Who doesn’t like to get unexpected packages delivered with their name on it!  Who doesn’t like ripping open those packages with glee and thoughts of “Mine. Mine.  All mine!!”

Care packages are like Christmas and Hanukkah and an Iftar buffet all on the same day!

Kids love to get packages, especially ones addressed to them!

Head to a Target, a Japanese market, Chinatown or where ever and get your 9 yr old on.

Can’t remember what you liked at age 5, 9 or 12?  Ask your friend, call a preschool or find a teacher.

Care Package Ideas  — jacks, Mad Libs, that ball/paddle thing, Legos, a deck of cards, books, videos (check with mom), board games (as long as there is another child for the child to play with), rubik’s cube, a silly game you made up!

The key to a fantastic care package is it needs to contain items that:

• are age appropriate
• DO NOT  require supervision
• can be trashed and it will not be a big deal if they break
• are plentiful enough to keep a child occupied
• include two of everything if there are siblings of similar age.

©  2011 Kim Hamer