Care packages are a great way to show you care to family members and friends who have moved far away.

Themed packages are a fun way to make your loved one feel special. You'll find ideas to create the perfect Thanksgiving gift basket in a box.

The holiday season is a time of year that can get a bit lonesome when you're far from home.

So send a Thanksgiving care package this year to your favorite missionary, college student or military service member and they'll have just one more reason to be thankful this year.

THANKSGIVING CARE PACKAGE IDEAS

My son left home in early November to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So of course I had to send him a care package for his first Thanksgiving away from home.

He didn't need much, since he'd just left. But I wanted him to know we were thinking of him.
I just sent him a few treats and I made a Thankful For You tree.

But I've gathered lots more ideas for fun Thanksgiving care packages.

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To start off, I'll show you how I made the Thankful for You Tree. I wanted my son to feel loved by all of his extended family.

So I enlisted their help in writing little notes of encouragement and love.

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR A THANKFUL FOR YOU TREE

Here's what you need to make your own tree.

I had most everything already on hand, so it was a very inexpensive item to add to the care package.

Brown craft paper, wrapping paper roll size
construction paper
free leaf printable
pencil, pens, sharpie
scissors
glue sticks

HOW TO MAKE A THANKFUL FOR YOU TREE

The first thing I did was to draw a tree shape on the brown craft paper.

I am not an artist, so this was a struggle for me.

After a few attempts, I had a tree that wasn't horrible.

I also wrote "we are thankful for you" on it.

Next, I cut out lots of fall leaves using the printable template as a guide.

I traced as many leaves as I could onto one sheet of construction paper. Then I stacked 5 pieces of paper together to cut them out.

Finally, I passed them out to family members and asked them to write a note to my son. Then I glued them to the tree. It's a great way to add a personal touch to your Thanksgiving care kit.

I rolled the tree up, folded it half and placed it on top of some of his favorite snacks.

WHAT TO PUT IN A THANKSGIVING CARE PACKAGE

A thanksgiving package is the perfect occasion to share all the fall goodies with your loved one. Here are a few ideas.

THANKSGIVING TREATS

For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to include fall treats and goodies. Pumpkin-flavored snacks are usually a hit and are easy to find this time of year.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Candy Corn
Apple Cider
Caramel Apples
Mini Pumpkin Pies
Mini Pecan Pies
Pumpkin Bread

THANKSGIVING DINNER STAPLES

Maybe they won't be able to celebrate with a traditional Thanksgiving meal where they are. Send them the ingredients to make their own meal.

Freeze Dried Turkey, or Turkey Jerky
Stuffing Mix
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Gravy Mix
Cranberry Sauce
Canned Veggies
Pumpkin Pie Mix

thanksgiving food ideas for care packages

Feast Upon the Word of God Printable by Paper Tagged

If you have a missionary, you can print off this fun Feast Upon the Word printable. Then simply attach the cards to their favorite treats.

NON FOOD FALL FAVORITES TO INCLUDE

Sometimes the best Thanksgiving gifts aren't food. Try adding one or more items from this list.

Fall Scented Candle
Items to Decorate for Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Mini Faux Pumpkins
Personal items they may want or need
Gift card

Another idea that's perfect for college kids or missionaries, is to send them a cookbook.

I created a cookbook with EASY meals designed especially for beginner cooks. It's full of QUICK meals they can make in a hurry. Find the FREE cookbook here. You can print it out if you want to add it to your box of goodies.

WAYS TO DECORATE YOUR THANKSGIVING GIFT BOX

Make it the perfect care package by decorating the box. There are a lot of fun ways to decorate your care packages.

You can cut out more leaves from construction paper and glue them to the inside of the box.
Or you can try one of these easy Thanksgiving printable sets or stickers to dress up your package.