Quarantine Box = Days of Cheer

Are you looking at another holiday stuck at home? Do you have family members scattered across the country? Megan and I both are looking at another holiday spent in our own homes without our beloved family members. Thanksgiving was one day. Christmas, though, usually means days and days of fellowship and family time with our loved ones.

But you know what? Our family members are also looking at the same scenario: many of them won’t be traveling either. So, Megan and I are sending “Quarantine Boxes” as Christmas gifts this year: boxes full of treats, activities, and cheer that will offer “at-home” enjoyment and memories.

What’s included in a Quarantine Box?

That depends on the recipient, particularly the ages, gender, and number of children represented. A gaggle of cousins who live in the same community getting together? A pair of grandparents without their darling grandchildren? A few teens missing their friends?

Let the ideas below spark your own ideas. But don’t delay! USPS is recommending packages be mailed by December 18 for priority shipping.

#protip: Betsy sends her packages in Priority Mail flat rate boxes since she’s often mailing them from one side of the country to the other. Pick up the box from the post office, fold it into shape, and take the box with you to the store. Then, simply fill the box as you shop, ensuring that each item will fit (and that you maximize that flat rate, am I right?!).

Quarantine Box Ideas

BOOKS: This is an obvious suggestion from the Redeemed Reader team. Consider a family read aloud choice.

ACTIVITY BOOKS: Closely related, but totally different! Send an activity book that dovetails with the family’s interests. Ideas include: The Dangerous Book for Boys, a book of craft ideas, an origami book, a woodworking or whittling book, LEGO books, computer coding books (such as Python or scratch), knot-tying books, extreme dot-to-dot books, coloring books (there are coloring books for *every* age group now!), cross-stitch or needlepoint pattern books, etc. #protip: consider including some starting supplies with the book.

COOKBOOKS: Include a literary cookbook or a fun, quirky cookbook that matches the family’s interests. Do they make pizza regularly? Omelets? Bread? Muffins? Cake? Indian food? A new vegetarian lifestyle? There are cookbooks for *every* possible culinary interest these days!

AUDIBLE GIFT SUBSCRIPTION: (or other audiobook service or an actual set of CDs) these are great for older people who might struggle with vision issues, but a well-narrated audiobook is a delight for any age.

PUZZLES: Puzzles are such a cozy activity this time of year, and they work for multiple ages. For other activities that work well alongside a read aloud or audiobook, see our Read Aloud Activities List.

GAMES: Many games will fit easily in a box along with other items. Consider a game for book lovers, or head to your local game store to see what they have in stock!

MOVIES: A Redbox gift card, an actual Blu-ray disc, an amazon gift card, … there are many ways to “gift” movies these days. Betsy’s family watches White Christmas every year, and they are avid Princess Bride and Lord of the Rings fans; Megan’s crew enjoys Star Trek (correction: her boys enjoy it! Megan would rather write or attend a book discussion). Some some more RR staff favorites here.

HOT BEVERAGE SUPPLIES: Either your own, homemade version or something from the store. Stuff in some tea bags or boxes, hot chocolate mix, wassail or mulling spices, Megan’s chai concentrate spices, mini marshmallows, sprinkles, fun rock sugar for tea, etc.

SNACKS AND TREATS: Is there a unique candy or food treat made near you? Betsy likes to include Chukar Cherries in her boxes. Pralines from the South, saltwater taffy from the coast, peanuts from Virginia, and more. Think outside the box! Of course, regular old Christmas candy works nicely here, too, as do popcorn, nut mixes, scone mixes, cookie mixes, ….

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, BOOK-STYLE: If you’re a Golden Key or Silver Key Member, print out an extra set of these cards and include in your box! Some of the suggestions above tie in with the activity suggestions on the cards. (Not a member? Find out more here.)

What else would you put in a Quarantine Box? Let us know in the comments!