Whether you're missing the Lone Star State or looking to brighten up your favorite displaced Texan's day, these Texas items are so easy to order for a true Texas care package, you'll wonder why you never thought to do it before.
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From Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets to H-E-B seasonings, mix and match these items to create one seriously magical and silly box that'll put a smile on your face. Whether you're sending a gift box to a friend in California or Louisiana, or sending off a military care package to a soldier in Afghanistan, these care package ideas will bring a taste of the Lone Star State right to their door.
A note on sending deployment boxes, however, is that you should be sure your Texas gift basket matches all guidelines and regulations.
Texas Gift Ideas
1. Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets
Are you too far from Buc-ee's for comfort? Their Beaver Nuggets, the famous sweet corn puff snacks, will remind you of road trips across I-10 in a heartbeat.
While there is a $12.00 per bag option, I recommend the two-pack for $24.00 because well, you'll want some yourself.
2. Texas Flag Patch
Encourage them to show their state pride with this embroidered, sew-on Texas flag patch that would go perfectly on a bag, a pair of pants, or their favorite denim jacket.
For only $5.65, it's a small price to pay for a tiny way to showcase Lone Star pride.
3. Whataburger Condiments
Missing Whataburger outside state lines? Maybe you just love the Spicy Ketchup. Either way, this 3 pack of Whataburger condiments include classics like the Spicy Ketchup (20 ounces), Original Mustard (16 ounces), and Fancy Ketchup (20 ounces).
The 3-pack is $19.99, while the individual bottles range from 18.99 to 19.99, so clearly the sampler trio is a real steal.
4. The Homesick Texan's Family Table Cookbook
Food blogger Lisa Fain made a reputable name for herself from her blog, the Homesick Texan, that details the transitions of her life in Texas to New York City. From there, this cookbook, The Homesick Texan's Family Table: Lone Star Cooking from My Table to Yours, was born.
Fain's effortless instructions and attitude runs deep throughout this amazing cookbook that serves up Tex Mex like no other. For $20.99, the Hardcover version will last through many an oil splatter.
5. Big Red
It's no surprise that this sleeve of Big Red is an Amazon's Choice -- it's definitely one of the top three inventions from Texas ever.
If you're far from Texas state lines, simply order this for a delicious sip of the Lone Star State for only $18.79 and if you're sending off a care package, add six cans to the box and keep six for yourself. It's okay, I won't tell.
6. Lamme's Candies
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Lammes Candies are a Texas mainstay. Made in Austin, these Longhorn candies include milk, white, and dark chocolate.
For $18.95, this 9-piece box includes each flavor brings new meaning to pecans and caramel, y'all. No one will be disappointed finding these in their care package, whether these are in college care packages or deployment care packages.
7. Texas Dish Towel
This Lone Star-celebratin' dish towel from Primitives by Kathy combines everything you love about Texas into one neat little tea towel. Whether used for heavy duty spills or just for decoration, this is a sweet addition to gifts, birthday or otherwise.
For $11.99, give the gift of Texas from your kitchen to theirs ... or maybe just for your kitchen because it's so darn sweet.
8. Texas Mug
Know someone who's starting a new job in a different state? How about your favorite stay-at-home who loves Texas so much, she could run circles around the Governor when it comes to Texas trivia? Neither of those are requirements to own this Texas-shaped mug, but it solidifies their reputations as omniscient Texans.
For $23.99, this quality patriotic Texas mug will let everyone know where your heart really is while you sip your favorite beverage.
9. Texas Bluebonnet Seeds
Despite what you might think, Bluebonnets aren't just found in Texas -- they are exclusive to the Southwestern U.S. With that in mind, send some Bluebonnets seeds to your favorite out-of-towners so they can grow where they're planted, too.
For $8.99, these 500 seeds will allow you to divvy up between friends, family, neighbors, and even make excellent end-of-year teacher gift bags additions. Plant in the fall for optimal viewing.
To pack a punch, send along some Alamo Fire Maroon Texas Bluebonnets that are just as stunning.
For $4.29, this pack of 25 seeds will sprout beautifully alongside traditional Bluebonnets.
10. Salsa + Queso
What would a list of Texas-themed gift ideas be without classic salsa and queso? This set from Truly Texas Pards includes one 16-ounce jar of Chipotle Con Queso Sauce and one 16-ounce jar of Texas Salsa.
For $23.95, give the gift of real Texas heat. Did I mention the set comes beautifully wrapped in Lone Star-themed paper?
11. Topo Chico
A few bottles of Topo Chico, or God's nectar, go an awful long way to the heart of a Texan. Wrap a few in that Texas dish towel from above and you've got a sweet surprise.
For $26.52, you can purchase 12 bottles. Send 'em all or keep a few for yourself, either way, someone is happy.
12. Salt Lick Favorites
This mixed pack of Salt Lick Original Dry Rub, Salt Lick Original Sauce, Spicy Sauce, and Garlic Dry Rub will bring a tear to the eyes of anyone craving good barbecue out of state.
While the real thing is best, for $33.26, this set of rubs and sauce will get you pretty close to the real thing in your own kitchen.
13. Okra Pickles
What is a Texas care package without Talk O'Texas' okra pickles? This 16-ounce jar of hot, crisp okra pickles will remind everyone of pulling them straight from the refrigerator for a midnight snack.
For $13.85, you'll make someone's day with these okra pickles that a Lone Star-certified, acquired taste.
14. Mrs. Renfro's Nacho Sliced Jalapeños Peppers
Mrs. Renfro's is a Texas staple for a reason and it should be in every gift box to out-of-state loved ones for every holiday season. They're perfect for Christmas and even Easter.
For $9.99, you'll receive two 16-ounce jars, which means you can have one for you and one for the care package.
15. Shiner Bock Glasses
These Shiner Bock glasses are upcycled former beer bottles, which makes a cool addition to gifts, birthday or otherwise. While probably not suitable for deployment boxes, they are a perfect welcoming home gift or home decor.
For $18.50, this set of 4 upcycled glasses not only save four bottles from the trash, but are an excellent ode to Shiner, Texas.
Did we leave out any must-haves for a gift package that highlights the best of Texas? Whether you're sending it to Houston or Finland, there's an idea here for everyone.
This post was originally published on January 19, 2018.
