My role as a mom ultimately led me to my career as a photographer, and over the years, the different roles I’ve taken on as a mother have continued to give me an outlet for the creative side of myself that has always been there.

I loved planning themed birthday parties, which almost always included some kind of fun entertainment, a beautiful birthday cake, and creative decorations. I also loved being a Room Mom when my kids were in elementary school—organizing holiday parties, coming up with fun activities, and creating meaningful keepsakes for the kids to take home.

But now that my kids are older, and one of them is in college, I’ve found that I don’t have quite as many opportunities to pour all of that creative energy into them anymore. And, honestly, that makes me a little sad.

Maybe it’s one of my love languages. Acts of service, perhaps? There’s something about creating, planning, and doing things for the people I love that has always felt like an expression of love to me.

So when I came across an idea that another group of moms had started doing, it immediately caught my attention. They would get together periodically to put together college care packages for their sons and daughters. The idea stuck with me.

And when my oldest left for college, I decided to bring the idea to the moms of his best friends.... and they were "in"

We now try to get together once a month to create the boxes, catch up with each other, and enjoy a little “me” time. It has become something I really look forward to—not just because of the care packages we’re creating for our kids, but because it gives us a reason to slow down, be together, and do something thoughtful for the people we love.

Here’s how it works:

Pick a theme for the month.
Our very first box was sent in September, and the theme was “Just something out of the blue to say I love you.” And, of course, every item in the box had to be blue! It was such a fun way to kick things off.

You can view all of the themes we have sent so far HERE

Each mom shops for the theme.

Before we get together, each mom shops for a few items she’d like to contribute. The only rule is that there needs to be enough of each item for every box. For example, we send six boxes, so if someone brings blue Gatorades, she brings six of them—one for each box.

Then we get together and assemble everything. There’s something really satisfying about seeing all of the little goodies come together, knowing that each box is headed to a college kid somewhere across the country.

Pack and ship!
We use the free USPS Large Flat Rate boxes. Our boys go to school all over the U.S., so this has been the most economical way for us to ship everything. I’ve also heard great things about Pirate Ship, although I haven’t personally used it yet.

Six boxes a year.
We send six boxes throughout the year, which means each mom gets to host one month. It works out beautifully—and gives each of us a turn to  host the gathering, and, of course, make sure our kids get a little reminder from home.

And honestly, it has become so much more than just sending care packages.

It’s a way for us to stay connected with our kids as they grow up and head out into the world. It’s a way to remind them that they’re loved and thought about, even when they’re miles away. And for us moms, it’s a pretty great excuse to get together, be creative, catch up, and enjoy each other’s company.

It is SO much fun, and I truly encourage you to grab a group of friends and start your own care package tradition. I promise you’ll love it just as much as they do!

I have started a list of all the themes we have made so far, so you can gather inspiration too!

LIST OF CARE PACKAGE IDEAS

One Last Fun Touch!

One of our favorite things to include is a handwritten note signed by all the Moms PLUS a picture of us from that night! It’s such a simple little touch, but it makes the care package feel extra personal.

All you need to do is take a group photo on your cell phone and print it right there! A little portable photo printer, like the HP Sprocket, makes it super easy. Snap, print, sign the note, and tuck it into the care package.

Because sometimes the best part of the package isn’t what’s inside—it’s the reminder that a whole group of Moms is cheering you on!