What to Send in a Care Package?

Anything you send will be greatly appreciated. I have been a military wife for 10 years, and have spent 6 Holiday seasons alone. Every year me and my boys will send candy canes, stockings, home made cards (my boys are budding artist), anything to bring a little home to the boys overseas. When my husband was there I would include several smaller goodie bags for him to distribute to any to the guys without family to send them stuff, or any guys who just needed a little extra pick me up. He said they were always so happy to get that little piece of home.

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send him some movies or games to play like on an xbox or something.. if he doesn't have one someone around does... My husband enjoyed getting stuff like that but he was stocked on jerky and gum and candy so he really didn't want more of that... coffee is good to as long as they aren't flooded with it, and soo is tea good... things to keep them warm.. cus it does get cold over there... paper so he can write letters home.. and books to read... just some of the things my husband liked to get while he was over there... like if you have tv show you like and think he might like it get him a session and send it to him.. hope it helps...

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My son's school just did a collection for items to put into care packages for the troops and here are some of the things they asked for:
Granola bars, packaged nuts, lifesavers, hot cocoa mix, eye drops, disposable cameras, sunblock, Nerf balls (to keep busy sometimes), batteries, toothbrushes, razors, gum, shampoo, snack bars, beef jerky, sm. packs of tylenol, gatorade mix, magazines, puzzle books, fruit snacks (to hand out to local kids) lip balm and hand lotion.
I hope this helps! Happy Holidays to you and yours.

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My husband has a friend in Iraq, and about once a month, my husband downloads a bunch of movies (legally), a month or two worth of a few TV show episodes, and then burns a bunch of DVDs and sends them over. The guys in his unit then have hours and hours of new viewing material for those times when there's nothing else to do. We always slip in messages and drawings from our kids telling the soldiers how great they are.

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I have a cousin who was in Iraq, he told me many times they are so thankfull for all the care packages that are sent but they do not need the basic like shaving cream, tooth paste. but one thing I did see in the AT&T store is about sending phone cards so they can call home alot, they were doing a special through out the holiday and if all turned out good they wanted to continue they have a phone card not sure right off if it was prepaid type but it was free to the service guys and girls in war can not remember a lot about it, it did seem like something quite great check it out. Other then that maybe a good amount of bef jerky, candy, as they have good food I understand. S.,

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I honestly don't think it matters what you send. Just knowing that you were thinking of him probably means the most at this point. I'm in the military and know for me just knowing someone put effort into making sure I was cared for would be enough for me. Thank you

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My brother in law is in Baghdad. He likes Twizzlers, dried fruit, nuts, gatorade individual packets to put in his water, beef jerky, chapstick, calling cards....hope this helps!

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Don't forget thumb tacks because tape doesn't always stick! When my bro-in-law was deployed we sent hard candies, thumb tacks, games, family photos, single serving packets of kool-aid or crystal light, handmade cards from the kids, we even sent a mini christmas tree with lights all the trimmings. Don't send any parishable food and nothing that contains pork products of any kind.

Oh, also send multiples, sadly some soldiers don't get boxes from home. So send enough to share with someone else.

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I am also getting together a package for my brother in law. My husband has been deployed and he often gave me a list of what he needed and I bought it for much cheaper and shipped it to him. I would start with a flat rate box at the post office and fill it with various items, like:

-jerky
-tuna creations
-popcorn
-candy
-chips and small containers of dip that can be eaten at one setting
-trail mix
-fruit cups
-gum

DVD's, the guys will swap around, I usually head for the $5 bin at Walmart. I had a friend who sent her hubby his favorite TV shows she recorded for him.
baby wipes, soap, favorite body wash or spray, chapstick
music download gift cards
books- crossword, puzzles, favorite author
some guys have their wives or mom's ship them a video game console, maybe they need a new game.

There are so many things different people want, but usually something you spent time to put together is going to be enjoyed. I always told my husband if he didn't want it share. Him and his guys had a collecting pot of sorts for all the items they got in packages they didn't want or need.

On a side note, I would check to see whether phone cards are needed, my husband only uses them while he travels, he just uses the phones in the call centers that are free.

And don't forget a note that says Thanks!
Good Luck!

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Hi T.,

I sent my cousin LCR dice game and phase 10 card game and she said it was the best. Small games, coffee, tea. If you bake something make it the same day you send it so hopefully it will be edible by the time he receives it. If you have access to a seal a meal that would enhance the freshness. A group family photo holding a hand made sign of encouraging words is another fun option.

I hope this brings some good ideas. Happy Holidays to you and to al of those serving our country!

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Good quality lotions or body butters in a neutral, nonflowery scent like vanilla. Any cookies that don't melt, oatmeal, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter. You can try wrapping the cookies in bubble wrap to keep them in one piece. Things that would remind them of home.
I know all those things were welcomed when my husband was deployed. Remember there is no guarentee even with priority mail they will get it quickly, especially if they aren't on a major base.

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My son was in Iraq for 15 months. The thing he like the most was the French Coffee Press and good coffee I sent. They all liked homemade chex mix. I had kids from the elementary school he went to send him letters and pictures, he loved that.

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You can send pretty much anything in a care package that does not melt. They usally ask for beef jerky, soap, card games.

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I would ask your sister to ask her boyfriend for a list of what he can/can't have.I know that when my friend was overseas they are very strick on what is allowed and whom it comes from also.I have to send my stuff to her and then she adds it to her care package because he is only allowed to get things from direct family ie:his mom, siblings, cousins, wife.

I do know that pork or other perishables aren't allowed.We send plenty of cards/pictures the kids have done, hard candy, family pictures etc.At one time she had sent me a list of things so I wouldn't waste my money buying those things for him but I'm not sure where it went.I do know that the do not send, and allowed to send lists where about the same length..nearly a page.

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I would put in.....

Pictures and long handwritten letters...they are re-read at looked at over and again:) A pressed flower from his neighborhood to remind him what home smells like, and/or a piece of Christmas pine:) Hometown newspaper! Home made cookies! Fudge! His favorite food! Socks!

.....Take care:)

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Two options come to mind since we are also military and have had to deal with this often:

Ask someone at the base or fort (like at the gate) who to contact and for their phone number. Typically, it is the commander that is in charge of the unit who didn't go. Can't think of the technical term.

The other option is the buy tons of baby wipes, snacks, smokes, games (cards, board games, etc.), and anything that you can send them to remind them that you love and appreciate what they are doing. Keeping up the moral in these kind of situations is a great way to make their spirits shine when the holidays come around.

Thank you for supporting your troops.

Happy Holidays.

Kim B.

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I used to run a care package collection at my high school and then was in the military. A few tips:

Hard candies rock! Nothing that melts like chocolate. Mints are so wonderful to receive. Plus they make awesome bargaining pieces.

Baby wipes or personal wipes. It is hot and sticky over there and small, personal packages that can be carried on the person are truly life-savers.

Small handheld games, books, magazines and playing cards (although it goes back and forth on the latter so ask his base commander or whoever is in charge about them). Absolutely nothing with risque material, and religious items are only permitted on certain things so I would avoid that too. Amazon keeps having great deals on handheld games - or a DS might delight! Plus everyone else will be mega jealous.

Personal hygeine items are awesome. Lotion, sunblock, aloe vera, and the like.

Fruit leathers or roll-ups. You have no idea how monotonous those dang MRE's get. These things last and are yummy. Other food items are jerkey (good jerkey is hard to come by over there!), power bars, and his fave gum.

Also, when in doubt, try contacting his base to find out what you can send. They usually have some great suggestions. Keep in mind nostaligic items (does he usually look forward to peanut brittle, ginger bread, or candy canes this time of year? Get a mini stocking and stuff it with Christmas item!).

I know this is a hard time - I have been there - I spent several holidays away from family...receiving care packages not only comforted me but helped me know that I was loved even in times of such hatred. My mom always slipped in newsclippings, sweet stories, or little notes from my younger sisters. It meant so much to me. I still have it all in a plastic bag....best of luck and hugs! He'll be home before you know it!

C.

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My brother is in Iraq and somethings he has requested/we have sent are: dried fruit, nuts, beef jerky, fruit snacks, Clif Bars, any other healthy snacks, gum, baby wipes, pictures, drawings from nieces and nephews....

I would ask him if he has any requests. I'm not sure what cannot be sent, but you do have to list all the items in the package. We get a flat rate box and stuff as much as we can into it so we don't have to pay shipping by weight.

Merry Christmas

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Hi T. - My husband was deployed for 18 months and we have friends that are deployed right now. All the guys & gals in their units love anything from home. With winter coming more homemade items can be shipped. One BIG thing on homemade food items is to do the vacuum seal packages, it is the only way to get items there as fresh as possible. Make sure the food is cooled completely before sealing. Stop at the post office and pick up the America Support You Flat Rate boxes. You can stuff as much in them as possible and the rate is the same.

Other ideas to send: Many times guys also like paperback books, when they are done they pass them along to others. Letters & drawings from kids (get your son to do a few pictures), maybe a church Sunday school class too. Take photos of the area he grew up in or lives in. My husband loved to see "winter" and just scenic shots of our river & mountains he loved. Family photos of course were great. Find out from your sister what his favorite snack is & send some of that. In your package to him include a note that his & the guys he is with are in your thoughts & prayers - that is something they especially love to hear!

The deadline for shipping packages in time for Christmas is just about here. But the guys don't care if packages are after the holiday, they just love anything. Plus the good thing is most share with other soldiers that may not get anything.

My last suggestion would be for your sister. Remind her that she is not forgotten too. Find out if she has reached out to the unit FRG (family support), if not encourage her to do so. It is an additional way to stay connected plus it will expand her network of support. If she does not live close to the unit FRG contact her state Military Family Programs Office or contact a local Armory and ask for the nearest Family Assistance Coordinator (each state has these staff sprinkled around the state to help families locate services & help with benefits). These are usually through the National Guard but they service ALL Military families regardless of their unit or location. They can put her in touch with a FRG that is close to her physical location.

Take Care & enjoy putting that package together.

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