Married to the Army » Care Packages

Christmas Mail Dates Overseas

Stacey — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:48:21 +0000

To ensure delivery of holiday cards and packages by December 25 to military APO/FPO addresses overseas and to international addresses, we suggest that mail be entered by the recommended mailing dates listed below. Beat the last minute rush, mail early. This information is provided by the U.S. Postal Service.

First Class Mail Letters
APO/FPO AE Zips 090-092 Dec 11
APO/FPO AE Zips 093 Dec 4
APO/FPO AE 094-098 Dec 11
APO/FPO AA Zips 340 Dec 11
APO/FPO AP ZIPs 962-966 Dec 11

Priority Mail
APO/FPO AE Zips 090-092 Dec 11
APO/FPO AE Zips 093 Dec 1
APO/FPO AE 094-098 Dec 11
APO/FPO AA Zips 340 Dec 11
APO/FPO AP ZIPs 962-966 Dec 11

Parcel Post
APO/FPO AE Zips 090-092 Dec 4
APO/FPO AE Zips 093 Dec 1
APO/FPO AE 094-098 Dec 4
APO/FPO AA Zips 340 Dec 4
APO/FPO AP ZIPs 962-966 Dec 4

Tips for Sending Care Packages Overseas

Stacey — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:06:28 +0000

1. Call the post office, visit their website or go there in person and request your mailing supplies. The post office offers flat rate priority boxes for free. No matter how much they weigh, it costs $8.10 to mail them. They come in two different sizes.
You can also pick up priority tape and custom forms at no charge.

2. Always short on time? You can arrange pick-up of your priority boxes from your home as long as you schedule by 2am on the previous day. How great is that? Visit the USPS website for details.

3. When you are taping the boxes, there’s no such thing as too much. I sometimes wonder how the soldiers were ever able to get into the ones I sent. Be sure to tape all of the seams and I always run the tape in one continuous stream around the entire box. So far, they have all arrived in tact.

4. Some Army wives place stickers underneath the tape across the seams. This makes it easy for the soldier to see if the box has been opened and re-taped. Just be aware that some units do not allow ANY decoration on the outside of the box. In that case, if you are mailing priority, you can use the priority mail stickers.

5. Be sure you address the package exactly how the unit instructs. Some units do not allow rank, etc. on their packages. Address them correctly to ensure the delivery is not delayed.

6. Many Army wives and families wonder about if priority is the best way to send a package as far as speed. Priority only allows it to get to its final destination in the United States quicker. After that, it is in the military’s hands. Most have said that priority packages take about 2 weeks to arrive vs. as much as four weeks for regular parcel post. The best thing about using priority mail is the flat rate boxes so there’s no surprises at the post office.

7. There is much debate on what to put on a customs form. The official answer is to fill it out completely and accurately. Many people are VERY vague on the form in order to guard against theft (yes, it does happen). I know some who list “snacks” and a value of $10 every time no matter what they send in the box. The choice is up to you.

8. Be sure to check the guidelines for the region your soldier is in. For instance, some areas do not allow pork products. Pornographic materials of any kind are also not allowed. It is permissible to send a bible for personal use but not to send multiple bibles for distribution. Note: This is only a sampling of regulations and not a full list.

9. Be very careful combining hygiene products and food in the same package. Some soldiers have reported opening these packages to find all of the food tastes like soap/deodorant even when everything is sealed separately.

10. If anything in your package could possibly leak, bust, etc., be sure to put it in a Ziploc bag. You don’t want the entire package ruined because something leaked.

11. If you are sending pictures or anything that could be damaged if the package got wet, it is a good idea to enclose these things in a Ziploc bag as well.

12. Many send the soldier a list of things that they included in the box either in the actual box or in a separate letter so the soldier knows everything arrived in tact. Some also include this list in the box so if it happens to come apart in transit, the mail staff knows what was in it.

13. Be creative when sending packages. Be sure to check out the article on creative care packages.

14. Send your soldier cards or letter writing materials so he can write home or recognize special days for those in his family. Don’t forget that letter mail from overseas to the U.S. is free for the soldier.

Care Packages For Holidays

Stacey — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:00:30 +0000

We’ve all seen those lists about what to send to soldiers overseas – socks, foot powder, beef jerky, powdered drink mixes, etc. – well that’s all well and good and I’m sure they are grateful to receive it but, well, its kind of boring. Reminds me of my dad at Christmas when I was growing up saying “wow, socks….gee, thanks”. To this day, if we ask him what he wants for any special occasion his response is “socks”, it’s a running joke in our family.

So why not have some fun putting together your soldier’s packages? Let’s get creative!

We’ll start out with holiday packages….

New Year’s Package: Party blowers, confetti, a plastic champagne glass with a promise to toast each other at midnight, any of those crazy year decorations you see people wearing in Times Square. If you think your soldier will be self conscious about partying it up alone, then send enough for the guys he’s with the most. You can also include your new year’s resolution list.

Valentine’s Day Package: This will be a package full of red! Candy hearts (even a handmade sign/card with the candy hearts spelling out a message), a book of photographs of you and the two of you together (include risqué photos at your own risk!), a sexy pair of panties, a CD of songs you picked out especially for him, a book of love coupons (you can find these in most stores or make your own). During one deployment, I made coupons for my husband and emailed one to him every few days. Not only was it fun but it ensured he would check his email! Be sure to spray something in the box with perfume – you may want to enclose it in a Ziploc bag so the scent remains during the trip. Another fun item is a pair of boxer shorts with your handprints strategically placed over the butt.

St. Patrick’s Day: Good to be green. What better than to send your soldier lots of things for good luck. You can send paper shamrocks, a blarney stone, green beads (similar to Mardi Gras beads), green candy, green drink mix and a picture of you with the traditional “Kiss Me I’m Irish” saying on a shirt or button.

Easter: Go ahead and send that Easter basket! Fill it up with all sorts of candies – just be careful about sending chocolate. Even if it is cold where he is, you never know where your package will end up between your home and his. You can also send plastic eggs containing special messages from you or your family.

Halloween: Of course, send Halloween candy. Some may even want a costume depending on what their unit allows. You can also send scary movies if he has access to a TV and DVD player or VCR. Don’t forget the guys in his unit – this holiday is a great one to send treat bags for other soldiers too. Fake pumpkins that can be carved can also be a great surprise.

Thanksgiving: This is always the hardest holiday for me to send packages since it mainly revolves around food. One idea that I’ve heard of others doing that I love is celebrating Thanksgiving early and placing a video camera in the chair where he would sit if he was there. Record the dinner, send him the tape and he can play the tape while he eats his own Thanksgiving dinner. During one of our deployments, I sent things that represented what we normally have for Thanksgiving Dinner – he got beef jerky (turkey), rice cakes (rice), potato chips (potatoes), candy corn (corn), etc. It was definitely the most interesting package I’ve sent to him.

Christmas: Send the tree and all the decorations. You can find miniature trees along with the decorations at the dollar store. This also ensures you won’t spend a lot of money in case he has to leave it behind. Be sure to send battery operated lights and don’t forget to include the batteries. Send a small stocking for him to have as well and of course include his gifts. You can also send Christmas CDs or your favorite Christmas movies. One family I know watches “A Christmas Story” during the 24 hour marathon on TBS each year so they sent they soldier the DVD so he could watch too. Another I know attends a church service each Christmas Eve, knowing he was deploying, they recorded the service last year and he’ll receive the recording in his package so he can be there at least in spirit.

Birthdays: Party in a box! Send cake in a jar (search the net for recipes), candles, a recording of you singing happy birthday, party blowers, birthday hats and confetti. You can also send message balloons. To do this, blow up a balloon (don’t tie it closed) and write a message on it. Deflate the balloon and put it in his box with instructions to blow it up to get his message. You can also send a certain number of items based on his age. If he’s older and your checkbook would die of shock, you can always include a card/sign with that number of lipstick kisses. Leave it one short and tell him he’ll get that one in person.

Anniversaries: Celebrate another year by sending a CD of your favorite songs, a list of your favorite memories while you were dating or on your honeymoon or from your first years of marriage, a sappy and funny anniversary card, a detailed description of how you will celebrate your anniversary when he’s home – if you plan to give him a massage, include the oil or maybe it includes dinner at a favorite restaurant so you could include a menu.

Themed Care Package Ideas

Stacey — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:53:32 +0000

This list was submitted by a website visitor, Tracy. Its quite extensive. Be forewarned there are a few “adult” theme ideas within. Thanks Tracy for putting together this list!

Themed Care Packages

“Surviving the Sandstorms”- Eye wash; Nasal spray; Chapstick; Bandana; goggles/sun glasses; etc

“Laundry Load”- Laundry soap (‘sample Size or Tide tablets kind) to pack in with their clothes….in case there are no washer/dryers; Fabric softener sheets; clean socks and undershirts; Febreeze

“Lotta Java”- Tea; Cocoa; Coffee singles; creamer; sugar; International Coffee tins; cookies for dunking in coffee

“Thanks a Million!!”- Things that may “seem” expensive. Ex: Grey Poupon; electronic game of “Who wants to be a Millionaire?”; .

“Hang in There!”- Stuffed animal monkey; Banana bread; Banana chips; Banana pudding (the kind that doesn’t have to be refrigerated); Monkey’s in a Barrel game; card with a monkey on it.

“A Day at the Beach!”- sunscreen; beach towel; beach snacks; flip flop sandals (shower shoes); aloe vera gel;

“Medicine Cabinet”- aspirin; band-aids; Neosporin cream; A&D ointment; cold medicine; alka seltzer; Rolaids; etc.

“Staying Healthy”- nutrition/health bars (ex: Powerbar; Tigers Milk; Myoplex); vitamins; Nutri-grain bars; Gatorade or other sports drink (to stay hydrated);

“MRE/Mess Hall Survival Kit”- restaurant Size condiment packs of: bbq sauce, mustard, ketchup, mayo, relish, salt. Pepper, taco sauce, ranch, cheese in a can dip, etc

“Correspondence Carton”- notebook paper; stationery; pens; pencils; stickers (who knows they may even play with these!!); envelopes, address book (filled out already of course); camera (with a note to send back once it is full);

“Action Hero’s”- Powerbars; squirt guns; Red Bull drinks; small Army figurines; comic books; Gatorade; Red Bull drinks; etc

“To Be A Kid Again”- silly string; bubbles; small bouncy balls; hacky sacks; brain teaser toys (rubix cube, etc); deck of cards; dominoes; slinky, Frisbee’s; Pez w/ dispenser; Nerf balls; sand box toys (pail, small shovel, etc);

“Bathroom in a Box”- TOILET PAPER!!! (the soft stuff); razor refills; foot powder; bars of soap; fresh, clean, soft washcloth; travel Size shampoo/conditioner; toothpaste; toothbrush; etc

“Ruck Sack Snack Pack”- packed full of your loved one’s favorite snacks….possibilities endless. Doritos; M&M’s; nuts; chips; dips; crackers; jelly beans; beef jerky; gum; etc.

“Breakfast on the GO”- mutrigrain bars; instant oatmeal cups; small boxes of cereal; pop tarts; Hostess donuts: Otis Spunk Meyer muffins; cocoa; coffee; Tang;

“Tube O Tasties”- Just as something different…send a package in a tube instead of a square box. Make sure the parameters are acceptable though.

“Stress Reliever”- back scratcher; bubble wrap; yo-yo’s; bubbles; squeezy tension ball;

“Sloppy Kisses”- since we know chocolate melts over there….send a bunch of Hershey’s kisses. Bound to be “sloppy kisses!”

“I’m Nuts About You”- peanuts; cashews; pistachios; peanut butter cookies; any candy or cookies with nuts in them; Nutter Butter’s; Peanut Lover’s Chex mix; Fiddle Faddle with peanuts

“Rock On” or “Charlie ROCK”- pop rocks; music cd’s

“Chili Today, Hot Tamale”- hot tamales (candy); small cans of chili; red pepper flakes (like the ones at pizza parlors); salsa sunflower seeds; Cajun flavor Pringles; Spicy chex mix; Boston red hots; peppered beef jerky; taco bell hot sauce packets; Extreme Doritos; chili powder; nacho cheese sauce in a can; Tums/Rolaids, Jalapeño Ritz

“And this little piggy went to the sandbox”- (foot care kit)- foot powder; Dr, Scholl’s boot inserts; foot lotion; foot file; fresh, clean socks; toe nail clippers; scrub brush; odor eaters for shoes/boots; foot soaks (either include a small bucket or large Ziploc bags to soak feet it)

“How do you eat your OREOS??!!”- regular Oreos; peanut butter Oreos; double stuff Oreos; low fat Oreos; chocolate filled Oreos; chocolate covered Oreos; holiday Oreos

“Muchas Gracias…Nachos Supreme”- Doritos &/or Fritos &/or any corn tortilla chips; Mexican Velveeta; salsa (wrapped in bubble wrap); small can of olives (don’t forget the can opener); bean dip; nacho cheese dip; small can of green chilies; jar of jalapenos (wrapped in bubble wrap); taco seasoning; small paper plates or bowls (so they can make their nachos); taco sauce (especially easy are those condiment packets from Taco Bell); You could also send the sauces from the various Mexican dinner kits (they also have tortilla’s in those dinner kits that are sealed so they would probably get there without molding or drying out); Taco Bell Nacho Supreme kit

“Sweet Tooth”- Nerds; Gummy Bears; Laffy Taffy; Bubble Gum; Tootsie Rolls; Lolli pops; (any candy that won’t melt)

“Pamper Party” (for females)- Feminine hygiene products; shampoo/conditioner; hair barrettes and scrunchies (same color as their hair); facial scrub &/or soap; facial mask; lotion; shower gel; razors; facial moisturizer; tweezers; nail care kit; toner; special facial products (alpha hydroxy; eye cream; etc);

“Congrats on your promotion”- congratulation party favors; all your loved ones favorites snacks; sparkled cider (wrapped in bubble wrap of course); etc.

“For the Fisherman”- Goldfish crackers; tuna pouches; canned smoked salmon; cans of sardines; gummy worms; Go Fish card game; Field & Stream magazine; electronic fishing rod game; Sponge Bob Square Pants stuffed toy; fishing game toy (made by several different toy companies. Has a small fishing pole with a magnet on the end. Fish have magnets on their mouths);

“Say CHEEEESE!”- disposable cameras; cheese dip; Doritos; Cheetos; Cheese nips; Better Cheddars; Velveeta;

“Kick Back & Relax”- Dominoes; playing cards; magazines; books; music cd’s; crossword puzzles; jigsaw puzzles; word searches; hand held electronic games; squirt guns; water balloons; bubbles; hacky sacks; Nerf balls; board games (Axis & Allies, Clue, Trivial Pursuit, etc);

“Christmas in July”- wrap everything in Christmas wrapping paper; peppermint flavored hard candies;

“Italian Stallion”- Italian cheese Ghardetto’s; Pizza-licious Pringles; Pepperoni pizza Combo’s; small Boboli pizza bread; pizza sauce (for dipping Boboli); canned Ravioli, spaghetti, lasagna, etc;

“American Classics”- Pez with dispensers; Cracker Jacks; Lifesavers; Necco Wafers; Pop Rocks; Nerds; Good & Plenty; Candy Necklaces; Candy cigarettes

“Deployed on Thanksgiving”- canned turkey; instant mashed potato cups; hard breadsticks; gravy in a jar (wrapped in bubble wrap); Hostess apple pies; small can of corn (or other veggie); something special to cheer them up on

Thanksgiving (pictures from home; magazines; tape recorded tape; small scrapbook; etc)
Movie Care Package
Movie (DVD or VHS)
Microwave Popcorn (or already popped if they don’t have a microwave)
M&Ms
Doritos
Cracker Jacks
Rice Krispie Treats
Twizzlers
Cookies (Oreos and Chips Ahoy)
Ruffles chips & dip
Hot Tamales
Nachos (tortilla chips & cheese)
Make a “Now Featuring” Movie poster on your computer and add it to the package

Get Well Package
Puzzle
Chicken Noodle soup packets
Gourmet tea packets
Cold medicine
Crackers
Inspirational “Get Well” quotes
Goldfish
Dole Fruit Bowls
Get Well “pills” (candy coated mints)
Get Well card
Chapstick

At Ease Package
Glow in the dark yo-yo
Crossword Puzzle Book
Silly Putty
Deck of Cards
Ritz Bitz
Pringles
Cookies
Twizzlers
Cheetos
Cereal Bars

Scruff Care Package
Razors
Baby wipes
Chapstick
Shaving cream
Deodorant
Mouthwash
Lotion (if your soldier is female, step it up a notch and do something from a SPA line)
Foot powder
Soap
Big fluffy towel
Toilet paper

Comforts of Home Package
Small Bottle of Febreze
Candle
Snuggle dryer sheets
Phone card
Blanket (a nice comfy one)
Glade PlugIns
Pair of slippers or cozy socks
Hot cocoa or coffee
Decorative coffee mug
Pillowcase with your perfume/cologne sprayed on it
Book on tape

Big Kid Package
Squirt guns
Silly Putty
Silly String
Whoopie Cushion
Funny face eyeglasses
Sidewalk chalk
Crayons & color book
Jacks
Marbles
Balloons
Frisbee
Football/soccer Ball (mini)
Hacky Sack

Sports Theme Package
Favorite sports magazine
Taped TV or DVD of favorite sport
Cheetos
Popcorn
Personalized mug
Cookies

A Day At Home Package
There are several variations of this package. The idea is to replicate a day with you. First, you will need a camera. Take pictures of each thing you do. Use your creativity, but here are a few ideas:
We woke up (take a picture in bed) and ate breakfast (take a picture eating cereal) and then took a shower (take picture in towel). We started the day off by doing some yard work and mowing the lawn (take picture mowing lawn). After our work, we had lunch (take picture with lunch) and then we colored pictures – or threw around a football, etc. (Take pictures doing the activity). We all ate dinner together (take picture having dinner). We had a full day so we were tired when it was time to set down and watch our favorite TV programs (take picture watching TV). Later we snuggled up in our jammies (take picture in jammies) and had a nighttime snack (take picture snacking). We love you very much and miss you! (take a picture of a goodnight kiss)

Now take all of your pictures (referencing above) and send them with treats:
• Pillowcase with cologne/perfume sprayed or maybe a decorated one
• Several small boxes of cereal or cereal bars
• Shower gel or shampoo or even a towel
• Grass clippings in a baggie or dirt from backyard (strange but reminds them of home)
• Color books or football (something that matches the day’s activity)
• Lunch and snacks
• New pajamas
• Popcorn
• Recorded TV show or movie DVD
• Hershey’s Kisses

1. Work It Out!: sneaker balls; deodorant; gatorade powder; hydroxycut; power bars; cheap headphones; cheap tape players; workout CDs/Tapes; white gym socks (no logo)

2. Cookie Mania: everyone bakes a batch and we vacuum seal them

3. Night at the Movies: Inexpensive or pre-viewed DVD movies; stovetop popcorn; individual size movie-candy packs; entertainment magazines (like Rolling Stone); add favorite movie quotes to a poster; take pics of kids/do DVD recording with star shape in background and with sunglasses

4. Game Night: Poker Chips; Board Games; Packs of Cards; handheld games and puzzles; nut mix; snack packs

5. Texas Misses Y’all (adjust for your own state): Buy a stack of Texas postcards for people to fillout at the meeting (for their own and other soldiers); include pictures of favorite area spots; pralines or pecan cookies or muffins; Texas pens; Texas stationery; Longhorn stuff; anything useful with a Texas theme; hot sauce; BBQ sauce

6. Breakfast in Bed: Breakfast Bars, Individual Cereal Snack Packs, Powdered Juice Mix, Coffee, hot/cold mugs (saw them for $1 at Walmart), muffins; powdered creamer; instant oatmeal; poptarts

Upcoming Seasonal:

7. Winter Wonderland (may not translate around here ): hot cocoa mix; cider mix; winter cookies; have older kids/parents make and sign paper snowflakes and paste to construction paper; chapstick; hot/cold mugs (saw them for $1 at Walmart); marshmallows

8. Luck O’ the Irish: make a “kiss me I’m Irish” poster with shamrocks and kisses; send hershey kisses if still cool enough out; goodluck charms; St. Patrick’s themed cookies

9. Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Cracker Jacks; Peanuts; Sports Illustrated Magazine and other sports magazines; sports highlights DVDs; gum with basball cards; Nerf Balls; beef jerky; favorite team pennants

10. Are You Ready for Some Football?: Highlights DVDs, Sports Magazines, Team Pennants; Regulation and Nerf Footballs; pretzels and chips and salsa; posters of cheerleaders

Fun in the sun
sunscreen
sunglasses
beachball
frisbee
lemonade mix
Beach Boys CD

*maybe a beach towel, flip flops(just to set the mood lol), a pic of you and the kids at the beach or in the pool in a beachy picture frame*

Thanksgiving: This is always the hardest holiday for me to send packages since it mainly revolves around food. One idea that I’ve heard of others doing that I love is celebrating Thanksgiving early and placing a video camera in the chair where he would sit if he was there. Record the dinner, send him the tape and he can play the tape while he eats his own Thanksgiving dinner.
During one of our deployments, I sent things that represented what we normally have for Thanksgiving Dinner – he got beef jerky (turkey), rice cakes (rice), potato chips (potatoes), candy corn (corn), etc. It was definitely the most interesting package I’ve sent to him.

Mail Call can be the highlight of the day for any deployed man or woman. Even something as small as a crayon drawing from a two-year old can bring joy to your loved one! Make it a point to send something….even if it’s just a letter….as frequently as you can!

Book Theme Care Package
Book
Book light
Book mark
Book tote bag
slippers
coffee or tea
Snacks

Personalized Romance Novel – What better to give your dh for Christmas than your very own personalized romance novel. Check out www.bookbyyou.com Sounds like fun!

Movie in a Box
Movie (New release) New or used DVD
Entertainment section from local newspaper
Popcorn
Licorice
Candy

Thanksgiving box
turkey spam
cans for veggies
can of cranberry
Paper Plates
cups
Thanksgiving decorations from the dollar stores
cute paper pumpkins from Halloween

Fishing in a Box (put all this in a tackle box)
Fishing Magazines
goldfish crackers
Swedish fish
gummi worms
“go fish” playing cards
fishermans hat
lip balm
sunscreen
plastic boat or a model of a boat

State box program
Post Cards from your state
Hometown specialty foods
Hometown souvenirs
Hometown sports items
Hometown Favorites
Hometown newspaper
Hometown magazines
Hometown books
Hometown map ( You can circle where you live)
Hometown Celebrity facts
Hometown photos ( You can be in them)

Desert Survival Kit
no-water Excedrin
Kleenex Rippled or Charmin Ultra toilet paper
eye wash
nasal spray
cotton swabs
lip balm
sun block
deodorant
body powder
foot powder
bug repellent
pocket Kleenex
Tampons
Crystal Light drink mix
beef jerky
any kind of food
tuna kits
instant cup of soups
seasonings
cereal bars
Little Debbies
snacks
gum
Coffees
Disposable cameras
Etch-a-Sketch
Velcro dartboards or catch game
Inflatable beach ball
Jacks
Miniature foam footballs or basketballs
Paddleball
Teddy bears (we never outgrow them)
Exercise shorts and t-shirts
Vitamins
Freezer Zip-lock Baggies

Care Package Scoreboard Stats.
Minutes donating: 10,080
Field Goal Donations: 100%
Donation Assists: 48 Shaving sets
Care Points in the Paints: 54 toothpastes
3pt. Donation Field Goal %: 18 Toothbrushes
Steals: 300 pairs of shampoo & conditioner
Rebound donations: 100 fruit snacks
Blocks: 200 packs of grinded coffee
Care turn-overs: 350 toiletries
Donation carries: 30 types of candy
Free throw %: 50 packs of popcorn

“Heartfelt fun”
Homemade Cards with handwritten notes
Hugs & Kisses! Hershey’s Good Night Hugs Hot Cocoa mix & Chocolate Kisses
Friendly gifts such as My Soldier Hats, warm socks, silk flowers, luxurious body/skin care products, and international phone cards.
Reading Material: especially current best sellers and hobby, sport and fashion magazines.
Games: Board games, puzzle books and new (or slightly used) Play Station and XBox games are very much in demand and will help the soldiers feel “Young at Heart.”

“Poker Party”
Cards, Poker Chips, & Play Money
Make your Own Pizza Kits: Boboli Pizza Party Pack or Chef Boyardee Pizza Kit
Pizza Flavored Snacks: Pizzalicious Pringles, Cheetos Cheese Pizza Flavored Puffs
Bubble Gum Cigars

“Ladies Night- Spa Party”
Small inflatable pool (so they can all soak their feet), peppermint foot soak, facial mud mask, pumice stone, nail brush, lotion, powder, fingernail polish/remover, cotton balls/swabs, flip-flops, fun socks, fashion and beauty magazines, herbal tea, instant specialty coffee

”Taste of Home A to Z”
A – Apple Pies (Hostess or Drake Cake individual sized), Applejacks cereal, A-1 Sauce
B – BumbleBee tuna, Bazooka bubble gum
C – Crackerjacks, Chocolate Chips Ahoy cookies, Crunch n’ Munch
D – Dried Fruit or Del Monte Fruit To-Go, Doritos
E – Easy Mac, Easy Cheese
F – Fruit Loops, Fritos
G – Girl Scout cookies, Goldfish crackers
H – Hershey bar, Hawaiian Fruit Punch
I – Idaho instant potato mix, Instant specialty coffees
J – Junior Mints, Juicy Fruit gum, Juicy Juice Juice Box, Jerky,
K – Kool-Aid, Kellogg’s cereal (single size boxes)
L – Lipton onion soup mix, Lemonade mix
M – M&M’s, Moon Pies, Mallomars
N – Nabisco graham crackers, Nilla wafers
O – Oreos, Ovaltine
P – Pop-Tarts, PowerBars, Prunes
Q – Quaker Oatmeal, Nestlé’s Quik
R – Ritz crackers, Rice Krispie Treats
S – Spaghetti O’s, Spices, Sardines & Salmon (canned)
T – Triscuits, Twizzlers, Tabasco Sauce, Twinkies, Tuna, Tostitos Snack Packs
U – Utz potato chips and pretzels
V – V-8 juice, Veggie Chips
W – Whoppers malted milk balls, Whoopie Pies, Wrigley’s gum
X – CheX MiX, Trail MiX
Y – York Peppermint Patty, Yoodles
Z – Zagnut Candy Bar, Zweiback

Military Survival Recipe/Dish: A Comfort Dish to Survive the long days away from home
Here’s a recipe or suggestion for a survival kit from our friends at Operation Military Pride http://www.operationmilitarypride.org/ These fun kits are made simply printing out the list of Ingredients (items) with their meaning, and stirring it all together for one meaningful “dish.”

Comfort Recipe
Lifesavers – to remind you that that’s what you are
A Match – To light your fire when you’re feeling burned out
Smarties – To help you on those days when you don’t feel smart
Mounds Bar – to remind you of the mounds of love & support you have from back home
Tape- To fix things that will not work
Confetti- To remind you to have fun
A Starburst – To give you a burst of energy on days when you don’t have any
Pack of Gum – to help your unit stick together
Cotton Ball – to cushion the rough roads
A Rubber Band – To stretch yourself beyond the limits
A String – To tie things together when everything falls apart
Penny – we all need a little luck
A Marble- For when you lose yours
Battery – To give you that extra charge to keep you going… and going.
Piece of Rope – When you reach the end of yours, this will keep you going a bit longer
Sample pack of Excedrin – Thank you, I know this job can be a headache
Paperclip – to hold it all together
A Hershey Hug- to let you know there’s always someone on your side
Mint – because you are worth a mint
Phone cards-reminder to call home
Candle – to light up the darkness
Tootsie Roll – to help you roll with the punches
Laffy Taffy- to remind you to laugh
Jolly Rancher – to remind you how sweet things can be
Map of USA– so you will never be far from home.
Yellow Ribbon-So you will know you will always be supported till you come home

SOLDIER CARE PACKAGE
“Tucked inside this little bag
When your spirits are starting to sag
Are some little reminders that I care
As you fight for freedom over there.”

Toothpick: To help you pick out the good in every situation you encounter.
Hugs and Kisses(Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses): Because sometimes we all need a “hug and kiss”
Paperclip: to help you “keep it together” when it all seems to be hitting the fan.
Marble: To replace “the ones we all lose” from time to time.
Snickers: To remind you to “laugh” even when you feel like crying.
Rubber Band: To help you be flexible and “bounce back” in times of trouble without breaking.
Stick of Gum: To remind you to “stick” with the task at hand.
Mint: To let you know you’re worth a “mint” to me.
Cotton Ball: To help “cushion” the rough times.
Lollipop: To help you “lick” the problems you encounter.
Star Burst: To let you know I’m “bursting” with pride for you.
Nut: To remind you to relax and get a little “nutty” sometimes.
Tootsie Roll: To remind you of the important “roll” you play.
Lifesaver: To signify the “lifesaving” things you do to keep our country free.

New Baby:
“Its A Boy/Girl” birth announcement card, candy pacifiers, baby bottles filled with candy, baby wipes (which they need), baby lotion, baby powder small stuffed animal, bubble gum cigars, baby boy stuffed bear, cheerios, Gerber Graduates – Banana Cereal Snackin’ Squares, Veggie Crackers, Veggie Wagon Wheels, Fruit Juice Snacks, Cereal Bars, Johnson’s Take Along toiletry pack, Sugar Babies, Milk Duds, Sour Patch Kids, Mini sweet tarts, Jerky Steak Bites – for teething, and can of powdered pink lemonade[Now I realize blue kool aid would have been more appropriate] (printed a new label – Baby Soldier Formula – Caution – use of this product may cause baby to require less sleep than normal babies, ability to sleep anywhere, develops strong patriotism, etc., and a disposable camera to record his rapid growth

Crazy for cookies:
Any type of cookie in the cookie aisle Would be great during the holidays.

From the local zoo:
animal crackers, peanuts, peanut butter from the elephants, beef jerky from the lions, dried banana chips from the chimps, trail mix from the birds ,Hostess Snowballs from the polar bears, tuna from the seals, postcards, stuffed animals or plastic zoo animals

You got the write stuff:
pens, pencils, markers, stationary, envelopes, your own letters of encouragement, phone card, blank greeting cards, post cards, hand made cards, gel pens, stickers, sheet of computer printed return labels

Sweet Dreams package:
cookies, hot chocolate, tea, pillow, powdered milk, book, small reading light, marshmallows (for the choc), mug

Fiesta theme:
Margarita drink mix, Pina colada mix, lemonade, Salsa, Torango Chips (in a triangluar pringles type can), cheese in a jar (found in chips isle), hot tamales candy, Fire Balls candy, Red, green, yellow balloons, Chili peppers (canned), Refried beans, taco or fajita seasoning, tobasco Sauce, pinata (filled with candy),Taco Bell sauce packets

Lets Play Ball:
baseballs, peanuts, major league gum, sunflowers, baseball cards, baseball hat, shreaded beef jerky (looks like snuff), sunglasses, popcorn, fake beer (near beer?), Cracker Jacks and a pennant from a hometown team, game day programs, stats on teams and players

Brain Teasers:
Those little games you get at parties and you have to put those little balls in the holes, crossword puzzles, puzzles, those puzzles that are small and metal and you have to take them apart and then put back together, rubiks cube, travel size games of checkers and chess

Emeril of Iraq (or other place):
all kinds of hot nuts and sauces and spices, Sun-dried tomatoes, dried shitake mushrooms olive oil, minced garlic (jar), balsamic vinegar, dry rub spices, marinades, specialty oils pesto, capers, anything from Emeril’s food product line (esp BAM! essence), perhaps some grilling utensils (spatula, tongs, etc), Emeril recipes/cookbook (Every Day’s A arty sounds like a fun one) napkins, coasters, etc from his restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, or Orlando

Under the Sea:
anything with Sponge Bob? Fish shaped crackers, salt packets, Blue colored Kool Aid, shark gummies, swedish fish, little game that has those fish going around and you have to fish for them? Goldfish game cards, At Oriental Trading company you can buy those toy fish. Maybe a Go Fish game. Tuna, those Sea Monkeys you add water to and they grow. Maybe the crystals you add water too and they grow to resemble underwater coral growths, How about one of the medium sized Conk seashells so he could hear the ocean? Salt water taffey is always a hit too

Breakfast on the Go:
individual packages of cereal, instant oatmeal, trail mix, hot chocolate, coffee, mug, chex morning mix, donuts, Pop Tarts, cereal bars

You Stink:
soap, deoderent, socks, laundry soap tablets, air fresheners, Foot powder, Odor eaters, baby powder, Fabreeze, baby wipes, new undies, tee shirts, whoopee cushion

Big Cheese/Promotion Box:
Cheese curls, cheese balls, cheese flavored chips, cheese Doritos, cheese popcorn, cheese and crackers, cheese flavored crackers, tubs of cheese spread, cheesy instant mashed potatoes

Jamaica in a Box:
Jerk Seasoning for their MRE’s, Bob Marley posters and CD’s, sand bucket and shovel (They have all the sand they need there), travel magazines from Jamaica Some beach towels with board games like twister, checkers on them, sunglasses, tropical fruits (since you can’t send fresh fruits, he thought either the canned ones or dried fruits) pictures of the Jamaican countryside we took, little tropical things like palm trees, fish, etc that you can get from Oriental Trading Company postcards from Jamaica, sunscreen one of those hats with dread locks attached, translation guide on how to speak Jamaican or Patois as it’s called there, a Jamaican Flag with an explanation on what the colors mean

Sun Tea:
Get one of those plastic 2qt jugs with the handles and the push button spout.. fill the inside of the jug with tea bags, sugars and sweet and lows and see about finding a restraunt that carries those little packets of real lemon…or even include a few real lemons??? Include a spoon and some cups… or Celestial Seasonings ‘summer tea’ bags that you use with cold water….hubby seems to like these real well….I also found on an end cap at wallyworld sample size for 25cents that came 4 bags in each pouch…we used these in our platoon packages this last shipment. ~

Pool/Sand Party:
a burnt cd with the ‘beach boys’ or any other group singing about…summer time fun… beach ball, squirt guns–water balloons–ummmm, koolaid and those little paper umbrellas, several different types of “water bombs” that you soak in water and toss around, footballs, volleyballs, sand toys, those velcro pads you wear on a hand & the balls that stick to them. bunch of beach towels, , chapstick, bottles of aloe vera, Beach Towel board games(Twister, Checkers & Tic, Tac Toe), hacky sacks, insect repellent, plastic baseball bat and ball sunflower seeds, buckets and shovels(to build sand castles), soft-sided cooler plastic Trucks to play in the sand with, croquet game, kiddie blow up pool, ice tea, lemonade, sunglasses, sunscreen

Hawaiian/Luau:
Macadamia nuts, coconut creme cookies, Kona coffee, sugar in the raw packets, photos/cards with Hawaiian scenery, go to orientaltrading.com they have a TON of Hawaiian things like paper palm trees, grass hula skirts, leis, coconut novelties, tropical straws w/ palm trees, flamingos, pineapples, etc. pineapple chunks, ‘hawaiian tropic lotion smell’, Hawaiian punch juice boxes, sun glasses, pina colada drink mixes, bag of seashells, line the box with tropical themed wrapping paper, Hawaiian girl car ornament, inflatable fish, sharks, palm trees, Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, Dole tropical fruit cups, dried mango, papaya and pineapple, those Loreal Kids Shampoo in fish shaped containers, terriyaki chicken and beef nuggets, Barbie dolls dressed in bikinis, colorful flip flops

Kick back and have some fun:
Dominoes, playing cards, magazines, books, music CD’s, those relaxation CD(the ones with sounds of waves, etc), crossword puzzles, word searches,jig saw puzzles, hand-held electronic games, squirt guns, water balloons, bubbles, hacky sacks, nerf Balls, jokes and funny pictures and cartoons

Going Nuts/Hang In There Package:
banana chips, barrel of monkey game, I think Little Debbie makes some Curious George Banana Twin cakes, Bath & Body Works has some Kids Bananarama wipes, all kinds of nuts – caramel corn with nuts, peanut butter, peanut butter crackers, baby ruth, snickers, almond joy, planters bars, peanut brittle, Peanut – Almond or Peanut Butter M&M’s, all flavored corn nuts

Cold Season :
some cough drops, kleenex, tea, instant noodle soup, hot chocolate, get well card phone card to call MOMMY

Poker Party:
Poker chips and cards… for snacks so far I have pizza, cheese and bbq pringles, sunflower seeds, tobasco flavored microwave popcorn (found at dollar store)… and since I have read of people being successful sending cans – I am going to send O’Douls non-alcoholic beer in ziplocs and bubble wrap. maybe send cheese/cracker snack packs with Pepperoni pieces, chips and dips, salsa, pretzels, shelled peanuts, dice, play money, dealer visors and a lucky rabbits foot and shot glasses, felt to play on, Crackers & Pub cheese or velveeta (no refridge req’d kind), beef summer sausage, salami, or pepperoni, drink mixes (Bloody Mary, Margarita, etc – for virgin drinks), Gatorade or iced tea powder some kind of multicolor hard candies (in case they run out of chips, chocolate – Tasteations or Nips or equiv. for the summer, men’s magazines, CDs/Music & batteries, cards, chips, dice , cigars/cigarellos – the real ones – recommend Black-n-Mild – they’re pretty cheap, bubble gum cigars & candy cigarettes – for those that don’t want the above, party-themed napkins/plates/decor

Salute to the Heroes:
bag of toy soldiers, donuts, water guns, small black flashlight, there are some fire stations that will give a t-shirt to another fireman in a different area that may be visiting, maybe if you explain what you are doing they may give you a t-shirt from their station a St. George Medal. St. George is the Patron Saint of the Military. The inscription on the back reads: “Keep us safe, day and night. Give us courage, strength and might.”

Warm Them Up:
Hot Tamales, flamin hot Cheetos,hot sauce, hot nuts,cajun spices,Fritos and Jalapeno Dip, Atomic Fire Balls, Cinnamon Gum, Red Hots, Hot-Flavored Planters Peanuts, Mini bottles of hot sauce, Cinnamon TicTacs, IcyHot Sore Muscle Rub, Crystal Lite Iced Tea, Andy Capp Red Hot Fries, Jalapeno Jelly Belly Beans, a Hot Rod magazine and Tums,Icy/Hot Cream

and Cool Them Down:
A few of Angel’s chilly willys squirt guns (forgot to put them in the bday box – space cadet!) Fan/Mister & Batteries Dentyne Ice & Koolerz gum IceBreakers mint tin Lemonade Drink Mix SnowBall cakes Cool Ranch Doritos Sunglasses (also forgot to put them in bday box – I must get organized!) water bottle “wet suit” candy ice cream cone thing-a-ma-jigs

American A-Z:
A- Individual Apple Pies B-Baseball: Plastic or nerf baseball and bat C- cotton candy in a bag, chocolate chip cookies, D- Ding Dong Hostess Cakes E- F- Flags, Nerf Footballs, G-Gatorade powder H- Hot Dogs(Vienna Sausages(chicken)) I-Ice Cream -The astronaut Ice Cream someone else mentioned J- Jokes, jelly bean ( red white and blue ) K- Kool Aide mix, Kellogs cereals L- M- mac n cheese N- O- Oreos P- poker cards/chips,phone card to call home, Mr Potato Head, popcorn Q- Q-tips R- Racing: Die Cast Cars, Schedules from Race Tracks, Ritz crackers S-Sunflower Seeds, Soldiers (Toy Soldiers), slinky T- tea for sun tea, twinkies, taco bell sauce U-Unity: Photos showing people’s support of our soldiers(signs in yards, etc) V- volley ball and net W- watermelon flavored hard candy X- Y- yo yos, yellow mustard Z- zingers

Fishing:
a box of “Whoppers, the game Go Fish, some little plastic fish from Oriental Trading Co, they’ve got all kinds of fish and things like that, rig up a little fishing pole out of a piece of dowel rod and string, a hat with fishing flies on it, pepperidge farms goldfish crackers, Swedish Fish, Field and Stream magazines, gummy night crawlers, tuna kit

Lets Play Ball:
baseballs, peanuts, major league gum, sunflowers, baseball cards, baseball hat, shredded beef jerky (looks like snuff), sunglasses, popcorn, fake beer (near beer?), Cracker Jacks and a pennant from a hometown team, game day programs, stats on teams and players

Gentlemen start your engines:
Any racing related items: NASCAR, NHRA, BUSCH, Fomula One, little remote control car, they also make die cast car replicas of the individual driver’s cars

Personal Hygiene:
razors, baby wipes, toilet paper, deodorant, foot powder, odor eaters, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, eye drops, lotion, soap with plastic case, Q-tips, shaving cream, towels, Bug Be Gone, medicated chapstick,antibacterial hand sanitizer,dental floss, tampons/pads, baby powder, sports bras, underwear

Pamper Party:
I’m thinking of including 2 bottles of foot soak and a small inflatable pool so they can all soak their feet, also some foot lotion, foot powder, foot files, new socks, some mud mask stuff, and some cappocino or International Foods coffee and some cookies,some shampoo and deep conditioning treatment too, scented lotions, peel-off facial masques (individual), travel size Caress body washes & lotions, travel size baby powders, chap sticks, clear fingernail polish, emery boards, foot scrub & foot/leg lotion, new socks & underwear, microwave popcorn, fancy chocolates, the movie “Thelma & Louise”, Cosmo & other magazines, stationary, plastic soap dish’s with lid’s and used those to pack several small bottles of nail polish & toe separators. Wal-mart has a little itty bitty bottle for $0.88 in various colors. Liquid body gel & lotion in matching scents, a soap scrunchie, a back washing “strap”, packet of pony tail holders, case of bobby pins, a small pair of trim scissors., nail clippers, tweezers, disposable “ladies” razors, toothpaste, toothbrush

Birthday Ideas:
In an Oriental Trading book, there is balloon animal kit, cake in a jar, party hats, streamers, confetti, noise makers, get some of the Little Debbies cakes and candles, traditional birthday banner, party favors, noisemakers of course, confetti, balloons, filling space with shredded colored tissue paper (red, white & blue or camo colors to keep with the theme so to speak), hard candy, and bubblegum, camo napkins, plates (seen them at party supply stores and craft stores) party games like pen the tail on the donkey. Hostess Cupcakes, box of candles, confetti, birthday cards signed by as many people as possible, goodies like candy and books etc wrapped in birthday paper. Hershey gifts sells a chocolate cake (basically it’s in the shape of a cake-candle included and personalized) it’s like a giant chocolate candy bar but a circle in a b-day tin. check out the link:
www.hersheygifts.com/p…2(Hershey)

Christmas Ideas:
how about a Christmas card swap, I know postage would be a little more but soldiers would be bombarded with cards across the nation, those little Christmas trees that they sell in all of the mail order catalogs (Lillian Vernon, etc.) that come with their own ornaments, mini Christmas stockings and candy canes or those little candy bags of coal (bubble gum ones), the green and red M&Ms for the holidays, an Advent Calendar box, Oriental Trading Company has these. They are little pine trees (about 4″ tall) that have a mineral solution on them (I’m going by memory here, I have a whole bag upstairs in a closet but am too lazy to dig them out). You add water to the little base, and these color mineral salts “grow” on the tree and look like colored snow and decorations

Halloween Ideas:
A gingerbread haunted house ( all precut and ready to go), goodie bags full of candy, plastic carved pumpkins, a Tootsie Roll pop covered with tissue to look like a ghost, apple cider packets, candy corn, costume for your soldier, carvable pumpkins

Thanksgiving Ideas:
Turkey Jerky, dried cranberries I think they are called Craisens?, if you check a good candy store there are some candies called Peas n Carrots ( they are round green balls and small orange squares ), candy corn, beef jerky or summer sausage = venison, potato chips = potatoes, canned veggies = veggies, dried fruits and assorted mixed nuts are themselves assorted crackers or breadsticks = asst. breads, hostess fruit pies for the pies, cupcakes for cakes, you could even send some caramel sauce with shortbread cookies for the gravy! and send it in one of those cheapy cornucopia baskets from the craft stores and stick some plastic or silk colored leaves around it and write a note on a nice autumn looking picture postcard ! If you have kids – or access to some, you can do some Thanksgiving crafts. The old trace-you-hand and color turkey comes to mind, instant mashed potatoes, many of the big candle companies make scented candles that would fit this theme and Thanksgiving also, for example, Yankee has Harvest, Cranberry Chutney, Apple Cider, Autumn Lodge, Pumpkin Pie, and Spiced Pumpkin

Valentine’s Day Care Packages:
www.beyondbookmarks.co…ddonsid=30
www.funcarepackages.co…l?osCsid=f

Care Package Ideas to show how sweet your soldier is to you:
Happy Valentine’s Day Card
Red and White Crinkle Paper
Personalized Valentine’s Message
6″ Valentine’s Plush Bear
Necco Conversation Hearts
Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses
York Peppermint Patties
Nestle’s Crunch Hearts
Sweetarts Hearts
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Big Red Gum
Red and White Mints
Twizzlers
Homemade valentines.
Traditional Valentines candy such as sweethearts
Conversation Hearts and/or small “friendly” gift such as warm socks or a stuffed animal.
Valentine’s Tootsie Pops
Valentine cards from local school children
Valentine’s for Veterans-get some vets to write out some cards for our troops or better yet send a Valentine for a vet.
A valentine letter wrote entirely with candy message hearts glued to the paper.

St Patricks Day:
green beanie baby, green jelly beans, instant irish coffee, rice krispie treats dyed green, potato soup, green sugar 4 leaf clover cookies, Irish Spring soap, Pert Shampoo, taste the rainbow of “skittles”,Lucky Charms cereal, sour cream and onion Pringles, small toys from Oriental trading company or your local party store, gum in green wrappers, green dental floss, green toothbrush,guacamole chips,

EASTER IDEAS:
jelly beans, starburst, bunny corn, skittles, easter basket, colored candycanes,. eggs, candy, toys hidden in eggs, bible verses, chocolate eggs,Don’t forget the peeps!!! Those lil sugary chics, bunnies, etc remember? A big hit last year were the “jousting” peeps. Send your soldier toothpicks, have them insert on in each peep, put them in the microwave facing each other, turn it on (obviously) and watch them “joust”!!! Your soldiers will get a big kick out of it!!! Banners to decorate their rooms or mess hall that say Happy Easter. Confetti to decorate the tables, pin the tail on the Easter Bunny-maybe a playboy bunny,Stuffed Animal of a Easter Bunny, Stationary, Phone Cards, typical chocolates, Easter Coloring Book with Crayons, Easter Book Mark, just some fun things. I’m trying to find an Easter Pinata to send along with the candy so the soldiers can fill the pinata and have at it, Water Guns that are shaped like Easter, Easter Straws, if you go to walmart, in the toy section there is a pack with a jump rope , jacks, the paddle with a ball. I sent a few of those to a unit, and they said that was the best thing that they could have ever receive. They laughed all night long. And they are only $2.00 for a pack, How about a couple of egg dying kits. I’m sure they can get hard boiled eggs from the chow hall. Make sure the kits only require water (no vinegar). Easter M&Ms are great, they won’t melt, Plastic eggs so he can make up Easter treats for buddies or have an Easter egg hunt, Stickers,The dollar stores sell al kinds of Easter Novelties, like plastic bendable rabbits, colorful erasers, pencils, etc.

4th of July Care Package Ideas:

Thanks for defending
the red, white, and blue.
We want you to know
that we’re thinking of you.
So here are some treats-
all in U.S. hues,
To help you combat
the “Mess Hall Blues”!
Personalized Message
Cards from local school children
Red, White & Blue Crinkle Paper
Red, White & Blue – Chex Mix
Red, White & Blue – Cracker Jacks
Red & White – Starlight Mints
Red – Nacho Cheese Doritos
Red – Atomic Fire Balls
Red – Twizzlers
Red – Gatorade Drink Mix
Red – Skittles
White – Tic Tacs
White – Payday
Blue – Oreo Cookies
Blue – StarKist Tuna Pack
Blue – Rice Krispie Treat
Blue – Winterfresh Gum
Blue – Phase 10 card game
4th of July type movies (see other post)
4th of July music (see other post)
4th of July items from Oriental Trading
4th of July table decorations/picnic items
American Flags

For Fun and Entertainment:
Batteries (AA, AAA, C), Blank Greeting Cards (for Soldiers to send home), Books, Magazines (Please see disallowed items list), Card games (Uno, Skip-bo, etc.), Colored pencils, Crossword Puzzle Books, Decks of cards, Dice, Disposable Cameras, DVD/CD cases with zippers, Bandannas, DVDs and VHS Movies, Electronic hand held games (poker, blackjack, etc.), Flashlight with a red lens, Frisbee, Envelopes, Global phone cards (pre-paid), Hackie Sacks, Hand-held games, Jigsaw Puzzle Books, ,Jokes & comics, Journals, Jump ropes, Mini-fans, Music CDs, Nerf toys (small footballs, basketball, etc.), Paper / Stationary, Pencils (mechanical), Pens (Black ink only), Pocket size notebook ,Slinkys, Softballs, Squirt guns, Travel games, Word Search Books, Wrap Around Sunglasses (Blaster Shield Style), Yo-yos, you could also use newspaper for packing material that way they could read it afterwards.

Food and Snack Items:
Crystal Lite Drink Mixes (Just add water) Beef Jerky, Beef Summer Sausage, Breakfast Cereal Individual sizes, Cereal bars, Instant Cup of Soup (Just add Water), Cheese and Crackers, Chex Mix / Snack Mix, Instant coffee (various flavors), Chocolate, Coffee Singles (like a tea bag), Coffee-mate Non-Dairy Creamer (powder), Condiments (Fast food restaurant type packets), Cookies, Equal (packets), Fruit Cocktail / Applesauce Snack Packs, Gatorade (presweetened, powder), Granola Bars, Gum, Hard Candy, Hickory Farms Beef Stick, Homemade cookies / baked goods, Hostess Snack Cakes, Hot cocoa / Hot chocolate (Just add water), Hunts Snack Pack Puddings, Individually Wrapped Snack Items, Instant Grits (Just add water), Instant Oatmeal (Just add water), Jell-O Snack Packs, Kool-aid (presweetened, powder), Kraft Handi Snacks, ,Lemonade Mix (presweetened, just add water),Life Savers / Certs / Tic Tacs, Little Debbie Snack Cakes / Treats, Malted Milk Mixes (Just add water), Maruchan Instant Lunch Cup of soup/noodles, Milk & Cereal bars, Nacho dip, Peanut Butter and Crackers, Pop tarts / Pop tart sticks, Power bars, Pretzels (Regular, Yogurt dipped, etc.), Pringles snack size packs, Rice Krispies Treats, Salt / Pepper packets, Snack Crackers (Wheat thins, Ritz), Snack Size Chip Varieties, Sugar (packets), Tea Bags, Trail Mix, Tuna Snack Kits, Velveeta

Boredom Buster Care Package:
This care package is full of great activities to cure their boredom. It’s an ideal military care package, or perfect for anyone that is homebound, in the hospital, or stuck in bed. If your child needs some extra fun for camp, this care package is great fun for camp. All of the items in this care package are small enough to fit into a pack, backpack, or suitcase.
Hasbro Electronic Hand-Held Yahtzee
Radica Electronic Pocket Poker Hand-Held Game
Radica Electronic Pocket Slot Hand-Held Game
MGA Entertainment Baseball Hand-Held Game
Original Full Size Rubik’s Cube
Original Full Size Slinky
Get Well Package:
Puzzle,Chicken Noodle Soup Packets,Gourmet Tea Packets,Cold Medicine,Crackers,Inspirational “Get Well” Quotes,Goldfish,Dole Fruit Cups,Get Well “Pills” (candy coated mints),Get Well Card, Chapstick,A&D ointment

At Ease Package:
Glow in the dark yo yo, Crossword Puzzle Book, Silly Putty, Deck of Cards, Ritz Bitz, Pringles, Cookies, Twizzlers, Cheetos, Cereal Bars,

“Scruf” Care Package:
Razors, Baby Wipes, Chapstick, Shaving Cream, Deodorant, mouthwash, Lotion (if soldier is female step it up a notch and do something SPA line),Foot Powder, Shampoo & Conditioner, Soap, Big Fluffy Towel, Toilet Paper, Shoe Polish

Comforts of Home Package:
Small Bottle of Febreeze, Candle, Snuggle Dryer Sheets, Phone Card, Blanket (A nice comfy one), Glade Stick Ups, Pair of Slippers or Cozy Socks, Hot Cocoa or Coffee, Decorative Coffee Mug, Pillowcase with your perfume/cologne sprayed on it, Book on Tape

“Big Kid” Package:
Squirt Guns, Silly Putty, Silly String, Whoopie Cushion, Funny Face Eyeglasses, Sidewalk Chalk, Crayons & Color Book, Jacks,
Marbles, Balloons, Frisbee, Football/Soccer Ball (mini), Hacky Sack

Holiday Themed Packages:
Fill any package with holiday themed ideas and use things like tissue paper, balloons, confetti etc. to decorate it!

Bath Package:
Gel eye-pack, Shower Gel, Shower Flip-Flops, Aroma therapy oils, Scented candles and holders, Pumice stone, Washcloths, scrubber or loofa sponge, Back cleaning brush, Relaxing music on CD or cassette, Rubber ducky

Write Home Package:
Note paper or cards, Envelopes (choose a variety of sizes), Letter opener, Nice Pen or Pencil, Address Labels, Address Book

Candy play on words
Take each candy and attach a note with a reason why you’re sending it. You can put them all in a box labeled the reason why I love you or something like that:
Nerds: You’re such a nerd and always make me smile.
Smarties: You’re so smart.
100 Grand: You’re just so rich (joking of course).
Reese’s whips: Because you’re whipped.
Snickers: For the way you snicker at my jokes.
Butterfinger: Because you have a nice butt.
Sweet Tarts: Because you’re so sweet.
Hot Tamales: You’re so hot!
Laffy Taffy: You always makes me laugh.
Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses: You always give great hugs and kisses.
Dum Dums: You love me even when I’m a dum dum.
Shockers: The way I feel about you is shocking!
Baby Ruth: I love it when you call me baby.
Lifesavers: Because you’re my lifesaver.
Mints: You’re worth a mint to me!
Reisen: You’re my “reisen” for living.
Reese’s Pieces: Because I love you to pieces.
Big Hunk: Because you’re my big hunk.

THIS NEXT ONE DEPENDS ON YOU…SOMETHING I WOULD DO AND SOME I WOULD NOT LOL ENJOY:

Sexy items for a private care package from wife
I bought some X-rated heart candies (you know the Valentine’s conversation hearts that say stuff like “Be Mine” and stuff..yeah, these said some other things…)

I made some chocolate and vanilla “kitties” on a stick with an insinuating little note attached about him eating them. They were wrapped in pink cellophane and tied with red ribbon. It wasn’t hot there at the time so it didn’t melt. He thought the edible “kitties” were hilarious.

I got some underwear for him and I put on some dark lipstick and I kissed them all over…mostly in THAT area…I put them in a plastic bag with my perfume sprayed on them and a pink notecard with “Guess what I’ve been thinking about?” on it.

I got him a sleeve for his special alone time and some lube.

Gummy handcuffs with a dirty little story about how we’d use the real thing.

3 or 4 erotic letters in individual envelopes, each scented with my perfume.

Some private pix on CD for his computer.

Red Hots that were in a package labeled something like “Sex Pills” or something like that, can’t remember…it was funny but I can’t remember what the label said.

A pair of my panties in a plastic baggie.

A pillowcase with an iron on of me in a sexy pose so we could still “sleep together” even though we couldn’t.

Coupons for dirty deeds he could cash in when he got home. Yes, he’s cashed them ALL in by now.

Boobie cookies.

I also took some obscure, hard to identify pix of various body parts and numbered them. If he was able to identify them, he got good, recognizable pix of those parts. It was kind of like a puzzle/game/brain teaser/other part teaser thing

UNDER THE SEA

Goldfish crackers
Salt packets
Blue Kool Aid – don’t forget the sugar and pitcher!
Shark gummies
Little game with the magnetic fishing pole
Goldfish game cards (go fish or regular)
Tuna packets with crackers
Sea Monkeys you add water to and they grow
Small conk seashell so he could hear the ocean
Salt water taffy

TRIP TO THE ZOO:
This would be especially cute for those that have children and have taken a trip to the zoo. Include lots of pictures of your trip and then some of these treats:
animal crackers
peanuts
peanut butter from the elephants
beef jerky from the lions
dried banana chips from the chimps
trail mix from the birds
Hostess Snowballs from the polar bears
tuna from the seals
postcards
stuffed animals
plastic zoo animals
tons of pictures!
Reminders of care
“Tucked inside this little bag
When your spirits are starting to sag
Are some little reminders that I care
As you fight for freedom over there.”

Toothpick: To help you pick out the good in every situation you encounter.
Hugs and Kisses(Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses): Because sometimes we all need a “hug and kiss”
Paper clip: to help you “keep it together” when it all seems to be hitting the fan.
Marble: To replace “the ones we all lose” from time to time.
Snickers: To remind you to “laugh” even when you feel like crying.
Rubber Band: To help you be flexible and “bounce back” in times of trouble without breaking.
Stick of Gum: To remind you to “stick” with the task at hand.
Mint: To let you know you’re worth a “mint” to me.
Cotton Ball: To help “cushion” the rough times.
Lollipop: To help you “lick” the problems you encounter.
Star Burst: To let you know I’m “bursting” with pride for you.
Nut: To remind you to relax and get a little “nutty” sometimes.
Tootsie Roll: To remind you of the important “roll” you play.
Lifesaver: To signify the “lifesaving” things you do to keep our country

Creative Ideas for Care Packages

Stacey — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:41:21 +0000

as submitted by Maggie
I’ve found that sending a piece of home has been a good motivator for him, but I’ve also found some items that have definitely made him feel loved and cared for… his roommates tease them a bit about it but they got to admit, they tell me they wish their loved ones would do the same.

I sent him personalized bathing soaps and an afghan with our picture woven into it. I felt it to be a comforting thought to know that I still am around keeping him warm and thinking of him.

Also a couple of other items have been the typical guy things.. like external hard-drives, the new guitar hero for x-box and a portrait of his family eating dinner with a seat left open and a “cut out” of him pasted over it.. it made him enjoy his thanksgiving…

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as submitted by Melanie
Jar full of inspiration: Fill a plastic jar full of inspirational messages to keep your soldiers hopes up. Put exactly the same amount of messages as days that he will be gone. On the front, put a message that says “Prescribed: Take one dose of inspiration each day.”
A Date far away: Send a reservation card for a date for you and your soldier. Put the date, time, and location. The location should say something like Look up at the sky, I will be thinking about you. Send the card in advance so he can change the date or time that will be convenient for him. Knowing you are both doing the same thing and thinking about each other will provide comfort. You’ll be with each other without physically being together.

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As submitted by Jessica
I’m an Army girlfriend and his birthday was last Sunday. Before his birthday he kept saying “I’m only gonna get one card and its gonna be from you.” So I picked out 3 cards (one I signed by myself, one signed by his family and myself, and one signed by my friends and myself) then I said “see you got more than one card.”

Another idea. There is a program called Windows Movie Maker. I sent him a DVD of a slideshow I made. I asked him 4 pictures, which I do anyways, and he never suspected I would use them the way I did. I added music to it (you can even have a song fade out and insert another one. You can do this as many times as you want so you can add little snippets) and added text and pictures of us. It takes some time but its better than pictures because it has your own narrative and he can watch it several times but just popping it into his computer.

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as submitted by Kasey
We have done Bosnia 2 times and Iraq 3 times in 5 years. The few constants he has always asked for are:
-The mini-water balloons you can get them in bulk at the dollar tree.

-The tuna fish snack packs (tuna with mayo and crackers packaged together on top)

-We figured out that a double bed air mattress fits just right over a twin bed. If you air it up tight and put a blanket under it it wont squeak. So when he gets there and we know his space limitations, I send it over.

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as submitted by Danielle:
I sent him a micro-fleece blanket with my perfume on it, its sort of like the pillow case idea but then he has something to rap around him so its like were holding each other. Plus the blankets are really cheap at Wal-Mart. I thought you might think it was a cute idea.

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as submitted by Ellen:
My husband is an Air Force Reservist who is currently deployed to Afghanistan. We are blessed that the Army Base he is on, he has full access to internet, webcam and phone – all through Yahoo.com.

We were married last June 16 and he was activated in January – we had 30 days to arrange life and then he was gone.

I found your website and took some ideas from it then did some a little different. One thing I did that he loved (and I did too) was I found two small cardboard box in the shape of a heart. On the top of the box I used scrapbooking stickers and placed a nice saying about love on it. I cut little slips of paper (1/2” x 2”) out of pink and red scrapbooking paper. I split the slips of paper into two piles. One blank pile went into one of the heart boxes. On the remaining slips of paper I wrote something I loved about my husband. I put those papers into the other box. I took two dried roses that were from the last bouquet of roses that he personally went out and purchased for me and placed one in each box on top of the papers. When he got the boxes he was able to read all the things that I love about him. Then he wrote what he loved about me on the blank slips of paper and returned that box to me. So we each have our own boxes.

I absolutely dreaded spending our first anniversary apart. Since we had some sort of regular communication schedule already established – I decided to make an anniversary box so than we could do things “together.” I first wrote down our schedule variation given the time difference. I wrote up a schedule of meals that we could “share.” In that schedule I built in times that I would have other presents or cards or envelopes for him to open. I found some nice plastic plates and bowls. I bought placemats and silverware. I purchased food that could be shipped over to him. The food consisted of dinners and vegetables that you can get off the supermarket shelf and microwave, oatmeal, dried fruit, fruit juice, cupcakes, muffins. I purchased the exact same food items and place setting for me. Each meal and present was boxed and wrapped separately. Each item was numbered. And since it was our first anniversary and that is the paper (traditional) anniversary all the presents had something to do with paper.

All wrapped items were placed in a larger box and shipped to him. He had the box about a week before our special date but was told he could not open it until our anniversary. (He said it was killing him wondering what was in the box!!! J) We were able to webcam and IM. When he woke up the first box he opened was Box #1. In it was the placemat, a bowl a spoon, oatmeal, dried fruit, fruit juice and a muffin. Then over the next 24 hours he opened a box or a present or a card as instructed by me. Everything was spread out over time so although it looks like it moved fast – it did not. The schedule looked like this:

His morning/my evening/night:
Box 1 – breakfast foods with bowl, spoon, placemat (we then ate breakfast “together.”)
Card 1
Envelope 1 – a poem written about him and meeting and our first year of marriage
(We talked and I went to bed)
My morning/his afternoon into his evening
Box 2 – a small home made scrapbook of pictures of him and I
Card 2
Envelope 2 – copies of the letters that we wrote to each other on our wedding day and a copy of the wedding announcement
Box 3 – Lunch/dinner foods with large plate & fork (we then ate dinner “together.”) complete with Little Debbie’s cupcakes that represented wedding cake
Box 4 – a disc of wedding and honeymoon pictures set to our wedding songs and other songs
(We spent time talking then he went to bed.)
Box 5 – plastic frames with photos of our wedding day
My evening/His morning
Card 3
Box 6 – a box of snack-like breakfast foods (muffins, dried fruit, juice)
Card 4
Box 7 – a small stuffed animal holding a favorite picture of us

Although it sounds complicated, it was not and it was so much fun making the boxes and thinking of presents for him. (It kept me semi-occupied in the month before our anniversary) I spent a total of $40 (including shipping) on the whole thing. He said he was amazed and astounded at how wonderful everything was and well planned out. Although the food (chef boy-ar-dee mac and cheese??!!) was not the food we would have chosen if he was with me – it was still the idea that we were eating the exact same meal at the exact same time (over web cam) that made it special. We plan on saving the place settings and using them for each anniversary from now on in some way, shape or form. (We joke that at our wedding we served chicken BBQ with paper Chinette plates, then our 1st anniversary was plastic plates – next year it can be glass then eventually fine china!!)

I wanted him to have presents to open on his birthday but I also wanted to get him some Levi jeans and new shirts. Since he can not have that sort of clothing over there, I bought him the clothes, took pictures of them and wrapped the pictures. That way he could have presents (that he can use when he gets back from there) and see what they look like. I also sent that microwavable cake by Betty Crocker to represent his birthday cake.

Thanks for letting me share!!

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as submitted by Lisa

An idea that we have used was to send him Hershey kisses both regular ones and the hugs ones and then added a little note with them that said hugs and kisses while we are apart! It was cute and something that he really appreciated. Just thought I would give you the idea.

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as submitted by Stephanie

I am an army fiance and mother to a soldier’s child. We are currently going through a tour in Iraq. Here are some things I have found helpful:

Invest in a vacuum sealer like a Food Saver. They are worth every penny. I bake cookies, then after they cool, I seal them in sets of 3-6 depending on size and how many I’m sending overall. This saves them for weeks. I try to mail them within 2 days of baking, also. Buy the bags in the rolls so you can cut them to fit. The WalMart brand generic rolls are generally big enough and work just fine.

Any items that might break (like picture frames) I also seal. The vacuum seal helps protect the glass. (I’ve sent many MANY frames and none have broken yet…even frames made entirely of glass….) I’ve gotten wood frames from the dollar tree and painted them with the acrylic paints from WalMart.

I got a chipboard box from WalMart, painted it, put scrapbooking stickers on it and then strayed it with modgepodge stuff from WalMart to seal it. That gave him a safe place to keep all the prints I sent him…and helps keep dust off them.

Buy a rechargeable phone card. Send the soldier the phone number and pin but keep the card, that way you can recharge it instead of buying new cards.

Anything that could spill, vacuum seal. I’ve mailed Axe and cookies together and one not smell like the other.

Include SD cards. (if the soldier has their own equipment wherever they are). My soldier will record little videos with his web cam, audio clips, and pictures and send them back to us…then I can move to my computer and send the SD card back to him.

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as submitted by Christie
I was reading over your ideas for creative ideas for packages, which is very good by the way. I just wanted to say that I tear off each month of our family calendar and send it to my husband. I have three boys and we live by our calendar. So, my husband gets to see every time we had sports practices or games, what the bills were and when they were due, etc. It’s just a cool way of keeping in touch.

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as submitted by Megan
It’s just an add on from the calendar idea: if you upload pics to Wal-mart (for example) you can make a photo calendar of things the family did in those seasons together, months with birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries etc. I’m sure you get the idea. I know my husband enjoyed it.

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as submitted by Brandi
I was talking to a friend, and he said that what he missed most about being away was the news. Not like, hard hitting news, but celebrity and things. It might seem kinda lame, but he said he would have loved to be sent magazines and such.

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as submitted by Sarah
I have a few care package ideas that I’ve sent to my husband during this deployment…some are silly, but they’re fun to send and fun to make!!! Here they are:
-Vouchers for his birthday (I used Microsoft Excel, and made up a thing that I copy and pasted over and over the page and then printed it out saying, “this voucher is good for:” {Leave a blank space to write in what you want} in the middle, at the top of it I typed: “expiration date: never” and on the bottom of it I typed “for use only by {his name here} to be redeemed only by {your name here}. It took only about 4 cells in Excel to make it and it was fun to figure out what to put in the blank spaces. I printed them out and cut them apart, and after filling them all in, I put them in a Ziploc baggie and taped it to the side of the box.

Also, I sent my husband “Healthy Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies” (use the recipe from the Quaker Oats box, but replace the melted butter with 7/8c (just a little less than 1 cup—I think it was 3/4c + 2 Tbsp) of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and since my husband doesn’t like raisins, I left them out and they got there just as soft as the day I made them! Guys love their cookies!

Also, if anyone has kids, have them make a “World’s Best Dad” plaque. You can pick up a small wooden plaque at most craft stores, plus some acrylic paint and a few small paint brushes all for under $15. Then have your kid(s) paint the plaque and have them paint the words on it. My husband just loves the one he got from our daughter that says “World’s Best Dad”. I hope that these help!

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as submitted by Danielle
I also just wanted to give an extra idea for your Thanksgiving packages. I’m centering hubby’s around football and Thanksgiving with turkey shaped cookies, football shaped hacky sacks, Nerf footballs, IcyHot and Gatorade mix-ins. I just figured he spends most of the holiday watching football so I might as well work that in.

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as submitted by Whitney
Dinty Moore makes a Turkey & Potatoes/Gravy shelf-stable meal, which is small .. and nothing like the real thing, but will do! I am including that along with instant mashed potatoes (just add water), cranberry jelly-belly jellybeans, and also a can of pumpkin pie filling with those miniature pre-made crusts — I often find that somehow various pies mysteriously end up in the grocery cart when we go together… and they disappear just as fast (wouldn’t mind it so much these days!).

Also, a tip I found out after painstaking trial-and-error is that the best way to send cookies or baked goods is to wrap them individually in Glad Press & Seal wrap and then to pack them in bubble wrap inside of a throw-away Tupperware (the kind you can buy a few stacked for cheap at the grocery store). In a pinch, I’ve put microwave popcorn, popped, into Ziplocs to prevent crushing.

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submitted by Janitha
A friend of mine found recipes for cake in a jar on http://www.allrecipes.com. We are planning making that and sending frosting. And also my lovelies and I are cutting out cookies and making them to send to daddy and the army “dudes”. We are also including frosting and colored gels so all the guys can enjoy decorating their own cookies.

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submitted by Andrea
Because they will be moving around prior to coming home, we aren’t
sending big packages. We will be sending some snacks and other items. But our big Christmas item will be a CD sent with our families making shout outs and doing skits and singing songs. This will be made at our Thanksgiving feast that our FRG is throwing. So even if you are one of those who can’t send too much there are still things you can do!

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as submitted by Stephanie
This is a very nice list of care package ideas. I would also like to add that soldiers also like to get early on in their deployment a nice BIG box of Sweet n Low or other sweeteners for their coffee:) because it is in really short supply over there. I would also send my husband 2 mini 6 packs of Coke Zero (his favorite) in each care package which reminded him of home sweet home. Also a friend told me that her kids would take turns on a pocket calendar marking off the days with a light penciled X and also writing tiny little notes on special days and then send the calendar in the package to daddy and then he’d mark off the next group of days and put a few short notes for them to read also and mail it back in a regular sized envelope with an extra stamp or two. It was a wonderful keepsake that they will cherish forever.

Also I would add that they would probably appreciate someone sending them a box of large envelopes and a roll of stamps. Fighting the crowd to buy postage is sometimes a big ordeal, so it will save your soldier lots of valuable time and energy by having their own postage and envelopes:) It would also be a big help to your soldier if you can buy (all ahead of time and include in one care package)- birthday cards, Christmas cards, or even I miss you cards that THEY can personalize and send while deployed as needed to their kids, family, and friends on special dates. The selection and availability of cards is very limited where your soldier will be, so it would help a lot by receiving that box of assorted cards.

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as submitted by Denise

My husband is currently in Iraq and I just cant bring myself to do the everyday normal stuff for him. I have a few things that were a HUGE HUGE hit with him and even his fellow soldiers made comments that I needed to talk to their wives… LOL

Its very hot there. You know the flavor ice pops that are kool-aid in the plastic sleeve and you throw them in the freezer and have something nice and cold when they are froze. I bought a bunch of them and took them to all the local family members and we took a sharpie and wrote notes on every single one. That one brought tears to his eyes.

I have written him letters using magazines. cutting out the words or letters to make words. its very time consuming but its worth the response when he gets it

We got a Army doll and cut out a picture of his face and placed it on the doll. We had a fun family day out and we took the doll along and called it a Sunday with Dad… we put the doll everywhere and took pictures. we have him sitting on the steering wheel, pumping gas, sitting on a table looking at a menu, sitting in his own chair at the movie theater, sitting on the counter at Starbucks, hugging a bowling ball, going down the slide, each kid hugging and kissing him. That was probably his favorite outside the ice pops.

Military Care Package Ideas

Stacey — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:31:50 +0000

Some of these ideas were gathered from various sites around the net. Enjoy!

1. Create a collage or sign for your soldier. Cut it up into puzzle pieces and have him put it back together to see the full sign.

2. Send silly toys – water guns, handheld travel games, a book of jokes, magic tricks, etc. Anything to let him take a break. If you send water guns or something similar, be sure to send multiples, it’s no fun to play alone.

3. Take him on a tour through your city or a vacation spot by sending inexpensive souvenirs and postcards.

4. A roll of pennies with “a penny for your thoughts” note.

5. Recordings of his favorite shows or sports teams’ games.

6. A pillowcase sprayed with your perfume (enclose it in a Ziploc bag when you send it).

7. Send him a calendar with post it notes over each day. Under each post it note, he’ll find a special message from you.

8. Send brochures about the places you want to go when he returns.

9. Personalized fortune cookies…use your imagination for the messages.

10. Make a miniature scrapbook of your family.

11. Send tracings of handprints so you can hold hands while he’s gone.

12. Send his favorite magazine or a book with little notes from you tucked in the pages.

13. A container of sand (if you live near the beach) or grass clippings/dirt from your own yard so he can have a little piece of home.

14. Don’t forget to send cards and letters often! It can really brighten his day to get regular mail too in addition to packages.
Do you have creative ideas? Let me know at stacey AT marriedtothearmy.com!

Military Care Package Tips

Stacey — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:27:53 +0000

Let me begin by saying that each unit has specific requirements regarding care packages that are sent to a soldier when they are overseas. Some of the guidelines you will see here are among the strictest…what I say is not allowed may be allowed by your husband’s unit – BUT check first!

Addressing the package

When addressing your package, write the address exactly how it was given to you. All of the packages that I send contain my soldier’s first and last name only (no rank, unit, etc.) along with the address. We are not allowed to put anything on the outside of the box to decorate it – the box must be plain.

How to pack the box

The best rule is that when you shake the box, it should not rattle. Make sure you ship the smallest box possible and fill it with popcorn or newspapers to ensure the contents don’t move. Many include newspaper pages from their local paper so even the packing materials are useful. Be sure to seal the box well including all of the edges. Try to find items that come in sturdy packages – send Pringles cans rather than a bag of chips. Or send cookies in a tin instead of their plastic packaging. If possible, send single serving size items. The sturdier the packaging the more likely it is to make it to your soldier in tact. If you are sending anything that may possibly open and make a mess, pack it in a Ziploc bag. Take the time to pack your package well – remember it typically takes 2-4 weeks to arrive at its destination and there is LOTS of handling and throwing about in the meantime. Also, the Army advises that you send small boxes weighing ten pounds or less. Though keep in mind this is just a recommendation. I doubt I ever sent one that weighed less than 10 lbs.

What you should know about the Post Office

You will have to fill out a customs form, which can be obtained by the post office. You are supposed to list each item in the box. I typically am more vague – my listing may say “food, magazines, books, personal hygiene items.” It is not advised to list expensive items on the customs form as this increases the risk that your package may be stolen. You can get priority mail materials from the post office for free – this includes boxes, shipping labels and tape. These materials can be delivered to your house as well by calling the post office and requesting the military pack. Be advised that when sending your box priority mail, it will only make it to its final destination in the United States faster. After that, it’s up to the military to get it to your soldier. I did find that my priority packages arrived as much as 10 days sooner than those sent by regular mail.

What you can’t send

Depending on the region your soldier is deployed to, some things are not allowed in packages. This includes pork, alcohol, tobacco and any pornographic types of materials. You should not send this. But now that I’ve warned you, I’ll also tell you that I know guys who have received all of the above. Just know that all packages are subject to search and if the materials are found, they will be discarded and your soldier may get in trouble for it. You may send religious materials (bible, etc.) but it must be for your soldier’s personal use (you cannot send a box of bibles). Also do not send aerosol type cans – shaving cream, etc. – as the cans may explode in transit.

Use your own judgment in sending your soldier personal, private pictures of yourself. I’ve heard from many Army wives, fiancees and girlfriends who were very upset when the pictures landed in the hands of others. Your soldier can’t be around his belongings twenty-four hours a day…he has missions to do! If you send them, be comfortable beforehand with the knowledge that they may be seen by others.

Most requested items

This list is compiled from a variety of sources. I have not included food items on this list but of course, it can be one of the most requested items. One thing most soldiers would like to have but it is advised against is chocolate! Even if it is cold where they are, you don’t know where your package will be in the meantime. I did find that M&Ms usually made it in tact. Another favorite that is great to send is drink mix that only requires water to make. If you know of other items to add to the list, please email me!

Entertainment
DVDs
CDs
MP3 players
Portable CD players w/ headphones
Gameboy/PS2/DS games (depends on where they are)
Batteries (all sizes)
Handheld games
Playing cards
Books
Magazines
Newspapers
Crossword puzzles

Hygiene Items
Baby powder
Foot powder
Baby wipes (lots!!)
Deodorant
Lip balm
Kleenex
Lotion
Toothpaste/toothbrush
Mouthwash
Toilet paper
Dental Floss
Q-tips

Clothing, etc.
Sheets/blanket
Pillow
T-Shirts
Socks
Baseball caps

Other
Pen, paper, envelopes
International phone card
Greeting cards to be sent back home