet little design with the watermelon isn’t overwhelming – it’s still quite neutral – but is perfect for camp.

And we all know your kids can always use another pair of socks in camp! They tend to come home missing quite a few, and granted they might not come home with both of these either, but they’ll be such a fun little gift to get while they’re away. And yes, they are so mailable.

Outbound Active Sunscreens

Kids spending all day under the sun is a recipe for a wholesome summer – as long as their skin stays protected! Outbound’s active sunscreens are perfect for sending as a top-off – or in their duffel bags.

The All Day Protection Duo includes both a tube that is quite flat and easy to store, as well as a bar sunscreen. We love the bars not only for stowing into pockets and other small spaces so that they’re always handy, but also for applying more easily to faces. It’s a lip balm-style twist up solid sunscreen that’s really easy and compact.

31st State Camp Essentials Kit

Self-care during the busy camp schedule can be tough but the right tools make it easy. 31st State’s Camp Essentials kit includes a compact roll-on deodorant, face and body acne pads, and a body wash/shampoo combo tube.

The hair and body wash combo is an absolute must for camp. Instead of toting a whole shower caddy, M prefers to just grab a single product to use. Kids who like to use a loofah can just sling that on their wrist too. 31st State’s is a great-smelling gender-neutral option that will last them through the summer but isn’t too bulky.

The roll-on deodorant is also a great size for camp, easy to grab and to store. The clearing pads are perfect for camp, where kids aren’t always as good at washing up properly, there can be limited sink-front footage, and in general need the easiest care solutions possible.

Good Health Snacks

I’m pretty sure that my kid actually lost weight in camp – meals aren’t easy! And while we’ll worry about actual nutrition when they get back, we still don’t want them to be to hungry! Good health’s snacks are a better option since they use avocado oil to make them. And things like veggie straws, sticks, and chips have a bit of veggies snuck in, plus feel pretty filling as far as snacks go.

Their Kettle Chips are my boys’ absolute favorite, and knowing that they’re made with better oils makes me happier. While it’s not a meal replacement, it’s definitely good to know that my kid isn’t only chowing chocolate!

Personally, we found that snacks packaged on the bus tended to get a bit crushed in transit, and often arrived without their air. I like this as something to ship by the case directly to camp, bring by the case on visiting day, or sneak smaller packages into larger shipping boxes we’re filling with other items.

Rosemary Repel Conditioning Spray & Coco Cabana After Sun Spray

Fairy Tales hair care makes two incredible products that I wanted to highlight for care package ideas for campers (among a larger incredible line – definitely check out their other products).

Their Rosemary Repel conditioning spray is a leave-in conditioner that actually has in it fragrances that lice don’t. And yes, A loves the smell of it and is always asking me to use it in her hair. Especially since, as I mentioned above, kids prefer to tote less to the shower, this leave-in option is a fabulous summer camp care. And in a group setting like camp, a bit of lice repellent is a good idea.

The Coco Cabana after-sun spray is the perfect way to refresh and detangle hair after a stint in the pool. It hydrates and detangles so kids can more easily care for their hair mid-day.

Both come in standard size bottles for this type of product, which is definitely packable, and quite shippable too.

Drytek by Delilah Beach Towel

Kids will obviously need a towel for the pool, but what if they can have one that’s nicely sized, compact but still super absorbent, made from recyclables, and actually cute?

Delilah home makes these adorable towels that include a roll-up strap. But my favorite feature is how quickly they dry. If you’ve ever attended summer camp, you know how valuable a feature that is. Kids hang out towels to dry and often hope they’re ready the next day. The sooner they can take it back in, the less likely it’ll get rained on, knocked off a railing, trampled… you get where I’m going.

This is exactly the type of thing I’d sneak into a duffel bag before leaving, especially for the kid who thinks they’re just bringing the old bleached family beach towels… It’ll make such a nice surprise! Since it’s pretty compact, it’s still realistic to ship too.

Just for Fun Stuff

Camp is about fun, but there is also down time. I used to bring piles of friendship bracelet making supplies, gel pens, and other things to enjoy during that time, but here are some ideas for today’s kids.

Tribit StormBox Micro 3 Bluetooth Speaker

If your child has a personal music player in camp, a powerful but tiny Bluetooth speaker is so much fun to have! My kids’ camp doesn’t allow phones and such but they love brining along personal MP3 players. But we want them to have the full social experience of camp, and not just plug-in and self-isolate.

A compact speaker that’s small enough to ship but has great sound is a fun way to bring that music to the whole bunk. The TRIBIT StormBox Micro 3 has a bike strap that can be strapped to metal bunks as well. It’s also magnetic and is compact enough that it can even be shipped in the package. This is a fabulous camp care package surprise for when you really want to send more of a real gift for kids to enjoy.

World’s Smallest Exploding Kittens

Quiet time in the bunkhouse is the perfect time for games – in fact, my son’s extremely huge games that took up half his suitcase last year were also extremely popular! But what if you can pack teeny tiny versions of the same (that you don’t even mind losing a few pieces of because it’s not your main one)?

Super Impulse’s World’s Smallest line includes loads of fun favorites in a tiny size. We’re talking smaller than a deck of cards – but a full, playable game. One of my son’s favorites is exploding kittens, and we are so charmed by this tiny version. Look how small it is next to a Sharpie! And yet it’s a fully playable game. I do recommend choosing games that your kid actually knows, since camp might not be the best setting for learning new rules.

This tiny version of Exploding Kittens is totally mailable – in the original blister package or out. I will be mailing it to him in the box (taped shut) so that I can add more items into the larger box.

Make it Real Beads 2-Go DIY Jewelry Kit

As I mentioned, I loved making friendship bracelets in camp, and kids would always come to “borrow” my embroidery floss. For kids today, friendship bracelets mean beads, and this bento-style jewelry making kit is perfect for sharing!

The beads can spread out easily in the stackable containers, and there is an extra base later that’s perfect for work-in-progress storage. It comes a really fun assortment of letter, round, flower heishi, and more shaped on-trend beads and links. It has string and basically everything kids need to make and exchange bracelets in camp.

The strap doubles as storage for the whole kit. The entire thing including the cardboard sleeve it came in is a shippable size and a really fun way to surprise your kid in camp. It’s especially cool for kids who might be able to use a bit of an icebreaker.

Pip Pop Post Camp-Friendly Earrings

For kids who wear earrings, having a pair that’s camp-friendly is a win! Pip Pop Post makes waterproof and hypoallergenic options that are insanely cute! They are affordable enough that you won’t mind losing them, but you probably won’t thanks to the screw back. It’s flat enough to be comfortable even in sub-optimal sleeping condition, and can withstand a daily swim and lots of sweat.

The designs are so cute, and perfect for sending your tween in camp, and of course, it’s small and really easy to send. We chose cute daisy studs because of how summery and fresh they are and how much active-friendly they are. My daughter usually wears dangly earrings (which Pip Pop does make) but we prefer studs for when she’s a bit more active.

Just a tip: make sure your child has a safe space to put her other earrings if you’re sending this by mail and you already sent her in a pair made of precious metals.

Mudpuppy It’s Magic! Trick Card Game

My son loves magic, and finds it to be a fun little ice-breaker and confidence-booster. Mudpuppy’s It’s Magic! card set features a deck of magic-ready cards (because they’re cute and magic themed) as well as instructions for ten magic tricks. Card tricks are easy to learn and can be carried around in the pocket, making it ideal for camp.

Fun little magical creatures adorn the letter cards, and all of them have a magic-themed pattern on the back. It features a little instructional pamphlet as a starting point. Since it’s effectively a deck of cards – and the size of a deck of cards – it’s the perfect scale for shipping over to camp as a sweet little surprise.

Connecting to home and family

For kids who are thinking of home, sending them a little point of connection in their camp care packages reminds them that you’re thinking of them too. And for those who aren’t writing very much, sending them some cool tools to do so helps remind them – and make it more exciting for them!

Galison Miffy with Flowers Greeting Card Puzzle

It’s a puzzle and it’s a greeting card! This adorable Miffy themed puzzle is designed to fit into an envelope (include). Write a message on the back while it’s still whole, break it apart, and slide it right into that envelope!

It comes with a sticker that says “piece me together” and is an adorable way to send a message that shows a bit more thought. Whether’ they’re already a fan of Miffy, or just enjoy a cute design, a low key puzzle, and a sweet message, this one will be a win in any size camp care package.

Moonbow Creative Sticker Sheets, Happy Mail Stickers, & Notepad

When I went to camp, prep meant packing my entire sticker and stationery collection for letter writing home. Moonbow Creative mimics that experience with their super fun stickers and stationery!

Their happy mail roll of stickers is perfect for decorating envelopes – and great for sending to kids in camp or decorating their packages with! They have loads of other adorable camp-friendly designs on their sticker sheets (again, super mailable), such as camping skeletons, cows, hedgehogs with tumblers and boba…

And their “happy note” notepad has enough space to write a few sentences – not too much and not too little!

Church Hill Classics Heart Frame with a Family Photo

Maybe a framed photo is a must-have for camp, but since it’s not on the official camp packing list, we put it here. I always had family photos with me in camp, and sending one in a high quality frame is a great way to show you miss a kid.

Church Hill Classics creates beautifully crafted high quality frames. This one is going to come back home with your child, because she’s not going to miss out on bringing it back! The gorgeous raised heart texture is classy and not too childish but shows that little message of love.

Add a picture to it, and send it in middle of camp. Or sneak it into their duffel before they leave, so that they’ll smile as they unpack.

Ohuhu Automatic Ink Acrylic Markers

I was the type of kid who spent a long time on letters home – and letters to friends after camp. Ohuhu’s Nahuku acrylic marker line is a great one for teens because of how well they work and how easy they are to use. They are automatic ink markers, which means that they don’t need pumping, priming, or patience. And they are good quality, with opaque, rich colors.

They come ready in a carry-case that’s perfect for camp, and a compact storage solution. Artsy kids can use them as a boredom buster since there’s enough to share with friends. Or they can use them to send epic letters home, as I did when I was their age!

VoiceGift Voice Tags

There’s nothing quite like hearing your parents voice when you’re missing home, especially if you can hear it whenever you want! VoiceGift makes all sorts of voice-recordable gift items, but the one we’ll be sending is their voice tag. Record a message, stick it in the box, and you can actually tell your child how much you love and miss them!

They also make small recordable buttons that can be added to stuffies, so if your kid prefers that, do check that out!

Got any additional care package ideas for campers that went over well with your kids? What do you send to your boys and girls in sleepaway camp? Comment below! Then check out our favorite gifts for 12 year old boys here!