In this blog, we are going to take a look at care packages for kids and why kids love them. And, why I loved them as a kid growing up with cancer and everything that comes with it.
Care Packages for Kids: A Little Surprise with a Big Impact
When I was a kid going through cancer at ages 6, 9, 11, and 21 years of age, I spent lots of time in the hospital and in the chemo clinic. During those times, I always found myself looking for a distraction from what was to come—procedures, surgeries, sickness, or a combination of them all.
Finding distractions and refocusing myself away from sickness and anxiety became necessary.
As a kid, at the chemo clinic, I often listened to cassette tapes on my Sony Walkman that had songs my brother and I had recorded off of Casey Kasem’s Weekly Top 40. I’m showing my age here. This was in the 80s at a time when Walkmans were “a thing,” and a cool thing at that.
Around that time, my grandmother “Bamba” and Granddaddy started to bring me care packages. These things would have been the ultimate care packages for kids at the time.
My care packages came with snacks, G.I. Joes, Transformers, games, baseball cards, and of course my favorite, the parachute man.
Care Packages are a Healthy Diversion
Care packages for kids going through hard times can do more than just offer up a few cool toys and snacks. They have many positive benefits. I mean, honestly, the care packages I received while being a sick kid were key in getting me through the whole ordeal.
Let’s take a look.
Care Packages Allow Senders to Connect
One of the obvious reasons that sending care packages to kids can be so good is because it allows the senders, friends, and family members, to connect with children. And the connection is important during times when friends and family can’t always be present. Care packages can be the thing that bridges that gap. They’re simple but can do so much good.
But, what types of things are in the perfect care package for kids? What makes a care package a “good” care package?
The Makings of a Rockin’ Care Package for Kids
1. Games That Bring a Sense of Normalcy
I used to get care packages with games back when I was a kid. I can remember playing Go Fish, Solitaire, and other games with my family.
We often played these games right in the hospital on the cafeteria tray table. Yep, the same spot where I ate all of that bland cafeteria food.
Playing these games was a distraction, of course, but it also brought a sense of normalcy and a chance for me and my family to have a little bit of fun. I do think, however, they always let me win.
2. Yummy Snacks
As I’ve already mentioned, I was an 80s kid. Us kids back then loved G.I. Joes, Transformers, Hot Wheels, GoBots, baseball cards, and of course our 80s snacks.
The snacks of the big 80s included Combos, Haribo (the original) gummy bears, Pringles, Twizzlers, Fruit Roll-ups, Swedish Fish, Nerds, and of course anything made of chocolate. So, I of course would get my favorite snacks in my care package, when I was up for eating.
Look, kids love a little junk food. And there’s nothing wrong with making their day during hard times with a favorite candy or a favorite snack. For me, Reese cups, nerds, and Combos were always my favorites.
3. Sensory Toys
Today, I’ve noticed kids love squishies. Before we started Bamba Box, I thought that squishies were just a thing for little kids. I was wrong, like way wrong.
As it turns out, lots of older kids and even teenagers like these “squishies.” There are both big ones and little ones. You can get squishie animals, squishie foods, and even squishie “whale-icorns.” Yes, that’s apparently a thing now, too.
Many experts even say that sensory toys can be healthy for kids. They can soothe and relax children.
Who knew, whale-icorns can be healthy and helpful for children?
4. That One Cool Item
Now, when my grandparents used to put together my care packages, they seemed to have their little formula. It went something like this:
First, get that one center-piece item that the kid will love (a Transformer). This item might cost more than other items in the box. It’s the item you absolutely know that a kid will love getting in their care package. It might be that Nerf Gun, that LOL ball, or that Captain America action figure. Whatever it is, this will be the main item—that item that makes the care package really pop. It should be the first thing they see when they open their care package.
Next, pack that center-piece item in a box and surround it with awesome candies, snacks, smaller toys and trinkets, and bam, it’s ready.
5. Front Row Seats to a Live Concert
Now, this is kind of a new thing—something a bit unique, a live concert.
Okay, so you can’t really fit a live concert into care packages for kids. But, with Bamba Box care packages for kids, if a kid gets a parachute man in their box, signed by me, then they win a free virtual concert.
If they win that concert, I’ll FaceTime them and their family and play my song, “Where Hope Lives,” (download it free right here) written and recorded for the American Cancer Society.
6. A Secret Membership Website
Imagine, a care package for kids that includes a secret membership to a website with free downloads and exclusive videos. It seems kinds of cool, right? Well, that’s just one more thing that comes with every Bamba Box care package.
Every Bamba Box ordered comes with a personalized letter from me. The letter includes the secret link and password to access the member’s area of BambaBox.com.
Once inside, you can download three of my songs for free, watch me perform “Where Hope Lives,” and watch a weird video about my blue crayfish. Don’t ask, it’s a little side hobby of mine. I mean, kids do seem to like blue crayfish for some reason.
7. Something to Look Forward To
Finally, care packages for kids give children something to look forward to receiving. They don’t always have to be a surprise.
My grandparents used to tell me about the awesome care packages they were going to bring me after my surgeries, or when I got home from chemotherapy. This always lifted my spirits and kept me focused on the awesomeness I’d receive after the chemotherapy or the procedure I was not looking forward to getting. Let me tell you, I racked up quite a few Joes from all of the care packages I received. Score!
Care Packages for Kids: A Short Recap
Care packages for kids who are going through rough times can do wonders for children mentally. These simple gifts for kids can ease stress and anxiety, help children refocus and feel happy, and connect with family and friends. Also, with the right care package, kids can enjoy access to a secret site with free downloads, and videos.
Ready to send that special kid a Bamba Box care package? Get started here. We have them for children ages 4 through teen.
