There’s nothing quite like the joy of receiving a surprise care package in the mail! A thoughtful box filled with goodies can instantly brighten someone’s day, letting them know you’re thinking of them—just because.
Receiving a care package is always a fun and uplifting surprise! This post includes FREE printables for a red-themed care package, featuring positive messages with the word “RED” incorporated into the design. Plus, I’ve filled this package with red-packaged goodies to complete the theme.
I’ve linked two printable options:
- One designed for color printing on white card stock
- One optimized for black ink printing
At the end of this post, you’ll also find a YouTube video demonstrating how to use the second printable option.
This care package is perfect for friends, boyfriends, military members, and college students—anyone who could use a little pick-me-up! I always receive the best texts and calls from recipients who truly appreciate the thoughtful surprise.
Choosing the Perfect Packaging
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to containers for your red care package—from boxes to baskets and beyond. If you’ve followed my care package posts, you’ll notice I almost always use the same box, and for good reason!
Here’s why I love it:
- Size – Large enough to fit several items, yet small enough to affordably fill.
- Opening Style – The top flap design provides a great space for decorating.
- Color – The white box gives it a clean, elevated look.
After comparing options from Uline and other suppliers, I found some boxes at Amazon that was the best deal, especially with free shipping through Amazon Prime.
These boxes measure 10″ x 7″ x 4″, and when selecting yours, consider all three dimensions. I specifically wanted at least 3.5″ in height to ensure I wasn’t too limited on what could fit inside.
Pick Your Quotes & Sayings
Coming up with fun, red-themed phrases was a bit more challenging than some of my previous care packages, but I’ve gathered a great list of creative and uplifting sayings to match the theme!
Here are some options:
- We miss you al-RED-y
- Feelin’ hot, hot, hot
- Red Hot Love!
- You are RED-iculously awesome
- You are RED-iculously kind
- Hey HOT stuff!
- I think you’re RED hot.
- Red-y to Get Out of the House
- I miss you RED-iculously
- Work is RED-iculously boring without you around
- I’m RED-y to see you again
- You’re inc-RED-ible
- You’ve inspi-RED-ed many
- Sending a hund-RED hugs
- You’re RED-iculously amazing
These playful, pun-filled messages add the perfect touch to any red-themed care package.
Create Printouts with Your “Red” Sayings & Quotes
If you’re using my pre-made printables and the same box I do available here, you’re all set—no need to worry about measurements! However, if you’re working with a different box size, you’ll want to measure each flap to ensure a perfect fit.
Here are the dimensions of my box in case you’d like to make modifications:
- Top Flap: 10.5 inches wide × 7 inches tall
- Bottom (inside) of box: 10 inches wide × 7 inches tall
- Left & Right Side (inside): 7 inches wide × 3.8 inches tall
- Front & Back Sides (inside): 10 inches wide × 3.8 inches tall
If your box has different dimensions, be sure to measure the areas you’ll be covering with paper, including the inside flaps, if you plan to decorate them.
Print the Printables.
For colored ink care package printables, I use white printable card stock found on Amazon (shown below) —it’s smooth, absorbs ink well, and offers a low per-sheet cost. After testing different options, I found that this Amazon card stock actually comes out cheaper than craft store’s discounted version, which sometimes resulted in streaks or spots.
Choosing high-quality card stock ensures your printables look crisp, vibrant, and professional—perfect for adding that extra special touch to your care package!
Printable Option 1
This printable is packed with bold red patterns, perfectly matching the vibrant theme of this care package. It adds a fun, eye-catching touch that makes the packaging even more festive!
You can see the printables in the photo below, ready to bring color and personality to your care package.
Get Your FREE Red Care Package Printables!
I’m making these red care package printables available to you for free right here, so you can easily put together a thoughtful and fun gift. Feel free to print and use them, but please do not distribute them digitally—instead, send friends a link to this website so they can access them directly.
Printable Option 2
This free printable is designed for black ink printing, but it looks even better when printed on red card stock or paper (find it here on Amazon) for a bold, vibrant effect. If you only have white paper, you can easily add red accents using markers or crayons to bring the theme to life.
Looking for red card stock? You can find some great options online.
Access Printable #2 for FREE right here! If you’re using the same boxes I did (linked above), this process will be quick and effortless.
Add Embellishments for a Personal Touch
If you’re using Printable Option #1, you’re all set—this design is already vibrant and decorative, so no extra embellishments are needed!
For Printable Option #2, you may want to add some extra details to enhance the look:
- Red stickers – Available at any craft store, these are an easy way to bring in more color.
- Cut-out red shapes – Using construction paper, you can create hearts, stars, or abstract designs for a playful touch.
- Markers or crayons – Add hand-drawn red circles, stars, or accents directly onto the printable to make it even more unique.
For my care package, I used a 12×12 scrapbook paper with red polka dots. I cut a couple of strips for the inside sides of my box and then carefully cut out individual dots to glue onto my printed pages—creating a fun, cohesive theme throughout the package!
This version enhances clarity, structure, and engagement while keeping all your key details intact.
Fill the box with red items.
There are many red options, especially snacks.
Apply the Shipping Label
I love using Avery labels (these are the ones I use from Amazon) for my care packages—they make addressing boxes quick and effortless! You can browse dozens of great templates on the Avery website to find something that perfectly matches your theme.
For privacy, I covered our addresses with card stock, which also makes it easier to reuse boxes for future packages.
Wrapping Up: Your Thoughtful Care Package
I hope this post has provided helpful inspiration for creating your next care package! Whether you’re sending a college care package, a military care package, a friendship surprise, or a get-well gift, there’s no doubt the recipient will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind it.
Care packages have a special way of brightening someone’s day—a small gesture that can make a big impact!
Check out my YouTube video below for a closer look at this project.
See my YouTube video below on this project.
See my other care package ideas below:
- Out of the Blue care package
- RED-iculously amazing care package
- A Little Box of Sunshine care package
- St. Patrick’s Day Care package
- Fall Theme care package
- Halloween care package
- Christmas care package
- Llama care package
If you’re interested in college-related post, see my other posts below:
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