FAQs

Questions? We've got answers.

We've gathered answers to the questions we hear most often. If you don't see yours here, we'd love to hear from you.

Ordering

What is a CareDrop?

A CareDrop is a small, thoughtfully curated package sent straight to someone you care about which includes a gift card, a few practical or fun surprises, and an encouragement card. It's a simple way to stay connected, no big care package required.

Who are CareDrops designed for?

CareDrops started with my own kids moving away from home and are perfect for college students, young adults living away from home, or anyone who could use a little reminder that someone is thinking about them.

Can I order just one?

Yes. Every CareDrop is a one-time purchase.  Order exactly one, or order again whenever you'd like to send another.

Do I need a subscription?

No. There's no subscription and nothing to manage. Order a CareDrop whenever you're ready to send one, and come back anytime you'd like to send another.

Can I order more than one CareDrop?

Absolutely. You can order CareDrops whenever you'd like. If you're sending CareDrops to different people or addresses, please place a separate order for each recipient.

Can I send CareDrops to different people?

Yes. Just place a separate order for each recipient using their own shipping address and, if you'd like, a personalized gift message.

Shipping

When do you ship?

We pack and ship CareDrops every Tuesday.

What is the weekly order deadline?

Orders placed by 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday are included in that week's Tuesday shipment. Orders placed after the cutoff will ship the following Tuesday.

How long does shipping take?

CareDrops typically arrive within 5–8 days after shipping, depending on the destination and USPS delivery times. Many arrive later the same week, especially on the West Coast. You'll receive tracking information by email so you can follow your CareDrop along the way.

Do you ship nationwide?

Yes. We currently ship to addresses within the United States.

Can you ship to dorms?

Absolutely. CareDrops were originally designed with college mailboxes in mind. Be sure to use the exact mailing address your college or university provides for student mail, including any required mailbox, student, or building number.

Can you ship to apartments?

Yes. CareDrops can be shipped to any valid U.S. mailing address, including apartments.

What carrier do you use?

We ship via USPS. Depending on the destination, your CareDrop may arrive directly in a mailbox or be processed through a college, apartment, or community mail center.

Will I receive tracking information?

Yes. You'll receive tracking information by email once your CareDrop ships.

Contents

What's inside a CareDrop?

Every CareDrop includes a $15 gift card, and a few thoughtfully chosen extras. Think practical essentials, a favorite snack, or a fun little surprise and an encouragement card.

Will every CareDrop be the same?

Not exactly. Each CareDrop is intentionally curated, so contents may change based on the season, availability, and the little things we discover that we think recipients will enjoy. The gift card and encouragement card are always included.

Why don't you list the exact contents?

Because part of the fun is the surprise. Contents may change with the season, availability, and the things we discover along the way. We'd rather keep CareDrops fresh and thoughtful than fill every one with exactly the same things.

What kinds of gift cards are included?

Every CareDrop includes a $15 gift card. We choose from things students and young adults can actually enjoy and use, including:

  • Coffee cards
  • Restaurant cards
  • Retail cards
  • Entertainment cards

The specific card is part of the surprise and may change from one CareDrop to the next.

Can I choose the gift card?

Not currently. Gift cards are selected as part of each CareDrop, so there's still a little surprise waiting inside.

Can I request specific items?

Not currently. Part of the CareDrops experience is the thoughtful surprise of discovering what's inside.

Do you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?

We do not intentionally include products containing nuts. However, CareDrops may include food items, and we cannot guarantee that products are free from specific allergens or were manufactured in allergen-free facilities. If your recipient has a serious food allergy or dietary restriction, please consider that before ordering.

Gift Giving

Can I include a personal message?

Yes. Add your message at checkout and we'll include it with the CareDrop.

Will prices be shown inside the package?

No. We never include receipts or pricing inside a CareDrop.

Will the recipient know who sent it?

Only if you tell them! Add your name in the gift message if you'd like them to know it's from you.

Can I send one as a surprise?

Absolutely. CareDrops are perfect for surprises no advance notice needed.

Returns & Support

Can I change my order after it's been placed?

Possibly, if it hasn't shipped yet. Contact us as soon as you can and we'll do our best to update it before Tuesday's shipment.

What if I entered the wrong shipping address?

Reach out right away. If your CareDrop hasn't shipped yet, we can correct it. The sooner you contact us, the better our chances of catching it in time.

What if my package is delayed?

Shipping times can vary with USPS, especially around holidays. If your CareDrop hasn't arrived within the expected timeframe, let us know and we'll look into it.

What if something arrives damaged?

That shouldn't happen, but if it does, contact us with a photo and we'll make it right.

How do I contact CareDrops?

Reach us anytime through our Contact page. We read every message and respond personally.

Still have questions?

We're happy to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you personally.