Packaging Tips for Those of Us Taking Care of the Elderly Parents and Grandkids Who Live Far Away

While caring for elderly parents and grandkids is often up close and personal, that's not always the case. In addition to my nearby seniors and grandchildren, I have a set of grandkids who live several states in one direction, while a senior parent lives three states away in another direction. I may not often be able to provide up-close care to them, but I can send them "I love you" care packages in the mail. Of course, that means lots of trips to the post office throughout the year which means lots of packages to pack.

I try to fill the packages as full as possible so there isn't much room for things to wiggle around and get damaged. Usually I have so many little goodies, I don't need to add stuffings and fillers. Occasionally, though, I need a little extra something to fill the box up - and then I enjoy getting creative.For my grandkids, I like to add individual pull-ups and diapers to fill the space. They are not too heavy, provide plenty of padding, and can be used on the grandkids who receive the package.

For my senior parent, I got even more creative - which resulted in a delightful phone call full of laughter. She called me today to thank me for my package filler and the laugh it gave her. She hadn't even opened the package itself yet, she was so taken with what I used.

I had packed a wireless LCD digital photo picture frame into a box (I love personalized photo gifts, don't you?), then put that box into a bigger, sturdier box. I wedged the smaller box inside the bigger box using rolls of toilet paper. They held it tight quite nicely - and she can still use the toilet paper. Laughing, she commented, "It's so much better than styrofoam peanuts!" What a treat to send her a gift of love AND laughter. And what fun family memories we'll chuckle about for years to come! And...