Everyone needs a little pick-me-up these days. Whether it’s a best friend across the country or your loved one just a few miles away, it’s difficult connecting with anyone during the quarantine. So what better way to show you’re thinking of them than sending a little something special?
Check out our exclusive curated guide to send your own ultimate quarantine care package!
Care Package #1: Bringing Outdoors, Indoors
Hiking trails are closed. Beaches have limited access. It seems like nature is just a far-off fantasy visible only through a glass window. Sigh. Plus in these approaching fall months, who knows the next time you can enjoy the great outdoors?
Succulents Box, Pack of 4, monthly for $20
Have no fear, the care package ideas are here! Succulents Box has a new monthly subscription service featuring hand-picked cacti in clay pots. The indoor pack is a great starter kit for those green thumb beginners, plus pet-friendly to keep our furry quarantine buddies in mind. Every new customer also receives 10% off their order with the code HAPPYPLANT10, and $5 off the first box with code 5OFF.
Lula’s Garden, Jewel trio, $38
Looking for something extra special? Lula’s Garden offers stunning singular succulent gifts, packaged to perfection. With cover sleeves ranging from birthday wishes to “just because,” Lula’s Garden can brighten anyone’s day. We love to see the Jewel Garden trio bring life into a work-from-home office space, while the more petite Bliss Garden is a fantastic low-maintenance present. They even offer corporate gift options with a branding service, in case you want to remind your hardworking employees how much they mean to you. Forget the bottle of wine to a host or to celebrate a special occasion– Lula’s Garden has perfected the art of a classy, unexpected gift.
P.F. Candle Co., Limited Edition Trio, $57 or $20 per candle
The dreariness of being indoors affects all senses. End the stuffiness of the inside with new, fall-inspired candles by P.F. Candle Co. The Los-Angeles based company is known for their sustainably sourced soy wax candles and spot-on scents. Their classic Spiced Pumpkin and Spruce candles immediately make any space feel festive. Spiced Pumpkin brings everything nice to mind of the Halloween fall months; later, transition into the December holidays with the forest-y Spruce as you decorate the tree or add logs to the fireplace. It’s only fitting that their new fragrance, Smoky Cinnamon Special, evokes a similar outdoorsy memory, one of a nostalgic campfire evening. The blend of sweet and spicy, cozy and liberating, enhances the patchouli, orange, and cassia bark scent undertones. Is it ok to say that a candle is seductive? Because P.F. Candle Co.’s Smoky Cinnamon definitely is special in that way. Get all three candles for the special price of $57 too!
The Green Vase, Hibiscus Flower Kit, $21
Have a green thumb? Well turn that passion for gardening into an arts and crafts hobby with The Green Vase, a unique company that specializes in paper flowers and plants. The eye-catching Hibiscus Flower Kit teaches you how to use crepe paper, tissue paper, wire, and tape to craft the tropical flower. Select the color you prefer your bouquet, and you’re off! And don’t worry, nobody will know they’re fake over Zoom.
Parks Project, National Parks Advocate Sticker Pack, $16
Decorate your laptop with the National Parks Advocate Sticker Pack by Parks Project! The high quality vinyl USA-made stickers are a fun, vintage-inspired way to bring the outdoors indoors while you work from home. The purchase of the sticker pack also supports the Habitat Conservation to protect national parks.
Parks Project, Protect Our Parks Water Bottle, $15
Stay hydrated with the Protect Our Parks Water Bottle, also from Parks Project. The BPA-free Nalgene bottle carries 32 fluid ounces, and is ideal for on-the-go drinking– or to sit beside your desk while working! In a post-COVID world, don’t forget to pack the bottle while camping, hiking, or biking. Proceeds from the bottle also fund youth education programs, specifically the Open Outdoors for Kids that uses experiential learning for adolescents to connect with nature.
Sol and Selene, Motivator backpack in Black Star, $90
Who says work from home has to literally be from your house? Pack up your laptop and work supplies with the Motivator backpack from Sol and Selene for an afternoon away from your desk. We love this hands-free handbag, with easy to use lightweight straps and water repellent nylon material. A padded pocket makes it easy to slip a computer inside, plus the interior mesh lining is perfect to separate pens, paper, and pencils if need be. Enjoy a work day in the park, or even just in your backyard! As long as there’s WiFi, why not safely (and social distanced-ly) enjoy the sunshine.
Sol and Selene, Protective Face Masks, $30 for pack of 3
We cannot get enough of these fashion-forward masks by Sol and Selene. The thick but still breathable Protective Face Masks come in solid black, grey camo, or snakeskin print. Made of high quality nylon and spandex, the masks fit comfortably without slipping. The top nose area is also equipped with a molding to allow for different types of airflow, and to be glasses-friendly. Adjustable straps further allow the mask to have a perfect fit along the ears. While the mask is not a replacement for medical-grade PPE, the face covering is still chic!
Sol and Selene, Rhinestone Face Masks, $24 for set of 2
For those looking for a little sparkle in their daily life, the Rhinestone Face Masks, also by Sol and Selene, will definitely brighten your day. The 100% cotton-lined mask embodies the “business in the front, party in the back” mentality. Believe it or not, the mask is also water repellent, and features elastic straps with toggle adjustments to firmly hold in place. Now to the fun part: yes, the entire front of these masks are covered in rhinestones. Similarly, this mask is not equivalent to PPE, but it sure does make a much-needed fashion statement during these times.
A Beautiful Life, WOOSH!, $12
In case you do go outside (because we all have to at some point), don’t forget to bring WOOSH!, the latest atmospheric disinfecting spray from A Beautiful Life. The multi-use hand sanitizer also acts as an insect repellent. The spray is made with lemongrass, citronella, and tea tree oil, and has a 70% ethyl alcohol base. When not cleaning and protecting your skin, WOOSH! also acts as a room air freshener. What more can you ask for from a product in 2020?
Care Package #2: Foodie Must-Haves
Most of us are becoming at-home chefs during these past few months. Here are a few ideas to up your game from cook to connoisseur, with some work-from-home snack options to fuel both your body and spirit.
Cooking Panda, Mystery Box subscription, $44.99
Our new obsession is Cooking Panda. Essentially its own care package, the new seasonal foodie box comes with more than 25 top products from trending brands such as Rise Nitro Brew Coffee, Liquid IV, Primal Kitchen, and Right Rice. Cooking Panda’s boxes are a mystery every time, so your subscription will never repeat options. Even better? The boxes are complete with $150 worth of gourmet and exclusive products, but cost only $44.99 per pack. From appetizers to dessert and everything in between, Cooking Panda has every meal– and season– covered with the Fall, Holiday, Spring, and Summer box options. Plus, all products are full-sized! Use code PANDAVIP for $5 off your first box of goodness.
Lose Weight Like CRAZY Even If You Have a Crazy Life!, $24
During quarantine– and with gyms closed– people have been looking to cook healthier. Beachbody fitness coach and influencer Autumn Calabrese recently released her new cookbook, Lose Weight Like CRAZY! Even If You Have a Crazy Life. “C.R.A.Z.Y.” is an acronym for Calabrese’s philosophy on clean cooking and portion control. Recipes include breakfast enchiladas, buffalo chicken celery sticks, vegan tacos, peanut butter apple pie cookies, and more delicious treats and meal inspirations! The book is available on Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble.
Ground Up, Cinnamon Snickerdoodle nut butter, $16
Quarantine is also the perfect time to experiment with new flavors! Ground Up offers delicious, unexpected nut butters, ranging from dessert-inspired Cinnamon Snickerdoodle to the bestselling Chunky Almond, Cashew, and Coconut. Their latest limited edition flavor, Spicy Tahini Cashew with Diaspora Chillies, emphasizes Ground Up’s partnership with Diaspora Co., a direct-to-consumer spice company that works with farmers in India.
Karma Nuts sampler pack, $14.99
The quarantine snack trend is very real, and what better way to curb your cravings with healthy, all-natural options? Karma Nuts Wrapped Cashews pack in the flavor with exotic dustings like Golden Turmeric, Peri Peri, and Lime Twist, or even fulfilling a sweet tooth with Toasted Coconut and Cocoa Dusted. The “wrapped” style comes from leaving the natural, antioxidant-rich cashew skin intact, adding twice the fiber of regular cashews. The Karma Nuts sampler pack makes for a smorgasbord of flavorful goodness– and better yet, guilt-free snacking while working from home.
Outstanding Foods, PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds variety pack, $23.88
The quarantine has also prompted many pandemic diets, ranging from keto to vegan to paleo. Thanks to PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds from Outstanding Foods, no one has to sacrifice their taste to comply with dietary restrictions. The plant-based “pork rinds” are vegan-friendly and downright addicting. With seven grams of protein per ounce, PigOut makes pigging out guilt free. Even legendary rapper Snoop Dogg is an investor in the brand! Choose from Nacho Cheese, Hella Hot, Original, Salt and Vinegar, or our personal favorite, Texas BBQ, and snack away!
The Naked Market, Flock Chicken Chips, $24 for 8-pack
Keto-approved Flock Chicken Chips by The Naked Market are a must-have for any poultry lover. The protein-packed crispy chips are made from real chickens, but have zero carbs or sugars. Flock has taken the mess (and stress) out of fried chicken, and made effortlessly eating delicious chicken skin a reality! Snack straight from the bag, or add atop a salad for a bit of crunch. With three flavors– BBQ, Salt and Vinegar, and Original– these Flock Chicken Chips are all birds of a feather. In addition to concocting an addicting, healthy chip, The Naked Market gives back to their local San Francisco community. For every order of Flock received, the company donates one meal to hungry Bay Area families, impoverished elders, and San Francisco homeless through a partnership with the SF Marin Foodbank.
Safe + Fair Drizzled Popcorn, $5
Everyone needs a little sweet midday pick-me-up. The vegan and gluten-free Safe + Fair Drizzled Popcorn adds just the right amount of divine sugary goodness to healthy popcorn. The treat is allergy-friendly, and comes in unique flavor combinations like Birthday Cake, Key Lime Pie, Blueberry Cobbler A La Mode, and the All-American Summer featuring a red, white, and blue drizzle. Our personal favorites are the classic Dark Chocolaty and standout Strawberry Shortcake, both bringing a nostalgic sugar rush that quickly becomes the highlight of any at-home work day.
Mijenta Blanco tequila, $50
No meal is complete without a drink. Mike Dolan, the former Bacardi CEO, co-founded Mijenta, a new artisanal tequila company. Mijenta Blanco is the first small batch agave tequila from Mijenta, featuring honey, vanilla, caramel, and tropical floral flavors for a full-bodied liquor experience. The name Mijenta is inspired by “mi gente” meaning “my people,” referring to a collective mindset and sense of community. We’ll have to wait until the end of 2020 for the highly-anticipated Mijenta Reposado, but by then we can finally cheers to the end of a colossal year.
Girl Meets Dirt, Ruby Spiced Apple Shrub, $15
Orcas Island-based Girl Meets Dirt creates mouth-watering preserves and shrubs– or as anyone in quarantine would say, the makings of a perfect at-home happy hour. The award-winning Ruby Spiced Apple Shrub harnesses organic tart apple, crabapple, and apple cider vinegar to create a splendid cocktail mix. Pair with rum for a cozy fall cocktail, or even craft a mocktail with sparkling apple cider or ginger beer soda. Girl Meets Dirt also offers exclusive recipes to bring the most out of their shrubs, and for the Ruby Spiced Apple flavor, rum lets star anise and cinnamon flavors shine.
Care Package #3: Self-Care Sunday
Let’s be honest: we all need some time for rest and relaxation. From loungewear to soothing beauty routines, these products will ease some of your worries.
PJ Salvage, City Nights Lounge Set, $118
PJ Salvage has mastered softness like no other loungewear brand. Plus, their positive messages this season are reminders to spread joy and love, even if only virtually! The City Nights Lounge Set is just formal enough for a Zoom meeting while still being comfy. The stylish set, complete with a “Love” t-shirt and French terry snakeskin print joggers, is the ultimate at-home chic look. Forget those gross, wornout slouchy sweatpants at the bottom of your closet. The City Nights loungewear set offers a slimming tapered leg, making you want to show them off to anyone who can see them. It’s not a true glam spa day without a cute outfit!
Paddywax, Floral Gift Box, $65
Spend your Sunday reseting with the Floral Gift Box from Paddywax. The soft pink-hued set includes a hand-poured Peony and Patchouli candle, a hydrating hemp seed oil Blossom lip balm, a vegan leather notepad, and the Paddywax multipurpose Garden and Peonies wash.
MasqueBar, Hallyu Watermelon Face Mask, $4.99
Throw on a face mask to keep calm and relax! The MasqueBar Naturals fruity masks come in great scents like Banana and Hallyu Watermelon. The Korean beauty company harnesses the natural fruit extracts to hydrate and illuminate the skin. Opt for either a sheet mask or a jelly mask for a refreshing mini at-home spa day.
nugg Beauty, Summer Skin Set, $39.99
Enjoy the last drops of warm weather with the nügg Beauty Summer Skin Set, a $70 value for only $39.99. The set includes the bestselling Aqua Boost Spout Pouch, Morning Glow Spout Pouch, Total Refresh Mask, Miracle Mud Mask, Perfect Pores Face Mask Set, Happy Lips Lip Balm, BaeTea 14 Day Energy Tea, and an Inflatable Drink Float to bring vacation to you.
Viktor&Rolf, Flowerbomb eau de parfum, $115
Lusting after NYFW viral trends? Ionic fashion brand Viktor&Rolf has the at-home answer to feeling– and smelling– like a runway model. “Fashion is about creating an aura, and fragrance is an integral part of that endeavor,” the Viktor&Rolf founders state. Their Flowerbomb eau de parfum is an explosion of unexpected florals, creating a textured sensual scent of jasmine, freesia, and rose heightened by patchouli and vanilla. A “diamond grenade,” Flowerbomb is the ultimate transitional fragrance between summer and fall.
Viktor&Rolf, Bonbon eau de parfum, $98
For a more sultry fragrance, Bonbon by Viktor&Rolf celebrates the “pleasure of pursuit.” Feel like a femme fatale while donning this lightweight blend of sweet and sour, floral and wood. Plus the adorable bow bottle makes for a stunning addition to any countertop or vanity.
Merle Norman, Treasure Chest Palette, $65, and Blush & Glow Face Palette, $36
Get yourself Zoom Monday morning meeting-ready with the latest cosmetics from Merle Norman. The limited edition Blush & Glow Face Palette offers four complexion-enhancing shades, in matte, semi-matte or luminous finishes. We love the Sarong, Shiny, Bahamas, and Sandcastles shades for a glowing, fresh face. Make your eyes sparkle with the Treasure Chest Shadow Palette, complete with nine ocean-inspired hues ranging from Coral Reef to Azure. The eyeshadow has an easy application, and sits lightly atop the lids through sun, sweat, and smiles.
Merle Norman, Chubby Lip Crayon, $22
Finish off your made up face with Merle Norman’s Chubby Lip Crayon. While the crayon is offered in four shades– nude Aruba, bright red Calypso, magenta Lady Bug, and black cherry Sienna– it’s impossible to choose just one. The lightweight creamy smooth finish makes any pair of lips look kissable.
Pour Le Monde, Together, $82
While we all can’t be together with our loved ones during these uncertain times, Pour Le Monde offers a fragrance to stay connected. Together embodies the lightness of a floral bouquet coupled with top notes of lemon and bergamot. Made from 100% natural essential oils, the mixture of jasmine, violet, freesia, and lilac enhance the luscious scent. When you can’t be together, at least you can wear it: Together!
Innersense, True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub, $42
Let your hair down (literally) with the new True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub by Innersense. Think of the scrub exfoliation as a mask for your scalp– the pre-cleanse treatment belongs in any spa! Formulated with volcanic clay-rich Hawaiian Red salt, apples, celery seed, green tea, and peppermint, the scrub gently works to remove impurities while soothing inflammation and irritation. Plus it’s all toxin-free, so your head can rest easy.
A Beautiful Life, OTHER perfume, $28
In the spirit of positive messaging, A Beautiful Life has created the scent of the season that encompasses more than just an unisex perfume. The fragrance, OTHER, featuring coffee, honey, cardamom, and cannabis, was deemed “the spirit of the resistance” by the brand’s founder Tony Artur. “OTHER was created in the spirit of diversity and inclusiveness, in response to concerns many Americans are sharing about our freedoms, and our future,” Artur writes. A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold are donated to the ACLU and Southern Policy Law Center.
Care Package #4: Staying Sane
This is probably the most important care package theme yet. However, it’s easier said than done. Let these products help pass the time during quarantine!
Art of Play, Standards Flag Edition, $15
A good old fashioned card game sometimes does the trick. Art of Play offers gorgeously detailed decks of playing cards, like the DKNG Yellow Wheels and Standards Flags Edition. Art of Play partners with various artists to create such stunning designs that make even a simple game of Go Fish seem like a visit to an art gallery.
Art of Play, Handmade Wooden Checkers, $125
In addition to the intricate card details, Art of Play also sells unprecedented Handmade Wooden Checkers sets. The Canada-based creations use walnut and maple wood with laser etching for a custom approach to the classic game. Better yet, the board is sealed with an ecological oil to protect the set for years to come. Art of Play also donates 1% of profits for global reforestation.
Parks Project, Parks: United States National Park Service Maps by Brian Kelley, $60
Flip through the stunning Parks: United States National Park Service Maps from the Collection of Brian Kelley, as sold by Parks Project, for a daydream of traveling across the country. The standout yellow coffee table book aggregates over 400 maps produced by the United States National Park Service since 1910. As the book both showcases graphic design elements from the past century, it also captures the nostalgic allure of exploring the outdoors and famed national parks.
All Tee All Shade, “Everyone’s Gone…Bat Shit Crazy!” hoodie, $30.50
This hoodie from All Tee All Shade sums up a shared frustration during quarantine. While All Tee All Shade offers a range of different meme-friendly (and “#truthfullyoffensive”) slogans, we opt for the “Everyone’s Gone…Bat Shit Crazy!” style. “At All Tee All Shade Store, we are inspired to offer a entire product statement line for ‘Everyone’s Gone Bat Shit Crazy’ so we can introduce a little humor at the same time face the truth that we are living in times where <insert your issue here> makes it feel like everyone HAS gone bat shit crazy,” the brand’s website states. The sweatshirt cotton-polyester blend makes for an ideal oversized comfy attire, either for loungewear or the new Zoom casual Fridays.
Goli, Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, $19
Keep your energy up with apple cider vinegar Goli gummy vitamins. Not only a great seasonal fall flavor, apple cider vinegar helps with gut health and supports the immune system. The superfood vitamins are rich in antioxidants, vegan-friendly, and non-GMO, plus both gluten and gelatin free. Goli combines organic pomegranate, beetroots, citrus, pectin prebiotic, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B9 for a delicious yet simple everyday immune boost. In case keeping yourself healthy wasn’t a good enough reason to try Goli, the nutrition brand also makes a 1-for-1 vitamin grant to provide a child in need with a six-month supply of vitamins through global charity Vitamin Angels. The non-profit organization Vitamin Angels provides crucial vitamins to pregnant women and children under five years old who are at risk for malnutrition. With Goli apple cider vinegar gummies, you can feel great inside and out!
Paddywax, Glow Candle Making Kit, $45
Bored with streaming TV shows? Experiment with the Glow Candle Making Kit from Paddywax. With fragrance combinations like Ocean Tide and Sea Salt to Blood Orange and Citrus, craft your own custom candles from the comfort of your own home! Each kit includes a stainless steel pitcher, a thermometer, soy wax chips, and fragrance oils for the ideal at-home candle making studio.
Sol and Selene, Endurance tote, $120
As we all get a little stir crazy, some of us are seeking new places to call home. Whether it’s an overnight at your parents’ house or a long trip followed by a two-week quarantine, sometimes we just have to have a change of scene to stay sane. The aptly-named Endurance tote by Sol and Selene is the ultimate piece of luggage. The gorgeous burgundy handbag is the ideal size for a short stay, or a carryon full of travel must-haves. A quilted design is both fashionable and practical; with water repellant nylon and extra padding, the tote not only is surprisingly spacious but also keeps your belongings secure. Plus once gyms reopen, the shockingly lightweight Endurance can easily make for a yoga or workout bag!
Kent Stetson, Vote handbag, $208
The best way to stay sane is to look forward. Kent Stetson’s pop art-inspired clutches offer a friendly reminder to VOTE this year! The eponymous brand launched the Vote cross body handbag in late August, commemorating the hundredth anniversary of women’s right to vote. “To this day voter suppression and gerrymandering aim to silence our most-marginalized neighbors,” founder Kent Stetson wrote to honor the launch. “When you vote, you’re not just exercising power for yourself, but also for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.”
Parks Project, Roaming Wild Calendar, $25
Gear up for the New Year (seriously, who isn’t looking forward to 2021?!) with the Roaming Wild Calendar. The Parks Project product includes the birthdays of the national parks, plus highlights fun outdoor activities across the country. A wire loop makes the calendar easy to hang beside your desk so you can count down the days before 2020 is finally done.
Wool and the Gang, Feel Good Blanket, $97
The aptly-named Feel Good Blanket by Wool and the Gang sets a creative goal for beginner knitters during quarantine. Stripe color options range from Cameo Rose to Silver Grey Fox for the blanket. All sets come with an array of Feeling Good yarn, a blanket pattern, knitting needles, and a sewing needle. The proprietary Feeling Good yarn consists of a lush Alpaca and merino mix sustainably sourced in Peru. Estimated at 20 hours to make, this blanket is about two days worth of work to knit– or a week for a fun hobby! Either way, you end up with a warm new throw to cuddle under.
PJ Salvage, Smiley Flannel Long Sleeve Top, $66
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to smile through all of this. The world may seem crazy right now, but this too will pass. PJ Salvage, in an exclusive collection with SMILEY, made the perfect Flannel Long Sleeve top for enduring 2020: with a smiley face patch on the sleeve and “My Happy Place” embroidered on the heart, wear this sweatshirt with pride and give yourself a hug. You deserve it.
Keep up the quarantine, stay safe, and hopefully these care package ideas will help remind someone that you’re thinking of them!
