It would be nice if we could spend every birthday, anniversary, and holiday with the people we love, but sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. Next time you have to be away for a birthday, send an extra special care package full of everything your child/partner/friend/grandma/cat needs to celebrate. It's easy to do, and something kids will have fun getting involved with to help someone they're missing celebrate a special day.
Step One
: Wrap the Inside of the Box
Break the box down so it lays flat with the inside completely exposed (you can tape it up when you're finished and it will be good as new!).
Pick some pretty wrapping paper or colourful tissue paper and trace the outline of the box.
Cut it out and use double sided tape to stick the wrapping or tissue paper to the inside of the box.
Step Two
: Wrap Up Some Gifts
One of my favourite gifts to include is a notebook you've filled with messages just for them, including a list of things you love best about them or happy memories you share—one thing for each year of their age. But you can put in whatever sorts of gifts you know your loved one will love.
Step Three
: Bake!
Make (or buy if that's a better choice for you) a batch of their favourite cookies and put them in either an airtight container (if your package will get to them in a few days) or vacuum seal them. Don't forget to decorate the container or vacuum packed goodies with ribbon, balloons for them to blow up later, or number candles.
Step Four
: The Cake
If your package doesn't have far to go, bake a sheet cake (denser cakes that have less moisture ship better) and cut circles from it to fit into a mason jar. Layer the cake circles with some icing (a type that doesn't need refrigeration) in the jar. Tie a candle to the jar with a piece of ribbon. Make sure you use lots of bubble wrap to keep it in one piece!
If the package is making a trip longer than 2 or 3 days (or if there's a chance they won't be around to pick it up for a while), skip the cake and bake brownies in a round cake pan instead. Leave it whole and either vacuum seal it or wrap it really well in plastic wrap, then place it into a freezer bag and suck the air out with a straw. Send it with a container of icing (there are lots of shelf-stable varieties at most grocery stores) and some candles bundled up with ribbon.
Step Five
: Finishing Touches
Put your gifts, cookies, and cake into the box you prepared. Add in some birthday extras, like more balloons, noisemakers, or party hats.
Pack any unfilled spaces with crumpled sheets of tissue or wrapping paper (it just looks nicer than old newspapers).
Lay a sheet of tissue paper over everything and put a birthday card on top.
Using ribbon and coloured paper, make a very small Happy Birthday banner that will fit the length of the box. Attach it to the inside flaps.
Step Six
: Wrap your Package—Twice!
Tape up the box and get ready to wrap. Because this is meant as a substitute celebration, it's nice if the package is wrapped in pretty paper—but beware, packages that are wrapped up like gifts are more likely to be stolen :( The solution is to wrap it twice. First, wrap the package in birthday wrapping paper, then cover it with plain old undecorated brown paper, and it's ready for the mail!
Out of wrapping paper? No worries! Here's how to make your own duck tape gift wrap.
Looking for another fun and unique way to celebrate a birthday? Write a letter to your future self, partner, or kids.
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