Is your little angel going to summer camp this year? Summer camp is the perfect opportunity for kids to have lots of fun with their friends. However, it can also be a time when your little one misses home. That’s why you should surprise them by sending a care package for summer camp. I did this to show my love to my kid and it’s safe to say he was thrilled. But not all parents know what to pack and send to their kids. Lucky for you, we’re here to help. Our team has brainstormed some of the best things to send as a care package. From snacks to games, the following will make your kid’s summer camp much more fun and enjoyable!
Quaker Chewy Less Sugar Granola Bars
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While there are tons of delicious snacks to give your kid, why not choose something healthier? We’re sure your kid will love the Quaker Chewy Less Sugar Granola Bars. Unlike most granola bars, these ones contain 25% less sugar. Available in a pack of 58, there are three different flavors that are equally tasty, including Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Cookies & Cream. When we tried them out, they were just as tasty as regular granola bars and we didn’t notice they were less sugar.
However, our favorite is Cookies & Cream. With melty chocolate chunks and a crunchy cracker base, we couldn’t have enough of it. Also, these granola bars have no artificial colors or preservatives. They’re all made using real chocolate.
Pros
- There are three different flavors.
- They have 25% less sugar than regular granola bars.
- We’re surprised by how cheap they are.
Cons
- Some of the bars are a bit hard.
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LunchBots Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Box
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Aside from snacks, you should also consider giving your kid a proper lunch box. What we have here is the LunchBots Cinco Stainless Steel Lunch Box, one of the best eco-friendly lunch boxes for kids. This durable lunch box is non-toxic and dishwasher safe, making it a super convenient option to use and clean.
One of the biggest selling points of this lunch box is the fact that it has five compartments. Two of them are bigger, and three others are on the smaller side. And despite its big size, it’s still lightweight. Weighing only 16 oz, we were shocked by how lightweight it was when we held it.
Pros
- The cover is available in many different vibrant colors.
- This lunch box’s durability is hard to beat.
- It’s free from harmful chemicals.
Cons
- It’s not watertight.
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Hydro Flask Kids 12oz Wide Mouth Bottle
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Whether it’s for summer camps or family getaways, you won’t regret giving the Hydro Flask Kids 12oz Wide Mouth Bottle to your kid. This bottle is such a versatile bottle. It comes with a straw lid, making it a nice option to keep your kid’s juice. But if you want, you can also use the bottle to store snacks or even milk and cereals. Just take a look at the picture below!
Now, let’s talk about the insulation. This bottle can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Pretty impressive, isn’t it? In addition to that, this bottle is also dishwasher safe. Best of all, it’s available in a wide array of fun colors. However, we think the Lake variant is the best.
Pros
- Your kid can write their name on the bottom of the bottle, making it a nice personalized bottle.
- This bottle has a super durable construction.
- It’s also available in 20 oz.
Cons
- The lid can be hard to open and close.
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O2COOL Battery Powered Personal Fan
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Best for Hot Weather. Trust us; your kid will love the O2COOL Battery Powered Personal Fan! No one knows how hot the weather can be, so it’s always good to have this fan in the bag. With a vertical air vent, this fan can keep kids cool even during the hottest season. All they have to do is wear it around their neck.
One of our favorite things about this fan is its adjustable lanyard. During testing, we never had problems adjusting it. With 2 AA batteries, this fan can operate for up to 12 hours. Better yet, this affordable personal fan is available in multiple different shades.
Pros
- This fan is slim and lightweight.
- It’s super easy to use.
- The vertical airflow keeps kids cool at all times.
Cons
- There’s only one speed.
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Giant UNO
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A timeless game, you can’t go wrong with UNO! But for your kid’s upcoming summer camp, why not get them Giant UNO? As the name suggests, it’s an oversized version of the classic game. The cards are four times bigger than regular UNO cards, so kids need to be more careful in hiding their cards. Even our team of reviewers, who are all adults, had a lot of fun playing this.
To make the experience more exciting, this version comes with a little twist. For example, there are giant wild cards that can change the color of the game. It can also force your friend to draw two cards. Fun and easy to learn, this is a nice way to add a bit of excitement during summer camp. Watch this video to know how fun it can be!
Pros
- It’s an oversized version of the classic UNO cards.
- This game is easy to play and learn.
- It’s great for family and group gatherings.
Cons
- We had a hard time shuffling these giant cards.
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Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit
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Including a first aid kit is a must, which is why you should get the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit. This kit is ideal for home, outdoors, camping, and everything in between, making it a versatile option. After all, as the name suggests, it’s an all-purpose kit. It can help your kid when they have to deal with small cuts or even insect bites.
This compact kit comes with everything your kid needs, from cleaning wipes to gauze pads and antibiotic creams. We were also surprised when we found a 0.5 oz Neosporin and a pain relief cream, which can help prevent infection and relieve pain. You’ll never know what your kid needs, but this kit will always have them covered.
Pros
- It can be used for traveling, camping, and other activities.
- It has a highly portable design.
- There are dividers to keep everything separated and easily accessible.
Cons
- The clips that shut the case aren’t that strong.
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Instax Mini 11
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Best for Recording Memories. With the Instax Mini 11, kids will be able to capture their summer camp memories in a fun way. This camera is extremely easy to use, even for kids. I own one myself, and my kids can use them even without my help. Also, it’s super compact and lightweight, perfect for on-the-go.
In addition to that, this instant camera comes with a built-in flash. This allows kids to take photos even in low-light conditions. And with a self-timer, they can take good photos even when they’re by themselves. Looking for more cameras? Check out these best underwater cameras for kids!
Pros
- It’s an affordable but fun camera.
- The image quality is amazing.
- It’s so easy to use, even for kids.
Cons
- It can be a bit slow to process photos.
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Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Stick
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Best for UV Protection. Don’t forget to protect your kid from the sun’s harmful rays! Enter the Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Stick. This is a lightweight and travel-friendly sunscreen from the iconic brand. I personally have been using this sunscreen for a while now, and it’s that good. It’s easy to apply and offers a broad spectrum of protection.
This sunscreen stick is especially good for those who are active outdoors, which makes it good for summer camps. Better yet, it’s water-resistant. This also means it can resist sweat. Also, with SPF 50, it can effectively block up to 98% of harmful UV rays.
Pros
- It can resist sweat and water for up until 80 minutes.
- We love its compact and lightweight design.
- It’s easy to use.
Cons
- Some kids may prefer lotion sunscreen over this.
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Retevis Kids RT38 Walkie Talkie
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Let your kid become spies with the Retevis Kids RT38 Walkie Talkie! This is a fun and affordable way to let your little one communicate with their buddies. Small and light, this walkie-talkie is easy to use. When we tested this device, we were able to put it inside our pocket. And you don’t have to worry about accidentally pressing the buttons as there’s a lock-screen button.
Though this is basically a toy, we were genuinely surprised by its quality. The sound produced was clear, and we were able to adjust the volume level easily. Heck, there are even 10 call tones available to choose from. Best of all, this walkie-talkie for kids is available in multiple bright colors.
Pros
- There’s a flashlight for emergencies.
- It’s only slightly bigger than a credit card.
- Even at a pretty far distance, you can still hear the sound pretty clearly.
Cons
- It requires AAA batteries, but they’re not included.
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Dorcy 55 Lumen Flashlight
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Best for Explorations. Help your kid explore nature safely and clearly with the Dorcy 55 Lumen Flashlight! This is one of the best-selling flashlights on Amazon, and we have plenty of reasons why you should love this item. First of all, it’s available in five vibrant colorways. If your kid hates purple, you can opt for the blue, green, pink, or yellow one. Additionally, it has a rugged design that can withstand impact.
Another thing that we love about this flashlight is the fact that it floats. We were initially skeptical about this, but when we dropped it in the water, it really floated. And once fully charged, this flashlight can run for almost nine hours. For kids that love night exploration, this is a must-have.
Pros
- It comes with 3 AA batteries.
- The grip is comfortable and anti-slip.
- Despite its durability, it’s relatively affordable.
Cons
- It’s a basic flashlight with no extra features.
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Mad Libs: World’s Greatest Word Game
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There’s no way we can talk about the best care package for summer camp without mentioning Mad Libs: World’s Greatest Word Game! This game is a classic. It’s been around for decades and has been providing laughter for kids and adults alike. It’s also easy to play this game. Kids only have to fill in the blanks with different words, which will often result in a hilarious and nonsensical story.
Because of its popularity, there are plenty of different versions of Mad Libs available. Aside from the books, there are also applications and board games. But the books are extremely cheap and the most convenient for summer camps, which is why we recommend them. Plus, playing this game will not only train your kid’s vocabulary but also their comedic skills. If you’re looking for the app, click here!
Pros
- It’s both fun and educational.
- This game is suitable for all ages.
- It’s a fun game to be played with a group.
Cons
- Sense of humor is subjective, and some kids may not enjoy the jokes.
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PartySticks Glow Sticks
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Who doesn’t fancy glow sticks? We’re sure kids of all ages and even some adults enjoy having fun with them. That’s why we include the PartySticks Glow Sticks on this list. These sticks are available in multiple options, from the 100-pack variant to the 400-pack variant. No matter which one you choose, it’ll provide endless hours of entertainment.
Not to mention, these glow-in-the-dark sticks are incredibly versatile. Kids can use them as bracelets or decorations. Activating them is also a breeze. I honestly had a lot of fun during testing as snapping and shaking the sticks was weirdly therapeutic for me!
Pros
- These sticks are extremely cheap.
- They’re a great way to light up the night.
- They can glow for up to 14 hours.
Cons
- They can get boring easily.
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Klutz Friendship Bracelets Kit
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Best for Celebrating Friendships. Let your kid cement their friendships with their BFFs with the Klutz Friendship Bracelets Kit! This affordable kit is one of the most personal options on this list. It comes complete with everything your little one needs, including a wide variety of beads, embroidery floss, an instruction book, and more.
“I got this bracelet kit for my little one and she managed to make 10 bracelets for her and her friends. It’s pretty easy to use even for first-timers.”
Keedoz
Speaking of which, we love how clear the instructions are. When we showed them to our little ones, they were able to understand them easily. Of course, we also tried to make a few bracelets ourselves, and we were able to finish them in around 30 minutes. This is certainly a must-have for kids who want to show their love to their friends.
Pros
- High-quality beads and threads.
- It’s a fun activity that can push your kid’s creativity.
- You can make at least 12 bracelets with this kit.
Cons
- Some children may need help making bracelets.
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Our Verdict!
Not all kids need the items above. Some of them may already have them or they may not even need them. To help you pick which item you should consider, we’ve categorized some of them based on the following criteria!
- Best for Celebrating Friendships: Klutz Friendship Bracelets Kit
- Best for Explorations: Dorcy 55 Lumen Flashlight
- Best for UV Protection: Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Stick
- Best for Recording Memories: Instax Mini 11
- Best for Hot Weather: O2COOL Battery Powered Personal Fan
How To Choose The Best Care Package for Summer Camp
Before you send your care package, there are a few important things you should consider. They include:
Your kid’s interests
Of course, you’ll want to give something that excites your kid. So, before sending them the care package, always ask yourself what they like. What is their favorite snack? What do they need? Always include things that’ll appeal to their interests.
Personal touch
A care package isn’t just a box of stuff. Sending a care package is a way to show that you miss your kid and care for them. So, don’t forget to give the package a personal touch. You can do this by adding a hand-written letter or sending a customized item.
Functionality
You don’t want your care package to be full of useless stuff. The items included in the package shouldn’t only be fun but also functional. For instance, consider sending them sunscreen to protect them from UV rays, a fun game that can be enjoyed by not just your kid but also their friends, delicious snacks that can be enjoyed in a group, and others.
What do you put in a care package for a girl at camp?
It depends on what your kid needs or likes. Aside from the essentials like a first aid kit and sunscreen, you should also consider what your little girl likes.
What is a good age to send kids to camp?
According to campexperts.com, seven years old children or older can start joining a camp. However, it’s not a golden rule as different kids have different levels of maturity and preferences.
Is a care package a gift?
A care package is usually a box packed with items that show your love and appreciation. It usually includes personal notes, snacks, games, and other stuff that the receiver will love.
