Give Back: Host a Care Package Holiday Party

Throw a holiday party that gives back this season by hosting a care package party. Here, Celebrations.com Expert Mark Addison shows you how to create a festive, beautiful, and charitable fete!

Here's how you can throw this wonderful party:

Supplies

A selection of toiletries, nonperishable food items, or small gifts (see Step #1)
Reusable containers
Arts and crafts supplies
Gift-box-themed decorations (cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, ribbon, regular and double-stick tape)
Gift tags & colored pens
Tissue paper

Directions

Step 1: Check in with a local charitable organization to see what sort of items they'd request in gift boxes. Absolutely do not plan your party without first consulting the organization of your choice, otherwise you may end up making more work for them! Compile a list of simple toiletries, nonperishable food items, or small gifts that you would like to include, and make sure the charity approves.

Step 2: Assign each guest to purchase a certain item in bulk. Be specific with brands and quantity.

Step 3: You should provide the care package containers--your best bet is to choose reusable containers, like thin plastic collapsible gift boxes.You can wrap them or you and your guests can have fun decorating them with art supplies at your party!

Step 4: Before the party, create some cute decorations that match the care package theme by wrapping up cardboard boxes with holiday wrapping paper and ribbons.You can also transform square glass floral containers into "gift boxes" by adhering ribbon to the sides with double-stick tape. At the party, use these containers to hold your care package supplies.
During the party, guests will help you assemble each care package, using tissue paper for padding inside each container.

Step 5: Guests should then write out a gift tag with warm wishes and encouragement for each care package.