This spring will keep me busy creating care packages for Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter. And I’m all for it! Making these care packages is a great distraction for when I’m missing my son.
Mardi Gras isn’t a major holiday so the box will be relatively simple but not one I wanted to miss. When my son was growing up we always celebrated the holiday by either visiting a local southern restaurant or making jambalaya at home. Of course, I always had to pick up some Packzis, too.
My son is living in dorms, so I mostly send snacks. Once he moves to an apartment with a kitchen, I’ll send a box of Zatarain’s jambalaya along with a grocery gift card for more of the ingredients. Once he’s 21, maybe some Hurricane mix, too.
I decorated the box with 12″ x 12″ scrapbook paper cutdown to size and glued it to the box flaps. Then I created some images with a graphics program (Canva), printed, cutout and attached. You could also cut out images using a Cricut or purchase stickers from a craft store…but I usually keep it simple and low cost using what I have (and the kid is more excited about what’s in the box).
What’s in the Mardi Gras Care Package:
Zapp’s chips. Zapp’s Chips are a New Orleans staple. Voodoo, Voodoo Heat, and Cajun Dill were the only varieties I could find locally. If I had more time, I could have ordered more. Or if you live closer to New Orleans, I’m sure you have lots more options for Cajun snacks.
Beads, beads, and more beads. Our local Dollar Tree had a good selection so I picked up a few packs so he could share with friends.
Want to make your own?
- Zapp’s Chips sampler pack
- Hurricane Cocktail Mix
- Mardi Gras beads
- Mardi Gras stickers
- King Cake cake mix
- Zatarain’s Jambalya mix
